When traveling, airports can sometimes seem like a necessary evil. You don’t want to start or end your vacation on a stressful note, so don’t let your airport experience bring down an otherwise great trip. Here are some of our best tips for making your airport experience as smooth and efficient as possible.
Choose Your Airport, Flight Day and Time Wisely
Believe it or not, where you fly out of and when you fly can have a big impact on your airport experience. Certain airports have a reputation for having particularly long waits while others are known for little to no wait at all. If you are close to multiple airports, make sure to look into all of your options, taking not just flight price, but also typical wait time into consideration.
Additionally, the day and time of your flight can make a difference in your airport experience. Mondays, Fridays and Sundays are some of the busiest days for flights, whereas Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be a lot less crowded, hence shorter lines at check in, baggage and security.
Check in Ahead of Time
Most airlines allow you to check in up to 24 hours in advance online. Once you’ve done this, you can either print your ticket at home, or most airlines now have options for mobile boarding passes you can save to your phone. Doing this can save you from having to wait in the line to check in at the desk.
Don’t Check a Bag
If you can, try to avoid checking luggage. Not only do most airlines charge extra for checked baggage, but you will save yourself some time. You won’t need to worry about waiting in line to check your bag, and when you land you also won’t have to waste time waiting at the baggage carousel for your luggage.
Use the TSA App
TSA now has an app that allows users to look up security wait times as well as record their own. This is handy not only for comparing airports, but also for comparing gates and terminals to find the shortest wait time.
Go Through Security Like a Pro
There are some things you can do to avoid extra hold ups in the security line:
-Keep your ticket and ID handy so you can quickly show it to the TSA agent
– Pack anything you need to get out, such as liquids, laptops, etc, at the top of your bag so rather than digging through all of your stuff, you can simply open your bag and pull it right out.
-Dress smart by avoiding things you will need to take off such as jackets, watches and jewelry. Make sure to wear shoes that you can get on and off quickly.
-If you have the option, choose your security line wisely. Sometimes a TSA agent will direct you to a specific line but other times you have a choice. Look for short lines and try to pick one with business travelers. Since they fly often, they generally know what they are doing and get through security quickly.
Look into TSA Pre Check or Global Entry
Finally, if you fly often, it may be worth it to look into getting a Known Traveler Number through TSA Pre Check or Global Entry. TSA Precheck covers domestic flights, allowing you to go to a special line just for people with Pre Check. In that line you still go through security but don’t need to take off shoes or remove any liquids or electronics. Global Entry includes the Pre Check but also makes your wait at Customs shorter when returning through international trips.
Next time you fly, make sure you use these tips for a smoother airport experience. You will definitely appreciate not having to begin or end your trip on a stressful note!