20 Ways to Reduce Stress at the Airport

You're excited to begin your holiday and eager to get to the airport. Will I run into traffic while going to the airport? Did I pack my essentials and travel documents? Is my flight on time or has it been delayed or cancelled? These are normal concerns to have when going to the airport that can lead to a stressful experience. Here are 20 tips you can do before and upon arrival at the airport that can enhance your experience.

Before Going to Airport

1. Check and Get E-Visa if Needed: Do you need a visa to enter your destination? If so, consider getting an electronic visa, or E-Visa, on your destination's website before arrival. It is possible to get a visa upon arrival, however, there is a possibility there can be long lines to get one. Get out of the airport quicker upon landing by getting an e-visa before arrival. For USA citizens traveling internationally, check this link to see if you need a visa for your destination.

2. Book Flights During Non-Busy Periods: Flying during a mid-week or red eye flights tends to have fewer passengers and will lead to a less stressful experience at the airport. When booking your flight, consider the time of day and week you're flying for a better airport and flying experience.

3. Consider Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that permits expedited clearance for international low-risk travelers. Global Entry also allows TSA PreCheck access. TSA PreCheck allows eligible US Citizen travelers to go through security screenings at over 200 airports throughout the USA. Other benefits include prebook to go through security, not having to remove items such as shoes, light jackets and belts. These programs allow a less stressful experience at the airport.

4. Download Travel Apps: Some apps that will make life easier for you include airlines you are flying (i.e. Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Fiji Airways, etc.), airports you will be traveling to and from such as SFO, LHR, HKG, DXB, etc., airport security free app myTSA, transportation apps such as Uber, Lyft, Careem, etc., Google Maps, Priority Pass, Trip Advisor, etc.

5. Get Travel Insurance: You never know if there might be an issue while traveling whether its flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage or medical issues. Protect yourself by purchasing travel insurance prior to your travels. Note there are several companies that offer travel insurance and it's important to look at all coverages before purchase. Also, consider using a travel insurance comparison site such as TravelInsurance.Com to compare quotes.

6. Enroll into Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): For USA citizens traveling abroad, the U.S. Department of State has a program called Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, which provides free updates on health, weather, safety, and security for your destination, plan ahead and where to get help if there's an emergency at your destination. To enroll, it takes approximately 20 minutes and can be done here.

7. Get Foreign Currency if Traveling Internationally: It's always a good idea to carry a small amount of your destination's local currency while traveling. Instead of waiting till arriving at the airport, which tends to have higher rates, consider getting foreign currency from a local currency exchange center near your home. One of my favorites is Currency Exchange International, which has over 90 locations throughout the USA and is open 7 days a week. Currency can be ordered online and delivered to your home as soon as next day or picked up at a local branch.

8. Pack Essentials: Make sure to pack essential items like cellphone, passport, ID, itinerary, credit/ATM cards, house keys, insurance cards, etc. Some items, like chargers, toiletries and clothes, maybe available at the airport or your destination but can be more expensive and/or difficult to find. There have been security concerns of juice jacking using public charging devices at the airport and airplane so its best to bring your own chargers that will protect your electronics. Also, check your airport's security protocols of what is allowed and not allowed in luggage. TSA has a website of what things are permitted and unpermitted in check-in and carry-on luggage. Packing essential items and checking what is allowed in your luggage will help reduce stress and not worry upon arrival and departure at airport.

9. Choose Seats Before Arriving at Airport: A great way to reduce stress at the airport and while flying is by choosing your seats ahead of time. If waiting until arriving at the airport, you may get assigned a seat that isn't your preference or uncomfortable such as near the toilet.

10. Carry-On or Ship Luggage: Checking in luggage at the airport leads to more wait time and has possibility of delay in pick up or lost. Carry on allows you to keep items closer to you and not have to wait for pick up at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination. Shipping your luggage to your destination using a service such as Send My Bag also allows you to go through the airport with no suitcase which leads to a more pleasant experience.

11. Dress Nicely and Comfortably: When choosing what you're going to wear on your flight, consider wearing a nice, presentable outfit that is comfortable. Layers are ideal in case it gets cold or hot on the airplane. Wearing a presentable outfit you feel good in will allow you to emanate a positive aura and lead to better airport experience.

12. Check Traffic from Home to Airport: To reduce stress and have a realistic idea of how long it will take to get to the airport, check traffic and estimated arrival time it would take to get to airport. Using apps and websites like Google Maps will help you get an idea of the traffic. Depending on the time of day you need to go, this will help you have an idea what time to leave to get to the airport early, even if you are driving to airport or being picked up.

13. If Parking at Airport, Arrive Early and Take Pictures: If you are planning to drive and park your car at or near the airport on your own, ensure to arrive early. This will help reduce stress if you need to look for a parking spot. Also, take pictures of your car as well as parking area to help you remember where you parked when you come back from your holiday and lead to a less stressful experience when you return.

14. Arrive to Airport Early: For international flights, arrive to the airport at least 3 hours head of time to ensure you get to the boarding gate on time. For domestic flights, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours ahead of time.

Arrival at Airport

15. Ask For Seat Upgrade: If you want to have a better experience on your plane, you

can upgrade your seat before checking in or upon arrival at the airport. Note if you

ask for an upgrade at the airport, it is not guaranteed you will get one depending on

seat availability. Also ensure to have money or airline miles to help cover the upgrade

as it is rare to get a complimentary upgrade unless you're flying first or business class

or a high tier frequent flyer.

16. Start to Prepare for Security Screening While in Line: For a more efficient security

screening, ensure to pay attention to what security officers are saying and which items you need to take off or out of your luggage. This will assist with making your time through security quicker and more pleasant.

17. Keep Allowable Small Items In Your Suitcase: Consider keeping some small items such as your phone, boarding pass, keys, sunglasses, etc. in your luggage to prevent

likelihood of it falling through one of the conveyor belts or being taken by someone.

18. Visit An Airport Lounge: If you arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight, you can

spend time at an airport lounge after going through security to eat, relax and refresh

before your flight.

Boarding Airplane

19. Wait Until Your Boarding Group: It is important to board your plane when your group

is being called. Boarding gates can be crowded with people trying to board early which can cause the traveler, airport staff and others stressed. Be respectful by boarding during your assigned group will be appreciated by airport staff and lead to a better experience.

20. Smile and Be Polite: All languages around the world recognize a genuine smile. When you are polite, respectful and smiling, people will respond to you better and you will feel good and have less stress. Let the thoughts of the trip you've been waiting for fill your mind, body and soul for positive energy and less stress at the airport.