SMART WAYS TO GET TO YOUR AIRPORT GATE FASTER

Primrose Monteiro D'Souza brings you common sense tips that will help you ease your way through the airport

- Primrose Monteiro D'Souza

Now that we're travelling again, here's how you can make getting through the airport easier and pain-free for yourself

Be Prepared With Your Ticket And Identification

While many swear by digital tickets, others might be more comfortable with a printout. Work with what works best for you and keep your wits about you until you reach your boarding gate. Keep your boarding pass, whether physical or digital, handy to scan or show at multiple points. By 'handy, we mean you shouldn't need to dig deep into a handbag each time you are asked for it, but also secure enough so you don't drop it and have to run back to find it.

Remember To Web Check In Well In Time

Many people like to leave check-in for the airport because you have to choose seats (and often pay for them) when you do a web check-in. Keep in mind that some airlines are now charging a fee to check in at the airport (which negates the seat fee saving), but, more pertinently, doing a web check-in means you can join the baggage drop line, which is almost always shorter than the regular check-in queue. Most web check-ins open at least 48 hours before the flight and close a few hours before, so make sure you catch that window, or be prepared to join the long line at the airport.

Choose The Right Line

As soon as you get to checkin, look for the shortest line that you're eligible to join. If you're standing in one line and you see another that's moving faster or is shorter, join the other - but politely and without causing any commotion.

Tag Your Own Baggage