How to have a stress-free airport experience this summer

Words: Lucy Thackray

Pick your team: three hours or two before the flight? Carry-on only or checked baggage all the way? Lounge lurker or straight to the gate? There are a hundred ways to tackle an airport, with risks to your cortisol levels including long security queues, confusing signage, gate changes and bigger than expected terminal sizes. It pays to expect the unexpected. So, how do the experts keep their composure? Thirteen travel whizzes give us their top trick for gliding through airports like a pro.

The last-minute arrival 
“Most people waste far too much time in airports, which I find increases stress levels. I always aim to travel there by public transport – ideally rail, which is generally more predictable than driving. I work out the last possible service that will get me to the terminal on time and then take the departure before. I shouldn’t say this and tempt fate, but it hasn’t failed me yet.” 
Simon Calder, travel writer and transport expert

The low-tech safety net
“I never step into an airport without a printed itinerary as well as hard copies of essential documents such as visas, hotel details and emergency contacts. Technology is wonderful until it isn’t. The real luxury isn’t in the lounge; it’s in gliding through the airport without stress.”
Geoffrey Kent, founder of tour operator Abercrombie & Kent

The baggage-free bliss
“Did you know that British Airways offer a doorstep luggage pick-up service, where you can have your bags picked up from home, your office or hotel and checked in on your behalf. It gives me one less thing to think about on the day of travel and saves masses of time and hassle at the airport.”
Joanna Reeve, general manager (UK & Ireland) of Intrepid Travel

The nifty documents pouch
“My best investment for a smooth airport experience has been a small shoulder bag separate from my carry-on, for easy access to all the essentials. Mine is a petite Uniqlo one where I put my passport, Kindle, lip balm and other travel essentials for the flight. It takes seconds to locate your passport anywhere it’s needed and feels more secure than a pocket.”
Jenny Southan, founder of travel trend forecasting agency Globetrender

The security saviour
“For US travel, my biggest time-saver is signing up for Global Entry pre-approval (and TSA PreCheck, if you can). It means you don’t have to remove all your liquids, laptops and shoes at security. I’m also a fan of using packing cubes to separate different categories of item so they’re easy to identify and remove at security.”
Sheena Bhattessa, founder of stylish travel guide Citizen Femme

The portable power source
“Always carry a spare, fully-charged battery pack for your phone in case it loses charge at the airport – then you should always be able to access your e-ticket or boarding pass. And take a paperback book to read. It is the most relaxing thing to do pre-boarding.”
Paul Charles, founder of travel PR firm The PC Agency

The family allowance 
“If you’re travelling with a baby or infant, make sure you've checked which kit you can check in, and the milk or supplies you can bring on board for them. Travelling with a baby is stressful enough without added surprises.”
Sian Anna Lewis, travel writer and blogger

Find everything you need to know about family travel with British Airways here

The pre-boarding intel
“I always ask how busy my flight is at the check-in desk – if it’s quiet – or at the gate. If my flight’s not entirely full, I’ll ask staff if it’s possible to move me to anywhere there are empty seats, be it an entire row or one with an empty seat next to it. It’s not that I hate other passengers – it just really helps when I’m working and need extra space.”
Mike MacEacheran, award-winning travel writer

The hydration station
“Bring an empty reusable bottle to the terminal and fill it up with water once airside (after security). Most airports have free water dispensers, and it’ll keep you calm and hydrated for flight – it goes without saying that it’s better for the environment and saves money, too.”
Neil Lapping, founder of tour operator Macs Adventure

The secret lounge
“When travelling British Airways from Heathrow Terminal 5, I head for the Galleries Club Lounge in satellite Terminal 5B. It was refreshed last year and is usually quieter than the other lounges in the main terminal building because fewer people know about it. Just be aware that you’ll have to walk back to the main terminal using the underground walkway if your flight departs from the A gates, as the underground train only operates in one direction.”
Rhys Jones, aviation editor, Head for Points 

The spa moment 
“If you’re travelling through an airport in Asia – and, increasingly, airports around the world – treat yourself to a massage after getting through security. It really takes the edge off. I don’t drink (and I certainly don’t drink in airports) but arriving at a Thai or Singapore airport three hours early, checking my bags and having a massage in one of the little mini spas you get in many terminals is heaven. If you don’t want to board your flight oily, opt for a foot massage – they often cost as little as £10.”
Lucie Grace, Thailand-based travel writer

The point-collector perks
“If you’re an avid tier point collector like myself, it pays to browse the oneworld™ app prior to your trip to see what lounges you have access to at departure or during a layover. The app also tells you the exact location, opening times and facilities of any lounge available to you, which saves you from running around the airport on a short connection. It’s a game-changer.”
Steffen Michels, digital editor of Out There magazine

Ready to tackle a terminal? Now that you’ve finessed your airport experience, why not plan a summer getaway?

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