Going through the airport can feel like a panic attack waiting to happen. You are just trying to get from the door of the airport to the seat on your plane as effortlessly as possible, right? Well in reality it's not that simple. After all, all the other billion travelers in the airport are trying to make it in and out as fast as they possibly can too. The question is, do you want to spend more time in the sky and less time in the airport? If you do, there are some things that you can do to make transit time faster and easier. Here is a list of eight things to do to minimize your airport hustle.
Go Through TSA PreCheck
This is for the people who did their homework days in advance back in school. TSA pre-check allows certain travelers the opportunity to go through their security screening faster than regular travelers. These security lines are a breeze, and you do not have to be hassled through them at the last minute to catch a flight. A simple fee is required, but it is worth it when you think of the time you will spend in the lounge and out of queues!
Pick The Front Of The Airport Shuttle
Every single minute counts, so when you choose where to stand in the airport shuttle, make sure you are clever about it! Running the race from the front is a smart way to board the plane faster. When the shuttle stops, you will be the first to exit and get to your seat in the plane before all the other passengers. Do not get swallowed by the crowds; stay ahead of them!
Check-in On A Mobile App
Technology is really helping to make life easier! Ditch the long check-in lines and other airport services to make your time in the airport as quick as a snap of your fingers. When you find your airline’s check-in app, you will be able to get your boarding pass and strut your stuff straight to the security line! If you follow tip one and leave out the check-in luggage, you will make the process so much sweeter for yourself. The next tip is how to stay ahead of any disasters and make it in and out faster!
Do Your Research About the Aiport
The fastest way to get through anywhere is to know the place like the back of your hand! You get from home to work faster the more you follow the route. If you want to make it through the airport quicker, make sure you know exactly where you are going. Imagine arriving late to check in and standing for a while in the wrong queue before you realize your mistake. If you do your research beforehand, you will know where the most convenient bathrooms are or be able to catch a drink at your favorite coffee shop before takeoff. The next tip is for the traveler who always has their phone in their hand!
Bring a portable charger or an adapter
Most airports have charging ports in and around them, but a smart traveler knows it is important to always keep gadgets handy. If the airport gets too busy, you may not be able to find a spot to charge from. The last place you want to be caught without a battery is the airport, because what if you only have a digital copy of your ticket on hand? If you are traveling with a soccer team of people, an adapter is a good item to have too. It seems crazy to suggest, but when all five of you want to charge your phones and there is only one spot, you will remember this article.
Wear some of your clothes instead of packing them
This airport trick is known to the most experienced travelers. If it cannot fit in the bag, try to put it on your body! No airport official is going to stop you from wearing three coats on the plane. Doing this saves space in your bags and will cut the time you will spend trying to repack them. Let's not even get started on the prices for extra luggage! The next tip is to help you avoid the most unfortunate of airport disasters.
Bring a second ID or copies of IDs
There is nothing as terrifying as arriving at your check-in gate and realizing that your passport or ID is missing! It’s the type of nightmare you do not even wish on your absolute worst enemy. Traveling with copies of your identity documents or carrying both your ID and passport for domestic flights could save you from this crazy accident. For some of the nicer airports, if you do not have your ID, a copy of it will be enough to get you through the gate!
Not Checking In Your Bags
Can you pack light? If you can, this will give you an extra advantage that a lot of other travelers will not have. Remove 30 minutes from your travel time and take out the drama of losing your checked baggage in transit. Bag check fees can be scary, and standing in line to check them in will only add to your travel time. You will have to watch the family of five go first, and maybe even work up a cramp from standing for so long! Carry your luggage and save yourself from long and useless lines. The next tip is for people who like to get ahead of tasks and cut their work in half!