Attention travelers about to go abroad！ The 8 most common mistakes at the airport

▲ Illustration of taking a flight. (Image / from LibreStock online)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Traveling abroad is an exciting thing, but the process of preparing to board a plane at the airport can often feel chaotic. If you can get through everything smoothly from stepping into the airport to boarding the plane, your mind will be much more at ease before departure！An overseas websiteSMARTERTRAVELhas compiled 10 common mistakes travelers make at airports and teaches you how to save time and money wisely. Two of these don’t really apply in Taiwan, so they are not listed here, but are provided as a reference for those about to go abroad.

1. Not downloading the airport and airline apps in advance:
This is important not only at the airport, but also before you arrive. Most apps can be downloaded onto your smartphone ahead of time. If your flight is delayed or canceled, you’ll be notified in advance. Many of these apps also offer services such as maps and navigation. Download them in advance just in case—you can always delete them later when you no longer need them after returning home.

2. Not checking in online in advance:
In many countries, checking in online without checked baggage (web check-in) is already popular. In Taiwan, it’s not very widespread yet, and some airlines still do not support online check-in, such as Tigerair Taiwan and most budget airlines. If your flight allows online check-in in advance, you can queue at the “online check-in completed” counter, which will save you a lot of waiting time. Pay attention to this option when booking your flight. The window to check in online is 48 hours before departure until 90 minutes before takeoff.

3. Not bringing food:
Airport food is often not tasty and is expensive. If you can buy simple snacks or fruit in advance, it can help fill you up while waiting at the airport. Travelers in Taiwan are lucky—there’s a 7-11 in B2 of Terminal 2 at Taoyuan International Airport; Terminal 1 also has a FamilyMart. Kaohsiung International Airport and other domestic airports will also introduce well-known chain stores, so passengers departing from Taiwan don’t have to worry too much about food.

4. Wearing the wrong clothes:
You should not only wear comfortable clothes when flying, but also try to avoid wearing things like belts or jewelry with metal parts that could set off alarms during security checks. Avoid any accessories that may trigger the scanner. If you’re flying to the U.S., security checks are quite strict—you’ll even need to take off your shoes and socks—so it’s better not to wear shoes with laces.

5. Looking grumpy:
During your flight, you may need help from many people to get through smoothly. However, many people tend to not smile or even get angry because of nervousness—all of which should be avoided. Patience and a smile are essential during air travel. They can even influence whether ground staff give you a better seat, or when your luggage is overweight, whether they choose to fine you or let it slide.

6. Not joining an airline lounge membership:
If you’re not a member of an airline lounge, it’s not a big deal if there’s no flight delay. But if your flight is significantly delayed, the difference becomes obvious. Lounge members can comfortably relax inside with great food and drinks, while you’re left sitting on a hard bench outside.

▲ Illustration of waiting passengers. (Image / by reporter Ji Xiangru)

7. Logging into the airport’s free WIFI:
Almost all airports around the world now offer free WIFI, but free doesn’t mean safe. SMARTERTRAVEL reminds you not to use airport WIFI and avoid entering personal information for safety reasons, as your Facebook or bank accounts could be hacked—even after you’ve returned home.

8. Not labeling your luggage:
Marking your luggage with visible, personalized tags that include your name, phone number, and other personal info makes it easier to find when reclaiming it, and reduces the risk of someone else taking it by mistake.

▲ Illustration of a suitcase. (Image / by reporter Chen Ruizhong)