Airports can be overwhelming for some. They are loud, crowded, and the layout can be confusing. Here are some tips that can hopefully make your experience in the airport a little less stressful. 🙂 Especially for not so frequent flyers!
Visit Ahead of Time
Everyone is different and some people get major anxiety just thinking about entering an airport. If you are one of those people, pop in a day or two ahead of time to get the layout of the “land”. You can’t go past security but you can familiarize yourself with the ticket counter and the path you’ll take to get to TSA. I have seen many people do this while working at my local airport. You can also look at the map of your arrival airport online or in your airline’s app. This can give you some peace of mind when arriving at your destination as well.
Dress for Comfort
You’re going to be sitting for the majority of your travels. Whether in the airport or on the plane so comfort is key. There is a fine line between being comfy and looking sloppy though. Pajamas are only acceptable on the kiddos. Dress in layers (airplanes can be chilly) and opt for slip on shoes to ease through security checkpoints.
Arrive Early
You should aim to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Security lines tend to be the longest during the early morning hours and weekends. Especially holiday weekends! My rule is arrive 1.5 hours before domestic and 3 hours before international travel. I’d rather sit at my gate for an extra hour than possibly miss my flight due to long TSA lines. If you are not checking any bags, mobile check in or at a kiosk will also save you time and lines.
Consider TSA Precheck or Global Entry
If you’ve caught the travel bug you may want to consider TSA precheck. It allows you to make you way through security lines faster, which is definitely a stress reliever. If you plan on jet setting around the world, Global Entry is the way to go. Both offer perks like not needing to remove your shoes, belts, or electronics, AND you’ll usually skip the longer lines.
Be Ready for Security
Be sure to follow TSA guidelines for carry-on liquids and make sure they are in a clear bag if you are planning on not checking your luggage. Throwing away full sized products while in line is not fun. Also be sure to have all of your important documents handy. Keep your passport, boarding pass and any visas in a place that is easily accessible. If you don’t have precheck, be prepared to remove jackets, belts and shoes. If you have slip on shoes they are a great choice when flying, especially if you’re in a hurry. No need to worry about laces before you run to your gate. No sandals though, just my opinion but pack the sandals in your bag no one wants to look at your bare feet in security or on the plane.
Pack Healthy Snacks and Stay Hydrated
I feel like all rules go out the window when you are at an airport. People are throwing back tequilla shots and beers at 6AM or snacking on super expensive junk food that they wouldn’t normally eat. You don’t have to be that person! Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security and pack a few healthy snacks. This will keep you energized during the flight and hopefully fight jet lag. You CAN bring food through security, they may just give it an extra scan.
Stay Informed
Download your airline’s app to stay up to date on gate changes. Be sure to keep an eye on departure screens and listen for announcements to stay up to date on your flight’s status. If you are wearing headphones make sure that your volume isn’t too high so that you can hear important announcements. You’d be surprised how often someone misses important info because they are so tuned into a podcast. Also, be aware of your surroundings. If you notice the people at your gate are starting to leave, check to see what is going on.
I hope these tips help make your time at the airport less stressful. Traveling can be so rewarding once the stress of getting to your destination is over!