Airport survival tips
I have quite a love-hate relationship with airports. On the one hand it’s usually the beginning of a trip and trips are always fun. But on the other hand it takes hours to deal with irritating and over-fanatic security controllers that want to check that your creams and perfumes are not secret bombs and of course the ever-present fear that you’ll make something beep and will then have to strip down to your bare underwear. And after all that you cross your fingers hoping that you have no further delays, otherwise you are really done for. A date with an airport coming up in the near future? Then learn the following pointers by heart and bon voyage!
Easy clothing
Where something comfortable and don’t forget that a scarf is very important. No funky maxi dresses, wedges, forget loads of chains, necklaces and wrists full of bracelets and that cute hat. All these things yell ‘BOMB’ to security control. Simple trousers, flat shoes with soles that are not too chunky (no heels, in any case flying with heels is not chic), next to no jewelry and if it’s not necessary, forget the belt.
Large bag
I adore my PS11 from Proenza Schouler and together we have experienced many fab flying adventures, but she is just not big enough to stuff full with all my airport necessities. Especially when you’ve had the urge to do a spot of duty free shopping and you are left with 17 plastic bags to lug around. Not fun. I often take my red Stella McCartney along, everything fits from laptop to magazines, plus some.
Tech savvy
Do not be the person who brings a laptop full of movies, but then forgets to recharge her device. All devices that you take along must be plugged in and fully charged the night before.
Choose your queue
When lining up for the security check do you always choose the wrong queue? Sometimes it just seems to be the way it goes. In any case please note the following: avoid families. Parents need to help their children and children never listen and are always running away and they constantly whine, and all this takes time. The correct line is the one where the most businessmen or -women are found. They travel often, are efficient and will provide the least delay. Take note of how the people are dressed in the line. Hysterical women with decadently over the top outfits: not a smart move, because all those lovely accessories will have to be removed, and this too takes time.
Customs
Often you can choose your own line at passport control. Scan the officials and choose the one that has the most stripes on his coat. The more stripes, the higher the rank, therefore more experienced and thus he or she does their job more efficiently. In Germany they have stars instead of stripes and unfortunately in New York it’s all down to lady luck; someone is there to direct you to the line.
Passport vs ID-card
In Europe, you can travel with your ID card, which is highly recommended. It is small and can be kept in your wallet so you always have it packed. For those with a new passport, you guys can make use of the new electronic self scanning controls. As easy as having your passport on you, scanning it and walking through.
Suitcase
Try to avoid travelling with a suitcase and do so only if there is no other option (like if you’re going to NYFW for example, and you really can’t fit 12 pairs of heels into your hand luggage) then check in your suitcase. The rule is that when you have a direct flight your suitcase will be first on the conveyor belt if you checked it in as late as possible at the other end.
Your ticket
You have of course checked in at home online, your boarding pass is printed or you have a digital copy saved on your phone. Many airlines have an app where your ticket looks like a QR code and thus no more hassles with large paper tickets.
Be friendly
Be friendly to everyone. Do you still need to check in? Try the business class or fast track queue, with a bit of luck and a little fluttering of the eyelashes, they may be able to help you or at least move you to the front of the ‘normal’ queue. No upgrade, but at least you are at the front of the line.
