As an atco, I suppose my situation is slightly different as I'm always handing over to someone else rather than closing up an aeroplane.
However the following procedure is relatively universal in the trade:
1) Approaching handover time, regularly scan the car park approach road for the oncoming watch.
2) Double check the availability of other airport staff for a drinking rendevous, (this having previously been set up during the watch via the Chinese Whisper method).
3) Ensure that the gate is opened remotely to avoid delays in oncoming staff fumbling with their swipe cards.
4) With due regard to the current traffic situation, sign the watch log in anticipation of nothing occuring between the next watch arriving in the car park and them getting upstairs.
5) Adopt the "mid stairway" handover method, (a well practised method perfected over many years).
6) Leap into car:-
6a) Time to pub - 15 mins.
6b) Time to home - 25 mins.
Both 6a and 6b are a hassle free, uncongested journey as is the return leg of 6b.
