Debbie Giles, Auckland Airport Head of Customer said customers can misread flight times on tickets. Photo / Supplied
Debbie Giles, Auckland Airport Head of Customer said customers can misread flight times on tickets. Photo / Supplied
There are many ways to miss a flight. You can oversleep, get caught in traffic, or wait in long security lines. You could go to the wrong airport (a reasonable mistake in cities like London) or run late from a connecting flight.
However, according to Auckland Airport’s head of customer Debbie Giles, one reason appears to catch out travellers the most.
“I’ve certainly witnessed a few traveller slip-ups in my time in aviation,” Giles told the Herald, adding that travel can be stressful during the busy holiday period.
Amongst the rush, people can read their flight time, typically given in 24-hour time, as 12-hour time.
If a flight is at 3.30pm, it is 3.30pm using the 12-hour clock. However, Giles often sees travellers read over the ‘1′ in the 24-hour format (eg 15.30) and see the time as 5.30pm.
“I saw this happen to a lovely couple last week – they turned up thinking they needed to be at the airport for 6.25pm but in reality they should have been there at 4.25pm,” Giles recalled.
“It was terribly frustrating for them. They managed to book new tickets but I really felt for them,” she added.
This isn’t the only timing issue that sees travellers miss flights, Giles added.
“Another common mistake we can see is travellers reading their flight time as the check-in time, which can be hugely upsetting for people to realise.”
Giles urges travellers to pay close attention to the key times on their ticket before going to the airport, and giving themselves plenty of time to get through the airport.
Confusion around ticket times is understandable given the number of key times travellers must observe.
More than 10 million passengers use Auckland international terminal each year.
Times on a plane ticket and what they mean
The check-in time is when you can check-in online or at an airport desk and is typically three hours before an international flight’s departure. Bag drop and check-in then “close” at a certain time, usually 90-120 minutes before departure.
Boarding usually starts 30-50 minutes before departure and ends 15 minutes before departure.
Departure is typically the time the plane will pull away from the gate.
Auckland Airport shares additional tips
Ahead of summer travel, Giles also has tips to avoid other common issues for travellers.
The first involves checking baggage weight allowances before leaving for the airport to ensure you aren’t over restrictions. The second was noting security rules about liquids.
“Always pack an empty drink bottle to fill up after security, or if you’re flying domestically, you can take sealed liquids through,” she said.
Those dropping off or collecting travellers can also use the new parking area.
“There’s now new close and covered parking right next to the international terminal, including 180-minute parking options on level 1,” she said.
Meanwhile, anyone parking a car can get the cheapest prices if they book ahead of time, online.
“If you’re booking parking for your trip, always best to book ahead online and you’ll get the best rates. Our most affordable parking is always the Park and Rides, both North and South,” she said.
