If you spend a lot of time flying you have to get good at this or risk wasting half you life in airport security queues so here are a few tips from the professionals that we have sourced online:

1. Avoid lace-up shoes and opt for slip-ons or sandals and flip flops.
2. If you don’t need a belt, then don’t wear one. If you must wear a belt then leave it packed in your hand luggage until you’re through security.
3. Choose a bag for your laptop that allows you to slip it in and out without too much fuss. If the bag has additional space and pockets these can come in useful for other items like watches and wallets. Also bear in mind that security may allow laptops to stay in bags through screening if they provide a clear and unobstructed X-ray image of the laptop.
4. When traveling to/from a winter destination, if you’re not flying business class (where flight attendants will hang up your coat for you) and checking in bags, place winter coats in checked baggage as well to save from lugging it around the airport and on the plane.
5. When going through airport security, put shoes through the scanner first, then laptop, followed by laptop bag and any other carry-on luggage. This way, once you’ve gone through the metal detector, you can put your shoes back on and your computer back in its bag while your other items are being scanned.
6. Avoid having too many chargers and other items with unsightly cables as these can often slow you down due to their suspect appearance on an X-ray machine.
7. Use a passport / travel case to keep your passport and boarding pass organised together. There is nothing worse than going through security (where you are generally disoriented) and having to think “where did I put my ticket or passport?” It’s a good way to help stay zen.
8. It’s not worth taking those hotel shampoo bottles (unless they are particularly select) as you will need to put them in your plastic zip lock bag (and only one per person)
9. Before you get to the security scanner, be sure your keys / wallet and other valuables are safely stored in your suitcase or zipped pocket, so you can avoid pulling them out quickly at the last minute which is the best way for something important or valuable to drop out without you knowing.

By keeping your hands free you can have your passport and boarding card ready which will speed things along nicely and you’ll be through in no time. The quicker you get through security, the more time you have to enjoy the business lounge and duty free shops before catching your flight!

Getting Into London From The Airport

Airport shuttles

• Heathrow Express – Tickets & Fares
• Gatwick Express – Tickets & Fares
• First Capital Connect – Regular Train Service for Gatwick
• Stansted Express – Tickets & Fares
• Luton Trains – Tickets & Fares
• Tube (Heathrow only) – Tickets & Fares
• Coach/Bus Airport Services – All Airports

Getting a cab from the airport is also an obvious option, but if you’re heading into central London you can expect to pay at least double the cost of the Express services from Heathrow and Gatwick, if not more. A cab from Luton or Stansted will cost you a whole lot more.

You can expect to pay as little as £5 by tube from Heathrow whereas a cab would cost £50-80. Trains from other stations where there is no tube, like Luton, Stansted and Gatwick run frequently and cost as little as £15. The Express train services are more expensive, but they are fast and efficient so if you want to get on with your visit without breaking the bank, then this would definitely be my choice every time.

TOP TIP: When booking your flight and hotel in London, make sure the transport to key stations is all in order by checking the Planned Works Calendar

Getting Around London

Transport for London (Tfl) 

• Getting Around
  Everything you need for getting around London including safety tips, maps, accessibility information and tickets.
• Journey Planner
  Plan your journey from one point to another and find out what modes of transport are available to you and how long it will take.
• Timetables
  Quickly obtain a list of scheduled departures on various TFL modes of transport from a particular location.
• Maps
  Downloadable maps for every mode of transport including trains, buses, cycling, footpaths and boats as well as a special visitors guide with tips and a guide to all the sights.
• Planned Works Calendar - Check this before you book your hotel.

TOP TIP: Live Service Updates - Always check before you travel

Ticket Types

• Compare Ticket Types - Find the most appropriate ticket type to suit your preferred modes of transport, the duration of your visit and your budget.
• Fares by Type and Zone
• Travel Cards - ideal for visitors staying between 7-10 days.

TOP TIP: Get the Visitor’s Oyster Card

Using London Taxis

No trip to London is complete without a ride in a Black Cab, but be selective about when you use them and you won’t burn your cash. To and from the airport is pretty expensive, but getting from your hotel to the airport shuttle service makes life a lot easier and Black Cabs are in abundance outside all stations.
For day to day cab use, you are probably better off using a mini cab service which lets you agree the fare before they even pick you up and this usually works out cheaper than a traditional London Black Cab.

TOP TIP: For your own safety, make sure you book cabs in advance using the specially set up Cabwise service which recommends licensed minicab and private hire operators.

Driving In London

• Congestion Charge - Information about London’s Congestion Charge.
• Congestion Charge Maps & Times - Find out where you can drive without the congestion charge and what times it is in effect.
• Congestion Charge Zone Checker - Check before you enter an area whether it is part of the “C-Charge”.

TOP TIP: Electric Cars In London - If you hire one of these then you will be exempt form the Congestion Charge, but you need to register in order to claim the 100% discount!

- Charge Point Map

London2012 Venues, Sporting Schedules and Related Events

Sports

• Olympic Sports - Sports at London 2012.
• Paralympic Sports - Paralympic sports at London 2012.
• Olympic Schedule - Olympic sport competition schedule.
• Paralympic Schedule - Paralympic sport competition schedule.

Getting Around The Games

• Map (Requires Flash) - Interactive map showing activities around the UK with links to photos, news, blogs and including everything from building the venues to cultural events.
• How to get to venues - Although the games are branded London2012, many of the events take place in other parts of the UK.
• Spectator Journey Planner – Plan your journey so you get to events in good time.

What Else Is On?

• London 2012 Festival
• London 2012 Festival Events & Tickets

If you’re one of the lucky ones with tickets to events at London2012 then I hope you have a fantastic time. If you don’t have a ticket, then get to London anyway because the atmosphere will be electric and there are plenty of places where you can watch the event outdoors in what one would hope will be a super sunny affair!

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