Chaos at the airports
Travelers should be aware of this now
Chaos is currently the order of the day at many airports.
© CatwalkPhotos/Shutterstock.com
There is chaos at many airports at the moment. So that travelers do not have to start their vacation stressed, here are the most important tips.
Chaos is currently the order of the day at many airports. The culprit is the corona pandemic, which has led to staff shortages at some airlines. In Germany, travelers have to be prepared for long waiting times and, in the worst case, canceled flights. So that the holiday does not turn into a horror trip, here are the most important tips.
Flight booking tips
Vacationers should be particularly careful when booking flights. It is best to avoid short transfer connections. Because of the chaos, there are regular delays. If there is a ban on night flights, such as in Munich, you should not choose an arrival time that is too short. Otherwise, in the event of a delay, it could happen that the airport is no longer served and the passengers are stuck.
The website should always be checked before the day of departure, because the airlines are currently making some deletions. It is also important to check the entry requirements for the respective holiday destination in advance so that all the necessary documents are available.
Be at the airport on time
It is generally advisable to be at the airport at least two hours before departure. Since there are currently long waiting times, for example at the security check, holidaymakers can also plan three hours in advance. This ensures that you are at the gate on time and don’t have to rush through the entire airport at the end. If you check the map of the airport in advance, you avoid unnecessary detours.
Check in online
Passengers can avoid long queues by checking in online. This is usually possible 24 hours before departure. Another advantage: you can choose your seat in a relaxed manner. It is also advisable to use the check-in the evening before. Some airlines offer to drop off and check in luggage at the airport the night before.
Doing the right thing at the security checkpoint
Many airlines only allow one hand luggage per holidaymaker, which can usually weigh between five and eight kilograms. However, there are differences depending on the company – also in terms of dimensions. Best to read on the website. Liquids and gels, including toothpaste and creams, may only be taken in small quantities. More than 100 milliliters per item is not allowed. Everything has to fit in a sealable plastic bag that can hold a maximum of one liter.
It is best to always place the bag on top of the suitcase, together with the electronic devices. Because these things have to be specially scanned during the security check and usually placed in a tub provided for this purpose. This saves you the hassle of searching. Remove all metal objects, such as belts and jewelry. Otherwise the security scanner will trigger.
Have important documents at hand
Passengers should always have their identity card or passport and flight ticket to hand. Because holidaymakers need the documents both before the security check and when boarding. If you have an e-ticket, you should have a charging cable or power bank with you. Not that the smartphone suddenly runs out of juice at the airport. Alternatively, send the ticket to your travel partner via email or messenger.
Keep an eye on the gate
Once the security check has been completed, there is at best some time before the plane takes off. Most of the time, passengers still get reading material or food. But never take your eyes off the flight display. Because it happens again and again that the departure gate changes. Anyone who has booked the ticket online and provided their email address will usually be informed by message.