Have you ever run in the airport to catch a flight? I’m not talking about a slow and steady jog, I’m talking about a full out sprint!
It probably wasn’t even your fault, you arrived on time and your first flight was delayed, now your 60 min layover has become 20 minutes. You push off the plane, as everyone in front of you takes their time getting their bags out of the overhead container. In the mean time you are trying to be patient with the families, elderly and just plain lazy people who are taking their gosh darn time.
…. Happy Holidays.
We’ve all been there…at least I have more time than I would like to count. Where I am that person in a full sprint, not making eye contact with everyone else as they sip their beer at the nearby bar and watch in enjoyment as I try to juggle my luggage and not trip over my own two feet.
So, let’s get back to why I am really writing a post about running in airports. I want to discuss how to do it successfully. There is an art to it and I think we should talk strategy here!
Wear the right shoes
No high heels or flip-flops, trust me they make it very difficult to not trip over yourself.
You can’t ever plan for the moment when you have to run through the airport, but you can expect long delays during the holidays so I always suggest come prepared.
Use The walking sidewalks
They will help you run twice as fast. You are supposed to walk/run on the left and stand on the right. Don’t hesitate to ask people to get out of your way if they are standing on the left, but be polite… it is the holidays!
If the airport is just unbelievably packed and the moving sidewalks look like a lost cause, simply run down the center of the hallway you will still beat everyone to the other end.
Involve the flight attendant before you land
If we are really cutting our layover close we will ask the flight attendant to make a phone call to our next gate and let them know we are running there. Most likely the airline has your schedule and knows you are running late. If there are enough people on your flight they may even hold the plane for you!
Fight your way to the front of the plane
Yes, you will seem like an a-hole to everyone else on the flight, try to be polite and explain you have 20 minutes to make it to your next plane, and most people wont mind moving aside. We even had a flight attendant one time move us to two empty seats in the front of the plane 10 minutes before we started landing so that we could quickly scoot off the plane. People are willing to help you as long as you keep a smile on your face and aren’t screaming your head off at anyone!
Wear all jackets, sweaters, hats etc
Trying to keep track of hanging jackets that are slung over your bags is too difficult when you are in a last effort sprint to make your next plane. You will either lose something or it will slow you down and get caught in your luggage wheels so we suggest wearing any loose clothing or stuffing it into a secure pocket.
Once you get to your gate you will most likely be sweating so quickly take off your jacket to help yourself cool off.
Backpacks vs Rolling Suitcase
This is a draw.
I’ve done both. Backpacks make it easy because you don’t have to drag something behind you, but if you’ve ever run with a backpack it can be really awkward. You will look funny running with a backpack and your balance will be off, so be careful.
With a rolling suitcase you risk the wheels getting tied up and the suitcase flipping over behind you or running it into someone as you are swerving in between people.
These are my best tips for running through airports. Good luck and keep your shoelaces tied!
What would you add to my list?
Question… obviously this is a common occurrence and the Airlines/Airports do very little to help passengers avoid these circumstances on a regular basis. My question is…what happens when someone injures themselves because of this? Is there any liability at all on the part of the Airport or Airline…I have never once seen a sign or heard an Airport security tell a passenger not to run in the airport.