Top tips to stay cool when travelling in an airport
Whatever time of year you’re flying, it’s important to make sure you feel comfortable and prepared to fly. Some passengers may choose to wear an extra layer of clothing to be cosy on the plane. Some passengers bring a refillable bottle to fill with water through Security. However people travel, everyone has their own flying habits to make sure they feel their best.
If you’re looking at the toasty temperatures before your flight, you may want to do some extra preparation to make sure you — and your travel party — are ready to fly without feeling the heat. So, if you need a handy checklist of what to bring when flying on a hot day, we’ve got top tips for keeping cool when travelling. Make sure you feel confident whenever you’re flying.
And remember, if you need assistance when flying through London Luton Airport in warm temperatures, our Guest Experience teams and Assisted Travel teams will be in the terminal to support you on your journey.
Stay cool before arriving at the airport
Click and collect your cosmetics
We’ve all packed our holiday suitcase, only to realise that upon arrival, we’ve forgotten something important (like a toothbrush!). So take the stress out of travelling before you’ve even got to the terminal by ordering your click and collect cosmetics from Boots.
Simply order your Boots products on their website, and then select “Luton Airport Airside Second Hit” as your location and pay. When you’re in Departures before your flight, head to Boots and pick up your order. That way, you’ve got everything you need with no stress, and you won't have to worry about hand luggage liquid limits.
Dress for all types of weather
Soaring temperatures may make you think that you should only wear one layer of clothes. But if you’re walking through an airport Departures lounge with different air-con settings across the terminal, you may feel chilly, then warm, and it could be tricky to regulate your body temperature.
When planning your airport outfit for a hot day, opt for light, breathable clothes like cotton dresses and linen trousers with an oversized shirt. If you're packing light, then prioritise wearing an airport outfit in pastels and neutral colours to reflect sunlight.
Wearing your heaviest footwear to avoid overweight luggage? Pack a pair of sandals in your bag so you can change shoes once you’re in Departures. Wearing slip-on open-toed shoes will allow your feet to breathe. Then, when it’s time to board, you can switch into closed-toe shoes. Need help deciding what to wear? Check out our guide on what to wear when flying to build a travel-ready outfit.
Bring a water bottle
Your bag’s all packed. You’re all ready to travel to the airport. Think you can squeeze in one more item? We’d recommend a water bottle. Just make sure that it’s empty before you go through airport Security. Check out our top tips for navigating airport Security at London Luton Airport with Bag. Tray. Go.
Stay cool when at the airport
Grab a smoothie from Black Sheep Coffee
Planes need fuel to fly. And so do you! For the best pre-flight food and drink on a warm travel day, we’d recommend drinking a fruit smoothie filled with water-rich fruits like melon, oranges, apples and blueberries.
For a wide range of smoothies, head to Black Sheep Coffee in our Departures lounge. Try a blueberry flax smoothie with added lion's mane powder to support your gut health and immune system, or go for a pineapple and passionfruit drink loaded with a prebiotic blend to increase hydration.
Fill up your water bottle
Travelling by air can be thirsty work. So with that water bottle you’ve already packed in your bag, fill it up with water at one of our refillable stations dotted across the terminal. For those needing a sip after Security, we’ve got water fountains by the entrance to our Departures lounge. And if you need any closer to the gates, there’s more located by Benitos and Wasabi as shown on our London Luton Airport map. Bringing a water bottle is one way you can be more responsible when you fly.
Use an electronic portable fan
Feel the breeze in all temperatures with a portable fan. Use a handheld fan and swat away to cool the air, or bring a rechargeable handheld fan to let the wind blow. For those who want hands-free cooling, pop on a neck fan for a cool face.
If you see other passengers travelling with a portable fan and want your own, browse InMotion in the terminal for on-the-go electronics.
Avoid sitting in direct sunlight
There’s lots of places to suit in the terminal when you’re waiting for your flight. To stay as cool as possible, we’d recommend sitting away from the window and finding a shady spot – even better if you’re drinking a bottle of water.
Head to the Quiet Zone by Gate 17 for a calmer, cooler environment in the terminal before you go to your gate. Or, if you want to relax in style before a flight, escape the crowds by visiting MyLounge and No1 Lounge by Gate 17. Here’s how to make the most of an airport lounge.
Go to the bathroom
Your gate’s been called. You’re heading to the toilet before you fly. While washing your hands, run them under the cold tap for an extra few seconds. By doing so, it’ll lower your core body temperature and help you feel more alert before your flight; ideal for keeping you awake for an early morning or red-eye flight.
Stay cool when flying from London Luton Airport
By prepping your outfit, your carry-on bag, and picking healthy food and drink options while in the terminal, you'll feel cool from the moment you arrive at the terminal, and ready to fly. Want to book your next trip? Explore our full list of over 130 destinations and book your next break from London Luton Airport.