If you’re planning a trip overseas this summer, you may be wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into. With Canadians making up for lost travel time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines are scrambling to keep up with demand and the media has been full of stories about lost luggage, cancelled flights, and dream vacations destroyed by delays.
As one half of a long-distance relationship, I made several transatlantic flights during the height of the pandemic, as well as this year. Are airports more chaotic than normal? For sure. But if you pack these three things, you should arrive at your destination a little less worse for wear.
Patience
If you’ve booked a flight, your airline will already have told you to arrive at the airport at least four hours before take-off. Believe them. Lines to check-in and get through security are long, and move slowly. Flights are being delayed all over the world for all sorts of reasons – which could trickle down to you. And once you’ve landed safely at your final destination, getting off the plane and through customs can take hours. Hopefully you’ve travelled light, and don’t have to wait to pick up your luggage!
This is not the summer to arrive at the airport with minutes to spare, to book a tight connection, or to expect things to run on schedule. So, pack your patience and a good book. Keep your phone charger handy and look for a seat close to an outlet once you reach your gate!
Kindness
It can be frustrating when things don’t go according to plan. I certainly didn’t enjoy the three-and-a-half hours it took me to get through customs on my last flight to Orly. But, getting angry at the flight crew, airport staff, or your fellow travellers is not going to make things better.
This summer, we are all in the same boat (or plane!) Remind yourself that safety comes first. Breathe. And be kind.
Snacks
Of course, it can be hard to maintain your equilibrium when you’re hangry. During this summer of airport chaos packing snacks is a must!
Granola bars, nuts, trail mix, and chocolate bars all travel well in hand luggage or a backpack and can help keep your hunger in check while you’re in transit. (If you pack fruit, you’ll have to eat it before going through security.)
I also bring a small stainless steel water bottle to make it easier to stay hydrated without having to spend outrageous amounts on bottled water while I’m at the airport.
Happy travels!