Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash
Have a trip coming up? Spend a few extra minutes planning your travel arrangements while packing your suitcase and organizing accommodations.
According to a Timex survey, Americans spend, on average, 28 minutes waiting in security lines whenever they travel. There’s got to be a better way.
There is. With a few tips, you’ll be able to quickly navigate even the busiest airports in the world. And spend more time destressing on the other side.
Strategically plan flight times
Plan your flights around the busiest airport times whenever possible. Leisure travelers tend to fly late during the week to get the most out of a long weekend. They opt to take late afternoon or early evening return flights on Sundays to increase their time away. Business travelers get an early start on Monday morning, with return flights scheduled for late in the day on Friday. Avoiding these hours gives you a better chance of dodging a crowd. Early morning flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday are often best.
Try an alternative airport
Depending on where you’re traveling, you might be able to find an alternative airport to make the trip easier. In 2021, the top five busiest airports in the US included Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Chicago O’Hare, and Los Angeles. Internationally, they included Dubai, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Paris. In almost all cases, it may be possible to find an alternative airport nearby. Using Love Field in Dallas or Midway in Chicago may lessen your time spent in an airport and get you to where you’re going faster.
Don’t follow the crowd
Signs are put up throughout the airport for a reason. But that doesn’t mean you have to follow their advice. If you have an early flight, use the arrival lane when entering the airport, knowing the crowd will flow in through departure. If you frequently travel through an airport, use layover times to get to know it better. You may find little-used paths that can be a time saver when you’re running late.
Get the lay of the land
Traveling is simpler when you figure out where you’re going. And thanks to technology, there are more ways to see where you’re going before you get there. Download an airport map app that allows you to do a little investigating before your flight lands. Figure out which restaurant to stop by and where to make a pitstop en route to your next flight. Once you arrive at your final destination, use the app to learn the location of rental car services or how to find the train. You’ll appreciate feeling like a pro as you move seamlessly around the terminal.
Get pre-approved
Travel a lot? Apply for TSA PreCheck. It’s a government-run travel program that expedites security checks at more than 200 US airports. You’ll speed through security in just a few minutes and won’t be required to remove shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids. Once approved, you’ll have a five-year membership period with the option to renew.
If you frequently fly internationally, it might be worth signing up for Global Entry. This service expedites the process of moving through US Customs when returning to the US.
Airport lounges
For most budget-conscious travelers, the airport lounge seems far out of reach. But if you travel regularly, it might be a better deal than you think. They are the perfect place to hang out if you have extended layovers. It gives you access to food, drinks, comfy couches, and even a bed and a shower. While some credit cards add airport lounge access as a bonus, you can also purchase a day pass in some cases. Do your due diligence ahead of time, and you might find it’s a perk you can’t live without.
Get your tech ready
With so much of our world now tech-driven, it pays to have your tech in order before you head to the airport. Consider purchasing a tech organizer that keeps all your tech in one place.
Don’t forget to bring along a backup power source. You’ll often find people congregating wherever they can find an outlet, which might leave you standing in line. A backup source can ensure you reach your final destination without finding a way to charge up.
You should also spend a few minutes downloading films or other entertainment so you won’t have to use slow wi-fi while waiting at the gate. That way, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Ask for help
If you approach an area with a long line, find a customer service representative to ask for help. They can direct you to other checkpoints to get through security or alternative routes to get to a gate. Because they are familiar with the airport, they are an excellent resource to use whenever you have a question.
Lori Osterberg
Lori is a published author, experienced writer, and seasoned entrepreneur. She’s been in online publishing and content creation since the early 2000s. She loves curling up with a good book, cooking for family and friends, and traveling the world in her free time.