7 Important Airport Tips for Frequent Business Travelers
If you’re a frequent business traveler, chances are you’ve had your fair share of stressful experiences at the airport. Dealing with the airport can be a nightmare, from missed flights to lost luggage.
However, you can make your next trip a breeze with a little planning and preparation. These are seven important airport tips for frequent business travelers.
Get to the Airport Early
This one is a no-brainer. By getting to the airport early, you can avoid the rush and get through security without any headaches. Getting to the airport with plenty of time to spare also gives you a chance to check in, grab something to eat or drink, and find your gate without rushing.
For domestic flights, try to arrive at least an hour before your flight takes off. For international flights, try to arrive at least three hours before your flight takes off.
Dress Comfortably
When you’re traveling for business, it’s important to be comfortable while maintaining a professional appearance. Wear clothes that are easy to move in and won’t restrict your movement. Avoid wearing anything that will set off the metal detectors. Those searches can be a hassle, so it’s best to avoid them if you can.
Some clothing options that are great for business travelers include breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Also, wear slip-on shoes that are easy to take off and put back on when going through security.
Have Transportation Ready
Make sure you have transportation ready for when you land at your destination. If you’re not renting a car, try booking an airport shuttle ahead of time or making arrangements with a ride-share service.
If you’re flying into New York City and want to travel in style, you can book a luxury car service in NYC to pick you up. This way, you can avoid the hassle of hailing a cab or navigating the public transit system with your luggage.
Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks
Airport food is notoriously overpriced and unhealthy. Save yourself some money and pack your snacks and drinks for the trip ahead of time. Just make sure they’re TSA approved! This means they can’t contain any liquid over 3.4 ounces and can’t be anything considered a weapon—but both should be easy to avoid.
Some good snack options to bring include the following:
Nuts and dried fruit
Protein bars
Whole-grain crackers and cheese
Pre-cut veggies
Homemade trail mix
Stay Connected
We all have work we can do while waiting in an airport. Make sure to stay connected and get some work done by bringing a laptop or tablet. Almost all major airports offer free Wi-Fi, so you can stay online without using a data plan. Find a comfortable place to work with a nearby outlet and get ahead of schedule at work. Just remember to be respectful of other travelers by minding your device’s volume.
Charge Your Devices Before You Leave Home
Having your phone die in the middle of a text conversation or your laptop run out of battery during important work communications can be stressful obstacles to your travel experience. Avoid these scenarios by charging your devices completely before you leave home or the office.
You can also buy a power bank to keep your devices charged on the go. Power banks come in various sizes and can charge up to four devices simultaneously. These are a lifesaver when you need to power up your phone or laptop quickly.
Be Prepared for Delays
Delays are inevitable when traveling, so it’s important to be prepared for them. Bring along a book, some work, or something else to keep you occupied in case you find yourself stuck at the airport for an extended period. If a delay does occur, remain calm and contact your airline for more information.
Things You Should Do Before Leaving
We always want to ensure that our business trips go as smoothly as possible. To set up a smooth and stress-free airport experience, you should do the following things before leaving: