Keep your trip to the airport stress free!

As I start to prepare for my next trip I’m starting to think of what will make my travel easier...especially at the most stressful of all places. The airport. Groan! Here’s some tips to help you navigate it like a pro!

Set a timeline.  In the days, sometime weeks leading up to your departure, think about when you’re going to get to the airport.  What time is your flight? Is it international or domestic? Do you have to park? Are you checking bags? Do you have TSA Precheck?  Work backwards from your boarding time, which usually happens a half hour before departure.

Only necessities in your carry on. Think about what you will REALLY need and/or use during the flight and pack those things in your carry on. I tried this during my last trip to Hawaii and got away will only a purse!  Ipad Mini, medications, phone, charger, earbuds and documents. Ta-da! No stress about schlepping a roller board through the airport, security, or into an overhead bin.

Know the rules.  The TSA rules, that is. Make sure you don’t have any full water bottles with you, change in your pockets or other metals that might set off the alarm. I usually put my watch in a zippered compartment of my carry on until after I pass security.  If you don’t have TSA Precheck, be prepped to take off shoes and jackets and take laptops out of bags.

Have a plan for delays and cancellations.  Your travel expert (me) will be on standby in the event of a delay or cancellation. How awesome - no standing in endless customer service lines with everyone else! Also have the airline app installed and ready to go - new flight info can refresh immediately! Think about how your other travel plans will be affected (e.g. will you be arriving at the hotel late?) and make the necessary contacts. Or, that’s what I’m here for.

Use your down time in the airport wisely. Do some duty free shopping, grab some snacks for the trip or last minute souvenirs...just remember to allow yourself ample time to get to your gate. If you’re tempted to plug in and work, know that outlets can be hard to find, or already in use.  Make sure you’re fully charged and/or have a backup power source handy!

Tell me, what are your stress-relieving tips when navigating the airport?! Will you try my suggestions during your next trip?  Share your experience!