Traveling can be both exciting and cumbersome. The more frequently you travel, however, the better you will be at it and the more enjoyable the whole experience will be. This is because you will start developing your own travel habits and picking up new tips and tricks to enhance the experience further.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend years traveling the world to be able to travel like a pro. These next several travel hacks will make the experience of traveling by airplane more enjoyable from the start.
Stick with an Airline
Every airline has a loyalty program with added benefits. Whenever you’re traveling, try to stick to an airline and collect mileage points. It is a trick that many stars and celebrities such as Casey Neistat and Michael Palance have endorsed over the years. The more you travel, the more points you will have and the more benefits you get to enjoy in return.
Airline loyalty programs grant you access to amenities that make the whole experience of flying more enjoyable. For starters, you get your own check-in line and you can save time checking in. Some airlines even offer a separate security screening line for their valued customers.
Free upgrades, free in-flight meals, extra baggage, and exclusive lounges at select airports are also some of the benefits you get to enjoy when you have enough mileage points and you are a loyal customer of an airline. Keep collecting those points and you can even have every flight you take upgraded to Business or First Class.
Get Pre-Screened
No one likes going through airport security. With the increasing security risks threatening the world, airport security has gotten really tight. Screenings now take more than 10 minutes and the lines are getting longer and longer. An easy way to get around waiting for airport screening is by getting pre-screened.
There are several programs to choose from if you want to get pre-screened. The US Customs and Border Protection has its own Global Entry program. There are also the TSA Pre-check and Mobile Passport app that offer similar services.
These programs basically allow you to get screened more quickly. You also don’t need to remove your shoes, jackets, laptops, and other items when you’re pre-screened. There is an annual fee to pay when you join one of these programs, but it is a fee worth paying nonetheless.
Pack Smart
I only check my bags when I’m going on an extended trip. Traveling light is always the way to go if you’re traveling by air since you can save so much time along the way. There is no need to wait for baggage check-in, plus there is no need to wait in the baggage claim area upon arrival.
When you do need to carry extra bags, learn to keep items you use more frequently in your carry-on. This way, you always have access to the things you need the most. Add a scarf to the carry-on bag and load your phone with movies or books before your next flight and you’ll have a much better time flying like a pro.
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