10 Secrets To Make Navigating The Airport A Breeze

Between security, check-in, and just the sheer size of some of the buildings, an airport can be the most stressful part of your trip - especially If you're an infrequent flyer. With a little planning ahead of time, your next trip through the airport can go much smoother. I'm not a fan of getting to the airport any earlier than absolutely necessary, so, if you're like me, these tips can shave some time off your airport experience. You don't have to fly often to fly like a pro.. if you know some insider tricks.

After hundreds of flights -and plenty of missteps- these are the tips I've picked up along the way to make navigating the airport a breeze!

Tip #1 - Download Your Airline's App

I'm not a fan of downloading apps I don't use often, but for airlines it's worth it. This is the easiest way to get real time info on your flight as you don't have to try to navigate a website on your phone. Not only that, but most apps will have maps of the airports to help with connecting flights or to find the baggage claim and ground transportation. Most apps will conveniently send push notifications with updates if there's a change in your schedule so you don't miss anything or feel the need to be refreshing a website every few minutes. My last flight it actually showed me where my luggage was as well! Having the app also makes tip #2 easier. *bonus: some airlines offer free streaming services through their app during flight

You can also download the TSA app which has fairly accurate wait times for security and provides answers for any questions you might have on what's allowed through security.

Tip #2 - Check In Online

You can check into your flight 24 hrs before scheduled departure time. You'll typically get an email or push notification to do so. Checking in online has a slew of advantages. If you are in a situation where you need to pick your seat, the early bird gets the worm. Some airlines (*cough* Spirit) will actually charge you to check in at the airport, but even if you're not flying with them, you'll still avoid any potential wasted time waiting in lines.

Tip #3 - Check Your Checked Bags At The Curb

Another great way to avoid lines (and lugging around some heavier or awkward sized bags), is to check in at the curb. I've never had more than one person in line ahead of me whenever I've chose this option. It also gets your luggage on it's way to the plane faster if you're playing beat the clock. *note: most find it customary to tip a few bucks to the outside baggage person

Tip #4 - TSA Pre-Check / Global Entry

Who doesn't like saving time at the airport? If there is any tip I cannot recommend enough, it is TSA Pre-check or Global Entry. This is like the express pass at the amusement park! Walking past the endless queue's of people straight is immensely satisfying as well. The difference in the two is that Global Entry will shorten your wait for airports & customs, whereas Pre-Check is only for domestic airports. There is a cost to do it (Pre-check: $78 for 5 years; Global Entry $100 more) and an in person interview, then a waiting period of anywhere from 5-30 days. *Global Entry also has fewer locations for an in-person interview so you might have to make a drive for the interview. After that though, you're good for five years.

There are several benefits, and when combined, they’re quite valuable to a frequent traveler. Examples include:

• Security lines are often shorter. As mentioned above, in most cases, no more than five minutes separate you from the back of the security line to the terminal, meaning the most useful benefit is, of course, saving time.

• You can leave your shoes on. Having to take off footwear in a public space that hundreds of thousands of passengers go through is so … gross. With TSA PreCheck, you can keep your shoes on and your socks clean.

• Your laptop and liquids don’t need separate security bins. You know how sometimes you pack your carry-on bag so flawlessly, any disturbance will mess up the entire Tetris-style order inside? Being a TSA PreCheck member allows you to keep your laptop and liquids perfectly packed.

• Some airline rewards cards will actually cover the cost of the program.

Tip #5 - Make Sure Your Liquids Situation Is Correct

All airports have different procedures, and I've actually been through some airports that don't even make you pull out liquids. It all depends on their screening equipment. That being said, you can avoid any issues by following the "official" rules, which say all liquids, gels, and aerosols should be 3.4 ounces or less, and they should all fit in a single, quart-sized plastic bag. Anything more than that and they will make you toss it. The easiest way to avoid this is to buy containers that are the correct size to begin with. I have this travel set (which I love because the bottles are different colors making it easy to differentiate), but you can also just buy the bottles individually like these. If you can even avoid carrying on liquids, then that's your best bet.

Tip #6 - Make Sure Anything Needing To Be Removed At Security Is Packed Smart

You can utilize the outer zipper on your suitcase to store your liquids and electronics, or make sure they are on top when you unzip your suitcase for ease of access. Take it a step further and store everything you'll have to remove at security in your "personal" (purse, backpack, satchel, laptop bag) carry on item. If your carry-on suitcase is just full of clothes, you can throw it on the security belt while you focus on your personal item which will have all the "questionable" items like liquids, large electronics, and food. Packing this way also ensures everything you'll need in-flight will be in your personal item which is stowed under the seat in front of you for ease of access. Here's the list of what you're allowed to bring through security.

Tip #7 - Bring An Empty Water Bottle That You Can Fill Up Once You Get Through Security

Airplanes are dry places, so it's important to stay hydrated. If you're flying internationally, this is even more important because dehydration can actually worsen jet lag. In this instance, don't stay thirsty my friends. Rather than pay $8 for a bottle of water since you can't take one through TSA, I have one of these collapsable water bottles so I can fill up at a water fountain. Beyond the airport, I swear by these bottles when I'm hiking, kayaking, or just going to the beach. 35 oz is a nice size as well. *bonus: you can freeze them for a hot day on your vacation.

Tip #8 - Use A Packing Checklist

Ok, this tip isn't for everyone, but for those who swear they forget something every time they travel or overpack to make sure you don't forget something (I feel attacked by my statement), these Pack This! checklists will give you some peace of mind. They're pretty exhaustive, so it should be nearly impossible to forget something.

Tip #9 - Don't Put Anything In Checked Bags You Can't Afford To Lose

This is a tip straight out of experience. Typically hotels will have soap and shampoo (and even toothbrushes and toothpaste), but they don't have spare laptops or jewelry. Things happen, luggage gets lost. If you are traveling with something that is absolutely essential for you to function, then best place it in your carry on.

Tip #10 - Be Nice :)

It should go without saying to be kind to others, but it seems many need a reminder since COVID travel. Airports are stressful places and I've yet to encounter an employee who wasn't just trying to do their job. Aside from that, causing a scene will most likely cause you more problems especially if security has to step in.

So there you have it. My top tips for navigating the airport with more efficiency and less stress. If you still haven't figured out what your next vacation's going to be, I'm here to help. Share with a friend who might benefit from these tips and leave a comment below if you think there's something I missed. Happy travels!

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