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HOW TO AVOID AIRPORT HASSLES ON SHORT, LAST-MINUTE GETAWAYS

When you travel as much as I do – particularly on a whim or at the very last minute – you learn a thing or two about general travel hassles and all the things you can do to avoid them. Travel hassles, which usually mostly amount to airport hassles, are easy enough to avoid if you have a good idea of what to expect. This is my advice for making the most of your short, last-minute trip and enjoying frazzle-free travel.

Avoiding Hassles

So, the travel bug has bitten and you’re about to enter your card number to book an unbelievably cost-effective weekend package somewhere you’ve been dying to go. You pause, unsure for a moment if you should hit enter or not. You’re thinking about all the things that might go wrong, all the things you might forget, and all the plans you haven’t had time to make. My first piece of advice? Hit enter, book the trip, and get your dream last-minute vacation underway.

Book A Private Plane

Private jet services sometimes have cancelations and are always eager to fill their schedules, so if you’re lucky, you may even get an extra discounted rate. Whether that is the case or not, a private plane will help you avoid all kinds of airport and travel hassles. 

• You won’t be standing in a seemingly endless queue to check in, because you and your party are the only ones on the flight! Look at that – time saved already! 
• Private jet services depart according to your schedule, not the airline’s, so you’ll be able to take off at a time that makes the most sense for your itinerary. Schedule takeoff to a time that gets you to your destination at a reasonable hour and in perfect time for your check-in and you won’t have to waste any time hanging around, waiting for your room to be ready for use.
• Private jet travel means the best of the best while you’re in the air, Depending on the size of the jet, you may or may not have access to an actual bed, but your spacious and comfortable seats recline for sleep and there’s no stranger snoring next to you to keep you awake, so you’ll arrive fresh as a daisy and ready to get the most out of your trip.

Dress for Travel, Not For A Photo Shoot

Yes, I know that you’re going to want to take all the Instagram photos you can, especially if you’re flying private, but it is possible to be cute and practical at the same time. If it’s cold, wear a smart sweatsuit without belts or any metal on your shoes. If it’s hot, wear a pair of leggings and a nice, comfy tee, and the same goes for shoes. Slip-ons are likely best and can be worn with or without socks, depending on the kind of shoe.

Dressing this way means that you’ll waste less time disrobing for airport security and you won’t be checking your collar, toe caps, and belt buckle to see what’s making the buzzer go off when you step through the checkpoint. No laces to undo and redo, no buttons slowing you down, just easy and quick. You’ll be able to put on your gorgeous outfits when you get where you’re going and get maximum enjoyment out of them then.

Pack Sensibly

This is both airport and general advice. If you’re going on a short break, you don’t need your entire wardrobe. Consider the weather, the things you’re planning to do and see, and how long you’re traveling for. Pack your version of the following:

• One pair of supportive, comfortable walking shoes
• One pair of neutral-color (black usually works best, but that depends on your wardrobe) “going out” shoes like heels or mules.
• One pair of general-wear boots, if it’s cold, or general-wear sandals, if it’s hot.
• Mix and match simple t-shirts, one per every two days of travel.
• Mix and match vests (for hot weather) or long sleeve shirts (if it’s cold), one per two days of travel.
• One winter coat, if necessary.
• One sun hat, if necessary.
• Two sets of “going out” clothing.
• Two pairs of jeans or jeans shorts, depending on the weather. Or a personally preferable equivalent.
• One pair of socks and underwear for each day of travel, plus two spare pairs. Better to be safe than sorry!
• One pair of pajamas.
• One pair of sweatpants or leggings, depending on the weather.

This means that you’ll only have one, likely small bag that won’t take too long to pack and will cover a variety of experiences and locales. You won’t have much for them to search at the security checkpoint and you won’t waste valuable planning time picking an elaborate wardrobe.

Book Airport Parking Before You Arrive

If you’re driving yourself to the airport, book parking when you book your flight. Busy airports can make finding and paying for parking a pain, and looking for an attendant or a free space will waste time you don’t have. Alternatively, you can arrange a Salt Lake City airport car service to avoid parking hassles entirely and ensure a smooth start to your trip.

Double Check Everything

You just planned a trip and packed in a whirlwind, so some things may have slipped through the cracks. Scan Pinterest for a packing checklist and check things off as you go. Then check them again, just to be sure. Getting to the airport without your passport or ID could be a major disaster that will completely ruin your experience.

Use Your Flight To Plan

Don’t worry about trying to plan things to do or find places to go on your trip before you leave. Use your time in the air to find out as much about your destination as possible so that you can make the most of your time there.

Lastly…

Don’t forget to figure out how airmiles work, and the best UK credit cards with airmiles. That’ll cheapen things up! The most important advice? Have fun! You’re on vacation after all, even if it’s a short and last-minute one. Try not to stress too much about doing or seeing everything …just enjoy yourself.