Nobonita Chowdhury
Many of us love traveling. For some it’s as essential as the air we breathe. However, the means of getting to our travel destination can be a hassle. This is almost always the case for yours truly. I am the least organized person one could ever come across and if you add that with the regular airport security formalities; let’s just say that the scene’s not pretty. But nevertheless, there are ways to make your flying experience easier and maybe even a bit enjoyable.
•Check in online: It doesn’t always help when you’re flying from Dhaka’s Shahjalal airport but if you’re flying in from another destination, online check in remarkably reduces the hassle you have to go through. In some cases, you even get your boarding passes online which means not having to wait in a yet unbearably long queue, adding on to your list of unbearably long queues.
•Customize your luggage: Since I’m not the most artistic person, my form of customizing my luggage is basically pasting stickers of every travel destination I’ve been to. I picked up this idea from the other girls at my dorm, who were MUCH more creative when it came to customizing their belongings. And plus your luggage will be much easier to spot at the baggage claim.
•Queue left (at the luggage screening area and wherever else possible): This might possibly save you time, as research suggests that most people tend to be right-handed, and will naturally prefer right hand lanes.
•Know the rules/ AKA don’t be THAT guy: Be sure you know what you’re allowed to fly with. In my opinion, the worst kinds of people are those who hold up the line during the screening process. This one time I missed my flight because some old lady was having a long chat with a TSA officer, WHILE HOLDING UP AN ENTIRE LINE OF LIKE 20 PEOPLE WAITING TO BE SCREENED! If you’re still not sure about what you’re allowed to carry, do your homework. Go to the airport security or airline website. And ALWAYS keep your laptop in your backpack. No hand luggage nothing. This makes it a lot more easily accessible. In fact, make everything you’ll need to take out easily accessible. And please, don’t wear your belt when you know you’re going to fly. If necessary, carry it in your backpack and wear it after you’re done with all the screening.
•Empty your pockets: Make sure you empty your pockets well before you go through the metal detector. You’re queuing for security, not groceries.
•Bring a power splitter: Power outlets can be scarce so splitters are a cheap solution. (Also, opportunities to make new friends.)
•Offline survival: Download your online boarding passes/maps in case you end up in a situation without internet.
•Stay close to Business class check-in: They occasionally show mercy and take in folks from the common queue.
•Board last for a FREE UPGRADE (Possibly)! : Even if the plane’s not full, you could have the opportunity to pick any free seat. (EVEN first class, possibly with a good poker face).