Why arrive at the airport three hours early? Little-known tips to make your boarding smoother

▲ For traveling abroad, your suitcase is one of the most important items (Photo / Darzz / Illustration)

Text by Rita

It’s always puzzling why you need to arrive at the airport three hours early for a long-haul flight. Why does the check-in process take so much time?

Of course, safety is the main concern, but passengers canaccording to an infographic by the UK’s Daily Mailsummarize some tips that will actually make your boarding smoother. Here’s a bullet-point summary:

1. Check in online in advance.
2. Personalize your suitcase—for example, by attaching special stickers to make it easier to identify.
3. Sneak behind business class passengers—sometimes the security staff will still let you through.
4. Empty your water bottle before security and refill it afterward; don’t pack any prohibited items in your carry-on.
5. Carry an extension cord—there are many gadgets to charge but few power outlets.


▲ Electronic ticket. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

6. Print out your boarding information in case of unexpected issues like no internet or phone malfunction.
7. Instead of crowding onto the plane with everyone else, use the queue time to handle some work nearby.
8. Checked luggage might get lost, so it’s best to pack some essentials for washing and changing in your carry-on.
9. If the flight isn’t full, the last passengers to board might get a chance to sit in a better class.

%Diagram of where to clip the tag (Illustration / Darzz / Illustration)

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