How To Travel Like A Pro: Top 5 Airport Tips

How To Travel Like a Pro.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or someone who rarely travels, today on the blog I am sharing 5 tips and tricks to get through the security line with ease, without stopping the flow of the line for other travelers.

As someone who flies quite often, sometimes 2-3 times a month, I can always tell when I am behind someone in the security line who does not travel. I’ve been there, so I wanted to share what I do to get through security fast.

How To Travel Like a Pro: Tip #1

Start at home. The best thing you can do for yourself when traveling is to adhere to all TSA guidelines. Pack smart. If you’re unsure about what is or what is not allowed on an aircraft, double check online before heading to the airport. Here is the link to the TSA website. It never fails, someone is in a rush for their flight, they pack haphazardly, and forget to take out that 5 oz bottle of shampoo from their last trip. Or that 8 oz bottle of water. I see it all the time. Traveling like a pro starts at home first. Make sure your carryon suitcase is red flag free! Also, don’t forget to check-in 24 hours before your flight. If you forget, it’s not the end of the world, but definitely helpful to have one less thing to worry about on travel day.

 

How To Travel Like a Pro: Tip #2

Make sure you have your state issued ID or passport PLUS your boarding pass ready to go! I often check-in online either the night before or in my long Lyft/Uber ride to the airport. I live 45 minutes to an hour away so, I usually have plenty of time to take care of these things. When I check-in online, I always get a mobile boarding pass. Rarely do I print a boarding pass anymore, not only is it wasteful, it’s one more thing to keep up with. If you have an iPhone, the “Wallet” app on your phone will store your boarding pass for you if you save it there. It knows when it is time to board and will pop up on your screen, bright and ready to be scanned once you unlock your phone. You can also take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass, so that you do not have to worry about logging in to find it each time you need it.

 

How To Travel Like a Pro: Tip #3

Once you’ve made it to the airport, keep your ID and boarding pass handy as you’ll need it to enter the security line. Once you make it through the security line, put your ID back into your wallet (you’ll be searching for it later during your trip if you don’t) then put your boarding pass where you can easily find it in your bag. You’ll need it again when you board your plane. Don’t put it in your pocket. If you do, when you go through the scanner, it will flag and you’ll have to be pat down.

Before it’s your turn to grab a bin, go ahead and prep your shoes to be easily removed. Unzip the part of your bag where your laptop is and take off your jacket if you have one.

How To Travel Like a Pro: Tip #4

The security line is where you can always tell the travelers from the non-travelers! I’m here to help LOL! When you get to the security line, grab 3 bins – especially if you are traveling with an iPad or laptop. The TSA agent will tell you if you do not need to take something out of your bag or if you can leave your shoes on. It varies from airport to airport. I always plan to grab THREE and adjust based on what the TSA agent says.

Once you grab your bins, do not stop the line and start loading them up right when you get them. Especially if there is room to move forward. Keep the line moving so that other travelers can start grabbing their bins too. As the line moves down, you’ll have an opportunity to unload all of your belongings.

Bin #1 – Purse (I travel with a large tote that takes up the whole bin, if your purse is small you’ll likely only need two bins)

Bin #2 – Laptop/iPad

Bin #3 – Shoes, Jacket, misc.

Put your rolling carryon or duffle directly onto the rollers if you are comfortable doing so. And stay with your bags until they enter into the area to be scanned.

If you take nothing else from Tip #4, I stress the fact that you should keep the line moving. This is where the lines get backed up the most. Imagine every traveler stopping at the bins and loading all of their things up before moving the line forward. Can you tell it drives me crazy? Haha!

How To Travel Like a Pro: Tip #5

If you forget to take something out of your bag or get stopped by security for a random search, I recommend keeping your cool and complying with what they ask. Of course, as long as they are within the scope of their role and respecting your rights. No one cares that your flight is boarding or that you are running late. These people hear this all day long. I try to always be gracious and kind. In doing so, I was able to keep a 5 oz Peter Thomas Roth 24K gold face mask that somehow ended up in my son’s backpack when we were traveling home from a trip! Ooops! It happens to the best of us.

This won’t work in all situations but even still, it’s the right thing to do to be kind. Afterall, the airport staff are all human beings just like you and me.

I hope some of my tips help you in your travels! Would love to hear some of your airport tips!

Thank you for reading!

XO – Steph