If you have ever navigated a busy airport, you will know that doing so can be stressful. With long lines, confusing signs and unfamiliar procedures, it’s easy to see how the airport experience can quickly become overwhelming. This is the case wherever you go, but it’s especially true if you are travelling at the weekend or during the busy summer months. Even going to the airport for a short flight to Portugal can be stressful if you don’t have a clear plan of action in place. Luckily, with a little preparation and some clever airport hacks, you can make your next trip much smoother. In this blog, we have taken a look at some of our favourite airport hacks to make flying to Portugal a simple and straightforward task.
Airport Hacks for Travelling to Portugal
Going to Portugal means going to the airport and there is no way around that, unless you want a very lengthy drive. This is why it’s important to have a few airport hacks up your sleeve.
- Use a Carry On Bag – One of the easiest ways to simplify air travel is to use a carry on bag instead of checking your luggage. Not only will you save money on baggage fees, but you will also save time by avoiding the baggage claim area. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about the airline losing your luggage or damaging it during transit. When packing your carry on bag, be sure to follow the airline’s size and weight restrictions. Most airlines have specific height and weight requirements, and these do vary slightly from one airline to another. You should also consider packing your belongings in compression bags, which will help you fit more items in your bag. Though travelling with a carry on bag is unlikely to be an option if you are holidaying for a week or two, it’s ideal for weekend breaks.
- Check In Online – Another way to save time at the airport is to check in online before your flight. Most airlines allow you to check in up to 24 hours before your flight’s departure time, and this can save you a huge amount of time and stress at the airport. By checking in online, you can select your seat, print your boarding pass, and avoid the check in queues at the airport. Some airlines even offer mobile check in, which allows you to check in using your smartphone or tablet. This can be particularly convenient if you don’t have access to a printer or if you’re running late to the airport. By checking in online, you are giving yourself one less thing to do at the airport.
- Pack Snacks – Airport food can be expensive and often unhealthy, and options can be limited if you’re travelling with fussy eaters or those with dietary requirements. Instead of relying on airport food, consider packing your own snacks. Not only will this save you money, but it will also ensure that you have food that you like within reach. When packing snacks, consider bringing non-perishable items like cereal bars, nuts, crisps and dried fruit. You could also go all out and pack a packed lunch. Packing snacks also means that you don’t have to buy the expensive food sold on the aeroplane itself.
- Dress Correctly – When travelling by air, it’s important to dress for comfort and convenience. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you will need to remove them when you go through security. Additionally, wear layers so that you can adjust your clothing to the temperature in the airport and on the plane. You don’t want to be freezing cold or boiling hot when you’re in the air. Avoid wearing clothing with metal components, as this can trigger the metal detector, and avoid anything that’s uncomfortable to wear for a long period of time. You’re sure to enjoy your airport experience a lot more if you are comfortable.
- Bring a Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is important when travelling, but airport water fountains can be difficult to find and often have long lines. Instead of relying on airport water, consider bringing your own refillable water bottle. Most airports have water bottle refill stations, which will allow you to fill up your bottle before or after your flight. Just be sure to empty the bottle before going through security, as liquids are not allowed through the checkpoint. Bringing your own water bottle will also mean that you don’t have to spend a fortune on buying a drink from one of the expensive airport shops.
- Research Parking Options – If you’re driving to the airport, be sure to research parking options before you go. A lot of airports require you to pre-book parking, and this is worth doing if you want to guarantee yourself a space. It’s also a lot cheaper to pre-book your parking too. If you want to avoid the cost of parking, look into other ways of getting to and from the airport. A lot of airports have trains and buses running to and from them, and taxis are also an option.
There are a lot of good things about flying to Portugal; the flight only takes an hour or two, flights run regularly and they’re some of the cheapest flights out there. However, there is no knowing what your airport experience will bring. This is why it’s always a good idea to pay attention to airport hacks, as who doesn’t want an airport experience that’s smooth and seamless?