New to flying? I’ve compiled a list of airport and travel tips and tricks to help you succeed. Not all of us were born into jet setting families. I didn’t step foot on an airplane until my mid 20’s. I can still remember how intimidating navigating the airport felt. It’s okay, you’re not alone. Here’s some tips and tricks i’ve learned over the years that will help you move through the airport faster than Kim K.
Prepare for your flight beforehand.
Confirm flight times and check-in information. Most airlines start check-in 24 hours before. You can set an alarm on your phone but nowadays the airline will send text & email reminders when it’s time to get checked in. Once checked in, I save the boarding pass QR code to my phones wallet for easy access.
Download the airport app and your airlines app beforehand. Estimate what time you should head out the day of your flight. Allow for actual drive time, parking time and time inside the airport for checking your bags, getting through security and to your gate.
How about luggage? Pack ahead. I don’t suggest packing the day of, but hey, thats just me – to each their own. Was luggage included in the cost of your flight? If not included what’s the fee? You can pay this ahead of time thru the app as well. A lot of airlines allow a carry-on and one personal item on the plane at no charge. I usually take a regular sized carry on and a book bag (something that can fit under the seat in front of you) for shorter trips. The book bag can be considered your personal item. I’ll add a checked bag for longer getaways. Check the airline webpage for weight restrictions and weigh your bags the night before.
Parking – where do I park?
Enter the airport address or airport parking lot info into your GPS the night before you head out on your trip. Double check how far it is from home to the airport and allow yourself plenty of driving time. See below for more parking info.
You can park right at the airport lots or you can look for a lot near the airport. Just google airport parking near whatever airport you’re flying out of. Typically the local lots will be cheaper than parking at the actual airport. Those separate pay lots typically have a shuttle service to and from the airport. How much will it cost? Make a few calls for local parking areas or check the airports site if parking directly at the airport. Some places of employment offer discounts on parking so be sure and check that out too, if applicable.
Airport Navigation
Enter the airport. Are you already checked in? Do you have any checked bags?
No checked bag? As long as you’re already checked into the flight (as suggested above) and have no bags to check (strictly carrying on) then you can head straight to security. If you’re not checked in, go to a kiosk and get checked in. You can print a boarding pass here too if you didn’t get a mobile one or print from home.
Once you’re checked in you’ll need to take any bags you’re checking to your corresponding airlines counter. After checked in and your bags are sent off, follow airport signage to the Security areas. Be prepared – at times there can be a line here.
Getting through airport security.
Follow the guidelines on airport website for what you can and cannot carry on the plane. Travel size toiletries are fine, but nothing over 3 oz. No large aerosal cans, knives etc. No pocket knifes, no liquids. Once you get thru security you can grab a drink but you cannot take it thru the security line. You’ll need to show your ID and boarding pass to the security officers. Once in line for security follow instructions. Typically anything your carrying goes into a bin, along with shoes/hats and accessories.
CHECK THE TSA GUIDELINES BELOW.
TSA guidelines – https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/travel-checklist
Find your gate and wait.
Okay, phew – you packed, checked-in, made it thru security and now you get to hang out at your gate and relax until takeoff. To find your gate you can locate it on your boarding pass, on the mobile app for airport or on your airlines app. Also, the airport will have big monitors listing the flights with gate and flight status. Grab a snack, bottle of water, use the restroom and chill. The airport staff will direct you the rest of the way when they start boarding the plane.
I hope you enjoy this list of airport and travel tips and tricks. Please feel free to reach out via our contact page or directly thru insta or fbook. Visit our social media pages for more info.
Prep for your first 14er next – read about it here – https://adventurewithjen.com/?p=214
