Security On Holiday - Part 4 - When You Arrive At The Airport

What is the world coming too, Death, Despondency and Sinking to the Depths of Despair?
Will our weekly shopping bills be rising, are the feral youths running riot on the streets, will the COVID-19 virus be escalating tremendously. Need I go on?

The world does seem to be sinking into the depths of despair!If you believe what the papers say, then yes,we are sinking and sinking fast.

‘STOP’

Do not despair; you can easily protect yourself with sound and adequate security measures.
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Security While On Holiday

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When You Arrive At The Airport 

Before you leave home, plan what you are going to do with your car when you get to the airport, and most importantly, what you will do at your destination. Do not make off-the-cuff decisions once you get there. If you have to leave your car at the airport, leave it in an official airport car park. People try to find a cheap park a few miles away, but they then have the problem of getting back to it.

The modern way is to use the internet to sort through the best suitable car parks, a lot of these are off-site venues; however, these provide a drop-off/pick-up service, and your car is parked in a secure staffed car park. If you have air miles, you can sometimes negotiate favourable rates.

If friends or family wants to see you off, do not say goodbye at the airport. Do it before you get there; because a group standing together, kissing and shaking hands, is a magnet for criminals, who will be away with your bags while you are still wiping a tear from your eye. That risk applies equally at home and abroad.

Getting To The Airport


You should leave plenty of time to get to the airport. Your time will vary on the time of day you are travelling, the weather, and the size of the airport. As a general rule, you should aim to arrive
  • Three hours before long-haul flights
  • Two hours before European flights
  • Ninety minutes before flights, within the UK and Ireland
However, although, that has been said, it is always worth checking on the internet the night before you set off.

The most significant buffer is getting through the queue at security. To save time and make your journey less stressful, you should

  • Know which terminal you are flying from
  • Keep tickets and passports handy, but secure
  • Make sure hand baggage and liquids meet the airlines' requirements
Whether you are arriving or departing, the most dangerous side of any airport is the landside. When you get to the airport, go straight to the check-in desk, and then go through customs and immigration on to the airside. Many people stay on the landside until the very last minute, because they think the facilities are not as excellent on the airside; but, once you are through, you can relax. Everyone on that side has gone through security and is going on a flight; there are so many security systems to keep the two sides apart; therefore, you are going to be as safe there as you could be at home. 

The same applies in reverse when you reach your destination; you are relatively safe on the airside, collecting your baggage; but, when you come through on to the landside, you are vulnerable and must heighten your awareness. You must also have a clear idea of how you are going to get away from the airport; one of the most dangerous parts of your journey.

What Happens At Security

There are increased security measures in place at all UK airports, so it is best to allow plenty of time for security checks. All your hand baggage will need to be screened, and you will be asked to pass through a security archway.

You may also be asked if you have packed your own bags. You must never carry anything onto a flight on behalf of someone else. If you think an item has been placed in your baggage without your knowledge, you must tell the check-in agent immediately. Security staff will ask you for your
  • Resealable bag of liquids; it will be screened separately from your hand baggage
  • Laptop, hairdryer, or other large electrical items will be screened separately
  • Coat, jacket, and your shoes to be screened
  • All metal objects should be placed in the tray to go through the screening system

The Departure Lounge And Airside Shopping

You can take on board anything you buy from the shops in the departure lounge, including gifts, food, or drink for your journey.
If your goods are given to you in a unique sealed bag, do not open it until you get to your final destination. Keep your receipt, as you may be asked to show it later; if you transfer flights, for example. There are some restrictions on duty-free goods bought on return journeys when you change flights at an EU airport; these are explained in returning to or via the UK.

Airports are high-risk areas, and not only for tourists. They are a perfect territory for crime, because criminals can be sure that there will be many vulnerable people carrying a lot of cash. Therefore, you do not want to be coming out of the airport severely stressed, carrying two suitcases and a shoulder bag, screaming at the kids and looking around for signposts like a lost tourist; feeling like that will be sending signals of weakness to the criminal fraternity. At the airport, you have all your belongings and valuables with you, but five minutes after you get to your hotel they could be in the hotel safe. However, if you know that, so do the local criminals.

As well as your security, you need to think about how you are going to entertain the kids, even if there is a delay; books, toys, and more if possible.

Avoid excessive alcohol; you may be tempted to start your holiday at the airport, but, as I mentioned earlier, your holiday should not begin until you arrive at your hotel. Airlines have many rules, and one of those can be to ban you from your flight if you are or appear to be drunk, they have to think about the safety and comfort of other passengers.

I would have to advise all passengers to approach their journey with a clear and calm mind. When you board your transport, get in tune with your environment. Remember, visibility will be reduced in a smoke-filled cabin, so count the number of rows between you and the nearest safety exit.

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