Written by Derek Cole

Been somewhere lately?  For most people, travel has been something they have have been waiting for since late 2019.  It’s official!  Travel is back baby… until the next shutdown.  Hopefully that doesn’t happen, but I feel like I cant make such a generalized statement without some sort of disclaimer.   Moving on. The line’s at airports are brutal now.  Even worse than pre 2019 due to staffing and other issues.  If you’re not at the airport at least 3 hrs early you are at risk of missing your flight.  So what can you do to increase your chances of success?

1. For travel to and from the USA get a nexus card. They are free for those under the age of 18.  $50us for adults.  A little bit of pre-planning and paperwork and you can breeze through those long security lines with a smile on your face.
2. Check in online.   Yes there is still a line to drop the bags off, but the line generally moves fairly quick.  Because your baggage tags are printed at a mobile station you don’t have to spend hours waiting for those who are less organized than you.  If you can cram all your swimsuits into a carryon, even better.
3. Sit in the Emergency exit row.  If, like most people you cant afford business/first class. Exit row is the next best thing.  Not only do you get more leg room, you also (airline depending) will be allowed to board the aircraft first.  This means you know that you’re carry on luggage will be near you.  Do you like to recline your seat? Make sure you choose the back row if there is more than one EE row.  In the front row the seats don’t recline but have all other perks.
4. If you need to park a car. Call around to some local airport hotels.  Lots will offer free parking for the duration of your trip if you stay the night before leaving.  Not only would this potentially save you money in parking, you will also have access to a free shuttle. Then you can get a good nights sleep and wake up more organized, rested and overall start your trip with a clear mindset.
5. Relax, be prepared.  The more prepared you are the better things will go.

Lastly remember the journey is still part of the trip.  Making the best of it will automatically add 2 days to your already short vacation. Lastly, I want to leave this little gem for those that made it till the end.   If you check in with less than 24hrs till departure on some airlines you can select your seat for free!  This includes the emergency exit row.  Fly Safe!