It doesn't matter if you're on a 5 AM flight of a 2 PM flight, you're bound to be waiting at some point during your travel experience. You know this, the airline knows this, even your pet knows it. Forget about the check-in line, that's a breeze. What about security? What about waiting down at the gates. Here are a few quick tips to help you expedite and spend your time wisely.
10. Check-in Before You Get to the Airport![]()
In 2017, unless you're on an international flight (occasionally), there is zero reason for you to check-in at the airport. Airlines now enable passengers to check-in online, or on a mobile device. There they can announce the amount of baggage they have along with obtaining their boarding pass.
9. Get to the Airport Two Hours Early
Whether you're in New York or Miami, get to the airport two hours before your flight. This will give you some time to battle check in, lengthy security lines, and time for a quick bite. Usually, by the time you get down to the gate, you'll have an hour or less to sit and relax before you board.
8. Curbside Is Your Friend
You may need to shell $3, but it is really worth it. Even in the cold, curbside is your friend for a number of reasons. The speed of the service is unbelievable. For some reason, the men out here work 10 times faster than the crew inside. Also, just think about it. As soon as you walk into the terminal, you can walk straight to security.
7. Have Your ID and Boarding Pass Ready
Talking about security, there are a few things you should have ready. Those are your forms of ID (either a license, passport, or another government/airline approved ID) and your boarding pass. These are crucial to getting through security smoothly. If you have your boarding pass on your iPhone, add it to Apple Wallet so it'll be on your lock screen ready to be opened.
6. Get TSA PreCheck
This shouldn't even be a tip. This should be known. TSA PreCheck will not only speed up your passage through security, but it'll also keep you less stressed. For a one-time payment of $85, for five years, you can skip the long security line, keep your shoes and sweatshirt on, keep your laptop in your bag, and even keep your liquids in your carry on in the bag.
5. Know What and What Not to Bring Through Security
There are too many things that will get you stopped at security. Example, do not bring a water bottle through. Your bag will be taken and searched just because you had a water bottle. And sometimes they'll test the water or whatever liquid you are carrying to make sure it is safe. Other items not to bring: yogurts, jelly, foods of those sorts, box cutters, razor blades, and baseball bats.
4. Find an Airline Lounge
If you have access to a Delta Skyclub, a United Club, or an American Airlines Admirals Club...go. These clubs usually have top notch food, bars, showers, meeting rooms, free wifi, and just a great overall experience. If you aren't a club member or not granted access with your ticket, think about paying the fee. It might be costly but could possibly be worth it. Some airports also have generic clubs in addition to certain credit card companies.
3. Go Window Browsing
I feel like everyone always strikes a conversation at an airport bar. There are so many people of an extremely large amount of backgrounds and upbringings. Listening to someone talk about their lives, travels, or work can be especially fun and interesting with a cold brew, glass of wine, or vodka tonic in your hand.
2. Find a Bar
I feel like everyone always strikes a conversation at an airport bar. There are so many people of an extremely large amount of backgrounds and upbringings. Listening to someone talk about their lives, travels, or work can be especially fun and interesting with a cold brew, glass of wine, or vodka tonic in your hand.
1. Watch the Airport Action![]()
If you ran out of things to do or are an airplane enthusiast like me, there is truly nothing like airplane spotting. Find a big clear window and just gaze out. Watching these giant planes get unloaded with luggage, loaded back up with luggage, filled with fuel, pack passengers on, push back, then gracefully lift off into the air is remarkable.
