Before jetting off on a much anticipated vacation or business trip, it’s important to make sure you have your own, pre travel checklist for airport departures, so that you have all your ducks in a row. From booking the essentials to ensuring you have all necessary documents, having a checklist can help alleviate stress and ensure a smooth journey before you get to the airport. In this article, we’ll outline the essential items to include on your pre travel checklist to help you prepare for a seamless airport experience.

This article is not just about ticking off bookings and purchases from your pre travel check list. But also guides you into doing the kind of research that will help your trip go without a hiccup.

Remember also, that booking ahead can often save a few bucks, so there’s extra incentive to have some pre trip planning.

So I guess you already know where and when you want to travel. But there’s a couple of things you may want to tick off on your pre trip check list before booking your flight.

1. Passport is up to date

The last thing you want is to book an international flight, especially one a couple of weeks away, only to realise your passport is out of date. You will most definitely struggle to get a new one in time.

Check your passport expiry date, and if in doubt about the length of time needed on your passport, check the destination countries entry requirements. Usually the requirement is 6 months left from your departure date and 2 blank pages.

2. Visa information

And I’m not talking about credit cards. Find out what the entry requirements are visa wise before booking. Best case scenario is no visa required or visa on arrival, simple. Worst case, you may need a pre arranged meeting at a local embassy or consulate, which could take a few months to arrange. This isn’t so common though. There could be a fee involved for a visa.

Tip! If a visa purchase is made online, check your national governments travel advice page for the country you’re traveling to. There you should get the correct link, avoiding scam sites that will either steal your money, or charge over inflated prices.

3. Know where the airport is

Nothing to worry about if it’s an airport you have visited in the past. But knowing the airport location can prevent any issues, such as transport problems, or even turning up at the wrong airport. Issues can also arise if connections are involved and you need to change airports. 

There are many big cities, New York, London, Paris and many more that have multiple airports. And some may have the name of a large city, but in fact be an hour or 2 away from the city itself.

4. Book your flight

With all the above in order, you can now book the flights and tick it off on your pre travel checklist for airport departures. Purchase any extras you know for sure you will need, now. Such as luggage and seats. If you change your mind, it can cost more later. Arrange any special assistance through the airline now as well, if that’s something you require.

5. Add Insurance to your pre trip checklist for the the airport

There are still many things to arrange, but the number 1 job after booking a flight is to make sure travel insurance is in order. This will insure that any unforeseen issues that cause you to cancel your trip, will result in minimal losses financially.

6. Transport options.

Not all will apply to everyone, but now’s the time to research, plan, and add the arrangement of transport to the airport, on to your pre trip check list.

Which terminal you fly from.

This will help when arranging transport, or booking parking. Will be located on your ticket or e ticket.

How long to arrive before departure.

Usually advised on the airlines website, good to know for arranging arrival times at the airport.

Drop off charges.

Find this out if being dropped off by friends or family to avoid a nasty shock. A lot of airports these days can charge a heavy fee for drop off and collection. For the budget minded, try looking at the airport website to see if there’s a free drop off area. Sometimes an outer car park may be used for free drop off.

Airport parking.

One you can get really stung on if leaving it to the last min. So book the airport parking early.

Book Transportation.

Whether it’s a taxi, bus or train. It’s likely going to be cheaper if you book early.

7. Book accommodation

Unless you plan to go with the flow, now’s the time to start looking or booking accommodation. It will be one less headache to arrange before leaving.

8. Arrange activities

With accommodation sorted, now tick off the rest of your destination bookings from your pre trip check list. Any tours, day trips or evening entertainment venues can be booked ahead. Or if cheaper while there, at least find out where you can purchase.

Any transport between destinations should be looked into now as well.

9. Add a packing list to your checklist for airport departures

Yes, so you are making a pre departure check list. And you will want to tick off having another list, a packing list.  Simple really, just a list of what you will bring. Clothes, toiletries, electronics, medication etc.

10. Get clued up on any restrictions

Know your limits on medication, not just quantities, but what may also be illegal at the destination.

Also, make sure you understand what can be taken through security in your hand luggage. Liquids, no sharp objects, etc.

11. Luggage requirements

You won’t want to arrive at the airport and pay fees for oversized and overweight bags. So find out before packing, the dimensions and weights of all luggage you need, both carry on and check in. The airline’s website will have this information. If you realise you need, but haven’t already arranged extra bags while booking your flight. It will still be cheaper to do so now rather than closer to the time.

You now have the bulk of your bookings and arrangements sorted, you’re getting near the end of your pre trip plan. The next stages would be put into action about a week before departure.

12. Confirmations and print outs

Start making any needed confirmations for accommodation, trips, tours, etc.

Then get on and print out copies of accommodation details, insurance, tour bookings, any transport, and your flight e ticket, (you will still have to print out the boarding pass nearer the time). At the same time, you can add any digital passes/tickets to your phone’s digital wallet.

13. Pack

Start packing. Or at least get the suitcase out, and start preparing your belongings to take with you.

I can tell you from first hand experience though, that this is all easier said than done. I try my best, but can still end up packing 2 minutes before I leave. So don’t be like me.

The final parts of the pre travel check list will commence a day or 2, before you leave your home or accommodation.

14. Online check in

Definitely do this if you are able to. Most commonly available from 24 hours before flight departure, but can vary. Whichever way it is, it’s best to do so asap. Airlines do overbook, resulting in passengers being bumped from their flight. And it’s usually the unlucky ones who arrive last at the airport check in desk, having not already completed online check in.

Some low cost or budget airlines may have online check in available many weeks before departure.

15. Remaining pre departure checks

Your pre travel checklist for airport departures ends with some last minute checks and double checks.

Weigh luggage

Confirm to yourself that there’s going to be no over sized baggage fees.

Check flight status

Make sure your itinerary is as expected.

Check the route to the airport

Whatever means of transport you take, check the route is clear. You can plan to leave earlier if possible, reroute the journey, etc. Look out for road maintenance, closures, and even the weather forecast.

Essentials in carry on

Go through your carry on bag, seeing if your essentials such as medication, electronic devices, valuables, etc are packed.

PASSPORT, TICKET, PHONE, BANK CARD, IMPORTANT MEDICATION

LAST CHECK, IMPORTANT.

If there’s anything you’re going to check for pre trip departure, then it’s the above. Doesn’t matter what else you may have forgotten, (More expensive yes, but you still have a holiday). But a passport will let you into your destination. An air ticket gets you there. The phone gives you contact. And a bank card ensures you are fed and watered.

In conclusion, having a pre-travel checklist for airport departures can help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience before boarding your flight. By organizing your documents, packing essentials, and completing necessary tasks ahead of time, you can minimize the chances of forgetting important items or facing last-minute hurdles at the airport. By following this checklist, you can focus on enjoying your journey and making lasting memories without worrying about potential setbacks. Safe travels!