5 Ways to Make Your Airport Experience Better
Traveling is a lot of fun but getting to your destination via an airport can be a very frustrating experience even for seasoned travelers.
While you don't have any control over the airport itself or the TSA's actions, you can be better prepared and take a lot of the stress out of flying by following these simple tips.
1.
Airport Parking How many times have you gotten to the airport well ahead of your scheduled flight time only to find that the closest (and most expensive) airport parking lots were full? If you're like many travelers, you may have even missed your flight while you circled around and around the airport looking for an empty lot and then waited quite some time for a shuttle to take you to the terminal.
Why leave it to chance? You can guarantee you'll have a parking space and that you'll find a shuttle to get you to the terminal on time if you opt for offsite airport parking.
Book it ahead of time and you'll not only save money, you'll save lots of time - and stress.
2.
TSA Pat Down/Search Unfortunately, that TSA agent at the airport is going to do what he or she has been trained to do, no matter how uncomfortable it may be for you.
The best way to avoid being singled out for a pat down or search? Be smart about what you wear and what you've got in your pockets.
Dress simply and leave the fancy jewelry at home - or pack it in your suitcase.
Take everything out of your pockets, even tissues or money.
And certainly don't try to get by with a pair of scissors or lighter or nail clippers; these all belong in your carry on luggage if you simply must take them.
The less there is to examine, the better your chances of making it through the TSA line without getting searched.
3.
The Security Line Seasoned travelers are unsympathetic toward people who aren't prepared to go through security at the airport.
Don't be one of those infrequent travelers who holds up the entire line.
Wear shoes that slip off easily, have your documentation in hand (a document holder with a strap is a great way to keep your papers and ID organized), and be prepared to take your laptop out of its case.
The more prepared you are beforehand, the quicker it will be for everyone to get through the security checkpoint.
4.
Boarding Pass Why go to the trouble and stress of waiting in line at the airport to get your boarding pass? If you've got access to a computer, it's a real time saver to print out your boarding pass ahead of time and then just proceed directly to the gate.
If you don't have computer access, try opting for one of those self check-in kiosks most airlines these days provide.
5.
The Airport Lounge It used to be that only preferred fliers could use the comfortable, private airline lounges that allow travelers to relax before their flight is called.
Today you can usually pay a daily or even hourly fee to use these facilities.
It might be worth the one-time cost in exchange for avoiding the crowds at the terminal while leisurely sipping a beverage and reading the newspaper.
Who wouldn't choose comfort over stress? Traveling by air can be a very trying experience but by using these tips to make your time at the airport less stressful, you'll begin your trip on a positive, rather than negative, note.
While you don't have any control over the airport itself or the TSA's actions, you can be better prepared and take a lot of the stress out of flying by following these simple tips.
1.
Airport Parking How many times have you gotten to the airport well ahead of your scheduled flight time only to find that the closest (and most expensive) airport parking lots were full? If you're like many travelers, you may have even missed your flight while you circled around and around the airport looking for an empty lot and then waited quite some time for a shuttle to take you to the terminal.
Why leave it to chance? You can guarantee you'll have a parking space and that you'll find a shuttle to get you to the terminal on time if you opt for offsite airport parking.
Book it ahead of time and you'll not only save money, you'll save lots of time - and stress.
2.
TSA Pat Down/Search Unfortunately, that TSA agent at the airport is going to do what he or she has been trained to do, no matter how uncomfortable it may be for you.
The best way to avoid being singled out for a pat down or search? Be smart about what you wear and what you've got in your pockets.
Dress simply and leave the fancy jewelry at home - or pack it in your suitcase.
Take everything out of your pockets, even tissues or money.
And certainly don't try to get by with a pair of scissors or lighter or nail clippers; these all belong in your carry on luggage if you simply must take them.
The less there is to examine, the better your chances of making it through the TSA line without getting searched.
3.
The Security Line Seasoned travelers are unsympathetic toward people who aren't prepared to go through security at the airport.
Don't be one of those infrequent travelers who holds up the entire line.
Wear shoes that slip off easily, have your documentation in hand (a document holder with a strap is a great way to keep your papers and ID organized), and be prepared to take your laptop out of its case.
The more prepared you are beforehand, the quicker it will be for everyone to get through the security checkpoint.
4.
Boarding Pass Why go to the trouble and stress of waiting in line at the airport to get your boarding pass? If you've got access to a computer, it's a real time saver to print out your boarding pass ahead of time and then just proceed directly to the gate.
If you don't have computer access, try opting for one of those self check-in kiosks most airlines these days provide.
5.
The Airport Lounge It used to be that only preferred fliers could use the comfortable, private airline lounges that allow travelers to relax before their flight is called.
Today you can usually pay a daily or even hourly fee to use these facilities.
It might be worth the one-time cost in exchange for avoiding the crowds at the terminal while leisurely sipping a beverage and reading the newspaper.
Who wouldn't choose comfort over stress? Traveling by air can be a very trying experience but by using these tips to make your time at the airport less stressful, you'll begin your trip on a positive, rather than negative, note.
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