The travel season is here, and just like every other year, you’ll find lines, parking nightmares, security snafus, and other annoyances waiting for you at the airport. Unless, of course, you turn it into an adventure instead. A little foresight, some planning, and smart use of the many amenities available can turn a sucktastic trip to the airport into an event to look forward to. Here's how.
Those of us who have been flying for a while may remember when heading to the airport was definitely an adventure—it was a place you didn't go often, and it was full of sights and sounds you didn't get to experience frequently. Watching the planes take off and all of the food and gift shops were fun, not a chore to slog through on the way between security and your gate. It can be that way again, even if the odds (and the airlines themselves) are stacked against you.
Plan to Actually Enjoy Yourself
The first thing to do if you want to actually enjoy yourself at the airport (or at least get in and to your gate like a pro) is to put yourself in the right mindset for it. We've mentioned this when we talked about how to assume a cover identity, and how body language makes you more confident. If you're in the right headspace to enjoy yourself, you will. Try to talk yourself out of the mindset that the airport is a terrible, horrible place. The more you can, the better off you'll be. Instead, try to look at it as a great place for people watching, or somewhere to try a new restaurant. Try to look at the positive if at all possible.
Second, plan ahead. Give yourself as much time as possible to get through all of the obstacles and still relax and enjoy the amenities available. Most of us plan for the bare minimum amount of time required to get checked in, through security, and to our flight. Instead, plan time for a snack or a drink. Give yourself a while to watch the planes take off, or visit the airport's observation lounge. Personally, I try to give myself a full two hours from arrival to flight for domestic flights (longer for internationals). I usually never need the time, even if security's backed up, but it's great to be able to stop and look at something that catches my eye, flip through the bestsellers at a bookstore, or grab a bite to eat instead of single-mindedly push to the gate.
Another tip: Dress smart. The rule for flights is to dress comfortably, but you also don't want to dress like a slob. Wear clothes that breathe well but still look good, like a coat you can keep on during the flight, or that you can shake out when you get off the plane and still look great in. The goal is to be comfortable for the plane and go through security easily (no zippers on your shirt or laces on your shoes, for example) but still look nice enough that you're confident and relaxed that you can make a good impression on anyone you meet while you relax in the bar or observation lounge.
Learn the Layout of Your Airport
Part of the trick is to plan your trip to the airport a little like a bank heist. You want to know the layouts of your departure and destination airports like the back of your hand. You'll have a lot of distance to cover between your parking garage (or wherever transit drops you off), your airline's check-in, security, and your gate. There's a lot to see and enjoy in between. Take some time to map out that route so you don't waste a lot of time walking in circles, or taking the long way around terminals when there's a shortcut. Then you're free to make a beeline or explore as you see fit.
Look up your airport terminal maps online and plan your route. Since even the best terminal maps leave a lot out, use tools like TravelNerd (Web/iOS, Free) and GateGuru (Android/iOS/WP7, Free) to fill in the blanks. Both are packed with detailed maps for most major airports, and lists of restaurants, lounges, and other amenities that you can plan to take advantage of while you're in the airport. TravelNerd is easy to use on the desktop, and GateGuru can go with you on your smartphone. MyTSA will help you keep an eye on the wait at security checkpoints. TripIt is one of our favorite travel apps period, and it can keep you up to date on delays and changes to your travel plans.
Once you have some information on how your departure and arrival airports are laid out, you can make smart decisions about how you spend your time there. If, for example, you're headed to an airport like SFO (San Francisco International) where the gates are pretty close to security screenings, you may be able to spend more time outside security at the more affordable (and plentiful) shops and restaurants if you want to grab a bite to eat. However, if you're headed into an airport like DCA (Washington National) or JFK (JFK International) where security is a good hike away from the gates, you may opt to just push through security as soon as you get there and wait to relax once you get through it.
Power Through Check-In and Security Like It's Not Even There
If you ask most people what they hate most about going to the airport, it's usually check-in and security. Sure, they're not exactly the most fun, but they don't have to ruin your day either. I've flown enough times that checking in is actually part of the ride for me—kind of like waiting to get onto your favorite ride at a theme park (except honestly, it's usually a shorter wait). Here's how you can get through without hassle:
Understand your airline's baggage/fees/check-in policies before you leave the house. And plan for the worst case scenario. Seriously—don't look at your bag and think "eh, they'll let me carry it on," measure it. If you're asked to check it, you should know how much that'll cost right away—don't be surprised when you get to check in. Personally, I don't like checking baggage at all (I'm completely aligned with Adam Dachis on this), and even gate checking makes me nervous—but I'm ready for it when it comes. Prepare for the worst case, and you'll always feel like you lucked out when you get your way or things go according to plan.
Know your rights. We're not talking about knowing them so you can flash them in someone's face when you feel wronged, but you should know your rights so you don't have to rely on other people to know them for you if something happens. We've outlined your air travel rights in detail several times. Read up before you go to the airport so you're not surprised. Dress and pack accordingly—you don't want to get to the airport and wind up wasting time you could be spending sipping a cocktail because you forgot you can't bring a huge bottle of shampoo through the checkpoint (and you decided to argue with someone about it).
Check in before you leave for the airport. Whether you do it from your phone or your computer, check in to your flight before you even leave for the airport. It's just one less thing to do at the airport, and you can print your boarding pass before you leave, get an electronic boarding pass for your phone, or make any seat or cabin changes long before your flight departure time.
Use check-in kiosks unless you need to make a change. I usually never wait in line to actually talk to a person at a check-in counter unless I need to make a change, or I need a human for something specific (helping a friend and I get seats next to each other, rebooking a flight, sweet-talking my way into a cabin upgrade, etc). Use the kiosk. Even if you have to check bags, use the kiosk. Sometimes I even use it after I've checked in from my computer just to see if it'll offer me an upgrade I didn't get earlier—and yes, sometimes it pays off. The last time I flew to New York from Washington DC and back, there were no seat upgrades available when I checked in online, but the kiosk offered me first class upgrades for both flights (at a ridiculously low price, at that). It's worth checking, sometimes if for nothing else than a freshly printed boarding pass.
Be ready for the security checkpoint. Have your ID and boarding pass ready. As you get close enough to the screening line, go ahead and remove your belt and your shoes early and hold them in your hand. Take off your jacket. Grab as many baskets as you need right away, and put everything in place before it's your turn to pass through the metal detector. TSA-compliant laptop bags and backpacks are a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers. In short, know what you're in for, and get ready for it before you approach (use this handy checklist to cover all your bases)—you'll spend less time actually being screened, and you'll be through and gone while everyone behind you is fumbling to put their shoes and belts and jackets back on. This guide from Wired has never failed me, and I swear by it.
Go Ahead, Relax a Little
One of the big differences between people who fly often and people who fly infrequently is that the people who fly often quickly learn that the airport isn't their enemy—the clock is. With enough time on the docket, your trip doesn't have to be stressful at all, and the airport itself is packed with perks and businesses that all want to make your trip easier.
We've shown you how airport lounges can offer an oasis from your travel woes, and you don't have to be a deep-pocketed VIP to make use of them. Sure, some lounges offer premium features like spas, private rooms, huge bars, or full-service restaurants. Others on the other hand are open spaces where you can kick back, take a quick shower or freshen up after a long flight, and maybe grab a light snack—and they're not expensive or exclusive. Apps like previously mentioned Loungebuddy (iOS, Free) can guide you to the best and help you get inside. If you're doing your homework at home, check out SkyTrax or LoungeGuide to find the best ones and how to get in.
Beyond lounges, there's a lot to enjoy in the terminal or near the gate as well. Most airports have full-service bars and restaurants both inside and outside of security checkpoints—some of them right up to your departure gate. There are stereotypical mall-style eateries, sure, but if you have the time, sit down in a full service restaurant for a proper meal and something nice to drink. It won't be the cheapest lunch you've had, but it's much nicer to catch a plane after a nice cold beer and a hot meal (or a cool salad, depending on how you feel about flying) than after clumsily eating Sbarro in a pleather chair at the gate. Also, remember that you can take your own food on the flight (usually) if you buy it inside of the security checkpoint, so grab a sandwich or something portable. Unwrapping a sub definitely beats relying on a bag of pretzels for sustenance 3 hours into a 6 hour trip.
Oh, and one more tip: Stay hydrated. You'll be happier if you grab a bottle of water, or a refillable bottle you keep empty as you pass through security. Deep breaths and a bottle of water do wonders for even stressful situations (but be careful—bathroom availability at airports can be few, far between, or just unpleasant).
Ask for Help When You Need (or Want) It
Don't be afraid to ask for help or suggestions. If you have airline-related questions, ask one of the gate agents or airline personnel at an information desk in your terminal or concourse. If you have a general question about the airport, like "Is there an observation lounge in this airport?" or "Where's the best place to get a bite to eat near Terminal C?" check with the general information desks. After all, that's what they're there for, aside from giving directions, and you'd be surprised at the suggestions they can offer and advice they can give. Even if you just ask "is there anywhere I can get away from the hustle and bustle for a bit," or "is there anyplace with free Wi-Fi and a charging station," they can usually help you out.
Make a Graceful (but Unhurried) Exit
Whether you're landing at a foreign destination or you're back home after a long trip, use your knowledge of the airport layout to save time heading to the exit. Whether it's back to the shuttle to take you to your car, directly to your garage, or to a rental car or taxi, hopefully you'll know the way without having to rely on the signs in the airport. If you need a refresher, use those last few minutes when your plane is on the ground but electronic devices are permitted (or permitted out of airplane mode) to fire up one of the apps we mentioned and check the best route out of the airport.
If you have some time to kill, don't hurry at all. Grab a snack at your destination airport and look around a bit. You're already where you need to be, and exploring is half the fun of traveling. Find a restaurant or a place you can sit down and recharge your batteries. Check out a lounge, or head to your airport's observation area to kick back for a little while before making your way to your rental car or back to the gate. If you have a connecting flight, keep an eye on its departure time on your phone using one of the apps we've mentioned, and just relax a bit.
When it is time to leave, make your exit gracefully and efficiently. There are some things you just can't control about air travel—the size of the airplane seats, playing armrest hockey with the guy next to you, high ticket prices—but there are other things you can control, namely your mindset, the amount of time you give yourself to get to where you're going, and your attitude about the whole affair. It doesn't have to be a serious, stoic, irritating annoyance if you don't want it to be. Relax, take your time, plan ahead, and live a little.
Photos by phipatbig (Shutterstock) and Anton Gvozdikov (Shutterstock), Matthew Baron, MiNe, Nick Richards, Miki Yoshihito, Lisa T41, and Miki Yoshihito.