Travel Expert Advises Against Wearing Headphones at the Airport — Here’s Why
Fundacion Rapala – For travelers, being at the airport marks a crucial phase before boarding their flight. It’s a moment that demands full attention, as important announcements, instructions, or warnings may occur at any time. Ensuring a smooth and trouble-free travel experience is often the goal, but surprisingly, one seemingly harmless item could jeopardize your journey.
According to Jetpac travel expert Pearlyn Yeo, there’s one accessory that travelers should avoid using while navigating airport checkpoints — headphones. While they might seem like a small detail, Yeo explains that headphones can significantly hinder your airport experience, especially during busy travel seasons.
Headphones May Cause Delays and Unnecessary Stress
“Wearing headphones while going through passport control can cause delays and unnecessary stress,” Pearlyn Yeo told Mirror. “These accessories make it harder for border staff to communicate with you and might draw too much attention.”
She emphasized that headphones can easily distract travelers, making them miss important instructions. This distraction could slow down the screening process and cause frustration on both ends. Yeo advises travelers to proactively remove such accessories before approaching security or passport checks.
Be Prepared Before You Reach Security
Most airport security personnel will ask travelers to remove items that obstruct screening or interfere with the inspection process. Ignoring these instructions and keeping headphones on may only prolong your journey and add to the stress of travel.
“To avoid unnecessary delays, the best approach is to remove your headphones, stow away your phones and tablets, and securely put away sunglasses before you reach security, passport control, or immigration,” Yeo continued.
A Small Change for a Smoother Journey
Following these simple tips not only ensures you comply with airport procedures but also makes your journey through the airport smoother and less stressful. By staying alert and accessible during critical screening moments, you help streamline the process — both for yourself and the staff assisting you.
In short, when preparing for your next flight, ditch the headphones and stay tuned in to your surroundings. It might just be the small change that keeps your travel day on track.