Before making Hotel Reservations, visiting Booking Websites, or making Online Booking Flights, read these simple Traveling Tips I have provided to help save time, and stress at the airport.
Vacations should be easy, after all this is your 'Premium Time' away from any normal obligations, yet the day of departure is so notoriously stressful that the iconic 1990's movie franchise 'Home Alone,' starring Macaulay Culkin is based entirely upon the chaos involved with leaving for the airport.
TSA PreCheck Enrollment (save 35mins):
For U.S. citizens living in the United States this program can save you considerable time waiting in the U.S. Airport Security lines. On average, TSA PreCheck members wait only 5mins in line! Depending on which program you select, the current application fee may range between $78-$149 but your membership will last up to 5yrs and then you will be required to re-apply should you choose to continue using the program. See TSA for full enrollment (TSA)
Mobile Boarding Pass (save 5mins):
Today, nearly all airlines offer a Mobile Alternative to a printed Boarding Pass. Participating airlines will provide you with a link to simple instructions of completing an online form. After answering a few easy questions you will be provided with a QR Code. Using your phone you present this code to the Gate Representative upon boarding and if you use a luggage porter (see tip below) you will skip the Ticketing Counter Completely!
Priority Boarding (save 20mins):
As you are completing the Mobile Boarding Pass form, for a nominal additional charge around $25 per seat, most airlines offer an opportunity to purchase 'Priority Boarding,' allowing you to jump ahead and save as much as 20mins of waiting in line for all groups to be called. This will give you a chance to secure that overhead compartment for your carry-ons!
Mobile Passport Control (save 35mins):
If you have ever returned to the U.S. from a long flight outside the country you know how painful the long line at U.S. Customs can be. Now, with your phone you can download the Mobile Passport Control app. ('MPC'), and after completing a few easy questions and taking a picture of your passport you can bypass the long standard lines and head straight the 'MPC' line showing the agent your QR code! I've provided the link (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Online Immigration Portal (save 5mins):
Depending upon your final destination you may be required to complete an Immigration and Declaration form upon arrival into a country, often this may be presented either while still aboard your plane, or while standing in line at the final destination, and you will almost certainly not be prepared during the frantic movement of deplaning. Similar to the Mobile Boarding Pass you can go online up to 72 hours of arrival to your final destination (I've provided St. Lucia as an example) and complete their application. You will be provided a QR Code on your phone to present to the respective country immigration officer. (St. Lucia Online Immigration Portal)
Dress so a Metal Detector will love you (save 5mins):
One of the most dreaded experiences of the TSA security line is the removal of shoes, belts, hats, and other personal items that may sound alarm for further inspection and delay. To speed your experience, dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing. Avoid the need for belts and opt for string, or elastic waste bands. For shoes, try slip ons or velcro alternatives. Keep your important carry-on's simple and well organized, use a money belt for those things you need quick access to but don't want to lose like your Passport, Drivers License and travel cash. You'll be able to pass thru TSA quickly and slip your shoes right back on without delaying your party to the gate shuttle or last cup of coffee before departure
Leave your car at home (save 30mins):
Most people living in metropolitan areas with mid to large sized airports dread the time and cost of airport parking. The supposedly cheaper offsite parking will require additional time to be shuttled to and from their location and the airport. Instead of airport parking, opt for either a friend, family, Uber, taxi or even limo service (Mears) to pick you up and drop you off directly at the Airport Departures and Ticketing. Unless your commute is unusually long, it is very unlikely the total expense of airport transfer would exceed the total cost of airport parking
Use Airport Luggage Porter (save 30mins):
Usually just outside your respective Airport Departures area there will be Luggage handlers waiting to assist you. If you have completed step#2 above and have no reason to Check-in at the Ticketing Counter, you can save as much as 30mins by leaving your luggage with one of these porters. The porter will take your flight information, tag your luggage properly and ensure it is placed with the proper flight. Don't forget to tip these hard working individuals who just saved you at least 30mins of standing in line!
Private Shuttle between Connecting Gates (save 30mins):
Admittedly, this is more expensive and may not be for everyone, and so I have not included it as a #9 tip. If you find yourself connecting at one of the most stressed airports (see previous story), or a hub such as American Airlines at Dallas, notorious for dropping passengers at opposite sides of the airport with little time to shuttle between gates, you may find private shuttle of value.
How this works; check with your airline in advanced for coordination, and the concierge can arrange a shuttle service to be waiting for you (at a fee!) outside of the plane just below the jetway. You would exit off the plane directly into the awaiting shuttle and would be swept to your next gate without ever walking thru the Airport!
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