Advice for those unfamiliar with airports

There is this moment of leaving, this adventure, this stepping into the unknown.

And that is just finding the right terminal in an unfamiliar airport. Then the check-in, with the procedure that requires. Then passing through security. Then finding a spot to sit and wait, and finding something to drink, and listening out for the boarding instructions (which are sometimes difficult to hear and decipher over a sound system).

We are not even on the plane yet, but it has been an adventure, alright.

Many people travel infrequently, and between this and ever-changing airport facilities and systems, so it is challenging to know where to be and what to do.

But my first piece of advice is to give yourself plenty of time.

This starts with the journey to the airport. If you are planning to drive and park, look through the parking options online. Sometimes it is cheaper to pre-book online than to pay after you have parked.

And if you are planning to park, once again, leave plenty of time to walk or bus from the car park to the terminal.

If you decide on a taxi or rideshare, pre-book so that it’s done from your end (even though drivers may not pick up the job until just before the booking time).

Obviously leave plenty of time, particularly at peak hours when there might be lots of traffic, and school zones. The challenge sometimes is that although you know the route, you rarely go to these places and don’t know the local conditions. Google and Apple maps will give you an idea of time to get from home to the airport, but neither seems to quite account for the volume of Perth traffic these days. I invariably add a bit on — and then, when I come to book, slip the pick-up time back an extra 15 minutes. I’d rather be early than late and sitting in a traffic queue, panicking.

I use Uber and 13Cabs (the old Swan Taxis is now “powered by” 13Cabs), and neither have let me down. The best way to book, I think, is by downloading their Apps — Uber and 13Cabs.

If you are planning to use Uber, too, you have to set up an account, using your credit card as the payment method. Do this well before you travel, obviously, to make sure it is prepared and working.

At Perth Airport there are very often volunteers in yellow jackets. It’s a great public service, and I would head straight to one of these knowledgeable people, who so generously give their time. They will point you to the check-in area and departure channels.

Check-in for international flights will require your passport, of course, and you should have the visa for the countries you are heading to, if they are required. For domestic check-in, you only need photo ID, and a WA driving licence is good for this.

Check-in, even for domestic flights, can mostly be done before hand, online through the airline’s website or app. That’s where you can select seats and meal choices, too, for most tickets.

But there are also check-in kiosks at the airport, and there are a few airline representatives around if you get stuck.

Check-in bags need to be lifted onto the scales, where they will be tagged and scooted away.

And off you go through security.

Once you are in the departure area, it’s important to keep track of time. Work out where the gate is and I think it’s a comfortable plan to get there 20 or so minutes before boarding time.

But it is also important to listen out for instructions and changes over the sound system.

When you hear someone speak, make a conscious decision to listen.

There’s lots going on in an airport — lots of lights and sounds, disparate surfaces, people and procedures. Anyone feeling nervous about this might try a “dry run”. Drive or take a rideshare or taxi to the airport terminals, walk around, have a drink, and make yourself familiar with it.

Emirates have been running practice sessions internationally for young people who are sensitive to sensory stimuli, with families coming to an airport to familiarise themselves with the environment and procedures.

Which to me shows that for nervous travellers, too, a familiarisation visit may build confidence.

But I hope, too, that for those less or unfamiliar with travel, reading this will have helped a little — even if only to make the suggestion of mentally preparing as much as you can.

Have your valuables (phone, passport, drivers licence) in a bag that you know and feel comfortable with. Mine are in a bag that I’ve carried so long and know so well that if my phone, or even my passport in its holder, aren’t in the bag, I can feel the difference in its weight.

Know where everything is, and put it back in place after you’ve used it.

Then, work out the time you need, and add a bit on.

And breathe.