Debunking the Most Common and Biggest Airport Myths That Exist Today | Are you worried that your airport experience will be like one of the horror stories you’ve heard from a friend? Do you want to learn about smart travel and how to expedite the entire process? If so, then you should start by learning about the biggest airport myths that exist today.
Doing so will help you learn more about the process. Using this information, you can set the expectation for what you should expect when you get dropped off at the “departures” area.
See below for an in-depth guide debunking the most common airport myths that you’ll come across when traveling abroad or domestically.
Myth #1: Airport Parking is the Best Option
Most people just assume that airport parking is the way to go when you fly. They believe that driving their car, parking it in a garage, and paying for the duration of its stay is the best course of action. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Airport parking lots will charge you a fortune to park your car there. They justify this expense by covering the costs for a “premium spot”. Your parking spot might be on the 10th floor sitting under the sun… what about that is “premium” to you?
Instead, we suggest finding a different ride to the airport. Arrange for someone to drop you off, then pick you up when you get back.
If you’re paying someone to watch your dog while you’re gone, then this is an easy ask. You might also have a family member or friend who’s on their way to the airport as well.
For those of you that are traveling for business or have an employee/client that is, click on this article for a read on airport car services and how chauffeured airport car services can benefit your business and your VIPs on their way to and from the airport.
Myth #2: Commercial Air Companies Are Accommodating
If you take nothing else away from this article, let it be this: your commercial airline couldn’t care less whether you make your flight or not.
That might be a little harsh, and some care a bit more than most but look at it from their perspective. The average aircraft has 138 seats; that means that the airline has 138 people it needs to get from point A to point B at their scheduled time.
If 135 people are there when the plane is ready to take off, those other 3 passengers aren’t worth the delay.
Another common myth is that you’ll get a refund if you miss your flight or that you’ll be automatically booked on the next one out. Neither of these is necessarily true. The airline might try to accommodate within the realm of possibility, but what if the next flight out is completely booked?
Even if they are able to place you on the next flight out, don’t expect that service to come out of the goodness of their heart. There will likely be a fee attached.
Of course, all of this can be avoided if you show up on time. We recommend getting to the airport no later than 2.5 hours before your flight. That gives you plenty of time to check your bags, go through security, and get to your gate before the airplane even arrives.
Myth #3: It Doesn’t Matter When You Check into Your Flight
We all know those people that are lackadaisical with checking in for their flight. They have the mindset of “I’d rather be the last one on the plane so I don’t have to wait.”
In theory, that makes sense. But consider this: if the airline needs to bump a passenger or two off of a full flight, the last economy passengers to check-in are likely to get the boot.
If you checked in early or pay for premium seats on the plane, then you have nothing to worry about.
Myth #4: You and Your Group Will Sit Together
The only way to guarantee that is to pay for reserve seating ahead of time. In any other situation, you’re at the mercy of where everyone else before you chooses to sit.
If you’re flying on an airline like Southwest that allows for open seating, you might try asking the gate attendant to assist you. But don’t be surprised if they can’t do anything for you.
Instead, make it a priority to check in early. That increases the odds that you’ll have the choice to sit together.
Myth #5: The Airport Doesn’t Accommodate Families
If this is your first time flying with young children by your side, it’s understandable to worry about how the situation will play out. But rest assured, airports are very accommodating of families.
For example, if you’re flying with a child that can’t walk yet (and thus requires a stroller), the airport security staff will assist you to the TSA line so that you can have more room and more time to get through security and get to your gate quicker.
Once at your gate, you can receive a tag from the gate attendant to check your stroller for the flight and have it waiting for you when you arrive at the gate at your final destination.
Don’t Believe the Biggest Airport Myths
Now that you have seen a long list of the biggest airport myths debunked, be sure to use this information to your advantage.
Take the time to browse our website for more articles on airport facts, as well as other topics that you will find to be helpful.
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