While you and your travel companions are likely ecstatic about your upcoming adventure, the one thing you might not be over the moon about is actually getting to your final destination. Although some people love airports and flying and everything that has to do with the whole traveling experience, most people find getting to and through the airport to be a real hassle. And with the strict security measures that are always in force, you might be feeling like it’s just a matter of time before your TSA experience becomes the downfall of you. Luckily, there are things you can do to minimize the chances of you having a bad encounter at this juncture of your travels. To show you how you can do this, here are three tips for a less stressful TSA experience at the airport.
Book Your Flights Strategically
One of the biggest reasons that people feel a lot of stress about going through security at the airport is because they never know how long it’s going to take. If the lines at security are long, you could be standing there for an hour or more before you’re even able to make it to your gate. And if you didn’t give yourself much wiggle room when it comes to time, this could be a major stressor for you. Because of this, Nick Trend and Natalie Paris, contributors to The Telegraph, advise that you plan your flights strategically. If at all possible, try not to fly on the weekends, as that’s when more people fly and cause longer security lines. Also, it you can book a flight during the daytime hours of the week, you’ll likely be dealing with much shorter lines and much cheaper prices as well.
Prepare For Security While Packing
To have the smoothest possible time going through security, you should be preparing for this from the time you start packing. While you might be tempted to just throw all your stuff haphazardly into your suitcase when you’ll be spending time on the road, being a little more strategic may prove to be very beneficial to you. According to Dr. Jack Schafer, a contributor to Psychology Today, you should try to pack the things you’ll be needing or having to take out near the top of your suitcase. This includes things like liquids, your identifications, and electronics.
Consider TSA Precheck
One way you can make the whole airport security process much easier on yourself is by using the services offered with TSA Precheck. According to the Transportation Security Administration, Precheck allows you to keep a lot of your items on that you otherwise are required to take off when you go through security. Also, the lines for this group of people are usually much shorter, allowing you to get to your gate much quicker. While this does cost you some additional money each year, it might be worth it if security normally stresses you out.
To have an easier go at the airport next time, consider using the tips mentioned above so you can breeze through security.