How to Survive Airport Check-In

Since 9/11, airport check-in has become a headache, pain in the neck and pain in the rear combined.  Security checks are necessary and part of US air travel now, but they do make travel more difficult.  Here are seven ways to survive airport check-in.

To survive airport check-in, start at home…
1. Leave it at home.  Before you begin to pack, check with the airport to see what items are not allowed on the airplane, and leave them at home.  While you’re at it, make sure you know what is allowed in carry-on luggage.  You’ll have to pack some of the things you would normally carry on, like personal hygiene products.

You’ll be better off leaving some products at home even if the airport allows you to put it in checked luggage.  Anything in a plastic or compressible container with a lid that could come off should either be packed in a zip-lock bag or left at home.  The changing air pressure in the cargo hold of the airplane can do a number on such things, and you could find your undies soaked in hair spray or hand lotion. It may be easier to just buy what you need when you get to your destination

2. Check in on line.  Most airlines allow you to check in and print your boarding pass at home, up to 24 hours prior to the plane’s departure time.  This will save time, hassle and waiting in line at the airport.

3. Dress for the occasion.  You will be asked to remove your shoes, coat and any metal accessories before going through security.  Make life easy for yourself and leave metal accessories at home or pack them.  Wear slip-on shoes.  If your coat is big and bulky, check it before going through security (they can put it in a big plastic bag for you).  Check your pockets before you leave for the airport to make sure you don’t have any contraband articles with you.

4. Allow enough time.  The airlines usually suggest arriving at the airport two hours before your flight is scheduled to leave.  That’s not excessive.  If you give yourself enough time to wait in all the lines and get through all security procedures you won’t be as stressed.  Remember that security may take longer than you expect.  Sometimes people are randomly selected for extra screenings.

…and continue at the airport.
5. Check everything you can.  Airplanes are nearly always full these days and there simply isn’t any extra room for carry-on items.  The fewer things you have when you go through security, the faster it will go, too.

6. Exercise patience.  It’s going to take time and you’re going to wait in line.  Surviving airport check-in is easier if you expect it to take time, plan for it and exercise patience with the process.

7. Be nice.  Airline and security personnel are just doing their jobs.  Don’t make it any harder for them than it already is.  If you are pleasant with them, they are more likely to be pleasant with you.  The same goes for irritable, cranky fellow travelers and crabby children.  Air travel is stressful for most people these days, and you can make everybody’s day a little easier—including your own—if you’re nice to people.  A smile goes a long way, and it won’t cost you a thing.