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Traveling for a mini-vacation a few weeks ago, I was observing what people were doing at the airport and how they went through the TSA security lines. Let's just say. People needs some help with organizing their airport travel. Don't get me wrong, they did a pretty good job but there were always a few people who just took way too long through security.
Quick and Easy Airline Travel Tips
Take off belts and jewelry and put it in your carry-on before leaving the house:
Place them in your carry-on bag's pocket for easy access. By doing this before you leave the house, you will save time while going through security. All you will need to take off is your shoes (Affiliate Link).
Wear Slip-on shoes: Loafers work great!
Speaking of shoes (Affiliate Link), this is the one thing that really worries me when watch people go through the TSA security line. I can't tell you how many people I saw (Affiliate Link) wearing sandals or flip-flops. They are great for the beach and your vacation trip, but not great for the airport. There are just too many germs at the airport to walk around barefoot. Don't you think?
Use the airline apps. I did this for the first time.
Check to see if your airline provider has an app. Most do. You don't need paper anymore. Though I had to remember to leave my phone out when going through the security checkpoint AND for boarding.
Download movies or shows for in-flight entertainment.
I like to download my favorite shows or movie the night before the flight. Add the If you want to watch movies on your flight, some airlines have in-flight movies for viewing if your flight is longer than 2 hours. Usually, it's free but check your provider before leaving. They usually say it on the flight information.
Avoid larger groups.
If you see a family or a traveling kid group, stay clear of them in security lines. The kids usually haven't traveled before and they usually need extra time.
If possible, get TSA Pre✓®. This is great for people who travel often.
After you get your TSA pre-check screening, you don't need to take off your shoes (Affiliate Link), take out your laptops, take off belts, and take off your light jacket. Check out more information about this at the TSA Pre✓® site.
Have a traveling pouch that holds all the stuff papers.
Keeping all your paperwork in one place will really help you stay organized on your vacation. Tickets for amusement parks, confirmations for car rental, etc... all of them need to be in one place. There are traveling apps that you can use but tickets will still need to have a place. Apps don't necessarily store tickets in them so having a tri-fold one like this will help.
Have a carry on with 4 wheels make sure it works on thin carpets.
I love my 4 wheel carry-on. It works great and I don't strain my back dragging a two-wheel carry-on. I do recommend getting a 4 wheel carry-on with beefier wheels. It rules better on the thin carpets at the airports.
No large bottles on carry-ons: This also goes for sunscreen.
While observing, a woman had 3 sunscreen bottles taken from TSA agents because they told her, they were too big for the carry-on.
Well, that's it. I hope this inspires you to simplify your air travel. It will not only help you, it will help everyone at the airport too. Now it's your turn. What is your favorite tip for traveling at the airport? Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.
Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.
Ellen Delap says
I especially love the airline travel app. It helps you download entertainment too during the flight. I love having a little bonus to keeping entertained and up to date.
Janet Barclay says
My trip to Arizona for NAPO2014 was my first flight since 2000 and my first flight out of Canada since 1988. In other words, I had very little experience and none at all since enhanced security measures came into play. Fortunately, the travel agent who booked my flight for me offered to meet me at the airport and guide me through the process.
Sabrina says
That was very nice of your travel agent. It is a stressful time for people, especially in the summer when there are longer than usual lines. People get confused very easily. The upside is the more you travel by plane the easier it gets. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Seana Turner says
Great tips, Sabrina. My husband sort of travels for a living, and he would agree. Traveling by air isn't easy these days!