X
VIEW ALL RESULTS
VIEW ALL RESULTS
    X
    X
    VIEW ALL RESULTS
    VIEW ALL RESULTS
      • Professional Services

      Forbes Travel Guide Stories

      Airports, Travel Tips

      5 Savvy Ways To Outsmart Holiday Airport Traffic
      By Contributor Donna Wong

      December 6, 2016

      ftgblog-holidayairporttraveltips-hartsfieldjacksonatlantainternationalairport-starwoodhotelsresortsworldwideinc

      A Smooth Takeoff Starts Well Before You Get On A Plane
      Photo Courtesy of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc

      Security lines and traffic can be unpredictable on the best of days, but honoring the two-hour rule will only save so much of your sanity. As you know, airports will be busier than ever during the holidays, so save yourself the stress and be prepared with these travel-smart hints.

      Sign up for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
      Though word is certainly starting to get around, many travelers still don’t realize that you can get a nice head start on international trips by getting Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

      Global Entry allows you to skip the long lines at immigration and customs by using official kiosks. It also offers head-of-the-line privileges at select U.S. airports, if you are chosen for additional screening. If you travel at least a few times a year, this is a priceless investment to save you from wasting time in line at customs. Global Entry costs a mere $100 and is valid for five years.

      As a bonus, the TSA considers Global Entry members to be “trusted travelers” and automatically includes them in the affiliated TSA PreCheck program. Your Trusted Traveler number will be linked to your airline ticket, allowing you to breeze through airport security lines. And with more than 180 domestic airports participating in the program, the time saved really starts adding up.

      ftgblog-holidayairporttraveltips-traveltems-starwoodhotelsresortsworldwideinc

      Smart Packing is a Major Key, Photo Courtesy of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc

      Save your time in line
      If you don’t have your Trusted Traveler number yet, there are a few other common-sense moves you can make to speed things along. For starters, avoid the lines with babies and children. They typically move slower, since car seats, strollers and diaper bags tend to be cumbersome and require extra time to be inspected.

      Also, do your fellow traveler a favor by having your ID and boarding pass handy before reaching the TSA agent’s podium.

      Another word of advice that never gets old: remove your shoes, heavy metal jewelry and belts ahead of time rather than waiting until you are at the head of the line.

      Some extra tips
      During the holidays, you may want to pack food for your loved ones or bring back pre-cooked favorites, but this can cause issues with TSA. Check the list of approved food online before your flight and make sure that all items are properly packaged according to TSA guidelines.

      Though airlines have made impressive strides in the world of baggage handling, many people — and, yes, that includes Forbes Travel Guide editors — still prefer to travel with carry-on bags. If you pack light and avoid checking your bag, there’s no need to wait in line for a gate agent and you don’t have to put your airline’s “20 minutes or less” promise to the test at the baggage carousel.

      One other headache-saving tip: type your flight number into Google to display all the latest info regarding it, including flight status, delay updates and any details on gate changes.

      Donna Wong is the owner of allureplus travel, a premier travel provider and destination specialist. Her dedicated and trusted team offers travel services worldwide for individuals and groups.

      Save

      Share
      Tweet
      Pin
      Share
      Airports Global Entry Holidays Travel tips TSA PreCheck
      by Contributor Donna Wong 

      About Contributor Donna Wong

      View all posts by Contributor Donna Wong

      Related Posts

      • How To Experience Day Of The Dead In Mexico City
      • Where Zooey Deschanel Seeks Out Meaningful Travel
      • 7 Underrated Cities To Celebrate The Holidays
      • Designer Michelle Jonas’ Travel-Friendly Fashion Tips

      Copyright © 2023 · Prima Donna theme by Georgia Lou Studios

      Dreaming of your next trip?

      Let us inspire you with weekly special offers and stories about what's new and exciting in luxury travel.
      THANK YOU! CONFIRMATION EMAIL SENT.
      You can withdraw your consent at any time. Visit our Privacy Policy and Terms or Contact Us for more information.

      Sign up for our newsletter

      * indicates required