The airport isn’t usually the first spot that comes to mind on the list of fun places to spend a day. For business and recreational travelers alike, however, the airport is a necessary evil. But this doesn’t mean your time at the airport has to be insufferable. In fact, there are some easy yet effective things you can do to improve upon the experience. Read on for a roundup of eight tips aimed at helping you minimize stress and maximize satisfaction during your next airport adventure.
1. Organize your paperwork in advance
Think you’ll have time to organize your paperwork in the cab or when you get to the airport? Don’t count on it. Instead, spend a few minutes before you leave for the airport organizing all necessary documents - including your ID, boarding pass and credit card - in one central part of your wallet or carry-on bag. This services two purposes: it ensures that you’re not leaving home without something you need while sparing you from frazzled fumbling at check-in, security, or the gate.
This is also an opportunity to organize and declutter the rest of your belongings, as well. If you won’t need them before you board, tuck them securely away.
2. Check your flight status
The simplest way to streamline the amount of time you spend at the airport? Check your flight status before leaving home. This is easier than ever in the digital era thanks to the preponderance of airlines which will text or email updates directly to your smartphone or computer.
3. Plan for parking
Parking can be both a major time suck and huge headache. Determining where you’re going to park -- from which lots are open to whether you’ll need to take a shuttle to the terminal -- can help take the pressure off. Also, keep in mind that lots fill up quickly during peak times, so have a Plan B at the ready just in case.
Taking a cab or getting a ride from a friend, meanwhile? Knowing how long it takes to get to the airport -- factoring in traffic at the time of day when you’re traveling -- can spare you a white-knuckled ride.
4. Check in online
Taking advantage of online check-in offers a number of anxiety-alleviating advantages, including everything from avoiding long lines to selecting your seat. Different airlines have different policies regarding how early you can check-in online so be sure to do your research beforehand. (Not checking in online? Be sure to find out how early you need to arrive at the airport.)
One word of advice? While online check-in eliminates the need to print your boarding pass, bring along a hard copy, just in case. You’ll be glad you did if your phone dies.
5. Never leave without looking
Anyone who’s ever been momentarily unable to lay hands on their cell phone, wallet, or boarding pass knows how heart-stopping the experience can be. Avoid future panic by always checking you have everything with you when you move from one spot to the next.
6. Be a security success
We’ve all heard the expression, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” This expression applies no better than to airport security. Airport security restrictions are very much part of the world we live in. Being prepared in advance -- such as by removing all of your jewelry in advance (or opting for minimal jewelry to begin with); wearing minimal layers; and having all liquids, pastes, and gels organized in clear, plastic bags can speed up the process. If you're a frequent traveler or have some extra cash to toss around, PreCheck and Global Entry both offer accelerated passage through security lines.
Other words of advice from seasoned travelers? Avoid lines with kids, whenever possible; these always take longer.
7. Skip the boarding lines
Just because you see everyone else queuing up around you doesn’t mean you need to do the same. Instead, wait for the line to shorten, and you’ll stroll straight up to the boarding gate and onto the plane. After all, would you rather spend that 15 minutes aimlessly waiting, or relaxing while reading a magazine?
8. Ace your connections
There are a few ways to take the hassle out of connections. For starters, every airline has different minimum connecting times at its hubs. By arranging to fly on a single ticket for connecting flights, you ensure compliance with connecting times -- meaning if there is a delay and you miss your flight, you’ll automatically be put on the next available flight with no additional charges. Speaking of next flights, the earlier you book your flights, the better “next available” options you’ll have. Conversely, if you book the last flight of the day, you’re out of luck until morning if your flight is late.
If you do end up making a two-ticket trip, padding your schedule with extra time can help you avoid a frantic race through the airport.
The airport may never make your list of favorite places, but it doesn’t have to be the equivalent of a trip to the dentist’s office, either. With these eight tips in your arsenal, you’ll be well-positioned for a turbulence-free pre-flight.
