With the Christmas crowds just around the corner, is there any way to make your airport experience that bit easier? Our airport insiders share their top tips that could help make your next journey through the terminal a total breeze

Clare Davidson, BA Customer Service Agent, Heathrow T5 (below)
“Check in online and try not to carry too much hand luggage. Especially around Christmas time, many people will have coats, scarves and hats. It can really slow things down at security.”

Ian Blackman, BA Area Customer Service and Operations Manager for South East USA, Central America and Caribbean, Miami
“For citizens travelling through the US, it’s well worth signing up to the TSA’s PreCheck. It’s available at more than 180 US airports and can be a huge time saver. Members are prescreened and can speed through security without having to take off their shoes or remove laptops from cases. The U.S. Customs Department’s Global Entry program is another option which allows frequent international travellers to bypass long immigration and customs lines.”

Bruno Palma, BA Worldwide Cabin Crew
“Make sure you read the airport signs, because there are many different ways and places to check in – group, Club, First and self-service – and it’s important that you’re in the right area. Also, minimise your hand luggage, that way you’ll be much quicker at boarding and on arrival.”

Jessica Parr, BA Cabin Crew and founder of thelayoverlife.com
“When it comes to your carry on bag, pack any liquids and electricals (laptop, iPad, etc) at the top of the bag, that way they’re easy to unload and reload at airport security.”

Tim Porter, BA Mixed Fleet Cabin Crew (below)
“For getting into the airport, I can’t live without CityMapper. Once when the Piccadilly Line Tube to Heathrow was cancelled I couldn’t get into work – CityMapper gave me alternative routes and the time needed for each. It directed me onto a series of three buses and I made it in on time!”

Piers Croft, BA Head of Customer Experience, London City Airport
“Make sure you know which items are classed as liquids and put them in a clear plastic bag before you enter the security area – they’re available for free at most airports. Lip balms and inhalers often catch people out, and if your bag gets rejected by the X-ray machine you’ll waste valuable minutes having it checked and re-screened, when you could be relaxing in the departure lounge before your flight.”

Dominic Williams, BA Mixed Fleet Cabin Crew (below)
“Listen to the announcements at the airport and on board so the plane can leave on time. Also, if you have minimal hand luggage, try to take your seat before you deal with it, so people can get past you and the aisle isn’t clogged up before take-off.”

Harriet Baskas, of stuckatheairport.com
“Use the British Airways app to check-in for flights and download boarding passes for multiple travellers in your party. You can also use that app to track flight status, choose seats and, if you're using an iPhone, plot out which movies you'll watch during your flight.”

Catherine Wilson, BA Internal Communications Specialist, New York
“This sounds simple – but if you’re navigating a big airport and are in a rush to get to your gate, always use elevators instead of escalators. It can save you precious minutes.”

Download the new app for iPhone and Android at ba.com/apps

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This article has been tagged Opinion, Travel Tips