Crowded airports, here we come … It's travel season -- which means vacation fun ... but also travel stress -- especially at the airport. If you want to start your vacation on a good note, here are some things to do before you get to the airport ...
- Pack with the airport in mind. You know you’re going to have to get through security, so wear slip-on shoes, pants that don’t require a belt, and make sure all of your valuables are easy to get to.
- Download the apps! Almost every airline has an airline-specific app you can download to keep track of any flight changes, have a digital copy of your boarding pass, and can show information about the airports.
- Consider investing in line-cutting services. The TSA just announced that kids aged 13 to 17 can accompany their parents in the PreCheck line. If you’re traveling with the family, this might be a worthwhile expense!
- Give yourself extra time. No one wants to hang out at the airport all day, but most would agree that it’s better to have extra time than not enough.
We don't fly often, but here are some things we've added to the routine: Yes, wear slip-on shoes. You have to take them off when going through security so you might as well wear something that's easy to slip back on. Yes, travel wearing sweatpants; something that does not require a belt. If you get pulled aside for a more thorough search your belt will be a problem. (Note: Consider your destination first. Wearing sweatpants to a warm weather location will make things really uncomfortable when trying to find your rental car at the Myrtle Beach airport when it's 90 degrees) Plus go easy on the jewelry; the less you have to remove, the better. Bring your own head/neck pillow and store it in your carry-on. If your phones accommodate ear phones, bring your own. There's no sense in buying those at the airport. Make sure you follow the airline's policies on carry-on food and beverages. For example, that 20 ounce pop you bought but didn't finish won't make it past security. They're not very nice about it and they won't let you chug it in line. Pack light! The smaller and the fewer the bags the better. If you do bring an extra suitcase make sure it's not overpacked. That way you have room for the souvenirs you'll buy. Arrive early. It's better to have to wait then to have to rush. We also encountered "cash-less" vendors. Whether vending machines, shops or restaurants. You may only need cash at the airport for tipping those who help get your baggage on and off the shuttle.