Reading Time: 4 minWe all love to travel, but we can largely agree that being at the airport isn’t the most pleasant experience. Long lines, crowded terminals, and overpriced food and beverages make time spent there less than ideal.
However, it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, if you prepare correctly, spending time at the airport can actually be enjoyable.
Before your next trip, take note of the following tips — they’ll help you have the best possible experience before your flight.
Having the right credit card can make or break the airport experience. Many travel rewards credit cards provide complimentary airport lounge access — either to airline-specific spaces or those operated by third parties. Regardless of which type of airport lounge you can access, it’s a total game-changer for the airport experience.
Forget crowded terminals and uncomfortable seats without power outlets. Airport lounges provide complimentary food and beverages (including alcohol), plentiful power, private restrooms (some even have showers!), and special amenities such as dedicated workspaces or family-friendly rooms.
While security screening will always be a part of flying, you can make it much easier on yourself by registering for expedited screening programs such as TSA PreCheck or Clear.
If you participate in PreCheck, you’ll be able to keep your shoes on and your electronics in your bags while you pass through the checkpoint.
Clear, on the other hand, is a service that utilizes biometrics to eliminate the need to present your ID, granting you access to the front of the screening line, regardless of whether you have PreCheck or not. Combine the two, and you’ll be through the checkpoint in no time at all.
If you want to spend less time waiting in lines, packing in a carry-on bag is one of the best things you can do. Instead of joining the mass of humans waiting to check their bags, you can skip that part of the process entirely and head straight to the security line.
Even better, when you land, you don’t need to waste any time waiting for your bag to show up on the carousel — and inevitably get irrationally frustrated after it doesn’t arrive within five minutes of you doing so.
Getting dressed to the nines to travel is overrated. Pick out something that you feel comfortable walking in and will keep you warm when you’re on board the plane (they get cold!). Don’t forget to pack your compression socks, either, especially if you have a long flight.
Airlines have significantly improved their mobile apps over the last few years. They’ve become necessary tools for getting the latest information about your flight, as they’ll advise you if your gate changes, your departure is delayed, where you can find a lounge to visit, which carousel any checked baggage will arrive at, and much more.
Plus, if anything goes wrong with your trip, the app will be your best friend when it comes to figuring out a new plan to reach your destination.
Even if the plane you’re flying on has seat-back screens loaded with content, it’s always a good idea to download a few hours of entertainment on your phone or tablet before you set off for your trip. Even if you end up having plenty of movies or TV shows to watch during your flight, burning time in the airport watching the latest Netflix hit is much more pleasant than sitting with your thoughts.
It’s always a good idea to pack a power bank, especially if you don’t have access to an airport lounge where power outlets tend to be more plentiful. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you land in a new place and your devices are dead — packing a backup power source is the easiest way to guarantee this doesn’t happen.
Purchasing anything within the airport is going to hurt your wallet. A water bottle for $8? Madness. This is precisely why you should pack snacks or a light meal and bring an empty water bottle, which you can refill in the terminal.
Most foods can pass through the security checkpoint, and as long as your bottle is empty, you won’t have any issues. Additionally, bringing your own water bottle allows you to stay hydrated more easily while flying, which in turn helps you arrive feeling refreshed and healthy.
