Airline travel is always such a joy, with long lines, rushing here and there only to have your flight delayed… of course, let’s not forget the wonderful post-911 security checks. Still, if you want to travel, you have to deal with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, here are the top airport travel hacks that can help make your trip go a lot smoother: <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Select an airline that offers a good frequent-flier program, provides regular service to your \u201chome\u201d airport, and flies to the cities you tend to visit the most. Fly your chosen airline exclusively, as loyalty will generally save you money in the long term due to frequent-flier perks. Also consider credit cards that offer airline points.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sign up for \u201cTSA PreCheck,\u201d the Transportation Security Administration’s risk-based passenger screening program. The service does require a fee for the TSA to confirm your low-risk traveler status, but the program allows you to practically breeze through security. \u201cGlobal Entry\u201d offers similar benefits for international travel.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Search Google and other travel websites and you will sometimes find certain flights often suffer delays of 30 minutes or more – avoid these flights like the plague. Never, not ever, fly the day before Thanksgiving in the U.S. It is the busiest travel day of the year and nothing but headaches.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pick your seat as late as possible when traveling alone on an unpopular flight. This will allow you to choose a seat where an entire row is free. If you end up with empty seats next to you, you can lie down for the entire flight. If you have the choice, always fly on a Boeing 767, as the plane has a lot fewer of the dreaded middle seats. Check in and print your boarding pass online before you leave home, or use your airline’s mobile app.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Try to get everything you’ll need for the first day or two into your carry-on luggage and ship the rest via UPS, Fed Ex or USPS Priority Mail. This will save you the hassles of checking bags, paying criminally-high baggage fees, the chance of lost luggage and having to wait for your bags after arrival. Just be sure to measure and weigh your carry-on bags to be sure the bags meet the airline’s size restrictions. Here are some other tips:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Pack the essentials, like an empty water bottle, some snack bars, a change of socks and phone and computer chargers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nBefore Booking<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Picking a Flight<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Packing<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n