Being at the airport can sometimes be stressful: waiting in long lines, keeping all your things organized, finding your layover gate, and, in some cases, dealing with setbacks and complications. However, without a doubt, one of the most stressful things is the possibility of missing your flight.
When we are traveling, it’s very important to stay organized and have some extra time in case you encounter any sort of setback. As frequent travelers, it’s easy to feel like we know what we’re doing and let our guard down for a bit, which can lead us to make some silly mistakes or even miss our flight.
With years of experience under my belt, I’ve learned that there are many things and situations that are within my control while traveling. Having this knowledge has helped me travel without stress or rushing. If you tend to get anxious at the airport, these following tips will help you feel much more confident while traveling and avoid missing your flight.
GET TO THE AIRPORT WITH EXTRA TIME
Airports typically recommend that travelers arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Getting to the airport with this extra time will allow you to deal with unexpected setbacks without rushing or stressing about time.
It is also recommended that you check in before getting to the airport. Most airlines open their check-in platforms 24 hours before the scheduled departure, which is a great advantage, especially if you are only traveling with a carry-on. If you are checking a bag, it is important to consider the time it may take to wait in line at the counter, as these lines can often be long and disorganized.
If you are getting to the airport three hours in advance, longer lines won’t affect you as much. However, if you are planning to arrive two hours before your flight and are checking a bag, getting there just 20 minutes earlier than planned could make a big difference.
It is important to plan your airport time while considering the lines at the check-in counter as well as the TSA security lines. Having extra time will help you get through these lines without feeling like time is running out or worrying about getting to your gate on time. Members who upgrade enjoy more—find out how.
ORGANIZE YOUR TIME AT THE AIRPORT
One of the greatest tips I can give someone who is traveling is to locate their gate as soon as they pass through TSA. Once you have located your gate, if time allows, you can get a coffee, eat something, or even visit one of the VIP lounges.
In many cases, people assume they’ll get to their gate just in time after passing through security and choose to get coffee or food. Then, when boarding time approaches, they realize that their gate is on the opposite side of the terminal. Mistakes like this can often cause you to miss your flight, so locating your gate from the beginning can help you organize your time accordingly.
FREQUENTLY CHECK YOUR FLIGHT STATUS
Once you pass through the security checkpoint at the airport, you’ll be able to find screens with flight information. On these screens, you’ll find the airline, flight number, gate, destination, and departure time.
It is very common for flights to change gates or get delayed, so it is very important to check your flight status a couple of times before boarding. The last thing you want is to wait at a gate and realize at the last minute that it has been changed. Always make sure to check the screen at your gate when you get there.
If you are waiting in a VIP lounge, you can always ask the front desk for an update on your flight status. And if you can’t find the screens at the airport, you can always look for an information booth and ask for the latest updates.
AVOID SUPER-SHORT LAYOVERS
Many flights, especially international flights, tend to have layovers. Even though short layovers may sound very appealing, it can be easy to miss your connecting flight if your layover is too short.
Some things you should keep in mind when choosing your layover are:
- Allow extra time for immigration and TSA: If you are flying to a new country and have a layover there, it is very likely that you will have to go through immigration and security again before getting to your second flight.
- Changing terminals: During your layover, you might be required to change terminals. After landing from your first flight, make sure to look at the screens and check your gate number. If you need to change terminals, you may be able to walk to the next terminal, or there will likely be a train or shuttle you can take.
- Different languages: If you are having a layover in a country where a different language is spoken, finding your gate or asking for help may be a bit more complicated. Having some extra time will help you find your gate without rushing, even if it is more difficult to get oriented or ask for assistance.
- Moving your luggage: When you check in, make sure to ask at the counter whether your luggage will be checked through to your final destination or if you need to pick up your suitcase during your layover and transfer it to your next flight. If you need to transfer your luggage, you will have to collect it from the carousel and take it to a second baggage-drop location.
Although it may be a little more tedious to have a longer layover, if I’m anticipating any of these situations, I try to have at least two hours between flights. This gives me enough time to get where I need to be without rushing.
KEEP YOUR IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS SAFE
While traveling, it is always important to keep your documents safe and organized. Make sure you have all the documents you need before leaving your house.
I know that whenever we travel, we tend to have a lot of things with us, but having a separate folder or bag in your backpack where you can keep your documents will help you know where everything is at all times. This way, whenever you need to take out your passport, you won’t have to search through all your belongings. Keeping everything organized will give you better control over your important documents and help make your trip less stressful.
