A Marathon
Ever ran a marathon through JFK, Heathrow or Hong Kong's International Airport? I have, unintentionally. It's much easier running marathons with workout gear, Gatorade stands and cheering fans versus fully clothed, parched and stressed.
A Sweaty Flight Earlier this year, I arrived at my flight to Istanbul sweaty---awesome way to start a flight---thanks to my race through Heathrow. I didn't give myself enough time. I learned my lesson after begging the Turkish Airways check-in agents to re-open the desk and respectfully dodging the 100-person-long security line-up, followed by a brisk 30 min run from security to my flight---and that's not even half the story.
Not all Layovers are Equal Travel professionals know that not all layovers are created equal. If you're a DIY traveler booking your flight path online, you may not know the ins and outs of layover planning. It's not worth risking a slightly earlier arrival at your destination to try and beat the system of deplaning, customs, baggage and security. If you're about to book an international trip online, heed the timing recommendations below.
Layover Timing Recommendations Small Regional Airports - allow 1.5 hours Domestic Airports - allow 2 hours International Airports - allow 2.5 hours Multi-Terminal International Airports - allow 3 hours
Considerations
- Bigger, multi-terminal airports provide more opportunities for delays
- What are the security regulations for each leg of your flight? For example, Israel's immigration is known for very thorough questioning, so being at the airport at least 3 hours in advance is essential.
- Are you transferring to the same or a different carrier?
- Where are you going?
[photo by chadmagiera]
We used to send messenger pigeons. Then we wrote letters. Then we used tin cans connected by a wire. Then we made collect phone calls. Then we sent faxes. Then we sent emails. Then we updated our facebook status. Then we tweeted. Then we called for free. Wow!
Apps are changing the way we travel one download at a time. I *love* travel guide books, but compared to apps, they are like phone books -- you have to flip through a bunch of pages to find the info you're looking for. In contrast, apps are immediate, not to mention the bonus updates they automatically download so the info remains fresh and you don't need to buy a new edition.
Example
Here's an example of how apps are changing the way we travel. Let's say you're going to Europe for a summer getaway. Here's what you might bring:
10 YEARS AGO
One big guidebook or several country-specific ones, a language-learning tape or CD, walkman or diskman, tapes or CDs, foreign language dictionary/phrase book, airline tix, hotel & rental car confirmations, books, newspaper, maps, itinerary, mobile phone, camera
I know you're hip, you know you're hip and my mom knows you're hip. You're the type who flies Virgin America's first class (or who wants to), tweets while at 35,000 ft and orders a G+T (hold the lime) in-flight. But, could your cool cat-ness be threatened by a chain hotel stay when you're lounging in S. Beach next month? Pas de problème, the StayHIP iPhone App rescues you from the mundane and transports you into boutique hotel bliss for over 40 countries worldwide. Search boutique hotels in your destination by your flavor of the month: beach, industrial, lux, urban, chill, etc... to find the right place, the right crowd and the right vibe.
Using the app, i just found a