Yesterday was one of the most hectic travel days I have ever experienced! I had booked my flight out of Jacksonville even though we were waking up in Orlando mainly because it was cheaper. All of my traveling companions needed to go back to Jacksonville anyway, so no big deal, right? Unfortunately, we miscalculated how long the drive from our rental house to the airport would take. I was sure it would only take about 2 hours, but somehow it ended up taking closer to 3. This put me at the airport at 12 noon, and my flight was to depart at 12:15! Would I make it in time?
The answer is yes, but just barely! I ran up to the gate right as they were about to give my seat away, and the plane was preparing for takeoff!
While I strongly DO NOT RECOMMEND waiting to the last minute to arrive at the airport, here are some tips I have learned throughout the years to help me navigate my way through any airport more quickly.
1. If possible, pack in a carry-on. The first step comes at home with your packing. If you can pack all the luggage you will need in a carry-on size bag, you eliminate the need to check luggage, saving time both before and after your flight. This also eliminates the risk of lost luggage. Just be careful about the size of your luggage. I really like bags like this by Rick Steves. It converts from a suitcase to a backpack easily to make it easier to carry. I’ve never had any trouble with it as a carry-on, and I even use it as my go-to suitcase for long trips.
2. Check in online before you reach the airport. These days this can be done on your smartphone, and you can even download boarding passes on your phone, eliminating the need for a printer.
3. Be prepared for security. Once you’ve reached security, you will get through much more quickly if you are prepared. Have your ID and boarding pass ready. Pack any liquids according to security regulations (3 oz bottles or smaller in a 1 quart bag, one page per person) and have them in a place where you can get them out quickly. Try to avoid wearing lots of jewelry, and if possible, wear pants that don’t require a belt (basically, limit the amount of metal you are wearing). Wear shoes you can remove quickly.
4. Once you make it through security, head directly to your gate. If you happen to have extra time, that’s great! You might even have enough time to walk around a bit or get something to eat. But I always find it best to find my gate first to make sure I know where I need to be.
5. When scheduling connecting flights, try to allow at least an hour between flights. I didn’t do that this time, and my first flight had to taxi a long time before take off, delaying my arrival in Charlotte slightly. As a result, I had to dash from one side of the airport to the other again (because connecting flights never seem to leave from the same concourse, or even a nearby concourse, from where I landed). Usually I allow at least an hour between domestic flights and at least 2 hours when flying internationally.
By following these tips, I was able to get to my flight before it left. However, I don’t ever plan on cutting it so close in the future! Next time, I will be more careful about checking how long it will take me to get to the airport and leaving accordingly. What advice do you follow to help make your airport experiences less stressful?
Tracy Travels & Teaches 
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