Pent up demand for holidays has seen bookings soar and it’s set to be a bumper summer for travel! But it’s no pain no gain with lengthy queues, delayed flights, confusing rules and busy airports to contend with. Here’s how to avoid those airport queues and be a savvy air traveller in 2022.

Travel Timely

Avoid flying at peak times if you can. Flights at unsociable hours are not only cheaper but the airport is a whole lot quieter!

Never carry when you can pull

There’s a huge range of luggage to choose from and many come on wheels. Why carry when you can pull? There is nothing worse than traipsing around the airport lugging your body weight in baggage. If you can find something to pull then it’s so much easier to transport and also to store hand baggage in overhead compartments when finally on board.

Pack savvy and light

In my stewardess days, I lost count of the number of passengers who appeared at the door with enough hand baggage to form their own retail outlet. It’s no picnic to struggle through the airport or down the aircraft aisle with excessive, oversized and unnecessary bags. There’s no need to bring everything but the kitchen sink.

The more time planning what you really need to take before you go can save you time, energy and even money. A bargain break can double in cost if you don’t stay within baggage weight and size limits. Travel light if you can with one item of hand baggage. For longer trips read the airline’s flight T&Cs and weigh (and measure) your luggage carefully to avoid paying extra or having to wear the contents of your suitcase.

Plan before the scan 

Ensure all liquids are under 100ml and and that they fit in to a clear sealable bag. As a general rule, use the bags available at airport security and not your own as they might be rejected by staff.

Have all electronics at the top of your bag so they are easy to access and remove when going through security.

Take off as much as you can at security even if you think your shoes won’t set off the scanners. Leave non essential jewellery at home.

Follow the rules

Ensure you always respect and adhere to laws at your destination. Doing your research beforehand could save you a whole heap of hassle. For example cops in Arizona airports can still question and arrest you for weed.

Have all documentation ready

Not only will this allow you through security and passport control quicker, but it will also speed up the process for everyone. Keep key documents close to hand so that they are not impossible to find when you get to the gate.

Check out airline lounges

A common assumption is that lounges are just for business or premium ticket holders but there are lounges in every airport, which are also accessible to the everyday traveller. Access can be included in cost of ticket or discounted lounge access can be added to parking and car rental packages. Do some research before you travel to work out your options how you can get to rest for less on a hectic, stressful journey.

Board the aircraft last to avoid the airport queues

After all the waiting before you board, it’s so tempting to be up like a rocket and board asap. However if you’ve already been allocated a seat and you’ve got minimum hand baggage, then what’s the point in rushing? I tend to hold back until initial queues have died down and then board the aircraft. This also saves queuing to board in often drafty and narrow jettys too.

Think smart if things go wrong

What’s the point in queuing endlessly at the customer service desks trying to find out information from those who probably know as much as you do? Make the best use of social media to check out what’s happening and tweet/ DM airlines and travel companies.

Know your consumer rights: If a flight is cancelled last minute and you are offered one that is not at the same time or route that you originally booked, you are not obliged to take it.

I hope you find these tips to avoid airport queues and be a savvy traveller useful! Do you have any to add? Drop them in to the comments.

Happy travelling!