From long lines to expensive food and rare seating, the airport has its pitfalls.
For some people, “Airports are like travel purgatory. You're not here or there,” said Katy Nastro, a travel expert at Going, a cheap flight app.
However, technology, advance planning, and some creative strategies can help you take over the problems of the airport.
Calculate the shipping time
Airport trips require you to pay a check bag fee when checking in 24 hours before departure. This allows you to sign up for text flight notifications to speed up bag drops and keep up with scheduling.
Next, determine when you need to leave to the airport. The rules of thumb are to arrive two hours before the departure of a domestic flight (three internationally) and have enough time to check your bags, pass security (especially if you haven't expedited clearance) and pass the board.
“The biggest challenge for airports is the variation in how long it takes to get there and get from the curb to the gate,” said Gary Leff, author of Aviation Blog View from Wing.
Use the Maps app to get travel time to the airport a week or a few days before departure. Airline websites generally include security latency.
If you are checking your bag, you may need to do so within 45 minutes of your domestic departure (check your carrier for cut-off times). Add this to your passing time along with a comfortable cushion.
Promotes security clearance
The quickest way to security is to sign up for quick clearance.
Travelers registered with TSA Precheck typically wait for less than 10 minutes in security. Memberships that cost between $76.75 and $85 are valid for five years, depending on your registered provider.
Global entries that speed up travelers through customs screening when returning to the US include registration with TSA Precheck. The cost is $120, which is good for 5 years.
CLEAR allows members to use lanes at 59 airports nationwide to reach the frontline of the security line ($199 a year).
I'll fly the standby on my previous flight
If you want to easily pass traffic and security, try flying standby on your previous flight. I recommend Brian Sumers, who writes the newsletter The Airline Observer.
“The free standby has returned since the pandemic,” Schners said, noting that even Southwest Airlines, which previously banned practice, offers standby if space is available.
Bring your own food
The airport is famous for its rising food prices. A sandwich that can cost $5 at a grocery store can easily run twice at the airport.
So bring your own meals and snacks. Make sure you can clear security (for example, yogurt is considered a liquid and can seize containers of 3 ounces or more). Also, after clearing the security, bring an empty water bottle to refill.
If you can't get BYO, Harriet Bascus, a Seattle-based author who writes a travel blog stuck at the airport, recommends browsing the food court and ordering appetizers or child-sized portions to keep costs down.
Fill in your electrical needs
Many airports have significantly expanded the availability of electrical outlets to charge their devices. But grabbing one is competitive and sometimes the outlet doesn't work.
“I left cheerfully whilst I believing my laptop and phone were being billed. The entire bank of power chairs just discovers that the plug is unplugged,” Bascus said. “I learned to check first before I settle down.”
She recommends using multi-outlet cords so that you can share the plug with other travelers.
Avoid problems with your own external battery. George Hobika, who founded the flight search engine aviation driver, takes something powerful enough to charge multiple devices at once.
Do exercise
Use your waiting time to stretch your legs. Exercises offer both physical and mental benefits, while long airport competitions offer convenient walking tracks.
Colleen Lanin, who has covered family trips for 16 years among the Travel blog Colleen Travels, suggests that children get tired of exercise before boarding.
“When my kids were younger, I paid them a small amount of money every time they ran around our backyard before we left, and they could spend their income on items in their airport gift shop,” she said.
During the layover, she encourages her parents to find a quiet area and play the game of red pale green light.
Wait at the gate that is not crowded
As long as you monitor flight board calls on the app, there's no reason to be at a busy gate where there's a shortage of seats. Find a convenient free gate and wait there.
Use airport resources
The airport website can help you find a yoga room (San Francisco), an art exhibition (Philadelphia), a live music schedule (Austinburg Strom), an outdoor terrace (Denver), or a Butterfly Garden (Changi Singapore).
Or ask an airport employee for recommendations.
“People in the information booth are usually happy to share their favorite spots. They don't have to be kids to ask for crayons, coloring books or collectable airport trading cards,” Bascus said.
Become your own re-booking agent
If flights are delayed or cancelled, passengers will inevitably line up to talk to gate agents. But log in while you wait. Uses an airline app. Information is usually more efficient.
“Usually, customers will have the same access to the same app seat as desk agents can see,” Sumers said.
Seat availability can be fluid due to storms and cascade delays.
“If you're on the lookout for the app, you might find a seat that was not available a minute ago,” Sumers added.
I have an escape plan
You may not be able to escape from the airport, especially during delays, but you can take a break.
Bascus keeps $30 in his wallet to buy special desserts and treats like hardback books.
“It doesn't show up on my credit card bill later to make me feel good at this point and remind me of the stressful times,” she said.
