These tips are based on true life experiences of some dude flying out of Lagos for the first time 😃. He has asked that no one else acts the way he did so he is putting this out via this stage so that everyone can get to know.
Tip 1 - Always Fly A Day Earlier
Even if it will take you just 45 minutes to arrive at your destination, never ever plan to fly out of Lagos on the day you have to be at your destination. The thing is that you really have no control over these things and you could end up being like some friends of mine who had their flight postponed twice the same day and ended up arriving at the end of the event they planned to attend. If it's an hour long journey and your event is on a Tuesday, fly out on a Monday! You get the gist.
Tip 2 - Never Underestimate Lagos Traffic
There was this dude staying in an hotel just 16 minutes away from the airport. He assumed that taking all the Lagos traffic into consideration, his journey could take about 30 minutes so he set out around 45 minutes to the flight time on his ticket. This dude ended up running like a mad dog at the airport just to catch his flight. First off, the time on his ticket was the departure time and not the boarding time. So get yourself to the airport an hour or more before departure time. Don't be like this dude. Trust me, running to catch your flight will be more frustrating than sitting at the lobby waiting.
Tip 3 - Make Friends With An Hostess Before Takeoff
Well while this dude was recovering from the mini marathon he just completed from the airport lobby to his seat on the plane, he watched as the folks in front of him and behind him exchanged pleasantries with a particular hostess. All of that didn't make any sense to him till it was time for refreshments to be served and the magic began. The one in front of him was greeted with a wide grin and she got herself an extra pack. He got his single pack with a straight face, and the one behind him got an extra pack with a broad smile (he knew cos he turned to look). It was at this point that this dude knew he had to do something for the community. He had to make sure no other person acts like him or experiences what he just experienced ever again!
The next time you need to fly out of Lagos, this dude is asking that you please take these tips to heart and forget them not.