image courtesy of theirporttaxicompany.co.uk

When visiting London many people want to avoid the last-minute blues at Heathrow Airport. Nobody wants to be the person who is left waiting for their flight while they get scanned by security. The best way to avoid being worried about being late is to arrive early or get a hotel near heathrow airport, but how does one avoid the flying blues?

Pack Light
If there’s going to be a chance that you don’t need the hair dryer, the sweater Great Aunt Sarah got you last Christmas, or the ironing board that you’d like to have handy, leave it home. Packing light will allow you to move around the airport much more quickly, and will give you a much better chance to find all of your bags.
If you are looking for park and stay airport facilities around Heathrow (even if you pack light it can still be a chore getting it from your home to your flight), there are a number of opportunities available – including at the Crowne Plaza hotel.

Things to Avoid Bringing into the Airport
Those who travel all the time may know already what not to bring into the airport. For the rest of us, though, here is a quick refresher of what not to bring into the airport so that you do not get stopped by security, making your wait for your flight even longer.

- Flammable items or liquid
This may be the time to leave the lighter at home and purchase one wherever you’re traveling. Anything that’s flammable might get checked at an airport. Call ahead for specific rules. Liquid is another big item that most airports are very picky on. Make sure to call ahead to check for any rules. All liquid, including makeup, should be put in a clear plastic bag, even if it is on one’s carry-on luggage.

Check with the airline you are traveling with for a list of all restrictions. Pack light and keep your money, jewellery, medication and other items of value on you. The airport is not obligated to replace them. When you travel light and avoid bringing prohibited items into the airport, you are able to quickly get your baggage inspected, avoid embarrassing searching incidents at airport security, and move you through the line much faster.

Don’t Leave It Behind
When you get off the ground and you’re good to go, be sure to enjoy your vacation. However, when you are actually on vacation, keep in mind what you can and cannot bring back with you on the plane. Be careful not to leave any of these items in your hotel It is easy to get distracted in your meeting rooms and forget these objects, so be sure to check your suitcase before you head off.

Money
It’s easy to forget about the money that you left behind in your drawer when you’re focused on the bigger items. Be careful to do a spot-search of your room to ensure you have all of your cash.

Pillows
Bring a pillow along with you on the trip? Make sure you have it with you when you leave.

Mobile Phone Chargers
Right along with pillows, this is an item that is easily forgotten usually left in a motel room to charge.
There is a conveniently placed Holiday Inn near Heathrow Airport, just off junction 4 of the M4.