9 people you see in the airport security queue

You know the feeling. You check in online, drop your bag and head towards the security checkpoint at a leisurely pace, passport and smartphone boarding pass in hand. You have so much time to kill; you consider grabbing a coffee on your way but then change your mind after considering the pitfalls of having to down the whole cup when you start to queue.

You’re happy with your decision and then you see it. A massive barely moving hoard of people that resembles an extra casting call for “The Walking Dead”. All you can do to pass the time without draining your phone battery is people watch, but let’s be honest, it’s more entertaining than anything your Facebook friends have to offer.

Next time you find yourself lining up for your much awaited flight, keep an eye out for these 9 people you always see in the queue for airport security.

1. The person bound for a stag or hen do

You hear them before you see them. They’re the ones you give the side eye to, but secretly envy as they head to Prague for the weekend they’ll never remember. They are usually spotted with an alcoholic beverage glued to their hand wearing matching tops and embarrassing hats. Straight after security check they usually head off for more Sambuca shots and that’s usually the last you’ll see of them (you’ll hear them on the plane, that’s guaranteed).

2. The person who refuses to admit their hand baggage is WAY too big

They swear it’s regulation and they’ve taken it aboard planes before, but you’re convinced this is an old wives’ tale they’ve rehearsed in front of a mirror as they lug it through the winding queue, nearly taking out every pole they weave past. They can also be seen struggling to cram their bag into one of the hand baggage size receptacles, hoisting it onto the conveyor belt using all of their leg strength, or later, arms flailing as they argue over the need to gate check.

3. The person who forgot to separate their liquids and gels

We understand last-minute packing – who hasn’t been there? And it can be easy to forget you have eye drops or a tube of lip gloss in your pocket, but did they really think that a jug-sized Marmite was going to make it through? No one wants to be in the queue behind the person downing the 2-litres of spring water by the bins – and no one wants to be in the aisle seat of a row with that same person later.

4. The person wearing way too many layers

We understand paying extra for luggage is a bit annoying, but going to extreme measures of wearing five or more layers, looks just, well, stupid, and these people unwilling to cough up the cash unpack their bags and start to put all their clothes on just to save some pennies. And to the annoyance of us queuing behind them, they don’t usually stop until they have about 8 layers of clothing on them and they look like a yeti. We wish them good luck in the summer season.

5. The person who doesn’t have to take their shoes off

We all put our shoes on one foot at a time, and we all take them off the same way. Unless you’re over 75 or randomly selected, in which case you’ve earned that elusive right to mosey through security without dirtying up your socks. But, everyone’s seen the person who’s let the power go to their heads, turning their noses up at all those folks begrudgingly unlacing. Remember, you were there once, too.

6. The person who insists on using five plastic trays

Save some for the rest of us. We get that you need your laptop and it’s required that you give it its own plastic tray, and maybe you don’t want your shoes touching your hat, but are your sunglasses too cool to share a tray with your jumper and your plastic bag of liquids?

7. The person too hungover to follow directions

These are easily recognisable, they smell of whisky and they avoid everyone and everything, hence they’re not paying any attention. They can only handle one task at a time, and right now their only mission is to propel themselves forward in a timely fashion. Soon they’ll be able to doze off (or continue drinking) in the relative comfort of their economy seat but until then, they still have a job to do- just to get through that security check as swiftly as possible.

8. The person bound for a Spanish beach holiday

Everyone has seen these super-eager Spanish Costa travellers – these chipper beach-bound early morning flyers are usually at the airport two hours early and checked in with time to spare as they skip to security with passport, boarding pass and carefully separated baggy of liquids and gels in hand all ready for their two weeks all-inclusive holiday of a lifetime.

9. The person wrangling a small herd of children

This multi-tasker can be seen juggling three handbags, a few nappies and a new-born baby, while simultaneously keeping three kids wearing Mickey’s ears and arguing over who gets the window seat in check. You’re getting tired just trying to avoid tripping over the little one who is playing in-between queue barriers. Your best bet is to avoid eye contact and prepare for an interesting flight.

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If you’ve spent the night at the airport you’ve probably had these thoughts

We’ve all been there. Desperate to save money, we book the cheapest flights we can find, only to realise that it will require you to spend a huge amount of time in an airport. You probably shrugged at the time. Whatever, I can spend a night in an airport to save a bit of cash, you think. But then the time comes. And it looms over your trip like a black cloud, because the airport at night is a horrible scary place. Like something out of a zombie movie, it’s dark, there are tired people everywhere and going to sleep is just not an option.

Brace yourself, because you’re in for a world of weird…

The first few hours are a breeze. Shops are open, beers are flowing, people everywhere – this is going to be great!

You’ll think you’re real suave wandering through the store for the sixth time and trying on your ninth perfume until you smell like a gym locker room.

You’ve finished your book. You’ve watched everything on your laptop. You’ve never been so bored in your entire life.

After succumbing to delirium, you buy ridiculous airport clothes that only appeal to the sleep deprived.

You’ve never envied anyone more than those lucky buggers who are queuing for their flights.

That guy in the red cap looks creepy. Please don’t come over…

At some point you’ll realise that shops actually do close at the airport.

You’ll stare at the airport departure board every ten minutes in the hope that your plane has been moved forward 14 hours.

Eventually, you’ll begin to feel like the airport is your domain.

That moment will pass and you’ll be left crying alone near an empty departure gate.

You’ll find others who share your plight.

But abandon them after becoming tribal over some sacred power outlets.

You’ll lie on the stinking carpet questioning every decision that got you to this low point.

As night settles, you’ll begin to question your sanity.

You’ll start to suspect that everyone’s out to steal your stuff…

Years of Tetris will prepare you for sleeping wedged on an awkward chair.

But every noise is someone sneaking up on you…

Which means sleep is not an option.

When you finally board your plane, you can’t help but cry tears of relief.

Don’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of time on a stopover? Just spend that tiny extra bit of money and arrive at the airport on time. Airport Shuttle can get you to or from Cape Town International Airport quickly and comfortably – all at an affordable price!

10 things your pilot won’t tell you

Pilots from across the world have come forward to give straight answers about maddening safety rules, inexplicable delays, the air and attitudes up there, and what really happens behind the cockpit door. What they revealed will change the way you fly!

“I’ve been struck by lightning twice”

Most pilots have. Airplanes are built to take it. You hear a big boom and see a big flash and that's it. You're not going to fall out of the sky.

“You may not be getting the airline you paid for”

You may go to an airline website and buy a ticket, pull up to its desk at the curb, and get onto an airplane that has a similar name painted on it, but half the time, you're really on a regional airline. The regionals aren't held to the same safety standards as the majors: Their pilots aren't required to have as much training and experience, and the public doesn't know that.

“If you’re a nervous flier, book a morning flight”

The heating of the ground later causes bumpier air, and it's much more likely to thunderstorm in the afternoon.

“The smoothest place to sit is often over or near the wing”

The bumpiest place to sit is in the back. A plane is like a seesaw. If you're in the middle, you don't move as much. The general flow of air in any airplane is from front to back. So if you're really concerned about breathing the freshest possible air or not getting too hot, sit as close to the front as you can. Planes are generally warmest in the back.  There is no safest place to sit. In one accident, the people in the back are dead; in the next, it's the people up front.

“People don’t understand why they can’t use their cell phones”

Well, what can happen is 12 people will decide to call someone just before landing, and I can get a false reading on my instruments saying that we are higher than we really are.  We don't make you stow your laptop because we're worried about electronic interference. It's about having a projectile on your lap. I don't know about you, but I don't want to get hit in the head by a MacBook going 200 miles per hour. And we're not trying to ruin your fun by making you take off your headphones. We just want you to be able to hear us if there's an emergency.

“It's updrafts, not turbulence, we really worry about.”

A plane flies into a massive updraft, which you can't see on the radar at night, and it's like hitting a giant speed bump at 500 miles an hour. It throws everything up in the air and then down very violently. That's not the same as turbulence, which bounces everyone around for a while.

“You'll never hear, "One of our engines just failed."

What they'll say instead: "One of our engines is indicating improperly." (Or more likely, they'll say nothing, and you'll never know the difference. Most planes fly fine with one engine down.)

“There's no such thing as a water landing.”

It's called crashing into the ocean.

“It's one thing if the pilot puts the seat belt sign on for the passengers …”

But if he tells the flight attendants to sit down, you'd better listen. That means there's some serious turbulence ahead.

“There's a good reason for everything we ask you to do.”

We ask you to put up the window shade so the flight attendants can see outside in an emergency, to assess if one side is better for an evacuation. It also lets light into the cabin if it goes dark and helps passengers get oriented if the plane flips or rolls over. 

Visiting Cape Town? Why not get to where you need to be quickly and affordably? Contact Airport Shuttle today and our experienced drivers will transport you to or from Cape Town International Airport.

5 tips for a couple traveling together for first time

The first overnight trip a couple takes together can be a tricky one. Here are some tips to make the trip go smoothly.

Going on a vacation as a couple for the first time is a big deal in any relationship. This is the kind of thing that could galvanize the romance, or sending it send it off a cliff. To help you avoid that whole cliff thing we’ve put together a couple of simple tips to follow to make that first trip with your beau or lady love a great one.

1. Plan the trip together… make it a short one

One of you might be the “natural planner,” but resist the urge to let them take care of the itinerary. This is your first big foray into travel together, so plan it together. Pull out a sheet of paper, draw a line down the middle so each of you can suggest what you’d like to do on the trip. That way you can find a place that’s suits both of you perfectly. And make the first trip you take together is no longer than a weekend getaway. It’s a great way to test the waters to make sure you two can travel together comfortably without wanting to tear one another apart.

2. Stay flexible

You both know what you’d like to do on the trip, but don’t feel like you’re beholden to a schedule. Yes, you’ll want to reserve some times to do some things, like dinner at a romantic restaurant or to see a show. This trip is all about getting to know each other better, so just let the day take you wherever it goes. Besides trying to stick to a rigid schedule sounds a lot like daily life, and that’s NOT the point of any vacation. Go with the flow, my friends.

3. Split the expenses

Putting together a trip can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Each person should be able to pick up some of the bill for a rental car, hotel, and some of the excursions you’ll be enjoying together. There’s also that pesky possibility that you may break up before the trip happens. Keep ahead of the curve on that sort of stuff by checking the refund policies on anything you reserve ahead of time.

4. Communicate

You’ve got the trip figured out, so what is there to talk about? Plenty, actually. Find out what kind of traveler your date is – quiet on the ride/flight, or if they are prone to being car-/sea-/airsick. It might seem awkward to do, but it could cut out some silent treatment or argument during the trip. And don’t feel bad about making your voice heard about not wanting to do something on the trip. You can only strike compromises on what to do if you speak up. No sense in pouting.

5. Don’t forget some alone time

You’re going to have a lot of fun with your partner for the trip, but it’s good to have some time to yourself. Make sure you both have some time to be alone on the getaway. Take a walk while your significant other relaxes in a spa. The time from one another will make you cherish the moments together that much more.

For a quick and reliable trip to or from Cape Town International Airport - Contact Airport Shuttle today and our drivers can get you where you need to be on time and at an affordable price.

The 7 Things You Should Never Pack When You Travel

You’re Paris-bound, but dragging your giant suitcase to baggage check is basically breaking your body. Here, seven things to cut from your packing list before you depart for vacation. Trust us, these items will never (ever) be worth it.

SHOES THAT HURT YOUR FEET

That pair of wedges that always cause you to roll your ankle? Those sneakers that rub uncomfortably against your skin? Leave 'em behind 100 percent of the time. We promise you’ll thank us when you’re schlepping through the Marais.

HARDCOVER BOOKS

Are you trying to go over the carry-on limit? If the Kindle edition isn’t available and it doesn’t come in paperback, find another read and save the 700-page Jefferson biography for when you’re back home.

A BATHING SUIT YOU DON'T FEEL CONFIDENT IN

If you’re feeling unsure in front of your bathroom mirror, there’s no way in hell you’re going to love that two-piece once you’re actually on the beach. Leave the skimpy, side-fat inducing number at home and pick out one that feels more figure-flattering.

TOO MUCH DENIM

Your favorite baby blues don’t dirty that easily--and experts actually recommend minimal washing (once a month is ideal). This means you can get away with packing just one or two pairs and rewearing from day to day.

TOILETRIES

Most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, lotion, razors, mouthwash and more. Call ahead to double check what they offer (and while you have them on the phone, the brand they carry), then whittle your products to the essentials.

HAIRSTYLING TOOLS

Same deal: Call ahead to be sure the hotel has them, and if the answer is yes, leave your heavy hair dryer at home. (FYI, more and more hotels are letting you borrow complimentary flat irons, so be sure to ask about that, too.)

SNACKS AND WINE

We get it: You’re trying to save, but unless you’re going somewhere über-remote, hit up the local grocery store upon arrival. Done and done.

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Chat up lines for the solo traveler

Travelling alone is a wondrous thing. For the most part, it’s an opportunity to assess your life by having some genuine “me time” as you go your own route. But whilst having solo revelations upon a glorious mountaintop is all well and good; it’s always nice to share memories, especially when experiencing a new place for the first time.

 “I’ll show you my passport if you show me yours?”

Generally, when you are cooped up on an airplane as a solo traveler, the person randomly selected to sit next to you falls into one of four categories:

The crying child: Perhaps the least desirable category to be sat next to, especially during a long haul flight. Cue earplugs and eye mask.

The overexcited traveler: Normally forms part of a larger group scattered across the plane and is en route/returning from a holiday. So is perhaps fond of the on flight alcohol, is a tad merry and of course, is chatting a little too loudly to their mates across the aisle. Much like for the category above, earplugs and eye mask are a must.

The indifferent passenger: The most common of plane companions. They keep to themselves, are quiet but polite and well, ultimately forgettable the second you have stepped off the plane.

The unicorn: It’s very rare to find yourself sitting next to someone on a plane you find attractive, least of all someone you would consider to-be like-minded and potentially new friend material. Should this situation arise, you should most definitely make the most of this exceptional opportunity.

A casual toss of the complimentary packet of peanuts into their vicinity when they aren’t looking is always a good conversation starter…

“Whoops! Sorry, I accidentally dropped my peanuts by your shoes!“

Alternatively, if you find yourself on an indirect flight, pull out your itinerary, look perplexed and then ask your fellow traveler if they are in the same boat. If they are… well, great! Ask if you can join them when making the flight transfer for fear of getting lost in the foreign airport. If they aren’t travelling to the same final destination… never fear! You already have an in, so just keep asking them more questions about where they are headed and their reason for travelling. Everyone loves talking about themselves, so you are onto conversation gold.

However, if your target is a little on the quiet side, the peanut trick has failed and the travel questions have run dry; you may have to pull out all the stops. Ask if you can slip-past to use the restroom and then accidentally on purpose stumble onto their lap. If that doesn’t trigger a laugh, then blame turbulence and swiftly reach for the earplugs and eye mask.

“Nice place, do you come here often?”

It’s an oldie but a goodie: Stay in a hostel. When you are sleeping with strangers (in a dorm room of course!) It’s impossible not to get talking. Break the ice by asking your roomies in the morning what their plan is for the day. If following more or less the same route, suggest some extra fun things you’ve found to add to the itinerary. Being open and friendly, not to mention helpful is key. Once you get chatting, if all bodes well, you could find yourself some newfound tour buddies for the day.

Remember to play it cool though. If they don’t extend the invite on their day’s excursions, don’t just rock up to a museum they said they were hitting and appear lurking out from a behind a statue; because let’s face it:

A) They will think you are weird.

B) They will are likely to spread the word you are weird to the rest of the hostel dwellers post guitar sing-a-long in the common room.

If this occurs, it’s time to move hostels.

Not a twenty –something touting a backpack? Or perhaps you are averse to sharing a bathroom with fifteen strangers? Well, why not opt for guesthouses where you can rent just a room for a couple days rather than having the entire place to yourself. Get chatting to those hosting, prior to your stay so you know in advance whether or not you’d gel. And BAM! You’ve yourself some ready-made friends, not to mention accommodation, all waiting for you on arrival.

However much like dating, making friends when you are a single traveler can at first seem like a daunting endeavour. The trick is, of course, confidence. That’s the not-so-secret weapon. Couple that with the these smooth moves and you’re onto a guaranteed winner when it comes to meeting new people (well for the most part anyway…) You might even score yourself a love interest if you’re lucky!

Looking for a reliable airport shuttle to get you to or from Cape Town International Airport? Contact Airport Shuttle today!

Do you have a nomads DNA? Here’s how to tell

Having a nomad’s DNA can be quite tiring. It’s not cool like having X-Men DNA or something. It’s like being an animal in a cage and you’re constantly planning your escape, but instead of a cage, it is a boring office job where you day dream about travelling somewhere, anywhere. Here’s how you know you’ve got a nomad’s DNA.

Every day you cruise travel sites and read travel blogs for inspiration.

There’ll be realisations that you haven’t gone travelling for two whole months.

So you start planning absurd scenarios in order to fund your travel addiction.

And the thought of another office meeting is just too much to bear.

You’ll book the cheapest seat on the cheapest airline going to some place you’ve never heard of.

You can only afford it if you stay in hostels, even though you feel old as hell in them.

You’re determined not to be just another tourist.

And you’ll get way too excited when you find a random hidden spot.

You’ll try everything once.

And you’ll learn to appreciate clean clothes as the luxury they are.

You’re always meeting interesting people.

Then you get home and your friends tell you it’s time to settle down and have a baby already.

 There’ll be a flood of people asking if travelling alone is scary.

Then you’ll spend the new few days figuring out how much it would cost to just travel forever.

Have you ever had any of these feelings? If so, then you’ve probably got a bit of that nomad DNA in you. Experience all these things on a daily basis – you’re a full on nomad!

Visiting the Mother City on your travels? Make sure you get to and from Cape Town International Airport quickly and comfortably - contact Airport Shuttle today!