Airport Purgatory

 

Airport terminals with their exotic shopping and specific rules and regulations almost constitute separate countries themselves. You may not need a passport to visit one but will for any further international travel.

In Dante's Divine Comedy, Dante had to pass through Purgatory in order to move from the Inferno to Paradise guided by the friendly Virgil.

The airport is a modern form of limbo that all fliers must pass through before their final destination but istead of Virgil we have other ways to guide us to our final departure gates.

In most cases, everyone is experiencing the same difficulties as you- hunger, fatigue, and worried about being on time despite many delays.

Rules and directions will usually be spelled out clearly in English or Pictographs even in non-English countries but may not be in the usual format you are looking for.

Nothing can get you into trouble faster than not obeying the rules- no smoking, no photos and no contrabands.

Have your travel documents organized and accessible because they may be needed sooner than you think. Some airports have check points which can slow down travel.

People moving devices- escalators, slidewalks and elevators are safe but children should be supervised and not use them as toys.

F you need help ask for it since wheel chairs and golf cart transports are often available.

When transferring one of my patients with unstable angina (as a medical companion) we ordered a wheelchair in advance for this man. We did have to fight off other passengers attempting t hijack our wheelchair though- so book in advance!

Passengers with heavy luggage have been known to hurt their backs or shoulders while grabbing 6heir items. Fortunately there is a valet service to also help you.

Be prepared for delays. Any trip with multiple airport transports gets complicated by a breakdown at any step

 

My friends Jim and Judy from Vancouver surprised me with their luggage secrets. While attending a conference in Greece they revealed they only travel with carry on bags for everything they bring Any purchases they make are shipped home.. They always have light loads and never wait at the baggage carousel making them one step ahead of the crowd in lineups for taxis, security, and customs. They have effectively removed excess baggage from their lives.

 

The Canadian and American Border services have co-developed the new Nexus program which is like an express line through customs for low risk pre-approved travelers into Canada and the US. Only specific designated airports or crossings will have these self service kiosks. While this was originally intended as way to manage lineups more efficiently I argue that this will also make the airport experience healthier and be a ticket out of airport limbo.

To learn about the eligibility, registration and full details visit www.nexus.gc.ca. or speak with your border officer. If more people opt into this service this will help everyone get home sooner.

Airports are purgatory until we get someplace better but a positive attitude will use a layover to your advantage- allowing you to make a heaven out of hell.