Are you planning to travel by plane soon? Whether for a business trip or a vacation, preparing yourself for a smooth and hassle-free experience at the airport is essential. Ways to keep your trip hassle-free range from wearing the right clothes to arriving at the airport several hours early. Below, we’ve noted the top tips on how to get ready for a trip to the airport.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
When you’re traveling, comfort is key. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, high heels, or anything too bulky or restrictive. Instead, opt for breathable materials, comfortable shoes, and layers you can add or remove as needed.
Pro Tip
Wear shoes that you can easily slip off and get back on at security. This allows you to smoothly move through and get to your gate.
Avoid Wearing Metal
Metal jewelry, belts, watches, and other accessories set off the metal detectors, triggering additional screening and delaying your progress through security. Ditch any metal accessories on your travel day, and instead, leave them packed inside your suitcase.
If you need to wear specific clothing accessories such as a belt, strive to wear a plastic buckle belt instead. This won’t set off metal detectors, so you can keep it on as you move through security.
Pack Smart
When you’re packing for your trip, make sure to pack properly. Avoid cramming too much stuff into your bags, especially if you’re flying with multiple bags or carry-on items. Moreover, only pack what you need into your carry-on luggage. These items generally include the following:
- Medication
- Passport
- ID
- Boarding pass
- Phone
As you pack your bags, check what you can bring as a carry-on by reviewing the TSA website. Specific items, like liquids or gels, must meet size restrictions and fit inside a quart-sized bag.
Keep Electronics Accessible
Going through security will require you to take out all your electronics, such as your laptop or tablet, from your carry-on. Keep these items easily accessible in the front pocket of the bag so you don’t have to dig through it, searching for these items once it’s your turn in line.
Arrive Early
The final tip to get ready for a trip to the airport is to properly manage your time so you can arrive at the airport two to three hours before your departure. This will provide you with enough time to park, check your bags, go through security, and find your gate. Remember, it’s always better to arrive early and have extra time than to arrive late and miss your flight.
Traveling can be a daunting experience, especially when navigating the airport. However, with some preparation and organization, you can maximize your time and enjoy the journey. Happy travels!
