Ana’s Travel Tips: Getting through the airport

In the last year, I’ve gotten on more planes that ever before! Because of that, I have figured out some things make getting through airports fairly easy. Today, I’m sharing some of my tips with you:

1. Download the mobile app – Having the app for the airline you’re flying with is very helpful! It immediately updates and notifies you with changes. It’s also super easy to check-in via the app, and since your ticket is on your phone, you don’t haven to go to a counter. I also place the app on the first page of my phone on travel day for easy access.
2. Go for the backpack – My backpack has become a must have travel item because it frees up my hands and evenly distributes the weight on my shoulders. I use (and really like) eBags slim lap top bag and eBags weekender bag. For short trips, the slim lap top bag is perfect and fits easily under the seat. The weekender is significantly bigger and is technically not a “personal item” but I’ve been able to get it on major airlines with no problems (I would be cautious taking it on pickier airlines like Frontier and Spirit). The weekender also has a “butterfly open” which means that it’s TSA approved and you don’t have to take your lap top out during security checks if you don’t have TSA Pre.
3. TSA Pre/Global Entry – Talk about saving some time! Not only are the TSA pre/Global Entry lines shorter, it is much easier to go through: no need to take off shoes, light layers, and lap tops. Also, when returning from abroad, it’s great not having to stand in a long line (especially if traveling with elderly people–I sometimes travel with my grandmother).
4. Sit in the back of the plane – This may sound counter intuitive, but hear me out: I typically sit in the back of the plane, especially for shorter flights, because 1) there’s always overhead room–no one wants to put their bags behind them, and 2) there’s usually more open seats in the back. Now when you’re getting ready to exit the plane, you will have to wait longer, but when you exit the plane, you can walk straight through the cabin to the exit–no need to stand behind people, or stand awkwardly in the aisle. So far, it’s proven to be super helpful for me, and takes away the stress of getting on/off the plane.