Have Less Stress at Airports

No one likes going to airports but you can make the process smoother. See below for some tips:

I can’t stress how TSA PreCheck has improved my experience at the airport. TSA PreCheck allows you to get through security in minutes. No need to remove clothing (e.g. jacket, shoes, etc.) or separate your luggage during security. Win!

Cost: $85 one time fee (expires in 5 years)

Get TSA PreCheck for free with the following credit cards:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- The Platinum Card from American Express
- Capital One Venture Rewards
- Bank of America Premium Rewards
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express

Bonus: For an extra $15, bundle Global Entry with TSA PreCheck to avoid the long lines in customs.

Wear a Jacket

Regardless of the weather, I always go to the airport wearing a jacket for 2 reasons:

Airplanes get cold
Smoother entry into the airport

Store all personal belongings (wallet, phone, keys, loose change, etc.) into your jacket. So when it’s time to pass through security, there's no need to empty your pockets. Simply put your jacket on the conveyor belt. After the X-Ray machine clears your items (i.e. luggage and jacket), put on your jacket and go! No more fumbling to put random items back into your pockets.

You are Always Wrong

TSA changes its rules more than the weather. And they will make you feel like an idiot for not following the “process.” The same airport will force you to remove shoes one day and allow you to keep them on the next day.

There is no way to predict "the new rule of day" so be courteous or they’ll make your life hell.

You’re Going to Get Searched —> Packing Cubes

I assume that I’m going to get searched and this influences how I pack. So if TSA decides to stop me, I’ll gladly show off my fancy packing method...they're never impressed. 😪
Packing cubes are separate containers to store clothing (e.g. T-Shirts, Pants, socks). Stack them together like legos in your luggage. I travel with 4 packing cubes: shirts, pants, socks, and underwear. If I'm ever searched, it's easy to unpack and pack again because I only have 4 main components.
Get double-sided packing cubes to separate dirty clothes from the clean. Traveling is not an excuse for being dirty. 😉

Your Luggage is Going to Get Lost —> Pack Valuable Items in Backpack/small Handbag.

Has an airline ever lost your luggage? Yeah, it stinks! An airline’s mistake can ruin a trip. Don’t let that happen.

Solution: Keep valuable items like electronics and toiletries in a small carry-on bag. Even if your luggage gets lost, you can still continue sightseeing that day.

Be sure to give the airline an address to drop off your lost luggage.

What tips do you have that make going to the airport less stressful? Let me know!