Airports. Magical places where time doesn’t exist, coffee costs £6, and no one knows how to queue properly at security. Whether you’re a seasoned jet-setter or it’s your first time flying solo, airports can be overwhelming.

So here’s your step-by-step guide to surviving them like the suave, unbothered legend you were born to be.

1. 🎟️ Check In Early (Like a Functional Adult)

Don’t be that person rushing through security yelling, “It says boarding at 7:10 but what does that mean?!”

• Check in online 24–48 hours before.
• Aim to arrive 2 hours early for short-haul, 3 hours for long-haul.
• Print your boarding pass or make sure it’s downloaded properly – screenshots are your friend when apps crash.

2. 🎒 Dress for Undressing

Security is not a fashion show. You’ll be stripping down to socks and being patted like a suspicious melon. Dress accordingly.

• Wear easy-on shoes.
• Ditch the belt (unless you’re emotionally attached).
• Empty your water bottle before security. We’ve all watched someone sadly chug 1.5L of Evian at 6am.

3. 🧴 Know Your Liquids

Yes, you still can’t bring that full-size shampoo. Even in 2025. (Well… unless you’re flying from one of the fancy airports that upgraded their scanners. But don’t bank on it.)

• Max 100ml per container, all in a clear resealable bag.
• Pack it at home. Don’t be the goblin fumbling with perfume and toothpaste in the queue.

4. 📲 Charge Everything, Always

Airports are the Bermuda Triangle of power outlets. One minute you’re at 89%, next you’re sobbing at Gate 27 with 3% battery and no idea what time your flight boards.

Pro tip: Bring a power bank. And your charging cable. And maybe a backup charging cable.

5. 🍕 Don’t Get Hangry

Airport food is like theme park food: expensive, salty, and somehow both soggy and dry. But skipping meals = bad vibes.

• Eat before if you can.
• Bring snacks (just avoid bananas if you value dignity during security scans).
• Hydrate – planes are dryer than your uncle’s Christmas jokes.

6. 🛫 Gate Games

As soon as your gate is announced, head there. Don’t play the “one more pint, I’ll make it” game unless you want to sprint like you’re on The Amazing Race.

Bonus move: Check how long it takes to walk there. Some gates are closer to the next country than the check-in desk.

7. 🎧 Entertainment = Sanity

Flights get delayed. It’s basically tradition. Have a playlist, a podcast, a book, or download a series (WiFi is a myth in some terminals).

Noise-cancelling headphones = top tier investment. Drown out the screaming child and the 8am stag do lads singing “Wonderwall.”

8. 🧠 Bonus Tips from the Wise:

• Wear socks. For security. And plane hygiene. Always socks.
• Set a travel wallet up: passport, boarding pass, insurance, proof of accommodation.
• Be nice to the staff. They can upgrade you or make your life miserable. You decide.

Final thought: Airports are chaos dressed as order. Embrace the madness, stay alert, and maybe – just maybe – treat yourself to that overpriced Pringles tube.