Holiday Tips - How to Survive the Airport

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For many people, the airport is the most stressful part of the holiday. Sometimes the process is a dream, but much more commonly it feels like a nightmare. If it isn't a giant queue at check-in, then it's frantically checking your million bags for your passport or losing your way in the maze of gates and having to run through the airport to catch your plane. Indeed, airport experiences are never going to be perfect, but here are some tips to make sure yours is as painless as possible:

Before you get there:

- Check and double-check your itineraries
- Make sure any special needs are sorted out before you leave for the airport
- Gather all important documents together and store them in a safe place so you won't spend ages panicking and searching for your passport
- If possible, use a check-in online option. Maybe airlines offer them these days and they can safe you a lot of time, particularly if you only have carry-on baggage.
- Double-check you have no banned items in your carry-on luggage: be extra careful, as this can be include harmless-looking things like nail files
- Seal any liquids, gels and creams you'll be taking with you in a clear plastic bag ready for inspection. Check online ahead of time how large the containers are allowed to be - often it is less than 150ml and includes things like makeup and cosmetics.
- Research the airport online to find out how long it usually take to get from checking in to reaching your gate.
- Dress comfortably - dress in layers so you can be comfortable whatever the temperature happens to be.

Getting to the airport:

- Allow yourself plenty of time - two hours ahead of your departure time for international flights and one hour ahead for domestic flights.
- If necessary, plan your transport and route to the airport.
- If driving, make sure you have booked airport parking in advance. If a friend is driving, make sure they are aware where drop-off points or short-term parking are.
- If taking public transport, check beforehand that there are no road works or expected delays that could lengthen your journey time.

On arrival:

- Prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario - bring some snacks and something to read in case of long waits
- Do not leave your baggage unattended (this goes without saying, surely?)
- Watch the display boards announcing your departure gate for any updates.
- Drink plenty of water before the flight to avoid becoming dehydrated.

For more holiday tips, information and more CLICK HERE.

Follow Kathryn on Twitter at @KC_HolidayCheck

Kathryn Castle writes on a range of subjects for HolidayCheck, including how to look your best on holiday or while traveling! For more tips, tricks and bargains click here.

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The New T1 at Barcelona Airport - What the Changes Mean For Passengers

Posted by admin / at 7:44 AM / / 0 comments

It was in June of this year that Barcelona El Prat airport's brand new Terminal One opened for passengers and, so far, it has managed to avoid most of the teething problems which beset similar events in Madrid and London Heathrow. Early indications were that, although check-in was taking a little longer than usual, passengers were, on the whole, impressed by the new buildings.

Designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofíll, the new terminal, has an abundance of impressive statistics - 168 check-in desks, 15 baggage carousels (each one equivalent to 4 in the old terminal) and already 81 shops and restaurants, which will rise to a total of 116 when everything is fully operational.

But what does it mean for people flying to Barcelona, apart from the fact they will have more shops?

Well, until the early autumn, the only airlines flying in and out of the terminal will be those of the Star Alliance group but then One World Alliance partners, Vueling and Sky Team will also join them. The majority of the low cost airlines will continue to fly into the old terminal for the time being. Previously, El Prat had three designated terminals in the building, A,B and C and these will simply be re-named Terminal 2A, 2B and 2C. Obviously travellers will need to check their ticket to confirm which terminal they will be flying into. If your ticket simply says Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 then you should have no problems but, for a short time, there might be people with A,B or C on their ticket. If that is the case, then you will need to check with your airline or the AENA website because the ticket does not contain the up-to-the-minute information you require.

Terminal 1 does have two large car parks - with in excess of 12,000 spaces - with plenty of Blue Badge spaces on the second floor of each of the nine-storey blocks. There are shuttle buses linking the two terminal buildings - a 14 minute journey which is free to passengers - and, if you should be passing through Barcelona in transit and need to change Terminal buildings for your connecting flight, there are airside shuttles.

For those people who want to journey into Barcelona by train, the RENFE station remains adjacent to Terminal 2 but there is a shuttle bus service from the new building.

A word of warning here, though. At the time of writing, you would be strongly advised not to take a taxi from Terminal 1 to the station or Terminal 2 unless it is a genuine emergency. The minimum fare, even for this journey of less than 10 minutes, is currently €20.

If you ever had to walk the length of what is now Terminal 2 in order to get from Terminal A to C, you will be relieved to know that in the new Terminal 1, although the distances can be equally as long, at least there are moving walkways. It is just as well as some of the gates are quite a distance from the main areas.

Anyone who suffered in the congestion of the old El Prat terminal building cannot help but be overjoyed at the opening of the new Terminal 1. With plenty of space - it covers 134.43 acres of land, an abundance of retail and food outlets as well as places to wait, and with some splendid views over the runways, the sea and nearby wooded areas, it should make Barcelona airport a much more pleasant experience.

See Barcelona Travelogue for more information on Barcelona Airport and flights to Barcelona.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Hazard

San Jose Airport Information

Posted by admin / at 7:37 AM / / 0 comments

The San Jose Airport was first conceived in 1939 when wholesaler and future San Jose mayor Ernie Renzel purchased the Stockton Ranch with plans to build an airport there. In 1945, James Nissen, a test pilot, leased some land there to build a runway, hangar and office for his privately owned flight school. After the city approved the building of a municipal airport, Nissen sold his share of the land and worked with Renzel to plan and develop the project.

But it wasn't until 1965, after decades of planning and development, that the city saw the completion of what is now Terminal C. In 2001, SJC was renamed the Norman Y. Mineta International Airport, after another former SJ mayor and congressman.

The city of San Jose is the most populous city in the Bay Area. Its airport, however, is actually the smallest of the three airports in the region. The San Jose International Airport (SJC) services less than a third of the number of passengers that go through the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). SJC is largely used by residents for whom SFO is too far out of the way. In the next few years, however, a long-planned expansion of San Jose International Airport is come near completion. The renovation includes a brand new and bigger architectural design as well a renovated San Jose airport parking structure.

The first expansion plan was made in 2004, and it included the creation of a single, consolidated terminal with 40 gates as well as a VTA light rail and a new BART station connecting to the new terminal. There would also be a new SJC parking garage and new short-term parking structure. In 2005, however the plan was revised, and a new, more scaled back plan was passed. This new plan includes a North Concourse, expected for completion in 2010. Terminal A will be expanded, with additional check in counters; drop-off and pick-up curb space and security check points. The projected cost of this new plan is roughly $1.3 billion. The original plan was $3 billion. The sail shape design of the airport and the master plan were created by Gensler and the Steinberg Group.

When going to the airport, parking is always important to travelers. Next time when you need to park, see how San Jose airport parking makes it easier for you traveling.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Frank