The Top 10 Survival Tips for Stress-Free Airport Travel

Traveling allows you to escape, relax, and unwind as you enjoy new experiences, cultures, and amenities. Even the journey to get to your destination can be an adventure. Other times, the journey can add quite a bit of stress to your vacation, especially when you’re rushing through the airport or dealing with tedious layovers. Fortunately, you can mitigate the anxiety and drudgery of airport travel with a few simple, practical strategies.

Don’t Forget Your Boarding Pass

Your boarding pass is the ticket to your flight, and you don’t want to lose it on your airport journey. A paper copy can be printed at home or the airport for convenience. Keep it in your wallet and on your person so you always know where it is. Most airlines have a mobile app where you can digitally scan your boarding pass at the gate. Keep your digital boarding pass accessible as well. Consider taking a screenshot of your boarding pass in case you have limited connection when the time comes; screenshots are saved to your phone’s pictures folder for easy access. Having a paper backup to your digital boarding pass (or vice versa) can keep your travels stress-free.

Dress Comfortably

On the day of your flight, your time will be split between rushing or walking around the airport and sitting during long flights and layovers. You’ll want to be comfortable enough for both of these tasks. Consider prioritizing comfort over fashion. A simple t-shirt or sweatshirt, like the men’s or ladies’ gear from Armed American, can keep you comfortable during airport chaos. Wear shoes that are the most comfortable to walk and stand in, like supportive sneakers. Socks are a smart choice if you go through airport security, as you’ll need to remove your shoes. Keep average temperatures in mind when traveling, but layering can keep you cold or warm if temperatures fluctuate at the airport or on your flight. If you need to dress up, consider changing after your flight arrives to maximize comfort during travel.

Arrive Early

Airports are often busy and crowded, so it can take more time to walk from one point to another. Lines for checking luggage or airport security can also be lengthy, especially in popular travel destinations like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Orlando. Anticipate long lines and hefty crowds to avoid rushing and last-minute panic. Most airports and airlines advise arriving two hours before your departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. Adjust these estimates depending on your location and situation. If you know airports are very busy at a certain time of year or location, add more wiggle room.

Consider TSA Precheck 

If you fly often, airport security can be a hassle. There is a way to circumvent the tedium of airport security, however. For a small fee and some paperwork, you can join TSA PreCheck, which allows you to bypass shoe, electronic, and liquid removal during security screenings. TSA PreCheck saves frequent fliers a lot of time, and it’s worth considering, especially if your airport’s security lines are always long.

Keep Track of Your Wallet

Wallets can be easily lost or stolen during the rush of airport travel. Keep your wallet or purse on your person at all times, and don’t put it in a backpack where you can lose sight of it frequently. Check your wallet regularly to make sure it is safe and intact. Losing your wallet can not only limit your ability to travel, but it can ruin your entire trip!

Expect the Unexpected

Nothing ever seems to go as planned when you travel, so it’s good to factor in unexpected delays when planning your day. Anticipate long airport lines or crowded airplanes. Expect to lose your checked luggage. Make a plan for when you spill coffee all over your shirt. These things likely won’t happen to you, but when you prepare for emergencies, you can mitigate their hindrances.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

It can be easy to forget to drink water or eat when you’re busy at the airport. You’re limited on what liquids you can bring through airport security, but you can bring along an empty water bottle to fill once you’re passed. You can also purchase any type of drink post-security. Snacks are fine to bring through security, and plenty are available for purchase after security, too. Drinks and snacks are served on the plane on most flights. Take opportunities to eat and drink when you can to keep your energy levels up.

Travel Credit Cards

Some credit cards offer travel perks like free airline mileage and access to airport amenities like first-class lounges and priority boarding. You shouldn’t utilize a credit card if you can’t pay it off fully each month, but it may be a smart choice if you use it wisely to access airport amenities you normally wouldn’t.

Sit at an Empty Gate

When it comes time to sit near your gate, everyone else on your flight will be crowding the area, too. You don’t have to sit at your exact gate with all the crowds. Choose an empty gate nearby, if possible, for a more private and relaxed experience. Make sure you can still hear your gate’s announcements, though—you don’t want to end up missing your flight!

Photo by yousef alfuhigi on Unsplash