These ten airport tips have changed our airport experience from a thing of stress to an enjoyable part of the vacation. Keep reading for airport tips to make your travel experience far more enjoyable!

1. Only Pack Carry On Bags

Our benefits allow us to check two bags to our final destination, but my husband and I have never thought it would be a good idea. Being that you are not sure you are getting a seat on the plane, you don’t want to end up in a situation where your bag goes without you. To prevent this, we only bring carry-ons.

2. Pack Light

This point ties into the last one. With the possibility of many layovers and navigating around a new place, it’s wise to carry as little as possible on your trip. It is miserable to lug around a giant piece of luggage through the airport, into the overhead bin, or around a new city. I aim to fit everything I need into a backpack and a purse. On longer trips, I put a purse inside a duffel for extra room. 

We chose backpacks as our main luggage because they’re easy to carry, and a gate agent is far less likely to gate-check your bag. The same goes for the duffle bag. Roller bags are more likely to be gate checked if there is limited overhead bin space. We prefer to have our bags by our side at all times. 

3. TSA PreCheck/Clear

We acquired TSA PreCheck with our travel American Express credit card. There is also an option for global entry, but it can be challenging to get an appointment, so we went for PreCheck. We flew to Atlanta and back just for our PreCheck appointment. Having a shorter wait time at TSA has been a game-changer. There was one time I was cutting it close for a flight but decided to chance it anyways. I got through security and to the plane right as it was boarding.

Another time we had an international connection through Charlotte and had to exit the airport and re-enter. We had a tight connection and cannot be sure if we would have made it without PreCheck. Additionally, it’s nice to keep your shoes on and not take a million things out of your bag.

Clear

Additionally, Clear is a perk of our American Express card. It offers the same benefits as TSA PreCheck and has expedited our time through security. When we got Clear, we had to go through processing at an airport with Clear where they took our biometrics and asked us a series of questions. These stations to get set up are typically right outside of security. Security is even better now that we can eyeball both the Clear and TSA PreCheck line and choose the shortest one. On one random occasion, the regular screening had a shorter line than PreCheck, so I opted to go through the standard line. That is rare, but it’s wise to choose the shortest line in this instance. Since having these luxuries, I can’t remember the last time it took more than 5 minutes to get through security screenings at an airport. We see this now as one of the most essential airport tips for frequent travelers.

4. Tips for Lounge Access at the Airport

Another enjoyable benefit of our American Express card is airport lounge access. Many credit cards offer lounge access as a perk. The lounge quality varies (sometimes lounges can be overcrowded), but they have made our layovers more comfortable. Most have charging stations at each chair for your devices. You can get food and drinks with lounge access. Even adult beverages are typically available. (Please drink responsibly!) It is relaxing sitting in a more comfortable chair waiting for your flight. For us, it is part of the fun of traveling and might even be one of the more relaxing things we do on a trip! (We aren’t the “hang out on a beach for a week” type of travelers)

5. Pack Smart

We already went over packing light, so this tip is more specifically about how to pack your bag. Put heavy stuff on the bottom of your bag so it isn’t out of balance and is easier to carry. Put things you may need to access in the airport near the top so they are accessible. Keep your phone, with the boarding pass or standby reservation displayed, and ID handy to get through TSA. Subscribe to see a travel essentials list!

6. Tips to Become an Expert at Getting Through Security Quickly at the Airport

You don’t want to be ‘that person’ that holds up the whole line. If you’re in the regular line, start getting your shoes off as you approach the bins. Remove your conveniently located (due to step #5) toiletries and laptop (if you must bring one, see rule #2!). Check your pockets! Remove your jacket. Do all of these things so that when you approach the bins, all that is left to do is fill them. People will marvel at your expediency. If you have options between multiple lines, here’s a helpful video to help you choose which line will move the fastest. Hint: it’s not the one with the person carrying five pieces of luggage, looking perplexed.

Have that boarding pass, ID and passport, if applicable, ready so you don’t have to rummage around when called up to the TSA agents podium. Patiently await your carry-ons as they slide through the screening machine. Don’t reach over to try to grab them before they are through! Most of all, follow the guidelines for what you can and cannot have in your bag. It is irritating and time-consuming when the officer has to rifle through your bag because you forgot you had scissors in your backpack that you used at school the week prior. If you use your backpack at home for alternative purposes, always check before packing that you haven’t left anything inside the bag that will be a problem. 

7. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle if you don’t have lounge access, want to hydrate at your convenience on the plane, or want water available once at your destination. This pointer is a big one on this list of airport tips! Bring an empty water bottle and fill it at the airport. No more thirst waiting for beverage service. No more expensive airport drinks. Conveniently have water by your side for the rest of your transit to your hotel or destination. Amazon sells collapsible water bottles that are even better. These would work well for the packing light tip! Having a water bottle can be a game changer for a day trip. 

8. Wear Comfy Shoes and your Bulky Clothes 

As we attempt to pack light, save the sweaters, jackets, thick pants, etc., for the travel outfit. This action will save you valuable space in your carry-on bag. You will be more comfortable on the plane because you can layer up or pair down to adjust your comfort to the temperature. Comfortable shoes are a must. You never know if you’ll have a tight connection. Not worrying about uncomfortable shoes could save time getting from gate to gate. They are also the clunkiest item to pack, and you’ll want something you can do a lot of walking in for your trip.

9. If Traveling Internationally, Know What You Need to Enter a New Country  

Do you need a visa? Many countries don’t require one if you have a US passport and aren’t traveling for more than 90 days, but check and make sure that your destination doesn’t require a visa or other entry form. Do you need vaccines to enter? Do you need a return trip booked? Are there any unique circumstances regarding immigration or customs? Check if you can digitally scan you passport at your destination to save time going through immigration. Have your passport scanned at the ticket counter before you go through security. Know some of these crucial things before you go or you might not be going at all. 

10. Utilize Airport Hotels  

Sometimes it’s unavoidable as a non-rev: you get stuck. Save yourself from a miserable night at the airport and book an airport hotel. Before booking, be sure the airport shuttle can pick you up as some don’t run 24/7. We have utilized airport hotels when we arrive late at our destination. It can take the stress out of transiting at night. It can be relieving when you’re tired from a day of travel to hop on a shuttle and be at your hotel quickly upon arrival. The reverse can be true as well. If you have an early flight and want to spend more time sleeping and less time driving to the airport, an airport hotel is your friend.

Bonus tip: Follow the rules of your respective airline. Don’t try to non-rev when you have a confirmed seat purchased. Check dress codes when flying ZED. Make sure to conduct yourself pleasantly, as the agents will appreciate it. If you’re feeling generous, bring something for the crew or airport personnel. They appreciate it!

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