Nine mistakes you should never make at an airport

The airport terminal is one of the most stressful environments known to humankind. The queue at the check-in desk for an international flight, the security kerfuffle, the food options at inflated prices and the cattle crush at the boarding gate – is it any wonder some people go bonkers when they finally get on board their flight? Foresight and planning go a long way. Here are some classic airport mistakes to avoid.

Not allowing enough connecting time between flights

Having enough time to reach your connecting flight can mean factoring in numerous variables.Credit: iStock

Transferring from one flight to another? An hour might be enough, but in some cases 2½ hours would be cutting it fine. Airlines and travel agents use a metric called minimum connecting time (MCT), but for travellers making their own bookings, this is something they need to work out for themselves. The time to get between the arrival and departure terminals, whether you need to collect checked baggage off the incoming flight and check it in for the next flight and whether that involves passing through customs and immigration, are just some of the factors to be taken into account.

Not pre-booking airport parking

The long-term car park at Sydney Airport.Credit: Kate Geraghty

Parking fees at Sydney Airport vary from $0 to $31.90 for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on which car park you use. Park for three to 24 hours and the rate could be as high as $102. At Melbourne Airport, the drive-up rate is $14 to $27 for 30 to 60 minutes and $14 to $84 for six to 24 hours. Both airports offer pre-booked parking at reduced rates. For long-term parking, the rate for off-airport parking stations is much better, with shuttle bus transfers to the terminals.

Airport duty-free ‘bargains’

Duty free is not always a bargain.Credit: iStock

In most cases, buying duty-free electronics, cameras, bags or clothing at airports means you’ll save the value-added tax, or the GST in the case of Australia. Caution is required. With the decline in the Australian dollar, these items are relatively inexpensive here compared with the rest of the world. Before you shell out for that Apple product or the Prada sunglasses, make sure it’s actually cheaper than back at home. The duty-free concession for goods imported to Australia is limited to $900, though if the goods have been used while you’re away, an extra allowance might apply.

Overweight carry-on

The weight limit for carry-on bags on aircraft is typically seven kilograms, and some airlines enforce this rigorously. Jetstar charges $75 for domestic passengers who show up at the boarding gate with carry-on baggage weighing more than 7kg and less than 14kg. However, most airlines allow passengers to board with a small item provided it fits under the seat in front, and that doesn’t have a weight limit. Luggage manufacturers have various under-seat models that take maximum advantage of the space available. Just be aware that in-flight entertainment systems aboard some aircraft have under-seat boxes that compromise the legroom of the passenger seated behind. A soft bag that can be squished to suit the space available is my preference.

Not doing the online check-in

You’ll usually save time at the check-in desk if you’ve already checked in online.Credit:

This is a no-brainer, especially for anyone taking an international flight. The online check-in takes about two minutes to complete, but those who fail to do it face a queue at the check-in desk that is typically twice as long as the queue for those who comply.

Failing to remove lithium batteries from checked luggage

Lithium batteries are a potential fire hazard, and while a fire in the cabin can be fought, that’s not the case with a fire in the hold. Power banks, camera batteries and anything else with a lithium power source must be carried onboard in hand luggage and stored in the cabin rather than in checked luggage. Checked baggage is screened for lithium batteries and if one is found in yours, you’ll have to make a trip to the baggage handling area and find and remove it.

Not checking lounge options on a long stopover

Any break between connecting flights that lasts longer than a couple of hours requires a lounge. Pay-for-use lounges are a godsend for travellers with long layovers who don’t have access to their airline’s business class lounge, and most major airports will have a choice of lounges. You can simply show up and pay at the door, but better if you check the options before. Shower facilities are a must, and you can expect buffet-style snacks and drinks, coffee and tea, free Wi-Fi and quiet and comfortable seating. They vary enormously in quality, amenities and cost. Do your homework beforehand by checking reviews on Loungereview.com or Tripadvisor.

Not checking for flight departure delays

Before you leave for the airport, check your flight is departing on schedule. There is no point being there if not. Airlines recommend arriving at the airport three hours before an international flight, but that’s usually excessive. If it’s an overseas airport, I’ll take advice at my hotel. Take their advice as a worst-case scenario. If I’m on a domestic flight overseas, I aim to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before flight time.

Don’t lose your booze

If you buy duty-free alcohol at an airport in Europe or anywhere else with an intermediate stop before your final flight to Australia, you’re going to part company with it before you re-board your aircraft. Australian government regulations require that all passengers on inbound flights submit to a final gate inspection before boarding the aircraft and any liquids, aerosols or gels in containers over 100ml will be confiscated. Doesn’t matter if they’re sealed in a tamper-evident plastic bag with purchase documentation attached, they’re not flying. Buy your duty-free alcohol at the last stop before your final destination, or on board the aircraft on the final leg of your journey.