In the past year I have become quite comfortable with air travel… perhaps too comfortable! In June, they were loading the zone when I arrived at my gate to fly to Mexico. It was a close call. This month I had (theoretically!) enough time to complete everything. However, the airport shuttle was running late! The 20-minute wait was really stressful.
Navigating airports becomes even more difficult when you add in the holiday crowds, gifts for Christmas, and weather delays.
This guide will help you navigate airports with ease , regardless of what surprises may arise.
1. Check in 24 hours before your flight.
Check-in for your flight online. Print out boarding passes for everyone in your group. You might be able to save some money by paying for your checked baggage in advance. When there is a flight overbooking, the last check-ins are often the first ones to be bumped. The early bird always gets the seat when it comes to flying!
2. Dress and pack for the TSA!
Slip-on shoes are a great option for TSA checks. Put your belts, jewelry, and watches (including hair clips and wedding bands, but you can keep them on your hands) in your bag or purse until you have completed the TSA check.
Wrapping Christmas presents before traveling is not recommended. You can mail them in advance if possible.
Pack your laptop in a place that is easy to access. If you dig to the bottom of the bag, it increases the chance of losing things when you pull it out. To go through the equipment, you must place your laptop in its own bin.
The TSA 3-1-1 Rule still applies. On planes, only liquids in travel sizes are permitted.
Check out this article for packing a carryon to make navigating airports easy!
3. Arrive at the airport 90 minutes before your flight (domestic). If you are flying from a major airport, allow two hours!
Arriving at the airport 90 minutes prior to departure is recommended for busy airports. This allows for the ticketing process, the baggage check, the security screening, and the walk up to the gate. Kristen Hamlin from USA Today gives an explanation.
The recommendation is for the time that you arrive at the airport terminal. Include time if you have to park, return your rental car, or take a shuttle away from the airport’s parking lot.
I can tell you that forgetting the shuttle time between parking lot and terminal is a bad idea!
4. Keep track of parking tickets, parking spaces and your luggage.
Terminal parking can be expensive – often three times as much as remote parking at airports. If you still receive parking tickets from your airport, place them in your wallet before getting out of your car. If you lose your parking ticket, it will cost you more money and cause stress after your trip.
Take a picture of the lot markers to help you remember where you parked. It’s easier for me to drive past the “closed” spots and to the rear of the parking lot. Shuttles will drive through the entire lot anyway before going to the airport.
Count your luggage before you leave the vehicle! Count everything: purses, laptop bags, children’s backpacks and luggage.
Count again when you reach the shuttle stop. Have you got it all?
When you board the shuttle, count again …. Trust me! Once, we left a bag at the shuttle stop. Horrible!
When you arrive at the terminal, count again! This is a little bit of an obsession, but it’ll make your life easier. I promise.
5. You can easily navigate the airport terminal.
You can bypass the ticket agents if you haven’t checked your bags and checked in online. You can bypass ticket agents!
Stop at the ticket counter if you forgot to check in, checked your bags, or have forgotten your boarding pass at home. The lines can be long at the ticket desk, especially during busy travel times like mornings or holidays. Be patient! Ask an agent for help if you’re not sure which line to be in. You’ll need to provide your flight information and destination.
Keep your group together. If you all stay together, there’s no need to worry about losing your child or bag.
6. Be kind to the TSA agents!
Airport security will be here for a long time, whether we like it or dislike it. TSA agents do not represent the enemy. You can easily navigate security if you follow tip #2. However, lines during holidays are long. Be patient.
The TSA agent must see the tickets of each traveler in your party when it is your turn. Even for children, they’ll verify names and ages. Adults must also present a photo ID (driver’s license or passport). It’s easier to keep these items in separate pockets of your purse or carryon.
You will be directed by the TSA agent to the line that they prefer you use. Shoes (kids younger than 12 years old can keep theirs on), and jackets must be removed. Check that no one has a metal hair clip or belt. Check that everyone has empty pockets.
Proceed through the security. Gather all your belongings on the other side. Do not rush. You will have enough time if you arrive 90 minutes prior to your flight. Get everyone’s shoes back on. Check your cell phone, laptop, and all of your bags. You need to count again!
7. Confirm your gate and proceed there.
Check that the gate you were assigned has not changed since your arrival at airport. Continue to your gate. Take into consideration other travelers. Keep to the right when you are walking slowly, like the cars on the road! Your consideration will be appreciated by business travelers who are rushing to meet a tight deadline.
Wait until you are further from the main terminal to take your kids to the bathroom. Restrooms closer to the gates tend not to be as crowded.
If you decide to stop for a meal or to use the bathroom on your way to the gate, remember to count the luggage.
8. Take the plane!
You’re all set to go once you reach your gate. You don’t have to check-in with agents at the gate unless you need assistance checking a wheelchair or stroller. Listen for the flight number and board as soon as it is called.
This is something that varies from airline to airline. Some airlines, like Southwest, allow families with children under 5 years old to board before everyone else to guarantee they get seats together. Some airlines will assign seats to passengers and rearrange them once they are on board in order to keep families together.
Ask an agent for advice if you’re not sure what to listen for when you board.
You’ll still need your tickets to board the aircraft. At the gate, you do not need to show a photo ID.
Place large carry-ons in overhead bins. (Roads should be placed first). Avoid bumping anyone on the head. Place smaller bags underneath the seat in front. Sit down. Seat belts are required.
That’s it! You now know everything you need to be a pro at navigating airports!
Enjoy your travels!