The holidays are just around the corner and holidaymakers are already planning their well-deserved break with anticipation. As far as flying is concerned, the TikTok trend ‘Airport Theory’ has recently been circulating on social networks.
We tell you what the Airport Theory is and if it could really work. And we leave you with some valuable tips on how to save time at Malaga airport.
What is the Airport Theory all about?
Behind the Airport Theory concept there is no axiom or academic theory as its name might suggest. It is a new viral trend that has emerged on the TikTok platform: Arriving at the airport just 15 minutes before boarding and thus minimising waiting times.
Travel behaviour according to a survey
According to a survey by Booking.com, most travellers prefer to play it safe: 72% plan to spend 1 to 2 hours or more at the airport. Almost one in four (23%) prefer to be a little tighter and plan for 30 to 60 minutes. Only 4.4% plan to live on the edge and spend less than 30 minutes.
Would the Airport Theory be viable at Malaga airport?
Ultimately, this question can only be answered by the individual. Success depends on many factors, which we discuss below. And it always involves the risk that you may miss your flight.
If you like adrenaline and risk, here are the factors that are difficult to control and that you should take into account.
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Handluggage only
First of all, airport theory is only possible if you are flying with hand luggage. If you are flying with checked baggage, you must check in at least 45 minutes before departure. These times may vary depending on the airline and your destination (Schengen or non-Schengen).
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Possible electronic failures
Last summer, the Microsoft crash caused by the failure of the CrowdStrike update affected the Spanish aeronautical sector for several hours. Although it does not happen often, it is possible that a computer, system or check-in may not work properly.
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Security control
The airport security check is an unavoidable formality. Waiting time in the queue is a variable that is impossible to estimate in advance and can be considerable during peak hours and high season.
You may also suddenly find yourself in a random and routine check where you are pulled out of the queue and your hand luggage is thoroughly searched.
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Passport control
Passengers outside the Schengen area also have to go through passport control, which usually involves another queue. Some airports have already installed biometric controls which are intended to speed up these queues.
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Change of gate
Quite often it can happen that a few minutes before boarding the flight gate is changed. This is not usually a big problem at Malaga airport, as it is relatively small compared to other big city airports. However, it can add the extra adrenaline you’ll need to run.
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Handluggage overboarding
It often happens unexpectedly that the plane is full, and too many passengers are travelling with hand luggage that logistically does not fit in the passenger cabin.
It can happen that you are already in the queue for boarding and at the last minute you must arrange for your hand luggage to be taken to the hold of the plane. This applies to hand luggage that has to be placed in the overhead compartment above the seats.
The only exception to this situation is to travel with a bag that fits under the seat.
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Gate closed
Among the factors to take into account is also the fact that there are airlines whose gates close well before the departure of the flight. So, if you are very late boarding, you may be left on the ground even if the plane has not moved from the gate.
How to save time at Malaga airport
The widely accepted official recommendation is to arrive at the airport two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international travel.
However, there are several ways for travellers to shorten waiting times at the airport.
These are the Top-Hacks:
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Travel with hand luggage only
Most of the time we fly with too much luggage that we don’t really need. The author has been travelling with hand luggage for years.
Travelling with just the essentials gives you a lot of freedom and saves a lot of time, both on the outward and return journeys, as you won’t waste time either waiting for checked baggage (average time 20 to 40 minutes).
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Use airport and airline apps for better orientation
If you’re flying from Spain, the Aena app lets you enter your flight number and find out if it’s on time or delayed. Other apps such as Flightradar show you the location of the aircraft in real time, whether it is in the air or on the ground.
All this information helps you to optimise your waiting time. At this link you can download the official AENA Malaga airport app.
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Wear as few accessories as possible
Wear as few accessories as possible to speed up security checks. Very often we may see someone in front of us at the security checkpoint who has to go through the scanner several times because they are wearing a bead or similar that triggers the alarm. You can reduce the risk of this by wearing fewer accessories.
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Wear flat shoes
In case you didn’t know, at Malaga airport you still have to take off your boots and platform shoes. If you want to save yourself the tedious process of taking your shoes off and asking the staff for plastic protectors and then putting your boots back on… travel in comfortable flat shoes.
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Choose the furthest security checkpoint
Choose the furthest security checkpoint at the end of the terminal as it is often emptier. You can save some time by walking a bit further, yes. Watch the next time you are in the queue and you will see the general behaviour: most people get in the queue at the nearest filter.
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Just pack minimum cosmetics
Don’t pack many cosmetics and buy them at your destination instead, so that you don’t have to unpack any cosmetics at the security checkpoint.
As a reminder, currently at Malaga airport the maximum amount of liquid allowed is 100ml bottles, and in total no more than 1000ml. This can be cumbersome in some cases and can cause you to be pulled out of the queue and have your liquids thoroughly inspected.
Malaga is an international destination and you can buy all the good brands in the big commercial centres along the Costa del Sol.
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Pre-evening check-in & pre-evening baggage drop-off
If you are travelling with hand luggage only or simply want to save time at the airport, we recommend online check-in.
Travel groups and travellers with a lot of luggage and small children in particular appreciate the option of checking in the evening before. However, you will have to make an extra journey to the airport. Please check before with your airline if this service is available.
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Fast lane
Malaga airport has fast access to the security checkpoint. It allows preferential access to the security filters, speeding up waiting times. It is a paid service.
- You can buy a fast-track ticket at the official website
