A seasoned British traveller who has visited more than 100 countries has revealed his insider secrets for guaranteeing a seamless airport experience. Lee Thompson, co-founder of the group solo travel company Flash Pack, has boarded over 1,000 flights and passed through hundreds of global terminals.
Mastering The Airport Rhythm
While major hubs are engineered for efficiency, Thompson believes many passengers inadvertently make their journeys harder. "Airports work best when you understand the rhythm," he explains. "Once you do, the whole experience becomes calmer and in some cases, surprisingly enjoyable." After years of trial and error, he swears by several key strategies for stress-free travel.
His cardinal rule is to arrive earlier than conventional wisdom suggests. He notes that turning up two hours before departure often means hitting peak queues. Arriving three hours early removes pressure and grants precious time to eat, shop, or simply reset before the flight.
Security Savvy And Luggage Logic
Preparation is everything at security, but it must happen in the queue, not at the scanner. Thompson advises having all liquids, belts, and pocket contents ready to go before you reach the trays, using a coat pocket or backpack as a temporary holding bay. Lane choice is also critical: newer scanners are faster, and queues of solo travellers typically move more swiftly than those filled with families and bulky hand luggage.
When it comes to baggage, Thompson warns against common protective measures that can backfire. He strongly advises against cling-wrapping, padlocking, or using flashy suitcases, arguing they attract unwanted attention rather than providing security. "I’ve seen cling film sliced open, padlocks ripped off and bags slashed with knives," he states. "It doesn’t protect your bag - it advertises it. A flashy suitcase is basically a giant pound sign. The safest luggage is boring luggage."
In-Air Comfort And Arrival Ease
Thompson's wisdom extends to life onboard. He cautions against giving children too much sugary food during flights, as the mix with altitude and turbulence can lead to "chaos." He recalls a memorable flight: "I once watched two children projectile-vomit across entire rows after being fed sweets throughout the flight. It was like a horror film. What feels kind in the moment can turn chaotic at 35,000 feet."
He always travels with an empty one-litre water bottle to fill post-security and brings his own light, nutritious snacks. "Plane food timings rarely match hunger, so being prepared makes the whole flight far more comfortable," he notes. He also assumes seatback screens may fail, so downloading films and podcasts in advance is essential.
Upon arrival, he avoids the common sin of 'luggage lounging'—crowding the baggage carousel. Instead, he waits calmly until his bag appears. "I actually find baggage reclaim relaxing. I sit back, check emails and wait until I see my bag," he says.
His final, overarching tip is simple: kindness is a powerful tool. "I’ve skipped queues and been helped countless times just by being calm and polite," Thompson reveals. He suggests that for a small fee, an airport porter can lift your bags and transform a stressful arrival into a calm one. His conclusion? "Once you stop fighting the system and start working with it, airports become a lot less stressful and occasionally, even enjoyable."
