Conquering Airport Ease
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As a frequent flyer, I feel it’s taken me years to fully conquer airport ease. No matter if I was traveling for work or leisure, it was inevitable for me to feel a little anxious. After digging deeper into what was causing the anxiety, I realized it wasn’t the flying that made me anxious, but the unknown experience I was about to have at the airport.
Here is how I optimize my airport experience to make it just as enjoyable as the rest of my trip:
Tip #1 This one might seem like a no-brainer, but check-in via your mobile device 24 hours before your flight and load your boarding pass onto your phone ahead of time. I would also make sure the airline app is loaded on your phone and properly working before you arrive at security. Sometimes the apps glitch, causing you to frantically find a way to get your boarding pass loaded.
Tip #2 Get yourself TSA Pre-check if you don’t have it already. I swear, this is a game changer, no matter how often you fly or not. For domestic airports (major airports too) that I fly in and out of frequently, it typically takes me 10 minutes to go through TSA security. Why is it so fast? You don’t have to remove shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, or light jackets, making the experience so much smoother. Sign up for TSA Pre-check now.
Tip #3 Learn how to travel only with a carry-on "approved" bag and maximize the space for your personal items. I know this is easier said than done, but once you learn how to optimize the space, it has plenty of benefits. One of the major benefits is the time savings. You get to bypass luggage drop-off and you don’t have to wait for your bag on the other end. And if you’re like me, I love the peace of mind knowing I’m with my bag at all times. Below are the bags I highly recommend for carry-on travel.
I LOVE this carry-on! I have had mine for 5+ years, and I can’t say enough good things about the quality and functionality.
This bag is also highly purchased by flight attendants!
The perfect carry-on tote. This tote has a sleeve that slips on the handle of your rolling suitcase for hands-free travel. It’s also lightweight and water-resistant. It comes in various colors, but I prefer black just because I want everything to match :)
I highly recommend attaching an Apple AirTag to any bag you travel with for extra security. They’re an easy way to keep track of your items in case they are misplaced.
Tip #4 Bring your own refillable water bottle. You’re saving money and the planet, and it’s a great reminder to stay hydrated throughout your journey.
This water bottle is great for hands-free because of the carry loop, making it easy to transport. It’s also narrow enough to put in a tote bag or backpack.
Tip #5 One of the biggest realizations that I had when it came to the airport was to be as hands-free as possible. You’re probably thinking, "Hmm, that’s an odd one." Well, have you ever been in a rush trying to get to your terminal but still wanted to stop for a coffee, fill your water bottle, or use the restroom while still holding your phone and wallet? Annoying, right? Here are some of the products that I found that eliminated this problem.
I saw a flight attendant with one of these, and I thought the design was genius! It folds up very flat, so you can store it away when you’re not using it. This item is a major hands-free hack!
I love a small cross-body bag that I can easily layer with an outfit. Having a front zipper pocket where I can easily stash away my phone or credit card is key.
Tip #6 Layer your clothing the day you travel. It's probably another odd one to hear, but some airports may not be regulating their temperatures, making it impossible to be comfortable. I learned this the hard way, once traveling in the dead of winter wearing an oversized sweater under a puffy coat. The terminal was pumping the heat so high that I was forced to run to a gift shop and buy a tacky $40 t-shirt that I never wore again. So do yourself a favor and layer up so you’re comfortable in all temperatures.
My husband actually bought me this, and it’s now become one of my travel essentials. It’s so soft, and the birch/tan color goes with so many outfits (they have many other colors too). It’s small enough to fold up and store away on the go.
Tip #7 Pack an easily accessible toiletry bag. Having essentials near by helps ease your mind, so you’re prepared for whatever situation arises.
Check out my blog post to see my curated list of travel toiletries that I won’t travel without.
Once I broke the code of navigating the airport by doing all of these things, my airport anxiety went away. I know it’s common for people to want to show up 2+ hours before a domestic flight, but I promise you if you do the above steps, you won’t have to.
I hope this post brings you ease and takes away some stress before your next flight.
Happy traveling!
