Trudging through the airport can feel like the biggest hurdle between you and your destination. Checking-in, dropping off your bags, and getting yourself through security while under a time crunch can be daunting, exhausting, and just plain old no-fun.
However, there are some very simple ways to get you through the airport faster than you ever dreamed possible.
Follow these easy tips to quickly breeze through the airport:
Check in online
Almost every airline out there will send you an e-mail within 24 hours of your departure asking you to check in ahead of time online. Doing this will save you from standing in line at check-in, especially when your time will be better spent standing in line at security.
Weigh your bags at home
Most major airlines have a (roughly) 50lbs weight limit on checked bags, after which they’ll enforce an overweight fee upon you. Do yourself a favor and make sure your bags meet airport weight guidelines before you leave the house, including your carry-on.
Download your airline’s app
By downloading your airline’s app to your phone, you’ll be able to pull up your flight details, regulations, updates, and whatever other information you may need with little to no hassle.
Get ready to take your laptop out
In North America especially, security agents will ask you to take your laptop out of your carry on and put it in its own separate tray. Be ready for this, and have your laptop in your arms by the time it’s your turn to scan your belongings.
Keep your ticket and ID in hand
Don’t absent-mindedly stuff your ID and ticket into a random pocket of your bag until you are comfortably seated on the plane. You’ll need to present these two things more times than you think, and you don’t want to stop the queue every time you’re asked for them.
On that note, until you fully get through airport security, let these two things be all you keep in your hands. Leave the snacks, books, and headphones safely stowed in your carry on until you are sure you are out of the airport security woods.
Skip the accessories
We know how bare you can feel by leaving them in your bag, but things like jewelry, belts, and scarves will only slow you down in security. You can always accessorize when you reach your destination!
Choose your footwear carefully
Your most comfortable runners with laces? They will take forever to get off and on in line.
Your big bulky combat boots? Good luck getting those through the metal detector.
When choosing footwear for the airport, make sure you consider a pair that is easy to slip on and off, doesn’t have any metal attached, yet are comfortable enough to walk around in all day.
Have all your electronics charged
In this technologically advanced era in which we live, it is environmentally-friendly and relatively hassle-free to go paper-free and get your tickets sent to you on your phone. So, make sure you have the thing fully charged and at the ready from the moment you walk through the airport door until the moment you step on the plane.
Additionally, if you tend to fly with a laptop in your carry-on, some airports will need you to keep this fully charged as well if they decide to do a check.
Keep medications handy
If you are travelling with any medications, make sure they meet the airports guidelines and keep them at the ready in case you are asked to show them.
Double check banned items
Before you pack your carry-on, pay the airport’s website a visit and see what they both allow and don’t allow aboard an aircraft. Bringing along those knitting needles might be way more hassle than they’re worth.
Additionally, double-check liquid limits and put any large bottles in your checked baggage.
Know the size guidelines
Don’t be that person who tries to bring too big of a carry-on aboard a flight. Before you trek to the airport, make sure your carry-on abides the size guidelines.
Get expedited
Frequent flyer? If so, then look into getting yourself an airport security pass such as TSA Precheck, Global Entry, or Nexus. Research which pass will be of most use to you at your local airport. By doing this, you’ll skip the big lines and save yourself some big time. Speaking of saving time, you too can save time with LAX Airport Transfers with the help of Ascend In Motion.
