Airports can be stressful even for the most frequent flyer. People get into your personal space, you have time to wait, flights get delayed and everything is expensive. Don’t stress, traveling can be made a whole lot easier with these simple tips and tricks.
You’re going on a trip, so you probably already have your phone charger packed. However, it’s packed away. This is why you should bring a back up phone charger just for the airport. You’ll want all your devices charged and ready for use at anytime while you’re waiting.
If you’re someone who likes to watch something to pass the time then I suggest downloading TV shows, not movies. Movies are too long for the airport, you’ll either get sucked into the film and have to stop watching it or you’ll get board of watching the same story. TV shows are shorter and usually have a lot more going on. You’ll be entertained and engaged with the content for longer.
If you have time to wait at the airport then you’ll want to buy or bring snacks. Most airports will allow you to bring snacks, just no liquids or citrus. Snacking can help make the time fly by and stop you from getting hangry in stressful situations. This can also help stop you from spending hundreds on a meal at an airport restaurant.
If you’ve ever been through a security line you know they ask you to remove your laptop and liquids from your suitcase. This is a great chance for you to have to unpack and then re-pack all of your belongings in front of people. Skip showing everyone your underwear and bring your laptop and liquids in a separate bag that is easy to open. You can consolidate your belongings later, but it will make your security line experience a lot faster.
This is an obvious one, but in the off chance you’re using this as a checklist I thought I should mention it. Bring your headphones to the airport, in fact bring two pairs of headphones to the airport. Headphones make any situation where you have to wait 100% easier.
Going through airport security is a lot easier if you don’t have to take off seven different items of clothing, jewelry or shoes. Instead of dressing Pinterest chic for the airport, dress for the security line. Wear shoes that come off and on easily, no jewelry, belts or coats. This way all you have to do is throw your bags on the track and walk through.
The airport can be a draining experience, similar to running a marathon…kind of. You won’t burn as many calories as you would running a marathon, but you will feel just as tired. To help keep your energy up make sure you drink lots of water. Being dehydrated is the worst, especially at an airport where water bottles are $10 each.
If you have time to kill at the airport then bring something to work on. I know you’re on vacation so actual work will seem like a drag, this is why you should bring your side project. If you’re writing a book, editing videos, or sewing a scarf then bring your equipment. Killing time with a productive project will help you feel refreshed and not lazy while at the airport.
The only thing you need to know for your flight is where your gate is. The rest is just nonsense. Once you find your gate, you don’t need to stay at your gate the entire time. You should go to the gate first though, and see if there are any updates. As long as you know where your gate is you can explore the rest of the airport with ease. Once it’s time to board you’ll know exactly where to go and there’ll be no need to stress.
Once you know where your gate is go find a quiet place that is all your own. This can be tricky at most airports, but I suggest you get creative. Go to a gate that doesn’t have flights leaving for hours, push some comfy chairs together, or even order one drink at a restaurant so that you have a table to yourself. You’re about to be on a tiny airplane sitting next to strangers, so having personal space for yourself before the flight will help keep you sane.
Airports are filled with restaurants, stores and kiosks. Since you’re traveling you’re probably already in vacation mode, so it can be tempting to spend $20 dollars on a beer. To help yourself resist temptation give yourself a budget and take that amount in cash. Do not allow yourself to use any credit cards at the airport, you either have the cash or you don’t. Be strict with yourself. This way you have more money to spend on your actual vacation.
It is too easy to get stressed out at an airport. There are people everywhere, you have to get through security, and your flight may get delayed or even canceled. I was once on a Delta airlines flight that was delayed 12 hours. In stressful situations you need to find a way to relax, getting all twitchy isn’t going to help anything. Next time you’re in a stressful situation at the airport, take a deep breath and know that everything will be okay.
What is your favorite part of traveling? Comment below!
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