Your bags are packed. You’re checked-in for your flight. The only thing between you and your vacation is a few grueling hours at the airport. Instead of starting and ending your getaway on a sour note, make the most of your time at the airport with this survival guide:
Dress correctly
Picking the correct outfit to travel in is never easy. It may be a sweltering 100 degrees outside during the summer, but the airport’s air conditioning is working overtime, and you’re freezing in that beach-ready dress. The trick to comfortable airport outfit? Layering. You have to be ready to drag your luggage around a crowded gate while also prepare to feel the arctic air coming out of the open vent next to you on the airplane. Bring multiple lightweight layers in your carry-on bag for those unpredictable airport temperatures. Don’t forget to throw in a pair of socks for the airplane, too!
Plan Ahead for Security
Sometimes getting to the airport an hour early still isn’t enough time to get through the security line and to your gate. When you’ve got an early morning flight or find yourself running behind schedule, the last thing you want to see is a TSA line wrapping around the lobby of the airport. That’s when TSA Pre?® comes in handy. While signing up for the program takes some foresight, the pass is good for 5 years and gives you the freedom to zoom through airport security every time. Added bonus, you don’t have to take off your shoes or jacket or remove electronics from your bag when you use TSA Pre?®.
Park closer
While the airplane is your transportation to your final destination, don’t forget about transportation to the airport. While most airports have an abundance of lower-priced parking spots within a shuttle ride to the terminal, sometimes we simply don’t have the time or patience to deal with that. Thankfully, a quick google search of parking near your airport can hook you up with coupons and discounts on shuttle-free airport parking. You’ll have more time to get through security and go to your gate when you arrive, and you’ll be grateful for the short commute from the plane to the car after a day of traveling.
Rethink what’s in your carry-on
Think of your carry on bag as your own personal airport travel survival guide. Pack a portable battery pack for your phone when you lost the fight for the last outlet at the gate. Throw in your favorite snacks so you don’t have to pay for overpriced airport food. Throw in an extra sweatshirt to double as a pillow if necessary. Lastly, pack an empty water bottle to fill up once you get past security. Having all these things on hand can make a day spent at the airport more comfortable and far less expensive.
Lounge in luxury
Between overcrowded gates where you can’t find a seat (or a power outlet) and unreliable free wi-fi signals, it’s understandable how many people would be in a bad mood once it came time to board their plane. Avoid the chaos and noise but purchasing a one-time luxury lounge pass for around $50. Finally go behind those “sky, admirals and united” club signs and spend your layover in the lap of luxury. These lounges offer everything from free alcohol, private wifi, comfortable seating, and even showers. Another perk, airline representatives in these lounges are often extremely accommodating, especially when your flight’s delayed.
