Too many people, too much stress... For many, traveling by plane is a challenge, even an ordeal at the time of the security check.
A thousand and one questions jostle in our minds: will I pass through the gates without incident?
Will I be able to get all my stuff back?
Will I be searched?
If this step of the security check is necessary for everyone, it can turn into a nightmare for those who have not anticipated enough.
Here are some mistakes to avoid at all costs to spend a moment in peace.
Not arriving prepared at the airport
The Covid-19 crisis will have taught us: anticipation is king.
Before undertaking any air travel, do not hesitate to check the regulations in force: whether at the visa level, of course, but also the latest health rules.
If the trend is towards a reduction, or even an abolition of the constraints, as in Japan or even in Canada, certain countries still ask to justify a complete vaccination schedule, like Kenya, or the Seychelles.
Sites, such as France Diplomatie, can help you obtain the necessary information.
In July 2021, in the midst of the Covid period, Air France even launched a “Ready to Fly” service which allows you to check travel documents a few days before your flight.
Also, depending on the territory, certain forms are also to be completed before the trip, such as the ESTA to go to the United States.
In addition, it is important to ensure the validity of your passport.
Because in case of expired papers or too just at the level of the expiry date, one can be seen refusing the access to the plane.
So check that your passport is still valid for at least six months after your return.
Why such a precaution?
Because you can request an extension of your visa during your stay and some countries want to avoid a potential expiry of your documents during this period.
Read alsoCovid-19: where to travel this fall?
The map of restrictions, country by country
Not taking enough time before catching your flight
The endless queues this summer to pass the security checks will have taught a good lesson to some travelers.
Arriving early, even very early, can save you from a lot of scares.
Between the reduced number of check-in counters and long queues for the security check, the waiting time can quickly lengthen.
Some airports, such as Heathrow in London, even limited the number of daily passengers for a period.
For long-haul flights, it is therefore best to arrive three hours before.
As a reminder, since the November 2015 attacks, security measures have been reinforced in France and random checks can be carried out by security officers, in accordance with European regulations.
This can therefore lead to times of
lying down when entering the boarding area.
If you don't have checked baggage, two hours will never be too much to go through these different stages in complete peace of mind.
Read alsoCrisis in the air: three tips for successfully flying despite everything
The long queues this summer have taught us to anticipate: arriving several hours before at the airport often allows you to plan a trip with complete peace of mind.
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Not having checked in online before
This is a step that only takes a few minutes and can save you from endless waiting at the check-in counters.
The day before or two days before if you have not taken an option, the airlines offer to check in online before arriving at the airport.
The objective: to obtain his boarding pass and go directly to the security checks.
The trick is effective for those who only travel with cabin baggage.
For others who would like to take a large suitcase, the counter step remains a must.
Read alsoShould you keep your boarding pass to be compensated by the airlines?
Not having prepared your luggage strategically
We can never say it enough: preparing your luggage can avoid many scares when going through security.
This involves a few basic rules, namely checking whether the size of your suitcase is the right size, but also consulting the list of authorized and prohibited products in advance.
For example, flammable items are prohibited, as are weapons, including toys.
In the cabin, sharp, cutting or pointed objects, such as scissors or razor blades are to be avoided.
You also need to be careful with liquids.
Bottles of more than 100 ml (apart from medicines, where a prescription must be provided) are not authorized in the cabin and will be confiscated and destroyed.
For the rest, they must be grouped together in a plastic bag, transparent, closed with a capacity of 1 liter maximum.
Also pay attention to the food you eat.
Some countries prohibit the importation of certain foods for health reasons, like the United States, which is not very fond of our charcuterie and some of our cheeses.
Again, check the regulations in the area before you leave.
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes would be to store the items you need in inaccessible places.
Keep your boarding pass, your passport and your phone in a small pocket near you, and bring together in one place all the objects and products that you will need to take out at the time of control.
This includes the liquid pouch, but also all electronic items, such as your computers and tablets.
Read alsoCabin baggage: these things to know to avoid disappointment at the airport
Not being dressed accordingly
Traveling is not like a fashion show.
Dressing simple can free you from many inconveniences.
Avoid any jewelery and belts that could ring when going through the security gate.
Certain pairs of shoes may also be subject to verification by agents.
Take the simplest possible sneakers, with a scratch for example.
In case of control, they will be easier to remove.
Similarly for children, avoid all sandals with straps or shoes with laces.
You will have many other things to manage.
