This article offers you 10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport and your next trip will be much smoother during your time in the Malaga airport. I'm sure you've heard a friend or relative tell a story of being lost at the airport.
What was supposed to be a quick trip from point A to point B turned into a series of stressful misadventures.
Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, airports can be tricky places to navigate.
They are mazes of ticket counters, security checkpoints and restaurants. However, if you know what to expect in advance, these public terminals can also be pleasant stops on your way home or back.
A guide to easy travel
Use the application 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 are travelling with a large group or if you are travelling abroad, you may need to allow for stopovers and extra time for security checks. As a 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, such as New York's JFK, are notorious for their long security queues, so allow even more time if you travel 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 the security checkpoints are located after the ticketing areas (and not before, as is often the case) can save you time.
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport
10 tips to avoid 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 should 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 you are travelling internationally.
The terminals at many airports are huge and miles apart. In addition, many airports have several terminals, so you need to know which one you are going to.
If you are not sure which terminal you need or how to get there, ask an airline representative or ticket agent at your travel agent's office. The first step in getting to your destination is knowing where you are going.
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport
Download the airport navigation application
Technology, especially navigation apps, will never replace common sense. However, these apps can help you get around the airport more efficiently.
Airport navigation apps, such as Waze, are excellent for finding the shortest route to your terminal. If you are unfamiliar with the airport, these apps can also show you where your terminal, parking, ground transportation and any other services are located.
These applications also inform you of any traffic problems that may affect your journey.
They are especially useful for those travelling with a large group or with children. However, when using these apps, remember to keep your eyes on the road. Or, if you have children, keep them occupied with navigation apps.
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport
Early check-in
Although not all airlines require you to check in before your flight, it is best to check in as soon as you book your flight.
If you're travelling on a popular route or during a busy time, check-in will be long and slow. One of the advantages of checking in in advance is that you can request a specific seat and even pre-load entertainment apps on your device.
You can also use the time to have a good meal or read a few pages of your favourite book. If you check in 24 hours before your flight, you can board the plane first, which can save you time at the security checkpoint.
After checking in, find out from the flight attendants where your gate is located. This will help you know where to go when it is time to board the plane.
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport
Know your airline's boarding gate layout
Many airports are remodelling 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 boarding gates, you will 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 going to the airport, find out if there are public transport options that will take you directly to your airline's gate.
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport

Tour the terminal before the flight
This may seem silly if you are a frequent flyer, but if you have never visited a particular airport before, you may not know what to expect. If you have some time before your flight, take the time to walk around the terminal. This will help you become familiar with where everything is located. It will also help you plan your trip to the restroom or food court if you are travelling with children.
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport

Ask airport staff for help
Airport staff, especially airline staff, are there to help you.
If you are 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 gate, ask at the information desk.
If you are looking for your airline's boarding gate, ask at the airline counter. Experienced travellers always ask for help.
The more you know about the layout of the airport, the less time you will spend getting lost.
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport
10 tips to avoid getting lost at the airport
Conclusion
Getting lost at the airport is a real possibility, especially if you are a first-time traveller. 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 journey much smoother.