How to Get Through The Airport Like a Pro

Airports can be a nightmare. With tightened security, getting through the airport is even worse than it was before. There are thing you can do to make your airport experience a little less stressful and more enjoyable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check in online before you arrive at the airport. You are going to save yourself time and the stress of standing in line.

2. Make sure that all your bags are tagged with your contact information. It's a hassle to fill out the little paper tags at the airport while you're holding your carry-on and it holds up the line. Do not lock your bags.

3. If you can check your bags outside before entering the airport, it's worth the charge, especially if you are traveling with children or have a lot of bags. It saves time checking in and gets your hands free.

4. If you know you are going to have a short connection time, ask the ground attendant if there are any seats open near the front of the plane.

5. Be ready to go through security. Throw away any bottle drinks that you have, even if they are not opened. Have your ID and ticket ready to show before you are allowed through security. Get your shoes off, your laptop out, dispose of anything you can't take through. Take your freezer bag with liquid in it out of your bag and put it into one of the plastic containers. Take off jewelry, empty your pockets, take off your coat and hat, etc. Don't walk through the metal detector until you are instructed to. Keep your ticket out, they'll want to see it again.

6. Once you have made it through security, stop at Starbucks and get something to drink.

7. This is especially true if you are traveling with kids and even more true if you are in a large airport. Keep your kids by you, when using an escalator or people mover, stay on the right side and allow other travelers to pass you. Many are in a hurry to make a connecting flight.

8. I prefer using a carry-on that will fit under the seat as opposed to having to use the overhead compartments. It makes it easier to access during the flight and doesn't require bothering a neighbor. When you get on the plane, get out of the aisle as quickly as possible. If you want to have a book or something out for reading during take-off, have that out before you board the plane so you can immediately sit down and stow your luggage safely.

9. If you have a connecting flight, you can ask the flight attendant if she knows what gate you will be using. This is especially useful if you are short on time. You'll still need to check as you get off the plane to make sure because these things change frequently.

10. If your plane is running late or you have a short connection time, don't ask others on the plane to let you go out before them. Guess what? They probably have a short connection time too and they're much more concerned about making their own flight than you making yours. Sad, but true. Follow step four above and ask for a seat closer to the front before getting on the plane in the first place.

11. If you happen to miss a flight or have a flight canceled or otherwise delayed, don't start screaming at the airport personnel. This tells everyone in the airport that you are not only a novice traveler, but you're a jerk to boot. If you're stranded, chances are that many other passengers are stranded too. Pretend for a second that you work at the airport, are you going to help the guy that asks you how your day is going and understands that things happen or the one that demands he get on a flight in first class immediately?

[Traqqer]

on 12/6/2008 Good article!

[LilBlackDress]

on 12/5/2008 Awesome!

[prettyevil]

on 12/4/2008 I've been fretting going through the airport all year. I feel like I'm equipped to do it now. Thanks for the advice.