Why’ve You Done This? 10 Things Not to Do in an Airport

There are a lot of good behaviours to have in airports: these are not them. I’ve seen more than a couple of these happen, and been guilty myself of one or two. Here is your opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others, and avoid learning the hard way.

#1: Don’t joke about bombs or hyjackings.

Seriously, in some countries even saying these words is illegal. Don’t test them on it, especially if your’e in the United States. The atmosphere in their airports is already so tense I doubt you’ll want to joke about much anyway.

#2: Don’t leave your bags unattended.

In case you’re wondering, the airport bathroom stalls are big enough for your bags. Just take them in. Not only will you freak everyone else out if you ditch them, you also run the risk of being detained for questioning.

#3: Don’t wait until the last minute to go through security.

Your plane will leave without you, plain and simple. Check your bags as soon as you’re able, and go through security immediately after that. Don’t worry about grabbing snacks or a meal, security will have to throw it all out, and all the good restaurants are on the other side of security anyway.

#4: Don’t be this guy.

Story time. I was at Gatwick, about to catch a flight home for Christmas. I had just gone through security, and was waiting for my things to come through the x-ray machine.
Fun fact, Gatwick has a little area where you can get yourself sorted without being in other people’s way. It’s got tables, small dividers for some privacy, and even a foot rest to help you tie your shoes.
This … person … decided he wasn’t going to use any of that.
Instead he opted to stand as close to the x-ray machine as he could, and stopped his tray as soon as he could reach it. He then proceeded to stay there while he gathered his belongings.
I couldn’t collect my things. Nobody could collect their things. Security couldn’t even scan more trays until they asked him to move.
Don’t be that guy. Move on down the line.

#5: Don’t go nuts at duty free.

Remember, you still have to carry that stuff, and there are still limits on how much you can bring home.

#6: Don’t find your gate then never look at it again.

Much like the staircases in Hogwarts, the gates like to change, especially in Canada and the U.S. Find yours, and check on it every now and again. Make sure that it still has your flight number and destination posted.

#7: Don’t have your music so loud that you can’t hear the announcements.

Yeah, I get it. You’d rather be listening to your tunes than what’s going on in the airport, but if you don’t listen, you won’t get important info. Have they cancelled all the flights because of a storm? Is there a an ongoing security issue? Has your gate changed? You won’t know if you’re cranking your music at full blast. I’ve kept a tradition for a few years now where instead of music, I listen to comedy podcasts. It keeps my stress levels low, and allows me to distinguish the tri-tone before the announcements.

#8: Don’t try to be first in line when they start the boarding for your flight.

Let the families with small children and those who need assistance board in peace. After that, nobody really cares.

#9: Don’t touch your face.

Think about how many people pass through an airport on a daily basis. Now think about how many of them may have been sick, whether they knew it or not. Yeah. Carry hand sanitizer, and don’t touch your face.

#10: Don’t panic.

Seriously. Flying can be stressful, but it can also be really fun! Do yourself a favour and make sure that you’re comfy and well prepared, but if you need help, ask a staff member. It’s what they’re there for!