Travel broadcaster Phil Blizzard looks at some smart tips on how to ease your way through any airport as the seasonal rush builds up.

The tips are based an advisory from Dubai Airports for passengers to ease their travel through Dubai International as part of preparations for the seasonal rush of travellers anticipated to hit peak later this week and over the weekend. However the smart tips are relevant to most airports around the world.

Aim to arrive early at the airport. It is best to leave a minimum of three hours for check-in and passport control. Take into consideration daily rush hours and available routes in calculating your commuting time to the airport

Leave extra time for your journey to the airport as the roads will be very busy.

Please say your goodbyes at home.


Check with the airline in advance for information on your baggage allowance. Irrespective of the allowance, a single unit of baggage weighing more than 32kgs will not be accepted at check-in. You should expect to be charged for baggage in excess of the limit set by your respective airline.


It is always simpler to pack liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) in your check-in baggage. However, if you have to carry LAGs in your hand luggage, make sure they are in a clear re-sealable plastic bag. Each item should not be more than 100ml and the total content of all items should not be more than one litre.
 
To save time at the security screen put anything metal – watch, jewellery, mobile phone, coins, belt – into your hand luggage well before you arrive at the X-ray machine.
 

Be sure to check which airport/terminal you are departing from before leaving home.
 
Beat the queues by checking-in online or using the self-service check-in kiosks in the departures hall. Customers with baggage can make use of the quick baggage drop counters, while those carrying only hand luggage can proceed directly to Immigration.

Using the e-Gate card helps avoid queuing at passport control, both while arriving and on departure.

Bearing in mind the above should help to make your travel through any airport somewhat smoother.

Phil Blizzard - Dubai