Direct flights are ideal. Unfortunately, they aren’t always possible to get. Whether you need to arrive at a particular destination or you’re looking to save a bit of money, a connecting flight is a great way to do it. If you are stressing or worrying about missing your connection…you don’t have to! Here are 5 tips to make catching your connecting flight smoother and cutting down on airport stress:
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Know The Layout of The Airport
There is nothing worse than getting off the airplane and having absolutely no clue where to go next. Each airport has a different layout and different protocol to follow. In order to avoid the confusion (or waste any of your precious time), you may want to do some research beforehand. Look online for a map or for any information the airport offers about connecting flights. You may also want to check the front seat pocket during your first flight for any additional information.
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Determine How Much Time You Have
In order to make your connection go smoothly, you’ll need to be very aware of time. How much time do you have in between your flights? Will it be tight or will you be waiting for quite a while? You’ll need to understand how much time you have to make your next flight – and how long it will take to disembark the plane and go through all of the necessary security measures. This will give you a good idea of just how much time you actually have. That way, if there is a delay or if it takes longer than usual to get through customs, time will be on your side.
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Listen Very Carefully
Another way to avoid a stressful situation is to listen as carefully as possible. This is true whether you’re in the airport itself or on the plane. The staff may make announcements regarding the status of your connecting flight, the gate number, or even give specific instructions for people trying to make a tight connection. You’ll want to pay close attention, particularly when the plane is taxiing towards the gate.
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Be Ready to Get Off The Plane
After the plane lands, it can be frustrating to watch people slowly start to gather their personal belongings. This is especially true if you have a connecting flight to make! In order to save yourself some time (and stress), be sure to have your belongings with you and ready to go. You’ll need to be alert and set to get off the plane. In order to do that, simply remove everything from the seat pocket in front of you, put on your jacket, and pick up your carry on luggage. You will also want to have your passport and boarding pass easily accessible. These are easy second savers!
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Speak to a Gate Agent
Sometimes, when you get off of the airplane there is a gate agent waiting to provide connecting fliers with the appropriate gate information. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always speak to one of them. However, if there is no one there, you can find another member of the airport staff or simply look up the connecting gate number on one of the nearby monitors.
Connecting flights don’t have to be scary. In fact, they can be a simple way to get you where you want to go. In order to make the transition from each flight as smooth as possible, simply follow these tips. They can help make your travel experience as stress free as possible.