by Wendy
As I prepared to go through the security checkpoint during a recent airport visit, a guard approached me and remarked, “Your flight must not leave for an hour or two.”
“Yes…why?” I asked. “Am I in the wrong line?”
“No, you’re just walking like you’ve got all the time in the world,” he shrugged.
I supposed I was fairly relaxed – an ideal state for travel. It was a quiet afternoon in a mid-size airport, my flight was scheduled to depart on time, and I was feeling particularly efficient that day.
We’ve all been the stressed out traveler. We’ve all observed the stressed out traveler. We’ve all wondered how the frazzled person in front of us holding up the line still thinks you can go through security with bottled water, a full-size container of shampoo and loose change in every pocket.
I’ve had my share of clumsy airport visits, but taking a bit of time to get organized can really help. Here are a few of my air travel basics – lots of these are for beginners or those who haven’t purchased TSA Precheck:
Before you get to the airport, make sure all liquids are in the zip-top bag. We’ve got tips on how to pack your toiletries here. It’s even easier when I fly to visit my family, as Mom keeps essentials well-stocked in the guest bathroom!
Check in for your flight online before you get to the airport, if available. I’ve tried downloading the boarding pass on my phone, and it’s a great option if you don’t have easy access to a printer. However, I still like a printout. I keep track of the paper by stashing it in the book I’m planning to read on the plane, or a jacket or purse pocket I can reach quickly.
Before you walk through the security line, take off your belt, empty your pockets, have the zip-top bag in hand, along with your ID and boarding pass.
After I show my ID and boarding pass at the security checkpoint, I often cram both in my zip-top bag of toiletries to keep the line moving. Get your stuff up on the conveyor belt to be screened; use the bins provided for shoes, zip-top bag, coat, smaller items. After I get through the security scan, I put the ID back in my wallet or purse and the boarding pass back in a pocket or book as mentioned earlier.
Keep it simple. Wear shoes that are easy to remove. Same goes for coat. If you’re bundled up for winter go ahead and stuff your gloves, hat and scarf into your jacket pockets or bag well before going through security. With practice this becomes second nature.
I never know whether my ipad and keyboard needs to be screened in a separate bin or can stay in my bag – I’ve had requests for both. So I keep it easily accessible. The outside pocket of my wheeled carry-on is very convenient, both for the security line and for taking the items out before settling into my seat on the flight.
After security, I typically retreat to a quiet corner to read, or a restaurant to grab a bite to eat, or perhaps a drink at a bar. Anxious about being on time for boarding? Request the check as soon as you order or receive your food/beverage – this way you can pay early and walk to the gate whenever you’re ready.
Flying standby? My sis Sunny has an informative post on what to expect.
We’ve got several posts on hanging out in airports, including this one that mentions pre-board prep. When I travel with Jack, I’m usually in charge of holding the books and ipads and snacks and whatever we need during the flight, while he takes care of storing the suitcases in the overhead bins. If I’m flying solo, I make sure the in-flight essentials are in my purse or bag that fits under the seat, so both hands are free to maneuver the heavier suitcase into the overhead bin. I always ensure I can manage my luggage – you can’t assume someone will offer to help. Which brings me to my next point.
Don’t let the cramped airplane cramp your cool, competent style in the air. You don’t have to carry on a conversation with your neighbors, but why not a simple greeting or farewell? If it’s a short flight, consider whether you really need to recline the seat (sometimes you do). Thank your flight crew. No glaring at the parent frantically trying to console a crying child. No grumbling when the window or middle seat passenger needs access to the aisle. Pretty please, no feet on the armrest of the seat in front of you. For coping with a bumpy flight, check out this post.
Be kind – a little civility makes things easier for everyone dealing with the sometimes hectic and stressful experience of air travel. Bon voyage!