While many people love the airport because it means you’re traveling somewhere (or returning home from somewhere). However, actually BEING in the airport isn’t typically the highlight of the trip. I would argue that being an efficient traveler is an art and a science at the same time. It’s a skill to be able to manage stress, paperwork, and lines all while being excited for the actual trip. I’ve seen a lot of videos of people missing their flight, and I want to help avoid that as much as possible. Here are 10 tips to help you get through the airport quickly!
The airport is usually considered the worst part of going on vacation. The lines, the stress, the confusion and the overpriced food are not the best way to start a trip.
This should be part of your plan to avoid travel stress – and the #1 rule there is to plan ahead. On the other hand, if circumstances are out of your control, here’s what to do if you think you’re going to miss your flight.
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1. Try flying out of a smaller airport.
I got spoiled growing up very close to Newark (EWR) airport for most of my life. Most international airlines fly out of there or JFK airport – which means a LOT of people do as well. However, when I moved to the suburbs of Pennsylvania I realized that I had a few options for airports. I could still do Newark or JFK, and even Philadelphia, but I could also fly out of my regional airport. They don’t have as many direct flights internationally, but they do regularly have a bus service to Newark. When Spencer and I flew to Japan, we had flights from Newark to Tokyo – then I found CHEAPER out of our regional airport that connected in Newark to be on the SAME flight. This meant less driving for me, and you guessed it – NO lines at the airport. The smaller airports have a lot of positive things going for them so be sure not to overlook them!
2. Know your airline’s rules.
Each airline has its own rules and regulations regarding luggage. On top of that, different types of tickets have their own rules. Basic economy often only includes a personal item, not a carry-on bag. Some airlines, like Ryan Air, will measure and weigh your bags (including your personal item). You do not want to be forced into checking a bag when you weren’t expecting it. Learn your airline’s rules and what you’re limited to in order to avoid a headache. This is the simplest way to get through the airport quickly.
It can be tricky to know all the rules – airlines can be tricky. Especially with so many more people carrying on to avoid baggage fees, some airlines have been making the carry-on limit even smaller. So if you haven’t flown in a while, be sure to check the requirements before you go.
3. Carry-on only. Â
By carrying on, you don’t have to wait in line to check a bag when departing or wait at baggage claim when arriving. About 95% of the time I am carrying on only! I even got most of my family this backpack (in different colors) to challenge them to do the same! I’m not sure if there is a better feeling than walking by the crowds at baggage claim to get to customs. Bonus, you don’t have to stress about luggage getting rough-handled by airport staff or getting lost.
4. Check a bag.Â
Yes, I know, I just said carry on. However, some people look at me as crazy when I say this. If you looked at #2 and said “yeah ok,” don’t worry. I know there are some people (hi Mom!) who simply can’t/won’t/don’t want to pack lightly, and that’s okay! By checking a bag, you have less to go through security with (and no liquids to take out), and less to have in a line and trekking around the airport. Bonus, no trying to figure out how you’re going to fit into a bathroom stall with your luggage. There are pros/cons to both ways of packing.
I do check a bag when needed – when we went to Finland, it was not possible to pack all of our snow gear in our carry-on luggage. In those cases, Spencer and I do our best to share one checked bag to save time at the airport.
5. Pack your carry-on for security and the plane, not the destination.
You know your laptop and liquids are going to have to be taken out of your bag, so pack them towards the top (or in the laptop holder of my travel backpack which makes it super easy to take out and put in). You’ll get through airport security faster. I leave my toiletries and liquids in this clear bag at the top of my carry-on, so it’s easy to take out to go through security and put back in. If you have TSA PreCheck you don’t have to take it out, but I still do this – just in case. Other countries have different rules and I’d rather be prepared.
Leave any jewelry or watches in your carry-on until after you get through security. If you leave the items you need on the plane at the top of the bag, it’ll be easier for you later. You won’t be rummaging through your bag in the small seats. You can always readjust or repack the bag once you get to your destination.
6. Complete check-in online & get your boarding pass before you get to the airport.
This was a beautiful change in flying. Skip the annoying check-in lines by doing it online. (Honestly, I find the most impatient people are at the check in line so if you can avoid this great.) If you’re flying internationally, check online a few days before your flight to make sure the airline doesn’t need more information for check-in. Usually, this is a quick form online, just more information about your passport. By checking in and having your boarding pass either on your phone or printed out, you can either go straight to security or check a bag line near your airline’s check-in gate. Be sure to read my long-haul flight tips to be even more prepared for your flight!
7. Dress appropriately and comfortably.
Wearing lots of jewelry, watches, and metal belts will make your time in the security line a lot longer. Also, unless you have TSA Pre-Check, wear shoes that can be easily taken off. Shoes that can’t be easily taken off can cost you a lot of time in security. Wearing comfortable clothes means less time adjusting pants or shirts, or resting your feet from bad shoes! Clothes that you can comfortably walk in will help you get through the airport quickly.
The vast majority of the time (though not always), if you don’t have TSA PreCheck, airport security will make you take off your shoes to pass through security. The easiest way to get through this is to wear shoes that are easy slip on/off. Because I pack carry on only usually, I loosely tie my shoelaces on my sneakers so I can easily slide them on and off in line. If you’ve got room to space and don’t need to wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane like me, then flip flops or even slip-on sneakers would work better than my loose sneakers.
8. TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry, or Mobile Passport is your friend.
Whichever one of the three of these works for you will help you get through the airport quickly. We use Global Entry. It’s $100 for 5 years (and our credit card refunded the $100 so check into your credit card benefits!). You need a passport or lawful permanent resident card. You register online and then go to an interview where you will be fingerprinted. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, and expedited processing through customs and immigration.
I had to renew my Global Entry this year and it was very easy to do online. I did not have to go for another interview which was great! Check out my guide to Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck to see which one is right for you!
Sometimes we’ve had our tickets not have the PreCheck on the boarding pass – simply bring your global entry card to the check-in gate and they’ll fix it. Another option that is becoming more available in airports is CLEAR. CLEAR would move you to the front of the security line but not to the PreCheck line. Learn more about the difference between CLEAR and TSA PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck is offered to any U.S. citizen and lawful permanent resident but does not require a passport. It’s $85 for 5 years. Enroll online and go to an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and verify ID. TSA PreCheck only gives you expedited security. It allows you to leave your shoes on and the liquids in your carry-on bag (thank goodness for making security a bit easier!)
Mobile Passport is only available in some locations. It’s an app on your phone that allows you to submit your information for Customs and Border Protection electronically.
9. Be polite.Â
While we should always be polite to each other, being polite to TSA agents can help the security process go smoothly. Passengers who are tense or angry tend to be questioned or patted down. Bonus, it’ll also help lower your stress hormones.
I’ve seen passengers that get annoyed with the lines in security, take it out on the TSA officers, then get pulled to the side for a “random” pat down. If you have a question, ask nicely. If you’re annoyed, it’s probably not their fault. They didn’t make the rules, they just have to follow them.
10. Minimize souvenirs (or skip them entirely).
While I won’t skip souvenirs altogether, (I can’t stop collecting mugs at this point) this may be an option for a trip here or there, or it could be an option for you. Minimizing souvenirs means less you’ll have to declare upon returning. As a traveler, you should understand what is and is not allowed to be brought back from a trip. You should also know the rules about the number of items you’re allowed to bring back. Research this before traveling so you don’t break the rules and end up throwing away your souvenirs or having to pay hefty fines at customs when you return home.
Ignorance of the law is not an excuse for breaking it. Usually, any produce and meat have to be declared. Otherwise, if you’re not sure just google it before you buy it. I wanted to buy spices in Colombia but I was only allowed a small amount before I had to declare it. I made sure I only brought less than that amount so I didn’t have to wait in customs at the airport.
11. Fly at odd times.Â
Airline lines will always be busier during high travel times – holidays and weekends – but also after work. By flying in the early morning or late evening (except for Sunday nights) you may skip all of the lines. We had a 5:24 am flight to Panama which was pretty miserable the night before to get sleep (though we were so tired that we were able to sleep on the plane) – but there weren’t any lines in the airport! There were also open seats on the plane so we even got to spread out more!
It’s important to note that this is not a guarantee for shorter lines at security. During busier times, more aisles are open for security screening. During the lower traffic times, there are fewer of them open, meaning the open ones have longer lines.
Final Thoughts
If you can do nine of these, then more props to you! You’ll probably set a record for the least amount of time spent in an airport. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible, but even doing 2-3 of these things will help you speed through the airport! Before the flight I am anxious to get to my gate to make sure it exists and that my flight is actually happening. After the trip, I am ready to be out of there and go home.
Read More Travel Tips
Long-Haul Flight Survival Guide
6 Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
16 Tips for Saving Money on Accommodation
8 Adult Ways to Save Money for Travel
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Great tips! Thanks!
Great tips! My fav is Clear/Pre Check to help get through security quickly. That has been the best investment!
I used to love coming to the airport early for the lounges. Now that they are closed I also try to get go as late as possible/ spend as little time there as I can. Thanks for sharing
The souvenir tip is much needed one, I have seen people filling the bag with the souvenirs, often custom department throwing out half of the thing. A little bit of research will definitely help a lot. This is an interesting piece, which will definitely cut down the stress.
Thanks for the tips Pamela!! All these suggestions are great especially for travel bloggers like me who travel frequently.
I am a huge fan of carry on only (no matter the trip length!). I feel quite good at navigating airports quickly. Traveling solo is another good way to go fast.
A great airport guide. Super tips which are especially useful for beginners travelers.
Great tips. I always pack for security rather than the destination! I also always put all liquids into a plastic bag while packing already rather than doing that at the airport.
I appreciate what you said about how TSA agents are there to pat you down. This happens to me all the time and I always forget to call a cab. I’ll have to remember the next time they check for metal.
You made an interesting point when you talked about how lines at airports will be more crowded during holidays. In addition to that, I would think that the roads to airports will be filled with more cars as well since more people will be traveling. In order to ensure that you reach the airport on time and in a safe manner, it might be a good idea to utilize some kind of transfer service.