(5) Five tips for travellers heading through Auckland Airport this Christmas

Brian from New Lynn

1: It will be busy, so plan your trip with spare time built in - at least 30 minutes extra to get to the terminal and complete departure processes.
2: Book your parking ahead of time or, if you can, take public transport to the terminal.
3: If you're picking someone up from the airport, make use of the Wait Zones - these can be found by following the pink signs. The airport has increased the free parking period to 45 minutes for summer, so you can get there in plenty of time. If there is traffic congestion when dropping people off, drivers can use the Drop & Ride service to avoid driving around the terminal itself. Located in the Park & Ride on Verissimo Drive, it allows you to drop off your traveller who can then take one of the buses that run to the terminal every 15 minutes.
4: If in doubt, ask. The airport has extra staff on over summer hoping to help ease your journey.
5: Download the Auckland Airport app and add flight details so you can see travel time to the airport at a glance. It will also give you the estimated queue time at Aviation Security.
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The noise and speed of an airport can also be a trigger for those who can get anxious or stressed. "If you are feeling under pressure, or are unsure where to go or what to do if you're running late, just ask. If you've not departed out of Auckland's international terminal in the last few months, then you'll want to get through processing as early as possible. A completely revamped departures area has been unveiled with new shops, restaurants and bars. Some travellers have even said it's better than using an airport lounge.
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Finally, here are some dates to keep in mind. They're the busiest days for Auckland Airport over the next couple of months.
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1. January 18
2. December 23
3. December 26
4. January 3
5. December 20
6. January 4
7. January 5
8. December 21
9. January 6
10. December 22
Around 40,000 passengers are expected on these dates - that's up from the usual 32,000 per day.
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