This article offers you 10 tips for not getting lost at the airportsince your next trip will be much calmer the time you are in the Malaga airport. Surely you have heard a friend or family member tell a story of loss at the airport.
What should have been a quick trip from point A to point B turned into a series of stressful misadventures.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, airports can be tricky places to navigate.
They are labyrinths of windows, security controls and restaurants. However, if you know what to expect beforehand, these public terminals can also be nice stops on your way home or on the way back.
A guide to easy travel
Use the app before you arrive
Although getting lost at the airport is usually the result of being unprepared, in some cases it may be better to avoid the airport altogether.
If you’re traveling with a large group or traveling abroad, you may need to factor in layovers and extra time for security checks. As a general rule of thumb, allow two hours for domestic flights, three hours for flights to the Caribbean, and four hours for flights to Europe.
Some airports, like New York’s JFK, are notorious for their long security lines, so allow even more time if you’re traveling there.
If you don’t have time to visit the airport in advance, at least download the airport navigation app to get an idea of what to expect. Knowing, for example, that security checkpoints are located after ticket sales areas (and not before, as is often the case) can save you time.
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
Know your terminal
Airports are often crowded and confusing places. The more you know about your destination, the less likely you are to get lost.
The first thing you need to do before arriving at the airport is to find out which terminal you need to go to for your flight.
The best way to do this is to check your ticket. Knowing the terminal is essential, especially if it is an international trip.
The terminals of many airports are huge and separated by miles of road. Also, many airports have multiple terminals, so you need to know which one you’re going to.
If you’re not sure which terminal you need or how to get to it, ask an airline representative or a ticket agent at your travel agent’s office. The first step in reaching your destination is knowing where you are going.
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
Download the airport navigation app
Technology, especially navigation apps, will never replace common sense. However, these apps can help you get around the airport more efficiently.
Airport navigation apps like Waze are great for finding the shortest route to your terminal. If you are not familiar with the airport, these apps can also show you where your terminal, parking, ground transportation and any other services are located.
These apps also notify you of any traffic problems that may affect your journey.
They are especially useful for those traveling with a large group or with children. However, when using these apps, remember to keep your eyes on the road. Or, if you have kids, keep them busy with navigation apps.
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
Check-in in advance
While not all airlines require you to check in before your flight, it’s best to do so as soon as you book your flight.
If you’re traveling on a popular route or during a busy time, billing will be long and slow. One of the benefits of checking in in advance is that you can request a specific seat and even preload entertainment apps on your device.
In addition, you can take advantage of the time to eat well or read a few pages of your favorite book. If you check in 24 hours before your flight, you can board the plane first, which can save you time at security.
After you check in, find out from the flight attendants where your gate is. This will help you know where to go when it’s time to board the plane.
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
Know the layout of your airline’s boarding gates
Many airports are remodeling their terminals to include outdoor spaces where passengers can wait for their flights.
These areas are nice, but they can be confusing. If you know the layout of your airline’s gates, you’ll be able to navigate these new spaces more easily.
Before you go to the airport, find out where the boarding gates are and how to get to them.
You can ask your airline or check the airport website. If the boarding gates are not close to the ticketing areas, make sure you know where the nearest ticketing area is.
Also, before you go to the airport, find out if there are public transportation options that will take you directly to your airline’s gate.
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
Tour the terminal before the flight
This may seem silly if you’re a frequent flyer, but if you’ve never visited a particular airport, you may not know what to expect. If you have some time before your flight, take the time to tour the terminal. This will help you become familiar with the location of each item. It will also help you plan your trip to the bathroom or food court if you are traveling with children.
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
Ask the airport staff for help
Airport staff, especially airline staff, are there to help you.
If you’re not sure how to get somewhere, ask an airline representative.
If you don’t see anyone, ask at the information desk or call the airline’s customer service line.
If you don’t know how to find your boarding gate, ask at the information desk.
If you are looking for your airline’s boarding gate, ask at the airline counter. Experienced travelers always ask for help.
The more you know about the airport layout, the less time you’ll spend getting lost.
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
10 tips for not getting lost at the airport
conclusion
Getting lost at the airport is a real possibility, especially if you are traveling for the first time. Navigating the terminal, boarding gates and finding your way to the ticketing area can be confusing. By using these 10 tips, you can avoid getting lost at the airport and make your trip much smoother.