Holiday Travel: 10 Ways To Save Time At The Airport

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

Continuing with our ongoing "Holiday Travel" series let's talk airports... specifically long lines at the airport and how to avoid them. I too will be standing in line at various airports this holiday season-with a 2-year-old! So believe me I am desperately trying to find as many ways possible to lessen our time in line.

Here are a few tips that I have come up with (perhaps, if more travelers were to heed them it would create a domino effect and consequently the line would move faster):

1. Check your flight status from your home phone or computer before you leave the house. This will help you avoid standing in lines that form near the "Arrivals" and "Departures" video terminals.

2. E-ticket and e-check-in: By checking in from home you can breeze past the lines and head straight to security.

3. Pack light. If you limit yourself to just a carry-on bag (remember the rules pertaining to liquids) you'll be able to walk faster, board and de-plane faster, and you can skip the baggage check.

4. Find an easily accessible (yet safe) place for your identification and boarding pass. You will have to pull both out a number of times as you make your way to your gate. Fumbling for your ID and boarding pass won't just hold up the line, you'll be the target of frowns (at the very least) by disgruntled travelers and Transportation Security Administration agents.

5. Wear slip on shoes... they help speed up the shoe removal process when going through security. If you are wearing shoes with laces, undo them prior to getting to the metal detectors.

6. Don't eat while going through security. I know it helps pass the time in line, but it makes for one more thing that security has to inspect (and often TSA agents will make you dispose of your food item or finish eating it before allowing through).

7. If you have a pacemaker, it is helpful to bring identification documenting the condition -- this will speed up the security process.

8. Once you arrive at your destination and have exited the plane, take a couple of minutes to examine your surroundings - make mental notes of where the restrooms, restaurants and newsstands are located--this will save you time on your return trip when you are in desperate need of a toilet or a sandwich.

9. If you are picking up a loved one at the airport-don't waste time and gas driving around and around the terminal as they collect their luggage. Instead look for a cellphone lot or call the airline prior to leaving your home to see if your loved one's flight is on time.

10. Make the most of your airlines' website. Most major airlines' websites provide all the information you need for your trip, including restrictions, and suggested time allowances for connecting flights.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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