Do you love traveling but hate the process of going through the airport? Fortunately, there are ways to help ease the process and can make the experience more enjoyable. Or at the very least, less stressful.
Keep reading to learn some handy airport travel tips that you can put to good use on your next trip!
1. Become a Trusted Traveler
One of the worst parts about traveling on an airplane is the process of going through security before heading to your gate. When going through security you have to unload all of your electronics into a bin, take your shoes off, and walk through the x-ray sensors. Then once you’ve made it through you have to gather all your things, quickly, and try and get it all packed back in, put your shoes back on all while trying to not slow down the progress of the rest of the travelers.
To ease this process, and avoid the stress of security, you can register with the TSA’s PreCheck program. This program is active in more than 200 airports and allows you to quickly pass through security without having to remove your electronics from your luggage or even take off your shoes. The membership is $85 for 5 years and requires you to submit an application, have a background check and fingerprints taken.
Once you have your Known Traveler Number added to your ticket, you won’t have to wait in those long lines again. There is also an international version of this service through the U.S. Custom’s Department known and Global Entry which can help you skip the long customs lines as well.
2. Check-In Before Leaving Home
Before you leave your home and head to the airport you can check-in to your flight up to 24 hours before your flight departs. This is a great opportunity for you to have a chance at picking your seat, pay any fees for checking a bag, and decide if you want to upgrade any portions of your flight.
Once you have checked in, you can have your boarding pass emailed to you and either print it out or you can use your mobile phone to access it at the airport. If you don’t have a printer or a mobile device then you can also print your boarding pass out at the airport. While this doesn’t save you time at the airport, it does allow you the chance to pick your seat on the airplane.
Once you have checked in, you should continue to monitor the status of your flight. If anything changes to the arrival and departure times you need to be aware, especially if there is a cancellation.
3. Be Familiar with the Driving and Parking
Another thing that can lead to dread when heading to the airport is unfamiliarity with the parking situation. There are many airports that provide a status update for their parking lots so you can know what to expect before you get there.
Before heading out, check the airport map so you will know where you need to go when you arrive. The maps will let you know where the cell phone waiting lots, extended parking, and short term parking lots are located.
For your arrival destination, you should also check the maps and learn where the rental car counter is, the information for your hotel shuttle, or what type of airport transfer services are available.
4. Prepare Your Luggage
Once you get to the airport, you should weigh the bags you plan on checking before making your way to the check-in counter. This way if they are overweight you will be able to move things around between bags before slowing the line up at the counter. You can also buy a scale to use at home so you are all set before arriving at the airport.
If you haven’t become a trusted traveler, then you will need to make sure you have all your important documentation with you for moving through security. To keep things organized you can have these items separated in their own pouch in your carry-on so they are easily accessible when you need it.
Your carry-on bag should also include anything that you might need during your flight, as well as a change of clothes and small toiletries. In the event your luggage is misplaced, you will still have some essentials with you at your destination until you can retrieve your things or buy some replacements.
5. At the Gate
Once you have made it through security and to your gate, you now have time to take a break before boarding your flight. This is a good opportunity to go to the bathroom, charge your electronics if needed, and check the flight status boards. If you have brought your own refillable water bottle, now is the time to fill it up before boarding, and avoid paying for an expensive water bottle at the gate or on your flight.
At the gate, you will also be able to get a sense of how crowded your flight might be, if there are any changes to the departure and arrival times, or if your flight has changed gates. Make sure to pay attention to your flight status so you don’t miss your boarding call or possibly miss your flight altogether.
Learn More Airport Travel Tips Today!
These are some of the most important airport travel tips to keep in mind for your upcoming flight. Consider becoming a member of the TSA’s PreCheck program to move through security quicker, check-in to your flight before leaving home, and monitor the status of the flight. You should also become familiar with the parking situation, have your luggage ready for the check-in counter, and then watch your flight information at the gate while you relax and get ready for your flight.
If you would like more travel tips be sure to visit our website daily!