Long lines at the check-in counter at the airport are always very frustrating. They can quickly dampen the excitement for a vacation or any trip. It’s easy to find yourself waiting an hour or more just to check in your luggage. And if you have children who need to be entertained during the wait, it becomes a true test of patience.
If you no longer want to wait forever at the check-in counter and would prefer to get to your destination as quickly as possible, you should try out the tips and tricks we’ve gathered here, which will certainly make the check-in process much easier for you.
Have you ever heard of the Fast Track? These are security checkpoints that are opened for certain passengers. The advantage is that there are no long lines, and you can quickly get through security. You can enter the Fast Track if you’ve booked a Business or First Class ticket. However, you might also be waved through, even if you only have an economy ticket, especially when the Fast Track is not busy and staff can quickly accommodate a “regular” passenger.
Pirate Tip: If you’re traveling with young children, you’re often allowed to go through the Fast Track, so they don’t have to wait too long in the regular line. So, there’s no need to feel embarrassed if your kids get fussy while waiting.
On the contrary, feel free to let them “make some noise”— it may actually speed up your check-in process. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should let your kids run wild.
However, airport staff often notice families with young children and will guide them to the Fast Track automatically. For some airlines, you can even book fast check-in as an additional service.
Additionally, some airlines allow you to purchase Fast Track access as an add-on. If you’re considering this, weigh the cost against the potential time savings to decide if it’s worth it for your trip. By taking advantage of the Fast Track when possible, you can make the security check-in process far more efficient and start your travel day stress-free.
Online check-in is no longer a secret hack but remains one of the easiest ways to streamline your airport experience. If your airline allows online check-in starting the day before your flight, take advantage of it! This simple step lets you bypass the check-in counters and head straight to the security screening or bag drop, saving you time and effort at the airport.
When booking your flight, check if your airline offers online check-in and note the time frame during which it’s available. Most airlines open online check-in between 7 days and 2 hours before departure.
One of the perks? Many airlines let you select your seat for free during the online check-in process — a feature that might otherwise cost extra if done earlier.
By checking in online, you can secure your preferred seat, print or download your boarding pass, and ensure a smoother start to your journey — all without paying additional fees or spending unnecessary time in airport lines.
Flying with just carry-on luggage is one of the easiest ways to streamline your airport experience. By skipping checked baggage, you avoid long lines at the check-in counters and head straight to security. Combine this with online check-in, and you can breeze through the airport, saving valuable time.
If traveling with carry-on only isn’t feasible, make sure your carry-on meets airline regulations and is properly packed. Ensure it doesn’t contain prohibited items like scissors, knives, or liquids exceeding the allowed limit. Carrying restricted items can result in delays at security, as these items may need to be discarded or your bag may need to be rechecked — both of which can waste time and cause unnecessary stress.
Packing smart and light helps you save on baggage fees, avoid delays, and ensure a hassle-free start to your journey. It’s essential to ensure your carry-on bag meets the airline size and weight restrictions.
Overly large or heavy bags can create complications at the gate or during boarding, potentially resulting in additional fees or the need to check your bag. Such hiccups can disrupt your plans and dampen the start of your trip.
By preparing ahead and following these simple guidelines, you can avoid these problems and enjoy a smoother flight. A well-packed carry-on helps you skip unnecessary delays and stay within airline regulations. For more details on what’s allowed in carry-on luggage, check out this ultimate carry-on checklist!
To streamline your check-in process, preparation is key. Ensure that all necessary documents, including your passport, boarding pass and travel itinerary, are easily accessible. These are needed for baggage drop-off, customs and boarding, so having them ready can save valuable time.
At the security checkpoint, stay proactive. Use the waiting time in line to prepare: place metal items and loose change in a bin. Laptops and smartphones should also go into separate bins for scanning. By getting organized early, you’ll move through security faster and have more time to relax before your flight.
Finally, kindness goes a long way. A friendly attitude toward airport staff can lead to unexpected perks, such as a better seat assignment or special experiences for kids, like a chance to meet the pilot. Many airlines also provide small gifts or unique boarding passes for children when passengers engage politely.
By following these simple steps, you can turn the check-in process from a hassle into a breeze, ensuring a stress-free start to your journey.
What many travelers don’t know is that most national and international airports have more than one security checkpoint. Often, there’s an additional checkpoint hidden away. Y
ou might be wondering how to find it. Most airports have a website with detailed maps and descriptions of various areas. If you take a closer look at these maps and search for additional security checkpoints, you can avoid long lines from now on.
If you can’t find this information on the website, don’t worry — just ask boarding pass control for directions to other security checkpoints. Airport staff are usually happy to help and prefer to spread out passengers rather than having everyone line up in a single file.
Pirate Tip: For those flying out of LAX on their much-anticipated vacation, here’s a handy piece of advice: when heading to security, walk past the main checkpoints and make your way to the smaller security checkpoint, as you’ll often find this area much less crowded.
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