So, I'm sitting here at DFW (Dallas/Ft. Worth) airport, where I've just gone through the same old motions which are so ingrained in me that it's practically second nature. I've been fortunate to have extensively traveled in my 24 years on Earth, partly due to extended family living multiple states away and partly due to an unquenchable wanderlust. Regardless, I have learned and have picked up tricks and tips along the way which make my airport experiences run smoothly and stress-free-ly. Did you like that word? I made it up. Just now Could you tell?
1.) Pre-weigh your bags.
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If you're planning on checking a bag, I HIGHLY suggest investing in a luggage scale. Nothing is worse than getting to the airport and realizing you've gone over the weight limit or realize you actually had 15 lbs to spare.
2.) Curb-side
If checking a bag, consider doing curb-side checkin. Often, the lines are shorter and you get a more personable service. The convenience is expected to be reciprocated by tips. Make sure you have some ones or a five handy if you plan on doing curb-side.
3.) Tow hours prior means TWO HOURS PRIOR.
Get to the airport early. You don't know what traffic accidents have taken place or what fresh hell security has turned into that day. Give yourself breathing room. Better to spend and hour and a half waiting at your gate than running through the airport with minutes to spare (I've done this. It was awful.) or, Heaven forbid, miss your flight.
4.) Wear your heaviest shoes and coats on travel days.
Regardless where you're going, it's always a game of "save space" and "lighten the load". If its winter, wear your biggest snow boots and heaviest winter coats. If summer, your most clunky tennis shoes or moccasins and your sweatshirts/hoodies (planes can be chilly).
5.) Pre-plan your pockets.
You're going to have to dump EVERYTHING out of your pockets at security. Plan ahead. When getting ready to leave for the airport, leave out everything you don't absolutely need when going through security out of your pockets; only have your wallet (guys) and your phone. Nothing else. Pack everything else you might normally have in your pockets in an easily accessible pocket of your purse, backpack or carryon.
6.) Go digital.
All major airlines now support digital boarding passes, acquired through their websites/apps upon checkin. Take the excess paper out of the equation and use your smart watch or smart phone for your boarding pass.
7.) Zero liquids.
If you can manage it (AKA, if you're checking a bag), pack all necessary liquids in your checked bag. Sure you're allotted 4oz or less bottles in quart baggies but....take the extra security step out, if possible. Sometimes, ease is better than convenience.
8.) Skip the belt.
This might mean planning ahead on a different pair of pants that day but you'll thank yourself when you're not having to take your belt on and off in front of dozens of people in public. Ease vs. convenience applies here too.
9.) Weekend bag vs. rolling carryon.
Often, if planes are super full, they'll ask people with the larger carryon bags (AKA, rolling carryons) to check their bags at the gate. Translation: you have to wait an extra 10-15 minutes (or more) to pick up your CARRYON after de-boarding at either the gate or baggage claim. This happened to my mom recently and it added 20 extra minutes having to check her bag at the gate. Trade the rolling "convenient" carryon for an "easy" weekend bag like the one I have.
10.) Milk your travel.
If you have super flexible travel plans, book the earliest flight to your destination. Often, flights get overbooked and people are asked to "give up" their seat for a later flight. As a "thank you", airlines comp hundreds of dollars in flight vouchers for future travel for your "sacrifice". Play the system and it could reward you greatly.
Best wishes and safe travels, friends.
Cheers,
ZER
