Top Ten Tips - Speed Up At The Airport
By Tip Diva | Jan 09, 2008
Categories: Airplane, Airport, Clothes, Clothing, Cosmetics, Etiquette, Makeup, Manners, Shoes, Tips, Travel
Tip Diva flies about 20 times a year, so she has the airport arrival, check-in and security clearance down pat. Traveling can be a hassle, so why not make it easier by following these tips?
- Check In Online - Most airlines now have a method for you to check in online or by phone, usually 24 hours in advance. By doing this, you don’t have to wait online or bother with a kiosk when you have other things to worry about, like your baggage or children.
- Arrive At Airport Early - Both specific airline and airport websites have suggested arrival times before your flight’s departure. Some of the busier airports suggest two hours; others may suggest one. Check ahead of time, and aim to arrive even earlier than that. You don’t know if you’ll hit traffic or any snags along the way.
- If You Need To Check Baggage, Try Curbside Check-In - Curbside check-ins, which usually restrict checked baggage to two items or less, may have significantly shorter lines than the counters inside. Some curbside check-ins are free, while others charge a gratuity. Tips are always appreciated by the baggage handlers; Tip Dive usually gives a dollar or two per bag, depending on the size and weight. To make checking baggage even quicker, make sure your bags have a luggage tag.
- Make Sure Your Carry-Ons Are Regulation Size - Visit your airline’s website to see what the regulation carry-on size (and quantity) is. You don’t want to get to your gate, only to find out you have to go back, check your baggage and go through security again.
- Make Sure You Don’t Have Restricted Items - Check the Transportation Security Administration’s website for more details about items restricted on airlines.
- Carry Liquids According To Regulations - The above website outlines how to carry liquid items in a carry-on. When in doubt, just buy trials sizes from your local drug-store. Many manufacturers now make these items to TSA size. And don’t forget that quart-sized Ziplock bag!
- Dress Appropriately - You’ll have to remove any coats and shoes, so make sure they can both be easily removed. Fussing with taking off and putting on shoes just slows you and the other passengers down. Don’t wear metal objects that may be picked up by the detectors.
- Have Your ID And Boarding Pass Ready - Before you enter the security area, a TSA agent will ask you for an ID, such as a driver’s license or a U.S. passport, and your boarding pass. Make sure the name on your ID matches your boarding pass, that the ID is valid and that you have both items before reaching the TSA agent. Again, you do not want to hold up yourself or the line.
- Remove Laptop, Certain Electronics And Liquids From Checked Baggage - These items have to be removed from luggage before you put them in the baggage x-ray, so make sure to take them out and put them in separate plastic bins.
- Remove Items From Pockets - Empty your pockets of your wallet, keys, spare change, cell phone and anything else that may set off the detectors.
Be sure to check out GoGirlfriend.com’s Choose A Carry-On Bag and Tip Diva’s Top Ten Tips - Packing A Carry-On.
How do you speed up your trip to the airport?
Other Tips To Check Out:
Great list of tips!
I like the dress appropriately one - it’s overlooked more than you’d think. If you wear a lot of jewelery, this is one place you want to cut back. There’s nothing worse than standing behind an Ivana Trump wanna-be during security.
When I travel, I wear the most comfortable, casual clothing I can. If I’m meeting clients at the other end, I pack my business clothes in my carry-on and do a quick switch in the bathroom at the other end.
Or how about that person who goes through the detector, beeps, removes change from his pockets, goes through, beeps, removes keys from his pocket, goes through, beeps, removes a pen from his pocket, etc.?