How to get off the plane and through immigration in 12 minutes
Airport organisation is something of an art form, and like everything, practice makes perfect. Knowing when to pull documents out of your bag, when to put them back, taking advantage of people movers and leaving your phone tightly secure in your bag will help you to make it through the arrivals gate fast, with belongings and sanity still intact.
So, the planes landed, and the lights in the cabin have flickered on. Here we go;
Step 1: Be prepared
Ensure you have everything ready to go, so you’re not one of those people fumbling around in the aisle, stuffing their books and customs papers into your carry-on. You should already have everything conveniently placed in your bags, and any bags in the overhead locker should have been check on so as to manoeuvre them into an easy-to-grab position.
Step 2: Keep important items close
Make sure your custom card and passport are either in your pocket, your hand, or an extremely accessible compartment of your handbag.
Step 3: Be a little pushier than usual
No one likes those obnoxious people that push their way to the front of the cabin before the door is even open. However, a lot of us are overly polite on airplanes and wait unnecessarily for others. If you see potential to get stuck behind a family of seven children with about 42 carry-on bags, it’s okay to be a little assertive.
Step 4: Power walk!
Don’t linger on the ramp for the rest of your group as it disrupts the flow of traffic. Walk as fast as is comfortable for you, keeping to the left hand side of the ramp. If your partner is a little held up behind aforementioned family of seven, and they don’t need your assistance walking, wait for them outside the gate. Also, don’t make any calls or even pull out your phone at this point-it will only slow you down.
Step 5: Don’t go to the bathroom unless it’s an emergency
Think about it, the bathrooms on this side of customs are going to not only be a lot busier, but a lot dirtier. If you can, wait till you’ve gone through. If you’re someone with a small bladder, make going to the bathroom a part of your pre-landing routine.
Step 6: People movers
Travelators and escalators are there to make your life easier. If you want an extra speed boost or just need a rest, jump on all of these you can.
Step 7: Be alert
Once you join the queue for the immigration line, pay attention to what the expeditor tells you. Have your papers ready. Don’t have your cell phone out. Take off your hat. Open your passport to the page with your photo and present it to the immigration officer already open. If you have a visa you have to present upon entry, flag that page with a sticky note so it’s easy for the officer to find.
Do you have any tips for getting through immigration fast? Let us know in the comments section below.
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