Most of us are familiar with how frustrating airport travel can be, particularly the lines and the TSA. However, there are ways to make the experience much more tolerable. Here are some excellent Pro Tips to avoid airport lines.
It is true that air travel today lacks much of the glamour and carefree elegance that it once had 50 years ago due to the more complex world we live in. Nevertheless, since going through lines and security is unavoidable, it may be helpful to make the experience as painless as possible. Here are some easy tips that can assist in breezing through your next security screening!
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Sounds like stock advice, right? Here are some specific tips that can shave precious minutes and hassle off your wait time.
Check your flight status before you get ready to leave your house, use the airline app for your flight(s), or download a smartphone app like TripIt that will automatically notify you of any changes to your itinerary.
Check in to your flight online. This is especially helpful if you are not checking any bags!
Screen Capture your electronic boarding pass, so you have it as a photo on your phone, just in case the app fails, or you lose the internet.
Be Organized
Ed Hewitt, features editor for The Independent Traveler, offers this: Before you leave for the airport, put everything essential you need to check in and get through security — your ID, credit card, boarding pass, etc. — in an easily accessible part of your wallet or bag. “This way, you don’t waste your (and other people’s) time fumbling around for them at the moment you need them.” Then, he says, “Pack out of reach anything that you will not need between your front door and your airplane seat. Clutter is the enemy of smooth passage through the airport.”
One savvy traveler recommends this trick: If you’re staying over in a hotel and have an early morning flight, take your watch or any jewelry, loose change, and any other small items you’d have to take out anyway (like portable electronics), and just put them in plastic baggies in your carry-on. That way, you save time… instead of remembering where they are, and then gathering them together while in line, they are all together in one place when you’re through the security checkpoint. TSA agents also reportedly appreciate this kind of forethought.
When waiting in line, it’s a good idea to take a mental note of how many bins you’ll need for your belongings. Take some time to plan out the most efficient way to get your items onto the belt so that you can quickly go through security, get dressed, and leave.
Choose the Best Line
Here is a Pro Tip to avoid airport lines that’s worth its weight in gold! If you have a choice, go for the line with the bigger X-ray machine. These tend to be more advanced models that don’t require you to empty your tablet, computer, camera, and other large electronic devices into a separate bin. Just leave them in the bag, place the bag in the bin as instructed, and sail through the checkpoint. If there are two identical machines adjacent to each other, take the one on the left! It’s human nature to go right, so choosing the left means you will likely have a shorter line, and less likely to have TSA escort wheelchairs through your line.
Become a Trusted Traveler
The TSA has a trusted traveler program called TSA Precheck® that is now available in many airports across the country, and 90 participating airlines. It has perks like not requiring shoe or laptop removal for a speedy trip through security.
Stay Calm
When things don’t go as planned and you get delayed or a late flight means a missed connection — don’t panic. Here’s what you can have on hand to help make a messy situation much more bearable:
If you have a smartphone, make use of it. Find helpful apps (such as TripIt) that keep all your info organized, keep you informed, and have helpful names and numbers (like mine!) at your fingertips when you need them.
Program the numbers of your travel agent, airline, car rental service, hotel, and any other contact info into your phone. You can even temporarily organize them all under one name — for example, assign the “last name” of each item as “California Trip 2018,” and they’ll all appear listed in one spot in your contacts for easy access. This way, if a logistical emergency occurs, you have the ability to reach out so your contact or travel professional can help you find additional flights, make cancellations, reschedule pick-up/drop-off times, or notify hosts or a front desk of a late arrival.
Practice Mindfulness – (or whatever your version of that is)
When you have everything organized, and you know you’re ready to go, and all there is left to do is wait in line, make the most of it. Focus on the excitement you feel about your trip. Talk to your kids. Take deep breaths. If you’re not self-conscious, do some pre-tiny-airline-seat stretches. Strike up a conversation if you feel like it. Listen to a podcast (We might be biased, but a great travel podcast is the Global Traveler – available on Spotify Audible, IHeartRadio, or your favorite Podcast app.). Get your mind in a place that’s positive and productive and set the tone for your trip to focus on what’s working and what you’re thankful for.
And, we know it’s tough sometimes, but don’t forget the one travel essential you cannot live without… patience. Everyone is in the same boat; everyone wants to get through. A smile and a “thank you” never hurt, either. I’ve known many people, including myself, who’ve gotten unexpected happy surprises (baggage fees waived, bump up) just for being polite when everyone else was falling apart. See where it gets you! By implementing these Pro Tips to avoid airport lines, you’ll have a more relaxing, less stressful time at the airport.
Do you need information about pro tips to avoid airport lines for a specific airport or airline? Are you looking for help planning your next trip? Not only can East-West Global Traveler help you with security line advice – we can help you with everything that leads up to it and everything after! We have the finest Travel Professionals in our Preferred Travel Professional network (PTP), who are ready to answer your specific questions and get you on your next travel adventure. Click Here!