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.
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