Tips for Flying: Don’t Make These Mistakes

Air travel is a whole thing these days.

There’s check-in and security to get through, boarding and finding a spot for your carry-on, then de-boarding and baggage claim.

But…there is a lot that airline passengers can do to make the process go more smoothly. (And, your fellow passengers will surely appreciate it.)

LEAST EFFICIENT TRAVELERS

Want to know which states are home to some of the least efficient travelers, according to a new USA Today poll?

Residents from North Carolina, West Virginia, Arkansas, and New York ranked as the least efficient travelers, respectively.

Georgia residents ranked pretty well…way down at #34 on the “least efficient” list. Residents of Wisconsin are super efficient — they ranked in spot #50 for least efficient.

Although there are some slow airline travelers out there, don’t worry…there are some ways to speed up the process.

SECURITY CHECKPOINTS

A new USA Today poll looked into air travel behaviors, including what types of behaviors cause the most problems and slow-downs.

The results of the poll found that a lot of the inefficiency issues take place at…

The TSA security checkpoints.

The poll found that the most common mistakes at TSA checkpoints were:

• Having to be reminded to take off shoes and/or belts.

• Accidentally going through the scanner with a phone, jewelry, keys, etc.

• Forgetting to remove electronics (laptop, tablet) from carry-on.

What can you do to make the TSA checkpoint run more smoothly for you and your crew?

First, just be prepared! AKA: Don’t do the things listed above.

Second, consider using TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to get through security quickly.

TSA PreCheck is a government-run program that’s available at more than 200 domestic airports. The program allows for an expedited security screening for pre-screened passengers. You will have to apply and pay an application fee, but once that’s done, it’s good for 5 years.

CLEAR is a newer program, and is a privately operated system…not government-run. It helps speed up the ID verification process for passengers, either with irises or fingerprints, so you can skip the ID checkpoint.

Some people even have both.

CARRY-ONS

Another place travelers had issues was with carry-on luggage. Whether making it through security, or finding a spot for it in the overhead bins, carry-ons can be an issue.

A great way to avoid slow-downs when it comes to carry-ons is to, as mentioned above, be prepared when it comes to moving quickly through security.

According to the USA Today poll, another option to avoid carry-on problems is to check your bag instead.

Many airline credit cards allow for a free checked bag, allowing you to check your bag without extra fees. A general travel rewards card may also help you offset the cost of checked bags.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you research luggage policies for the airline you’re flying! Some will charge you for even a rolling carry-on bag, so you want to make sure you’re aware of what luggage will cost you before you arrive at the airport.