Even if you’ve never flown, you can probably picture the scenery of an airport — likely thanks to the scene of the McAllister family running through the crowded airport in “Home Alone.” When planning your trip to the airport, how prepared are you for the experience?
The FAA estimates that 2.9 million passengers fly in and out of U.S. airports daily. With people trying to get to their destinations, flight crews hustling to their next plane and ground employees running daily operations as smoothly as possible, it’s no wonder why airports sometimes feel chaotic. To make your experience as easy as possible, follow these airport tips to travel like a pro, whether you’re flying for the first time ever or the 10th time this year.
1. Book Directly Through the Airline
Before Arriving at the Airport
Long before you pull into the airport parking lot, you'll take air travel tips into consideration. In fact, they begin when booking your flight. To receive priority in the event of travel issues, you must book your ticket directly through the airline you’re traveling on.
Those using second-hand sites are typically the first to get bumped when a flight is overbooked. This means you’ll need to be rebooked on a later flight, causing delays in your trip. To have the best chance of avoiding this inconvenience, go directly to the airline’s website or app to secure your ticket.
2. Choose Morning Flights
Before Arriving at the Airport
Another airport travel tip to consider when booking your trip is departure time. Choose to leave in the morning versus in the afternoon or evening. Opting for the early flight gives you more wiggle room should anything unexpected occur, like delays.
One reason for disrupted schedules is a flight crew’s daily in-flight time limits. Once crews reach their allotted time, the airline legally has to try to find another crew to operate the flight or reschedule it. Taking the earliest morning flight makes situations like this less likely. Early departure also has the perk of giving you more time at your destination.
3. Opt for Direct Flight Paths
Before Arriving at the Airport
If you’re wondering how to make airport travel easier, you can avoid having a layover time that’s too short by opting for a direct flight path when booking your ticket. A direct flight means you go from your departure airport to your destination without stopping. For a less expensive ticket, sometimes people will book flights with one or two layovers in other airports. However, the stress this can cause isn’t always worth the price.
Even if you have a few hours baked into your layover, frequent delays can tighten your window or make you miss your connecting flight altogether. Remember, some airports are massive, and it can take upwards of 20 minutes to get from one terminal to another when trying to make a connecting flight. It’s in these tight layover scenarios that you’ll end up running through the airport.
4. Prebook Parking and Car Rentals
Before Arriving at the Airport
You shouldn’t be pulling up to the airport without having prebooked parking or a rental car at your destination. Not taking this airport tip can be costly. It can leave you in an expensive parking spot, without a rental car in your price range or, worst case scenario, with no parking and no car when you arrive.
Prebooking your airport parking and car rental before the day of your trip will save you money — and stress. Using your AAA Membership provides additional savings on both parking and rentals.
Airport Parking Tips
Airport parking falls into two categories: on-site and off-site. If you choose to park at the airport, you’ll follow signage that will direct you to long-term parking and you will be charged per day. Some things to consider when looking for airport parking include:
- Look for discounts if you’re parking for a week or longer.
- See if there is off-site parking, which is cheaper than parking at the airport itself.
- Check with your specific departure airport to compare on- versus off-site pricing.
Utilize your AAA Membership for discounts and additional perks with The Parking Spot off-site parking. This reliable option operates near most major U.S. airports and shuttles you to and from the terminals for a hassle-free beginning to your trip.
Car Rental Tips
If you need to rent a car when you arrive at your destination, prebooking will ensure you actually get a car and give you a better chance of receiving a nicer make and model. Look ahead at your destination airport to see which rental car companies operate there to book confidently. Then, use your AAA Membership at Thrifty Car Rentals , Hertz and Dollar Car Rentals for additional discounts.
Save more money when using a rental car by enrolling in gas rewards programs . If you’re driving around a lot, this will come in handy whenever you need to fill up the tank — which you’ll have to do before returning your rental. This is true even if you’re signing up for a program at a gas station you don’t have back home. The savings will be worth the extra few minutes it takes to enroll.
5. Download Airline Apps and Enroll in Rewards
Before Arriving at the Airport
Another way to earn rewards and make airport travel easier is by downloading your airline’s app on your phone and signing up for their rewards program. Following this airport tip will make tasks like checking in for your flight, getting your boarding pass and receiving flight updates much easier.
Some airlines require you to enroll in their rewards program and have their app to access in-flight WiFi. Doing these steps in advance means you’ll be ready to connect once you are on the plane. Another convenient component of airline apps is showing you a map of the airport, your route to get to your connecting gate if you have a layover and how long of a walk it is on average, making airport navigation easier than ever.
6. Prepare Your Documents
Before Arriving at the Airport
You won’t be able to board your flight without the right documentation, making your documents the most important of all things to remember when flying. Whether international or domestic, this is what you need to make sure you have handy:
- For international trips: You need a valid passport that has an expiration date of more than six months after your travel dates. If you’ve waited too long to apply for or renew your passport, try RushMyPassport for expedited service. In addition to your passport, bring any pre-obtained visas for applicable countries you’ll be visiting and information for all hotels you’ll be staying in.
- For domestic trips: You need valid U.S. identification that won’t expire during your trip. Beginning May 2025, your identification must be REAL ID compliant to get through TSA screening. Make an appointment with your local DMV to obtain the correct identification before travel.
Additionally, whether you’re traveling internationally or domestically, notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations to ensure your cards work properly while you’re out of town. Also, bring an emergency contact phone number for your bank in case you encounter any issues.
7. Confirm Luggage Requirements
Before Arriving at the Airport
Luggage requirements vary from airline to airline, so it’s important to double-check the dimensions allowed by your carrier compared to the actual size of your bags. There are dimension-based rules for all baggage, including checked luggage, carry-ons and personal items. The more commonly known rule regards the weight of your luggage — specifically, checked bags can weigh no more than 50 lbs. If your bag is overweight, airlines will impose an additional fee.
To avoid having to wait for checked bags and the possibility of losing your luggage, try to only bring a carry-on and a personal item on your trip. At a minimum, keeping your essentials in those bags ensures you have everything you need for your trip if your checked bag is delayed.
8. Check-In Early
Checking in at the Airport
Flight check-in is digitally available 24 hours before your plane departs and can be completed on the airline’s app or website. Arriving at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and at least three hours early for international flights will give you time to drop your luggage, get through security, find your gate and relax.
For busy travel times — such as traveling to celebrate the holidays or embarking on a spring break trip — you should arrive and check-in at the airport even earlier. These high-traffic times make airport travel more chaotic. Follow all posted airport safety tips to try to make your experience as smooth as possible.
9. Re-Check Gate Assignments
Checking in at the Airport
Utilize the airport guide signs to point you in the right direction from check-in to TSA and onward to your gate area. When you check in at the airport, if you get a printed boarding pass, be aware that the gate number on there might change, which they tend to do from time to time. Be aware of where the gate assignment boards are throughout the airport so you can check yours semi-regularly.
Having your airline app pre-downloaded will also enable you to receive notifications about gate changes and allow you to locate the new gate sooner.
10. Be TSA Prepared
Going Through TSA at the Airport
While many people view the security screening process as a nuisance, remember TSA agents are there to help ensure your safety. Be sure to read the signs posted with airport safety tips, such as reporting unattended bags.
Being prepared for the screening process and interacting with agents will help make getting through TSA a breeze. Look up the items that are prohibited from going through security and make sure you don’t have them on you. If you do, dispose of them before your screening to avoid being searched. You’ll also want to remove clothing items like hats, jackets and belts while waiting in line to avoid holding up the screening process.
11. Follow the TSA Liquid Limit
Going Through TSA at the Airport
There are limits to the amount of liquids you can have in your carry-on when flying. Follow the 3-1-1 rule to stay within the TSA liquid limit and avoid having your items flagged and thrown away.
The 3-1-1 rule states that your liquids, gels and aerosols must individually be no more than 3.4 ounces and fit inside one quart-sized resealable plastic bag. Finally, only one of these bags is allowed per person.
Some exceptions to this rule are allowed — most notably medications and baby or toddler foods. One item that isn’t an exception and is frequently left in bags is water bottles. Be sure to dispose of any water or beverages greater than 3.4 ounces and not in your quart-sized bag before beginning the TSA screening process.
12. Wear Slip-On Footwear and Socks
Going Through TSA at the Airport
Make your TSA screening a breeze by wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off. You’ll often have to take your shoes off and place them in a security bin to go through the scanner. Shoes you can slide in and out of are a must to keep things quick and as easy as possible.
Another necessity for a TSA screening is socks. When you consider all the people going through a security screen every day, you don’t want to be caught walking through the area barefoot.
13. Pick Up After Yourself
Waiting at the Airport Terminal Gate
As previously mentioned, a lot of people go through airports and on planes every day. Because of that, they aren’t always the cleanest places. Airport staff will regularly go through and clean up, but sometimes, they aren’t able to get to a location before a mess is created. Make their jobs easier and the passenger experience more enjoyable by cleaning up after yourself and disposing of your trash at the airport terminal gate and on the plane.
14. Use Sanitizer and Wipe Down Touchpoints
Waiting at the Airport Terminal Gate
If your fellow passengers aren’t adhering the common courtesy of keeping areas clean, then it’s time to take matters into your own hands. Bring hand sanitizer and wipes with your carry-on to keep your hands clean and wipe down common touchpoints.
Some areas you should wipe down include:
- Seats and armrests at your gate
- Tables in cafeteria-style areas inside the terminal
- Armrests on the plane
- Seat belt buckles on the plane
- Window screens on the plane (if you have the window seat)
- Trays on the seat-back in front of you on the plane
- Screens on the seat-back in front of you on the plane
15. Consider Wearing a Mask
Waiting at the Airport Terminal Gate
Especially if you’re flying for the first time, airport travel and plane travel can be uncomfortable. To alleviate this, you should do everything in your power to try and be as comfortable as possible. This includes wearing a mask throughout the airport gate area and on the plane if that’s what makes you feel most secure. For some people, the thought of being so close to others causes unease. In the post-pandemic world, if you’re more comfortable in a mask, then go for it! The last thing you want is to get yourself — or others — sick on a trip.
16. Prepare to Be Entertained
Waiting at the Airport Terminal Gate
You’ll likely spend at least a couple of hours in the airport terminal and in-flight time. Bringing a few forms of entertainment with you will help pass the time, so before you know it, you’ll be at your destination.
Some entertainment options to have accessible include:
- WiFi: Connect to airport WiFi for at-the-gate use and join your airline’s membership program to gain access to or buy in-flight WiFi. This will allow you to stream movies and TV shows on your connected devices.
- Music: Listen to pre-downloaded music without WiFi or stream music with a WiFi connection. AAA Members receive a discounted SiriusXM membership to listen to their favorite stations while on the go.
- Books and AudioBooks: Read a book or listen to an audiobook on your trip. AAA Members receive a discounted subscription to Audible and can download their favorite audiobooks to their devices.
- Games: To pass the time, play games on your devices while connected to WiFi. Consider downloading a few games that don’t require data or a WiFi connection to play.
17. Comfy Clothing is Key
Waiting at the Airport Terminal Gate
In addition to doing what you’re comfortable with during airport travel, you should also dress comfortably. For some people, this means sweatpants and a T-shirt, while for others, it’s a pair of jeans. Wear what you’ll be comfortable in throughout what will likely be a long travel day with a lot of sitting.
18. Dress in Layers
Preparing for the Plane Ride from the Airport
When planning your comfortable outfit for the airport, you should also include layers of clothing. A sweatshirt, cardigan and/or light sweater will come in handy whether you’re waiting at the chilly gate or sitting on a warm plane. Being able to adjust your clothing at a moment’s notice is extremely helpful, especially if you’re traveling from one climate to another.
19. Bring a Neck Pillow
Preparing for the Plane Ride from the Airport
Among all the airport tips listed, this one has the potential for a variety of opinions. You should bring a neck pillow with you when flying to avoid having a stiff neck if you fall asleep on the plane. This will especially be useful if you’re in a middle seat between two strangers so you don’t accidentally lean your head on one of their shoulders.
If you forget to bring a neck pillow with you to the airport, you’ll easily be able to find one at a shop near your gate.
20. Keep a Change of Clothes in Your Carry-On
Preparing for the Plane Ride from the Airport
Having an extra change (or two) or clothes in your carry-on will help you in the event of an accident or significant delay. To help pass the time at your gate, you’ll likely buy some food and drinks, but what if you spill that on you before you board or while on the plane? Instead of panic shopping for something to change into, you’ll be able to calmly grab your other outfit from your carry-on and continue on your trip in fresh clothes.
If you’re delayed overnight, having extra clothing options handy can make a stressful situation a little easier. Planning ahead can make a big difference when traveling.
21. Don’t Travel When Sick
Traveling Courtesy at the Airport
Being in an airport and on a plane puts you in close proximity to other people. If you’re sick, even if it’s a mild stomach bug or cold, don’t travel until you’re better. This is a common courtesy to prevent passing it on to other passengers and flight crews. Making alternate plans and working with your airline to reschedule your flight is much better than spreading illness.
FAQ’s For Airport Travel
Do you have more questions about airport tips? Read on for additional answers to some frequently asked questions about airport travel:
How long of a layover should I aim to have?
If you have to book a flight with a connection or two, a good rule of thumb is to ensure you have at least a one-hour layover for each stop. This will allow you to not have to run through the airport to reach your next gate, use the restroom and grab snacks.
What are some tips for wheelchair assistance at airports?
If you need wheelchair assistance to reach your gate and get on the plane, request it directly through your airline. When you book your ticket, the airline should ask if special assistance is needed. You should also download the airline’s app to make sure your wheelchair assistance request is still active.
An airport employee will help guide you through the airport, to your gate and onto the plane. It’s customary to tip them around $5 for the service. If you have any issues with your wheelchair assistance, see an airline employee at the check-in or gate desk for help.
Are there any places in the airport that I need to tip?
In addition to tipping airport employees who help with wheelchairs and mobility assistance, there are other places within the airport where you should be prepared to tip. This includes:
- Food and beverage servers
- Bartenders
- Shuttle drivers
- Ground transportation operators (i.e., town car or limo pickup service)
Wondering how much to tip a driver taking you from the airport to a hotel? Typically, anywhere from 15–20 percent of your total is a good amount.
Should I bring cash to the airport?
Some airports have transitioned to be fully cashless. Check the airports you’re traveling in and out of to see if they only accept cashless forms of payment.
However, when traveling, it’s always a good idea to carry cash on you. If you’re going on an international trip, have money in both your native currency and the currency of the countries you’re going to before arriving at the airport.
Join AAA to Get Discounts and Rewards While Traveling
Travel like a pro by following these airport tips the next time you fly. For even easier travel, become a AAA Member to access the exclusive Discounts & Rewards® program .