Airports can be exciting because they mean travel, but they can also be stressful! Because of the nature of flying, there are several problems you can run into at the airport, from check-in to boarding and even upon arrival.
The thought of these problems alone can cause anxiety, but there’s no need to be nervous if you know exactly how to solve them if they happen. Delays are still a significant fuss for travelers when it comes to flying.
Advertisement
While the chances of delays can be minimized when flying from some of the world’s best airports, they can still happen because of unforeseen conditions. Another major headache is lost luggage, so it’s important to pack a strategic carry-on with essential items.
Just remember—every problem is fixable! Airlines want you to fly with them again, and airport staff are there to help, so if there’s an issue, they want to solve it as much as you do.
In this article, we’ll discuss 11 likely problems you can run into at the airport and the best possible ways to solve them.
1. Overbooked Flights
When airlines sell more tickets for a specific flight than seats available on the aircraft, the result is overbooked flights! A number of factors, including aircraft modifications, operational requirements, and no-show passengers, may contribute to this scenario.
Advertisement
Although overbooking is done to increase profits, it can cause problems for travelers. Overbooking may occur on flights on popular routes or during peak travel times.
When that happens, airlines could look for volunteers who are prepared to give up their seats in return for cash, travel vouchers, or discounts on subsequent flights. Knowing this makes the situation less stressful and provides a sense of empowerment and control.
In addition, passengers may be forced to board if additional volunteers step forward. Passengers can offer to be bumped, but they should ensure they have enough money for lodging, transportation, and hotel insurance before departing.
Some credit cards come with cost-sharing and trip delay insurance. Involuntarily bumped individuals may be entitled to up to $1,300 in compensation.
2. Misplaced Travel Documents
Misplacing travel documents, such as passports, might result in anxiety and trip plan disruption. However, travelers can take steps to minimize the impact of losing travel documents.
First, take a moment to pause and walk back every step—especially in areas where other passengers have unzipped their bags. If the search is unsuccessful, travelers within the country can go to the Transportation Security Administration and request to board without presenting an ID.
When visiting another country, travelers must request an emergency passport and get assistance from the closest embassy or consulate. It is recommended that they report a lost passport to the country’s Department of State via mail, phone, or email.
3. Travel Sickness
Travel sickness is a genuine and frequent concern when flying, mainly if the trip includes lengthy layovers at several airports in different time zones.
To reduce the effects of travel sickness, ensure you get enough sleep the night before your flight, drink plenty of water, and avoid heavy meals. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider using acupressure bracelets or over-the-counter drugs.
Although most airports have pharmacies with necessary medications, it’s always a good idea to bring your own, particularly if you’ll be making multiple airport stops on your trip.
In addition, investing in lounge access is a great strategy to prevent getting sick at the airport when traveling: the body responds well to warm showers, flat mattresses, and free-flowing beverages for re-hydration between flights.
4. Stolen Items
Regrettably, airports’ hectic atmosphere makes them perfect targets for theft. Numerous tourists have discovered that their phones and wallets disappeared while they were focused on protecting their passports.
It is even possible that all of their baggage was taken. Being well-organized is essential since you are more prone to forgetting things when you are stressed out.
Take your time, keep your valuables close at hand, and get a unique suitcase. A bright yellow bag decorated with stickers is more challenging to take off the luggage carousel than an unassuming black suitcase.
Go straight to the airport authority or nearest security officer if you see something missing. Your chances of apprehending the robber increase with speed.
5. Being at the Wrong Airport and the Wrong Terminal
You’d be shocked at how many people misinterpret the terminal where their flight is leaving from, or worse, misinterpret the entire airport.
There are several airports near some destinations, so it’s possible to unintentionally reserve a flight that arrives at or departs from a different airport. Ensure you verify the airport’s name both when making your reservation and the night before your journey.
Frequently, when a flight is booked, a specific terminal is indicated; nevertheless, the carrier may have subsequently altered it. Signing up for airline alerts is also a smart move since these notify passengers of any last-minute changes to the terminal.
It’s best to double, triple, and quadruple-check the airport name and terminal number—better safe than sorry!
6. Miss Your Flight
One of the problems you can run into at the airport is missing a flight! However, it happens frequently, so there are lots of solutions available. The easiest method to ensure you get your flight is to arrange to be at the airport well in advance.
If you miss a flight, contact an airline representative as soon as you can; they will typically assist you in securing a seat on the subsequent trip. Remember to notify the airline if you’re going to miss a flight.
Funds and airfare privileges are more likely to be granted the earlier you anticipate the delay and inform them of it. Purchasing tickets for flights with flat tire coverage can be worthwhile if you shorten your trips.
This policy basically states that, under certain circumstances, an airline will provide you with a complimentary seat on another aircraft.
7. Delayed Flight
Avoid selecting an aircraft that arrives at your location mere seconds before you require it. Flight delays, which can extend from twenty minutes to twelve hours, are surprisingly common, so always give yourself wiggle space.
If the delay is lengthy, you can be eligible for reimbursement, and the airline must at least give you meal coupons. Remain composed, and don’t give up; you’ll succeed in the end.
8. Canceled Flight
The airline is accountable for getting you there in the event that your flight is canceled. When you read ‘CANCELED’ in bold red letters next to your flight number, it may be tempting to freak out, but don’t!
They will rebook you on the next available flight or find another route! Some people have their flights canceled, which allows them to take a direct flight or have a shorter layover, which will enable them to reach their destination sooner.
You see, they can even function in your favor.
9. Huge Security Lines
One of the problems you can run into at the airport is when you arrive at security and find a long line, even though you have an hour to get through it.
There’s a simple fix for this, so don’t worry—you won’t miss your flight because you’re trapped in a line. Present your boarding pass to a security officer when you flag them down.
If you don’t make it to your flight, they will push you to the front of the line so you have more time to go to your gate. Of course, if you say nothing, they can’t do that, so say something!
10. Stressful Passport Control
When it comes to arrivals, passport control can be a real pain. For instance, the lines can be expanded for security purposes (you can only skip them this time if your connection time is brief).
Above all, though, the interview process itself can be frightening. Since Customs & Border Patrol (or its equivalent nationwide) is a law enforcement agency and not a customer service company, they can be brief and direct.
If you want to leave the airport, you could feel tempted to become defensive in response to their seemingly intrusive queries. Stay calm and respond courteously. Don’t go into more than necessary information. You’ll leave much more quickly.
11. Long Layovers
Layovers are a common reason for waiting in an airport. Make sure you have a book and that any electronics you plan to use are well charged instead of depending on the entertainment options at the airport.
In this case, planning can save you a great deal since otherwise, you would have to sit there for hours on end staring into space. You can also study at the airport! There are even sleeping pods at some airports.
Wrapping up
There you have it: Some of the problems you can run into at the airport and how you can solve them to have a safe trip! We hope this guide has been helpful enough. All the best.