Although Ontario is still under lockdown to minimize the transmission of COVID-19, travelling is something that everyone is looking forward to. After all, visiting new places and exploring the world is one of the best ways to rejuvenate yourself and break the monotony of daily life.
If you’re eager to resume travelling, these useful airport tips will help ensure you have a safe and hassle-free trip.
How to Make Your Trip Safer and Easier (9 Airport Hacks)
Are you planning a trip once the lockdown is lifted? These tips will come in handy to ensure a smooth travelling experience.
1) Book Flights for Off-Peak Times
Flying out on weekdays, like Tuesdays or Wednesdays, not only means cheaper tickets but also less crowded airports and shorter security lines.
2) Arrive Early
Reaching the airport at least three hours before departure minimizes the chances of missing your flight and eradicates the stress of last-minute boarding.
To that end pack your luggage and other important documents the night before and book an airport limo service beforehand. (There’s no point taking risks with traffic jams or your car breaking down.) Hiring a limo is better than hailing a cab because:
- You’re sure to get a vehicle on time.
- You can travel comfortably in a luxury vehicle that is disinfected
- You pay a flat fare instead of surge pricing when demand is high; and
- You don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot.
3) Keep Your Boarding Pass and Passport Handy
One of the most common reasons for airport stress is a lost boarding pass, passport or other crucial travel documents. Keep these in an easily accessible pocket or bag.
Also, take a picture of your boarding pass or carry a digital copy on your smartphone so you don’t have to rely on an internet connection to show it to authorities.
4) Mark Your Bags
To minimize the chance of losing your luggage, label it properly and make it easy to identify. Use a name tag or tie a brightly-coloured ribbon to make your bags stand out among all the other suitcases at baggage claim. Also, don’t forget to remove older tags before each flight so as not to confuse baggage handlers.
5) Pack Snacks
If you’re a frequent flyer, you know how overpriced airport food is, and what that you get served on the plane often leaves a lot to be desired. Bringing your own snacks is a great airport hack to save money and eat something filling, especially when you’re travelling with children, as hunger can make them cranky. Just make sure to check the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) rules ahead of time so that you know what snacks you can and cannot bring through airport security.
6) Keep Your Valuables in Your Carry-On Bag
Expensive belongings can get stolen, damaged, or lost when flying. Instead, keep jewellery and other expensive accessories in your carry-on instead of your check-in luggage.
7) Bring an Empty Bottle
Airplane cabins have very low humidity levels which might cause your throat, nose and skin to feel dry. That’s why it’s important to keep yourself hydrated when flying. Since you’re not allowed to carry more than 100 ml of liquid through airport security, savvy-travellers always carry an empty water bottle. Even if it can contain more than the authorized limit, it will pass through security and you can fill it afterwards.
8) Skip Your Contacts
If you normally wear contacts, wear glasses when flying. As mentioned, airplane cabins have pressurized air. The pressure-controlled environment and lack of moisture in a closed area can lead to itchy, watery and irritated eyes which can get aggravated by wearing contacts. Bring eye drops with you to keep your eyes moisturized.
9) Wear Comfortable Clothes
A comfortable travel outfit is one of the most important aspects of a convenient trip. Though what you wear while travelling depends on your personal style, make sure it covers your legs to avoid making contact with germs on airport and plane seats. Go with breathable fabrics, flat shoes, and loose-fitting clothing, as wearing tight garments in cramped seats for long periods can lead to blood clots.
Flying has changed forever thanks to the coronavirus, but these airport hacks will always come in handy to ensure you travel comfortably, conveniently, and smoothly. Right now, it is unsure when everything will be back to normal. We can however say one thing with certainty – that booking an airport limo is the best way to travel to and from Pearson. Contact us to hire an airport limo when you’re ready to go on your next trip.