SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 9:  Lady Gaga steps off her private jet as she arrives at Sydney Airport on July 9, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. Lady Gaga is in Sydney for a one-off show at Sydney's Town Hall on Wednesday July 13. (Photo by Dean Lewins-Pool/Getty Images)
Cover Photo: Getty Images

Travelling during the post-Covid era requires patience on a whole new level. Here’s how you should keep calm and not miss your flight

Air travel has returned with a vengeance in 2022. While it’s good news for most of us, the recent surge in travel across the world has also brought plenty of problems—from airport strikes to massive delays in flights and even luggage. The recent situation at Heathrow Airport is not one for the faint-hearted, but that doesn’t mean you should be wary of travelling in the post-covid era.

To prep yourself ahead for a long-awaited trip, here are some tips on how to keep it together and enjoy your vacation without any hiccups.  

Read more: Bag Delays, Cap on Passenger Departures: What Is Happening at London’s Heathrow Airport?

Be early, not punctual

Tatler Asia

Expect the unexpected at the airport amid the chaos of post-covid travelling. Remember the days when airports were cold and empty? Those days are behind us. To avoid snaking queues at check-in counters, be there at least three to four hours before your flight. Not every airport is as efficient as Changi Airport so give yourself some buffer time to arrive especially if you expect heavy traffic on the way.

Read more: Renewing Your Singapore Passport? Here’s What You Need to Know

Track your check-in luggage

Tatler Asia

Thanks to the wonders of technology, you can now trace your check-in baggage on your own device. Slip a tracking device such as an Apple AirTag inside your suitcase and you can easily view the location of your bags on a map in the “Find My” app on your iPhone. It is an economical way to relieve travel stress if you are worried about potentially losing your belongings.

Download your favourite shows in advance

Tatler Asia

Make sure to pack your trusty iPad in your handbag or carry-on to keep yourself entertained during flight delays. No WiFi? No problem. Download that K-drama series you’ve been meaning to binge-watch or your favourite movies in advance so you can watch them anywhere.

In case you missed it: 7 Exciting New Shows to Stream on Disney+ and Netflix in August 2022

Bring a well-packed carry-on luggage

Tatler Asia
PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 23:  Johannes Huebl and Alessandra Ambrosio attend RIMOWA in 'The Luggage With The Grooves' Lookbook Shoot 2013 - photographed by Horst Diekgerdes - Making Of at Son Bonet airfield on November 23, 2012 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.  (Photo by Oscar Pipkin/Getty Images for RIMOWA)
Above Photo: Getty Images

Sure, it’s best to travel light. But is that the best idea during this chaotic travel period? Probably not. Bring a lightweight cabin luggage that can fit travel-friendly toiletries and a fresh set of clothes for you to change in, should you need to spend a night at the airport unexpectedly. Rimowa’s range of cabin suitcases is a hot favourite amongst travellers thanks to their compact size, durability and super smooth wheels.

Prepare some reading materials

Tatler Asia

Not a fan of having too much screentime? Bring a book or two in your carry-on or purchase any reading material of your choice at the airport bookstore—it’s one of the best spots to stop by (besides duty-free shopping) before a flight. Transporting yourself into a different world or even an idyllic destination by reading sounds like a real treat before your actual holiday. 

Tatler Tip

Make full use of your Star Alliance membership and find a cosy spot in an airport lounge to unwind. Not only will you enjoy your book in relative peace and quiet, you will also have complimentary free-flow access to light bites and drinks. 

Have a back-up plan

Tatler Asia

One of the worst things that can happen to your while on vacation is getting stuck at the airport (even worse if it’s overnight) with no flight to catch soon. It’s hard to predict the future but if you somehow knew that your flight may be cancelled, you may want to stay at an airport hotel. Luxury hotel chains such as The Westin, Hilton, W and more usually have convenient locations near airports in several locations all over the world. Or perhaps extend your holiday if you have that option!

Read more: 5 Best Hotels to Board Your Pet When You Travel

Print out all your travel documents or keep screenshots

Tatler Asia

We know it’s 2022 and everything can be done online. But based on travel experiences after Covid hit, it is indeed more convenient—and faster—for travellers to present their printed documents when checking in for a flight. Print out everything from your Covid test results, vaccination certificates, e-tickets and such to facilitate the check-in process and not hold up the queue. One of the reasons you see long, snaking queues at the airports is because of ill-prepared travellers—yes, we said it.

But if you do not have access to a printer, at least keep screenshots of every travel document you need. 

Don’t miss: Destinations Less Than 5 Hours’ Flight from Singapore for a Weekend Trip

Travel insurance is a must

Tatler Asia

Insurance is more important than ever. With flight delays and missing luggage becoming a pattern in recent months, protect yourself by purchasing an insurance policy with extensive coverage. This should include your typical travel inconveniences such as damage to personal belongings and more importantly, Covid-19-related coverage for things like medical expenses and quarantine allowance.

NOW READ

The Singapore Passport Is the 2nd Most Powerful in the World—Here’s Why

9 Asian Destinations Named Among the World’s Greatest Places in 2022

5 Luxurious and Romantic Destinations for Your Honeymoon in 2022

Topics