No boredom at the airport: How to cleverly use the waiting time before departure

Flying is essentially easier than ever today. Whether searching for a flight, booking it, or the flight itself: everything is fast, digital, and easy. Only the time spent at the airport can sometimes be a bit tedious. Lugging suitcases, sitting around, waiting, and standing in line: it can sometimes be really annoying.

But there are a few little tricks that will help the time pass faster, get you through check-in faster, and make the flight more comfortable. Here are ten things you should do before boarding a plane.

No, you won't use up unnecessary storage space by downloading the airline app. You can delete it after your flight. In fact, it's practical to download the respective app a few days or weeks before your departure and log in with your booking code. Then you'll have all your data compactly in one app and can also derive some benefits from it (see points 2, 3, and 4).

Tip : Many people think that the app only makes sense when checking in online, but almost every airline has a menu item called “My Bookings,” where you can look well in advance and make adjustments.

Playing on your phone can also be useful, for example, by getting information about your flight via an app. (Symbolic photo)

Source: imago images / Panthermedia

While there are still people who prefer to check in at a counter, their numbers are decreasing. Online check-in is incredibly convenient. You can usually do it directly in the airline app or on the airline's website. If you're flying with just hand luggage, you don't even have to go to the check-in counter; you can go straight to the security check. This saves you a ton of time.

Tip : Remember to check the airline's rules in advance. Do they require you to print your boarding pass? Although most airlines now allow ticketless flights, some still require paper copies – and will charge you if you don't print them. There are even airlines, such as the budget airline Ryanair, that charge a fee if you don't check in online in time.

A good seat is half the battle for a relaxing flight. Therefore, it's a good idea to check your airline app regularly before departure. Some flights allow you to select a seat before online check-in. Sometimes you can even select a seat weeks in advance without paying.

And if you're asked to pay, wait until online check-in, then you'll almost always get your seat for free.

Window, middle, or aisle? You can easily make this decision yourself via online check-in. (Symbolic photo)

Source: unsplash.com/Bambi Corro

Note: Check in advance to see exactly when online check-in opens so you can be among the first to check in. This usually varies between 24 and 48 hours before departure.

Tip : For long-haul flights, it might be a good idea to check out the Seatguru app. It tells you which plane you're flying on and which seats aren't so great. Enter the airport, departure date, and flight number – and you'll see which seats you shouldn't choose.

Not a must, but definitely worth a look: Almost every airline offers the option to book little extras before your flight. And they don't always have to be expensive. From upgrading your seat to an upgrade to business class, pre-ordering food, or even renting a car at your final destination, there's a wide range of options available. Take a look at the app before departure and see what's available. You might find something to make your flight more enjoyable.

Tip : On long-haul flights, you almost always have a hot meal with you. If you know you'll be "hangry" on board, meaning hunger will quickly spoil your mood, you can order a special menu (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) via the app. Special orders are always served first.

A flight goes by much faster when you're well-entertained. However, your plane might not have in-flight entertainment, or the movies on offer might not appeal to you. So, before takeoff, download a few episodes of your current series or a movie to your smartphone. Then you can stream and unplug from the world—keyword: crying babies.

Tip : Almost all airports now have good Wi-Fi. If you forgot to download something, you might be able to download it at the gate.

What's the most annoying thing about flying? That's right, the long line at security. Often, the reason is that the people in front of you take forever. To speed things up for you, it only takes a few minutes to sort through your stuff before you even go to the security check.

Keeping your laptop handy, carrying liquids in a transparent bag, and removing your belt: These are small, quick actions that can be accomplished, but can be really annoying during the security check. Set a good example and sort your carry-on luggage accordingly before you even get to the security checkpoint.

Whether it's bags in your suitcase or purchased packing cubes, sorting your things in advance will make both the flight and the trip itself easier. (Symbolic photo)

Source: unsplash.com/Brandless

Tip : Trolleys are now so well-designed that keeping things organized while on the go is no longer a problem. Many practical exterior compartments for laptops, liquids, and other items make traveling and security checks even easier.

Even if it seems absurd, sometimes the airport is the last person to inform you when something goes wrong with your flight. To stay up to date, it's worth checking the airline app regularly. You almost always have the option to provide your phone number. You'll then receive information about gate or flight changes via text message.

Tip : Flight tracker apps like Flightradar show you the current location of your plane in real time. If you're expecting a delay, you can see the plane's current location in the app and maybe even grab a coffee instead of waiting at the gate. But don't rely on it alone!

These days, modern scanners at security checkpoints sometimes allow you to bring a bottle of water with you. However, this isn't the case everywhere, so you often have to buy something to drink after the security check, which can be expensive. If you want to save money, you should bring a water bottle with you and fill it up shortly before boarding – if you like tap water.

A practical and sustainable companion when traveling: a refillable drinking bottle.

Source: unsplash.com/Colton Strickland

In the age of low-cost airlines, in-flight meals have become rare. Before you head to the airport, check the airline's website to see what's included in your ticket price. Drinks? Snacks? Or nothing at all?

The latter is often the case these days, so you should bring something of your own. A sandwich doesn't take up much space in your carry-on, is allowed through security, and can really help you feel comfortable on board.

Tip : If possible, buy your food on the way there rather than at the airport – this will save you a few euros, as airport shops always have high prices.

Airplane restrooms are small, cramped, and sometimes downright disgusting. So you'll be doing yourself a huge favor by using the restroom before takeoff.

Tip : Most people use the restroom on the way to the gate, so it may take longer here. However, there are always restrooms right at the departure gate that you can head for, saving you the hassle of walking around the plane.

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