It’s easy to get frustrated with long lines at European airports. But it doesn’t have to be that way! If you know how and when to book your ticket, you can avoid the hassle of waiting at check-in desks or security checkpoints. Here are some tips on how to ensure that your next trip through an airport is less chaotic:
Order a Fast Track ticket
If you’re flying out of an airport in Europe over the next few months, you may need to consider buying a Fast Track ticket. These tickets allow passengers with luggage to jump the queues at airports and are available for €5-€20 at some airports. They can also be purchased online or at the airport itself before your departure.
Fast Track tickets are not only useful for avoiding long lines—if you have a lot of luggage with you, but this is also one more way to make sure it gets through security quickly and efficiently too!
Sign up for an airline’s premium service
Signing up for an airline’s premium service like CDG airport VIP service can be expensive, but it can also be a good way to avoid long lines. Premium services often include:
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Access to a fast-track security line (if available)
- Airport lounge access (if available)
Make use of your elite card
If you belong to an airline’s frequent flyer program and have elite status, then you may be able to use one of these perks. If not, it’s still worth checking out the premium service or priority check-in options that some carriers offer—you don’t have much to lose.
And if you’re flying on an international route, some countries allow citizens free entry with a passport card instead of a full-sized passport book. This can help reduce wait times when passing through customs (and hopefully cut down on delays).
Book a longer layover time
You’ll want to book a longer layover time for your flights, so the airline can better accommodate you. If you have 24 hours between arrival and departure on your flight, that’s good news! You can read a book in the airport lounge and enjoy some peace and quiet before getting back on another plane.
If you’re traveling for business, this is an especially good idea: it’s not uncommon for people who travel for work purposes to spend more than half their lives in airports—and not always because of delays or cancellations. In fact, if you’ve ever been stranded at an airport overnight due to bad weather or problems with connecting flights (or simply because nobody needs pilots), then you know what I’m talking about here!
During this time away from home/regular life activities such as sleeping/eating dinner at home etc., why not try something new? It could be anything from catching up on work emails while waiting for takeoff instead of watching Netflix all night long.
Look into private services
If you’re willing to pay more for your ticket, you can use a private service that will get you through security faster. These services are often available at major airports and are generally offered by companies that allow passengers to skip the long line at TSA checkpoints and go through an expedited screening process.
However, keep in mind that these services are not always present or available (for example, if the lines for TSA security are unusually long), or they may not be faster than other options (if there aren’t any other options). They also tend to cost more than standard tickets unless you have paid-on-time status with your airline carrier or frequent flyer status with an airline at large.
Private services also aren’t necessarily safer than standard processes because they don’t require background checks on passengers who purchase them; some people could potentially take advantage of this loophole by purchasing entry into a private line without proper credentials. Finally, although private services may feel more comfortable because lines move faster when using them—especially if it’s weathering outside—they often necessitate waiting in another long queue so that travelers can leave their bags before passing through the metal detector; these lines still add time onto one’s travel experience overall (and sometimes even longer).
Priority boarding
To avoid long lines, you need to be a priority passenger. Most airlines have different policies for priority boarding and it’s important to know what your airline’s policy is so that you can board early. Some airlines allow you to pay extra for an “early check-in.” Other airlines will let frequent fliers or premium passengers board first. If you want to get on the plane and settle in before everyone else, it’s important that you know how your airline determines who gets on first before purchasing a ticket.
What to bring to make your time more comfortable
If you somehow do get stuck in a long line, there are a few things to make you feel comfier:
-A carry-on bag that’s small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, but large enough to hold all of your belongings. This way, you won’t have to drag your bag around during check-in and security.
-A backpack or messenger bag that can be placed under the seat in front of you so that your carry-on is stored away.
-A comfortable pair of shoes that you can wear during check-in and while waiting in line. You’ll likely be standing for a while, so make sure your feet are happy!
-An app or website that provides real-time information on wait times at different airports. This way, you’ll know when it’s time to head to the airport and prepare yourself mentally and physically.
-Pack a small bag with snacks and water to keep you going during long lines.
Conclusion
The world of air travel can be a frustrating place—but not if you know how to avoid long lines! With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to maintain your cool and keep things running smoothly at the airport.