From long lines to overpriced foods and rare seats, airports are full of traps.
For some people, said Katy Nastro, a Going travel expert, an app for cheap flights, “airports are like the Purgatory Travel: You are neither here nor there.”
But technology, prior planning and some creative strategies can help you overlook airport problems.
Calculate your time to cross
Your airport trip can start already 24 hours before departure, when you have to check in, pay the bag fees, which will accelerate the fall of the bag and register for text notifications to keep up with the programming.
Then determine when to leave for the airport. The rule is to reach two hours before departure for domestic flights (three for international), allowing yourself enough time to check the bags, go through security (especially if you do not have a clearing) and the Board of Directors.
“The biggest challenge with airports is the volatility of how long it can take to get there and get from the Curb to the gate,” said Gary Leff, author of the View Blog Aviation from the wing.
Use a map app to get a sense of travel time at the airport a week or a few days before departure. Airlines websites usually include security times.
If you check a bag, you may need to do so at least 45 minutes before domestic departures (check your carrier for cutting times). Add this to transit time, along with a comfortable pillow.
Accelerates security clearance
The fastest way through security is to sign up for rapid clearance.
Travelers subscribed to TSA Precheck usually wait 10 minutes or less in security, according to the security administration. Participation, which costs between $ 76.75 and $ 85, depending on the registration provider, is good for five years.
The global entrance, which speeds up travelers through customs promotion when returning to the United States, includes registration with the TSA Precheck. Costs $ 120 and is good for five years.
Clear allows members to use their strips at 59 airports across the country to reach the front of security lines ($ 199 per year).
Fly Standby on previous flight
If you do Breeze through traffic and security, try to fly in a previous flight, recommends Brian Sumers, who writes The Airline Observer newsletter.
“Since the pandemic, the free waiting state is behind,” Mr Sumers said, noting that even Southwest Airlines, who previously banned practice, offers waiting if there is room.
Bring your own food
Airports are well known for inflated food prices. A sandwich that can cost $ 5 in a grocery store can easily run twice at the airport.
So bring your own meals and snacks. Just make sure they can clean the safety (for example, yogurt is considered wet and the containers over three ounces can be seized). Also, bring a blank bottle of water to refill after the safety is cleared.
If you can’t be byo, Harriet Baskas, a Seattle -based author, who writes the travel blog that has been stuck at the airport, recommends that you browse the food stadiums and order appetizers or departments of children to reduce costs.
Pack your electrical needs
Many airports have significantly expanded the availability of electric sales on charging devices. But nabbing can be competitive, and sometimes the stores don’t work.
“I have worked cheerfully, believing that my laptop or phone was only charged to find out that the entire bank of the chairs fueled was disconnected,” Ms Baskas said. “I have learned to check first before it is installed.”
It is recommended to download a multi -out of cable so you can share a plug with other travelers.
Get the problem with your own outdoor battery. George Hobica, who founded the airfarewatchdog of the flight search engine, gets a strong enough to charge several devices at the same time.
Get some exercise
Use waiting time to stretch your feet. The exercise offers both natural and spiritual benefits, and the big announcements of the airport offer convenient hiking routes.
Colleen Lanin, who writes the travel blog Colleen, travels between and covers family trips for 16 years, proposes to tire children with exercise before boarding.
“When my kids were young, I paid them a small amount of money for each round that ran around our doorstep before we started and could get their profits to an item at the airport gift shop,” he said.
During the layovers, it encourages parents to find a quiet area and play a game of red light green light or Simon says.
Wait in a non -forged gate
As you watch the flight board call in an application, there is no reason to be in a full gate where the seats are rare. Find a convenient non -busy gate and wait there.
Use airport resources
Airport websites will help you find yoga (San Francisco) rooms, art exhibits (Philadelphia), austin-Bergstrom, outdoor terraces (Denver) or Singapore Changi.
Or ask an airport employee for recommendations.
“Peoples in the information chambers are usually happy to share their favorite spots and you do not need to be a child to ask for lipsticks and a book for painting or an airport trading card,” Ms Baskas said.
Become your own review agent
When a flight is delayed or canceled, passengers are inevitably starting to be invested to speak with the portal agent. But log in while waiting. With the implementation of the airline. You can usually get information more effectively.
“Usually, customers will have the same access to seats in the application as agents in the office they can see,” Mr Sumers said.
With thunderstorms or delays, the availability of the seats can be wet.
“If you are careful in the app, you can find positions that were not available just a minute before,” Sumers added.
You have a escape plan
You may not be able to get away from an airport, especially during a delay, but you can treat yourself to a break.
Mrs Baskas keeps $ 30 in her wallet to buy a treat like a special dessert or hard cover book.
“This makes me feel better right now and will not appear later on the credit card account to remind me of a stressful moment,” he said.
