5 tips for getting through the airport stress-free
Getting through the airport is often considered one of the least pleasant parts of the holiday experience. It’s one of the necessary evils of travelling though, but it doesn’t have to be all stress and hassle. Here are five tips to getting through the airport stress-free.
Check in ahead of time
Avoid the long lines and save time by getting prepared in advance. There’s no need to wait in long queues to check-in anymore. Most airlines offer the option to check-in online ahead of time, so print your boarding card at home or get it sent to your smartphone.
Travel light
If you’re off on a short trip, travel light and take carry-on luggage. It will save you hours as you don’t need to wait to check in your luggage or wait for it to appear at the carousel at your destination (it always feels like it comes at last, doesn’t it?).
Stay at an airport hotel
If you have an early flight in the morning, avoid peak hour traffic and the stress of getting to the airport in time by staying at an airport hotel. Do your research; there are cheap options for a one-night stay at budget hotels. Even better, airport hotels often have packages with parking, so you could save there too.
Consider meet-and-greet parking
If you’re travelling with lots of luggage or with quite a few people, it may be worth considering valet parking. This way you don’t need to deal with the headache of parking the car yourself, waiting for the shuttle bus, and getting to the terminal in time. All you have to do is drive to the drop-off zone and hand over your keys, and someone else will handle your car.
Relax in an airport lounge
Most airports have an executive lounge that anyone can access, for a fee of course. It will cost you, but if you have a long wait or your plane is delayed, it may be worth the extra expensive for a comfortable lounge to relax in and the other amenities.
Related links:
10 clever and creative ways to pass time on a layover
Managing mobility limitations on extended trips
6 strangest items people have smuggled onto flights