Don't Panic! Its not just a hitchhikers guide reference, it's good advice. When travelling stuff changes, things go right, things go wrong, stay cool and you can really make it work. Best example: my passport got taken from my bag in a hostel, panicked, cancelled my passport (like you're meant to) and the wallet with it was found the next day (sans cash)... Now I needed a new passport in a foreign country. Later in the trip (after lesson learned) I missed the only train to city where our accommodation was booked, didn't panic, booked train to a different city which I could make a connection to the right place, used the time between trains to see an exhibit of da Vinci's codex. TL;DR: Don't Panic!

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Andi

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'when is the next bus to Nairobi? Tuesday. @do you know somewhere to stay? My sister has a small hotel - very clear, good price. Ok, thanks - and she was a great cook too!

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If you've got a long flight ahead of you, consider checking yourself into the airport lounge. For about £30, you can get three hours of free food and drink, unlimited free WiFi, charging stations for your electronics, comfortable seating, a great view of the planes taking off (usually), lots of boards around so you can see your flight times...

Forget upgrading to business class or whatever. You can have a pleasant airport experience for a fraction of the cost, and that'll make the eight hours you're about to spend on a plane that much less stressful.

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Nicky

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Or go out and see the extra city! I had a four hour layover in Maui and asked the info desk staff what I should do in the airport. He said, the beach is a five minute walk!

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Don’t wear polyester on a plane. Polyester traps oil which is what makes you stink. Merino wool everything on flights.

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Marianne

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Merino wool is a great choice in almost every scenario. It keeps you warm in the cold and cool in the heat. It's antibacterial, so you can wear it forever without odor. It has great moisture-wicking properties, so you will sweat less and it dries in no time. Also it's a lot less itchy than classic wool.

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Don't be afraid to do some unplanned stuff! People always map out exactly what they want to do and I've found it's nice to talk to some local people and just see what happens instead of being all timetabley and stressy and stuff.

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Mimi La Souris

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yes and no, especially in places with dangerous areas

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I travel for work constantly, I'm actually writing this in an airport. My best tip is to eliminate checked baggage. This won't help if you're going on vacation, but I can't tell you how many time this has saved me.

Tight connect? Your luggage doesn't get left behind.

Want to grab an earlier connecting flight? The first thing they'll ask is if you have checked luggage.

If you eliminate checked luggage, you can literally walk off the plane and to your car or hop into a cab without breaking stride.

This goes without saying, but the airline can't lose your luggage if its with you.

Note: Please use only approved size luggage for carry on travel. If I see you on a flight with your whole life in multiple suitcases, I'll recline my seat into your lap as far as it can go.

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Michael Largey

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If you're going to be changing flights, always bring a change of clothes in your carry-on.

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My advice, having flown over a million miles on business to over 40 countries:

1. Purchase some anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking undergarments and take them on any trips that may involve high temps, a lot of walking, excessive physical activity, or prolonged wear/re-use of said undergarments.
2. Carry the travel-size packets of laundry detergent (Tide makes good ones) so you can wash clothes in your bathroom sink. This works surprisingly well, particularly for undergarments and socks. And hotel laundry fees are insane. Avoid at all costs, unless your employer is footing the bill and won't reject the expense
3. Pack up a small first aid kit that includes pain meds, anti-diahhrial, laxatives, Benedryl, cold meds, Tums, sore throat treatment, bandages, disinfectant, and other things you'd want if you we're sick and didn't have easy access to them. Always keep this in your bag.
4. Buy a $20 phone calling card in case you get stuck somewhere and don't have money or phone. Keep this away from your wallet and somewhere that it's least likely to disappear.
5. Similar to above, buy a Visa gift card with $100-200 on it and keep in a similar safe, hidden location. This is only to be used for emergencies. Losing your wallet and having no ID nor money while traveling abroad can be a nightmare.

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Marianne

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Merino wool undies are great for travelling!

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After having my pocket picked in Piccadilly Circus, (Out of my FRONT pocket, the sneaky little bastard!) I bought a money belt. I wear it under my shirt and carry a small amount in my pocket. I also have a pouch that hangs around my neck, inside my shirt, with my passport and a little money. Travelsmith is a great site for stuff like this.

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VNES101

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My cash goes inside my bra. You want some boobie bucks???

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If you're an American, just say you are Canadian.

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LaserBrain

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No, please don't do that, it gives us a bad name -a Canadian

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Don't unplug your brain because you're on vacation. Bad people look for people who are in La-La land to rob.

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censorshipsucks

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see earlier post where they tell you to just get lost and walk around. NOPE. Only in disneyland aka western europe.

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Put a decoy wallet in your back pocket with nothing in it.

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Miliukov Oleksandr

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put something in the decoy wallet, or you will be mugged twice

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If you're going on a long flight get one of those neck-pillows - you will look stupid but it will be worth it x100.

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Helen Taylor

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I like the inflatable neck pillows. They're not weird to carry around because they fit in my purse. When inflated, they are terrific. And, the covers are machine washable.

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If you have an extra day to spare between two places, consider booking a flight with an overnight layover in a third city somewhere along the way. Last year, instead of going straight from Iceland to Ireland, I took a 24 hour layover in Oslo, Norway. It gave me the perfect amount of time to see the city. The flight didn't cost any more than a direct one would've (I actually think it was cheaper) so the only extra cost was a night in a hotel, which I would've been doing anyway in either Reykjavik or Dublin.

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Nicky

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Yes! En route to Egypt, I would always do a day in Spain, Germany, or the Netherlands. Plus, trips with 20 hr layovers were often cheaper. Two trips in one!

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Always pack stuff to help your stomach - tums/gasx/Zantac/Pepto/dramamine.

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Cindy Brick

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Our stomachs were saved over and over, particularly in Mexico, by taking a tablespoon of Pepto first thing in the morning. Every morning. I'm not sure why -- but it works keeping stomach bugs at bay.

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Jet lag cure:

Once the plane takes off, set clocks to destination time. Try to stay awake until something like a normal bedtime at your destination (this will be easy or hard depending on direction of travel and the time you leave).

Get a small rest on the flight if you can. Try not to get up again until it's in the AM at your destination.

Once you land, DO NOT HAVE A NAP unless you have seen the sun go down (unless your flight is weird and arrives at night time). You need that melatonin to start flowing. Use (legal) substances if you have to.

Just as important: once the sun is down, and it's a reasonable bedtime, GO TO BED. Again, use (legal) substances if you have to.

Repeat on your second day (seeing the sun set is vital, don't stay in that hotel room!) and you should be gold.

Source: regularly fly across the Pacific, hasn't failed me in 5 years.

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JoNo

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Great advice - in theory. My problem is I am rarely able to sleep on a plane regardless of the time.

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Put your change, wallet, phone, keys, and whatever you have in your pockets into your carry on so that you dont have to fumble with them at security. Also, wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

Bonus answer: Dress for the climate that you are going to, not the one you are leaving. I took a trip with my family to Hawaii from Denver, in December. I wore shorts and a t-shirt and they all wore jeans and sweaters. Yeah, I was cold for bit when we left the house until the car warmed up, but when we got to Hawaii and were waiting for the rental cars, and then more waiting at the hotel check-in, I was way more comfortable than everyone else.

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goldenwood_cottage

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Pack the outfit for your destination, change on the plane!! I do it all the time. Usually my blouse will match both outfits, change pants for skirt/shorts - ditch the cardigan and socks.

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Have plenty of money but don't appear rich.

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censorshipsucks

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No need for cash in South Africa. Use applepay, zapper, snapscan, tap to pay etc

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Pack light. Especially if you're backpacking/sole traveller. Everything in one bag!

Roll your clothes when you're packing. You can really compact bag this way.

Plastic bag for your dirty clothes.

Ear plugs. If you're travelling on a budget, you will probably be staying in some noisy located places. They really help.

Be wise. Scammers like to pick out tourist and do what ever they do.

Photocopy or take a photo on your phone of your passport/other docs.

Look up local tipping custom.

Don't rush everywhere at once. Do your own thing.

Have fun!

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Marianne

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Never take more luggage than you can manage yourself!

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Pack up the night before. That will save you time and you won't be rushing out the door to catch your flight/cab/what have you.

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Nicky

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My math teacher once said that packing takes as long as the amount of time you have. You can pack effectively in 2 hrs. Also, do a week´s laundry and then pack it - you have everything you need!

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If you need to rent a car, rent from a place that is within a short cab drive distance to the airport as opposed to the car rental locations at the airport itself. The difference saved me $500 on a recent trip to Florida.

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Connie Hirsch

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A lot of airport/city rentals have EXTRA taxes on the rental fees, going five miles to a suburb may save a whole lot.

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The concierge at your hotel is your best friend. If you’re looking for something interesting to do off the beaten path, ask them. Need directions? Ask them. Best food in town? Yup, they know.

While staying in Madrid one year, my mom and I decided that we wanted to see a flamenco show. We asked the concierge for his recommendation. Instead of just telling us where to go, he called up the venue for their showtimes, booked our tickets, gave us written directions for how to get there on public transportation, and told us the best place to sit when we got there. It was a fantastic night out, and he earned himself a nice tip when we left.

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Nicky

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The concierge often suggests expensive things. In San Franccisco, the library offers 70 free walking tours of the city, run by retired volunteers who completed a six month training. The hotels suggest expensive tours instead.

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When I make a packing list, I sort the items by which room they are in so I'm not dashing from room to room to get them.

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Fry Day

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I just make a staging area next to my luggage.

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Get a multi power converter and a multi-plug power board to plug into it. You'll always be able to power your devices, and you'll make heaps of friends. :).

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Don't go with your family. Last year I went to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam by myself. I had the greatest time of my life. In February I went to Toronto by myself. I ended up getting into Rebel Nightclub (one of the top night clubs in Canada) and even got the VIP treatment. Two months ago I went to Lisbon, Barcelona and Rome with my sisters. There was nonstop arguing and bickering and whenever we were together we had a horrid time. I also went to Copenhagen during that trip. I met up with a friend from home and we had an awesome adventure. Don't go on adventures with your family. I love my sisters. I love them very dearly. But they're shi**y travel partners.

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Just-4-2day

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Pick your travel partners carefully.

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Ask your hotel staff what the charge should be for taking a local taxi to/from your sightseeing destination. Then learn 'I know the rate" in the local language. Say it when your taxi driver tries to charge you 10X the right price.

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pep Ito

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On a 5-day trip to Brussels for work, every day we take a cab from the hotel to the offices. On the fifth day the cab driver started pointing out monuments, etc. while the meter was running fast. We had to tell him that we knew how much the fare was and that we were not going to pay that. In the end he turned off the meter, took us to our destination and did not charge us anything.

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Always pack a large binder clip. If you check into a hotel room that has those drapes that wont quite close...use the binder clip to hold them shut.

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Just-4-2day

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If the hotel has hangers with the pants clips, use them if you forgot your clothes pins for the curtains.

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Don't open up your luggage on the floor or bed until you've inspected your room for bed bugs. When you return home, immediately wash all of your clothing. If you're really paranoid about beg bugs (as I am) you can put wool items in the freezer to quarantine them in case any bed bugs have hitched a ride.

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Jeff White

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NEVER put your luggage on the bed for any reason. That luggage you just dragged trough an airport, train station, taxi ride, you know through dog poop on the ground, should never go on the bed. Use the luggage stands provided and keep the sidewalk dirt off the bed.

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On the plane, when you go to sleep, disconnect your headphones from the seat.

Irregardless (not a real word) of the volume you were watching that rerun of friends, the announcements come through at 139 1/2 decibels, and it takes a good 45 minutes for your heart rate to return to resting, let alone sleeping

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censorshipsucks

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*regardless. Irregardless means not regard not, or not-not-regard, or regard. (two negatives = postive in english).

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Find out the dollar conversion rate or download an offline app to do it for you before you leave. I once paid a crazy amount for airport sushi in Japan because I didn't know the conversion rate. Most every airport has an ATM that will dispense cash in local currency when you leave the terminals. Call your bank before you go or they will likely put a hold on your account for suspicious activity.

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Frozengeckolover

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I always get cash from a local ATM, just in case (the ones in the airport may not dispense local money). One time, while travelling through Honduras, I went to an ATM in a well known grocery store before heading to a remote village (I worried they would not have card readers, and may not want American money). Everyone told me that ATM was safe. The text was in Spanish, and the amounts were displayed in Lempira. That's what I wanted. I selected 2,000 Lempira, which is about $100. That machine spit out American money! And not the equivalent! It gave me $2,000 US! I had to call my bank to make sure the charge was correct. My cell didnt work there, so that was complicated. Later that day, my bank flagged my account because of it, and I had to call them again to confirm that I did withdraw that amount. And I had to walk around with $2,000 on me in a remote area. That is the only time it has happened, but I am still parinoid. I always choose a small amount first now, to make sure the machine works correctly.

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If you have wanted to travel for a long time but can never work up the courage to take a trip, do this:

Buy the plane ticket before planning anything. Put a google flights tracker for where you want to go, and when the prices get cheap, buy the tickets without hesitating.

Now you have to do it. Only now do you find a hotel, ask off of work, worry about packing, etc.

Just buy the plane ticket and you will force yourself to work out the rest of the plan.

Source: Am a loser who talks themselves out of things often, but have also traveled extensively.

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KM

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Uhh, no. Before paying for the plane ticket absolutely check whether or not you need a visa, how to get said visa and how big of a budget you need for a day in your chosen country. Otherwise you buy a ticket for 10 euro and find out that the cheapest hostel costs 150 a day

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Fold up a $100 bill and put it under the sole of one of your shoes. That way in case your stuff gets stolen you have some money.

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ShaZam

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My best friend .... I put money in my shoe too ... if too much, I'm limping 🙄

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I'm stealing this from an ex. I'd never seen it before but I though it was genius. Don't make fun of me if everyone already does it. Put your clothes in a space bag, you know the vacuum flat ones. And you can fit so much more stuff! I'm definitely trying it for my spring break trip.

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Dogcat vet (retired)

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But what about the return trip if you don't have a vacumn handy?

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Regarding attractions:

Get a map and mark all the things you want to see. Use different symbols for museums or town squares or parks. Group them by vicinity and divide the groups by the days you'll be spending there. At this point the different symbols you used might get in handy because you can estimate how long it takes to see a museum vs. a square so you can lay out your visiting plan for the entire day.

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Beth B

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I do the same thing using Google My Maps.

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Mystery hotels. You select a star rating and area(s) of town and then choose how much you're willing to pay, either by bidding or by selecting an offer. When the payment is confirmed it's revealed at which hotel you'll be staying. It's so much cheaper than booking a known hotel. 50% or greater discount. I have had a $42 room at a 4 star business hotel before. Not the $220 that other guests were paying according to the reservation website.

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Ace

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No. Just no. Thanks all the same but I want to know where I'm going and what I'm getting before shelling out for it, even if it is only half price

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intermediate travel advice: read into the history of the places you're visiting. start from a general idea of where the country came from, then narrow down the specific places you are going within the country to understand the historical significance of the place.

it'll make your experience so much more meaningful, and you'll have a more appreciative time there :)

also, learn stickshift and rent a car. it'll be freaky as s**t but you have unbound freedom to move about the country (depending on the country of course) and given how europe is comparatively small, you can plan multi-national trips to broaden the scope of your vacation.

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Ace

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Don't make the mistake, shown here, of thinking that Europe is "comparatively small" so you can pack it all into one trip. Europe is not small. (About the same land area as the USA, with more than twice the population).

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If you're running late for your flight you can go to the first class security line and explain that your flight is about to leave. They always let you through.

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No idea where you think this might work, but I'm pretty sure that the security staff will not give a flying fsk about you missing your flight, and even if they did they're already looking at your boarding pass so will quickly spot if you're lying about it.

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