So, you're packed and ready to go. You wake and get ready to go. What do you wear? What do you bring? Is there any way to make the airport experience any less painful? There sure is. Here's what we think about it:
Well, we're actually going to talk about what happens before you arrive at the airport. Here are a few pointers to make the next hour or so much less stressful!
- When you pack your carry on, make sure your boarding pass (which you already printed) and Photo ID or passport are easily accessible.
- Wear shoes that you can easily remove. Boat shoes or sandals are great for flying. Fashion is important (of course), but build your outfit around your shoes so that you don't have to hassle with laces or tight-fitting shoes later.
- If you don't need a belt, don't wear a belt. Or pack it in your carry on until you're through security. The same goes for jackets.
- If you want to be comfortable, dress in layers. You'll only have to remove a jacket, but you can wear a couple of shirts to make sure you don't get too cold or too warm on the plane.
- Know the rules: In the US, all liquids, gels, and aerosols have to be ≤3oz. and placed in a quart bag. Have the bag ready, and make sure it's easily accessible. You'll need to remove it from your carry on.
- If you're bringing a laptop (and really consider whether you need one before you go), make sure it's easily accessible, too!
- That's really the key kids: Know what you need to get to, and make sure you can get to it!
So you take your previously-schedule cab to the airport, and it's time to head through security. This is likely the most stressful part of the airport experience for most people. Sometimes, you can't help it. But there are a few things you can do to make the experience less painful:
- Know what you need to know before you get in line:
- In most airports, there will be employees checking your boarding pass to make sure you're in the right place. Go ahead and get your ID and boarding ready, so that you have it for the security checkpoint.
- Then, you'll give your boarding pass and Photo ID (driver's license or passport) to the security agent. Have it ready, and don't fuss with your stuff before that!
- Once you're past the initial check, you'll be ready to face the security line. Here's what we think about that:
- So, you've already got your boarding pass and Photo ID ready, and you're waiting in line. Should you just stand there? NO! Don't just stand there! Use your time wisely. Drop your wallet, keys, change, and anything that might beep into your carry on. You shouldn't need your ID anymore, so you can put that away. Sometimes, you'll need your boarding pass again. But you probably won't. So, put it somewhere handy.
- As you near the checkpoint, think ahead. You can't carry drinks through the security checkpoint. You'll need to remove your shoes, jacket, belt, laptop, and bag of liquids and put them in bins. The best way to expedite this process is to do it before you reach the table. Do everyone a favor! Be ready in advance!
- Pass through the metal detector or X-ray machine quickly (feet apart, arms up) and retrieve your items. Hopefully, you didn't get pulled aside for a bag check. If you did, just be kind and play along with security. Be courteous. If you have tons of stuff, pack it up in a bin and carry it somewhere nearby to get dressed. If you only have a few things, retrieve your items quickly and take them away. Remember: Everyone else is stressed, too, so do your part to make it quick and painless for the world!
- The gate is the easy part!
- Have your boarding pass ready. You shouldn't need your ID anymore.
- If your airline boards by group number, follow the group boarding. you're just going to cause problems if you try to board early, so don't do it!
That's it for now! We hope these tips will make life a little easier.
Travel light, travel smart, and travel happy! Until next time!
