6 Ways to Cut down on Airport Wait Times
Waiting in long lines and sitting around at the airport can be a bummer, especially when you’re on a tight schedule when traveling for business. The process of getting from point A to point B takes time of course, but these tips can make it faster, easier, and more efficient.
1. Take an Early Flight
Early-morning flights (from about 6 am to 10 am) are less likely to be delayed than flights that take off later in the day. Heading out at off-peak hours can also help you avoid sitting in rush hour traffic and waiting in long airport security lines.
2. Book Flights with Minimal Layovers
The more stops you make, the longer it’s going to take to get to your destination. If you want to save even more time and skip waiting for connecting flights at the airport, book a nonstop flight.
3. Sign up for TSA Pre-check and Global Entry
TSA Pre-check can help you save a lot of time by avoiding long lines at airport security. You won’t have to remove your shoes, belt or light jacket and you can leave laptops and liquids in your carry-on. A five-year membership is $85, and all you have to do is submit an online application and visit an enrollment center for a short appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting.
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that permits pre-approved, low-risk international travelers to return to the United States using automatic kiosks at select airports; allowing you to breeze through customs and get home faster.
4. Use Mobile Travel Apps
Avoid unnecessary wait times by checking in online or using your airline’s travel app to get a mobile boarding pass. Airline travel apps also provide real-time updates on delays, cancellations and gate changes.
5. Pack Light to Avoid Checking Baggage
Packing light is always the way to go if you want to save time. From waiting to check baggage at the ticket counter to collecting your bags after a flight to lost luggage (oh no!), checking your bags can add hours to travel time. With a carry-on, you can usually head straight to security as long as you have your boarding pass in hand. If you’re worried about running out of clothes, book a hotel that offers laundry service.
6. Plan Ahead
To avoid languishing at the airport, book ground transportation, check the weather and scope out the area you’re traveling to ahead of time online. That way, you’ll know exactly where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. If your flight is delayed or canceled, using a company that provides 24/7 business travel services can help you avoid the headaches that come with getting stuck at the airport. From finding rooms at nearby hotels, to booking last-minute flight alternatives or getting information on the perks available at the airline lounge, corporate travel agents can help you come up with a backup plan to make traveling for business speedy, smooth and stress-free.
