Airports are the gateway to great adventures, but they’re also places where you can easily lose your sanity. There’s no denying that airports are filled with stressors that can frazzle even the most seasoned travelers. From long lines and flight delays to overcrowded gates and broken infrastructure, there is a lot to deal with at airports. But the experience doesn’t have to be entirely negative.
This guide offers tips and insights to help you manage the most common airport stressors and truly wander the airport without worries.
Given the amount I travel, whether visiting family or journeying the world, I spend a considerable amount of time at airports. You name it, I’ve experienced and witnessed it. These are some highlights from the past 18 months: a 35-minute security checkpoint line, an almost 4-hour flight delay, out-of-service trams (this led to a .75 mile dash across a concourse to catch my flight), and a near heart attack at the fact that an airport was charging $10 for a 12 oz bottle of water.
In 2024, I spent nearly 35 hours in airports, and so far this year (2025), I’ve spent about 30 hours.
Airports I have visited on my trips: blue markers for past trips, green markers for future trips.
Airport Travel Tips
Over the years, through my travels, I have found ways to make the time spent in airports more manageable, comfortable, and enjoyable. Here, I share tips and lessons learned, divided into the three stages of air travel: planning, departure, and arrival.
Planning
Keep Airport Size in Mind: The size of an airport will impact your overall experience and any possible connections. When it comes to larger airports, positives include the availability and variety of eateries, activities, resources, and services, along with hotels or “suites by the minute” where you can rest or spend the night in the event of a delay. A major drawback is that these airports tend to be crowded, and you may encounter long lines at check-in counters, security, and restaurants. On the other hand, smaller regional airports tend to offer a less chaotic experience, but many have few dining options and little to do besides plane spotting.
Note that when making a connection at a larger airport, you’ll need to consider factors like distance, crowds, and the possibility of a shuttle or tram ride to reach your next gate.
Read the Airport Press Releases: Yes, this may sound crazy, but those press releases sometimes provide critical information! They inform travelers of upcoming construction projects that may affect parking, check-in locations, whether trams and shuttles will be out of service, and if portions of a terminal will be closed for maintenance, among other relevant details. Press releases also share information about upcoming art exhibits or airport events that can make your visit more interesting and enjoyable!
Press releases can help travelers determine if upcoming construction or closures will impact accessibility. This proactive approach enables travelers to contact the airport in advance to request any necessary accommodations.
Review Terminal Maps: Most airport websites provide terminal maps that offer travelers key information such as approximate distance between the security checkpoint and your flight gate, types of restaurants and stores in the concourse, available services (e.g., currency exchange, phone charging stations, etc.), and the locations of shuttles and trams. This will help you determine when you should arrive at the airport.
Watch YouTube Videos: YouTube is a great, free resource to help you plan how to navigate an airport you are new to. Many of the videos feature walkthroughs of terminal layouts and provide guidance on navigating efficiently from one point to another within an airport.
I found these videos helpful as I planned my first trip to Europe, since I had a connection at Heathrow Airport and needed to travel from Terminal 5 to Terminal 3. The video provided a detailed walkthrough, showing me where to catch the tram, followed by the shuttle bus. It also made me realize that a 2-hour connection may not be enough!
Enroll in TSA PreCheck: If you travel frequently, it’s a program worth considering. I’ve been using TSA PreCheck for about two years, and it’s made a noticeable difference, especially not having to remove my laptop during security screening. While not a perfect program, it does alleviate much of the hassle associated with security checkpoints. You can visit my TSA PreCheck travel guide for more information.
Check In Online: Most airlines allow you to check in online and pay for extra luggage starting 24 hours before departure. Doing this early alleviates stress and saves you time, since you don’t have to stand in line when you arrive at the airport. It also lets you verify that the information on your boarding pass is correct, such as ensuring TSA PreCheck is noted (my TSA guide linked above explains how to fix that error).
If you can’t check in beforehand, many airports now also offer self-service kiosks as an alternative to waiting in line.
Know the Rules: While preparing for your trip, I highly recommend taking the time to learn about your passenger rights for compensation if flights are cancelled or delayed. Knowing this information beforehand will alleviate both panic and stress at the airport. It also helps to have a plan B in place, in terms of alternative flights and nearby lodging.
Departure
Arrival Time: In my experience, airports are always full of surprises, so give yourself plenty of time, even if it means having to wait an additional 30 minutes for your flight. For example, earlier this year, I arrived at the airport to find the main parking lot closed because it was at capacity. This meant parking in an overflow lot farther away, which required a shuttle ride to the main terminal building. And I have been at airports where computer systems have failed, affecting passenger check-in.
Be Wary of Airport Apps: While some airport apps are great, others are riddled with issues and may not provide up-to-date information on gate changes or departure times. Additionally, do not rely on the distances provided by those apps. An airport app once told me the distance to my gate was 0.2 miles when it was actually almost a mile!
Consider Landside Eateries: If you have a long connection, look into grabbing a bite at one of the landside eateries, which are generally less crowded than those airside. Some airport hotels, located landside, have restaurants that are open to the general public, and these tend to offer a nicer, more relaxed dining experience.
This option is not available at all airports, but it is worth keeping in mind. If you choose this option, remember you’ll need to pass back through security to return to your gate.
Finding Quiet Space: One wonderful oasis of peace and quiet in an airport is the Chapel/Prayer Room. Most airports have such a space and are open to the general public regardless of faith. These rooms offer a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Some rooms have prayer books and religious items (e.g., prayer shawls, prayer rugs, etc.), while others hold weekly services.
Take Advantage of Airport Lounges: You don’t necessarily need a priority ticket or airline status to access a lounge. If you have a long connection, check the lounges associated with your airline and travel credit card to see if they offer day passes. Passes range in price from as low as $40 to upwards of $100. Most lounges provide the basics such as meals and beverages, comfortable chairs, and a business center, while others also offer showers and sleeping facilities.
Arrival
Prepare for Customs: Some airports are notorious for their long lines and processing times at U.S. Customs, but enrolling in Global Entry or downloading the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app can make this experience considerably smoother. I’ve used the MPC app for my two recent European trips, and it has been a game-changer! I can fill out the required information before disembarking the plane, and some airports have an express lane for those with the app.
Double-check Ground Transportation Options: Before exiting the airport, confirm the pick-up location for your chosen mode of transportation (public transit, taxi, rideshare, or family and friends). Some airports group these areas together, while others separate them onto different levels or in an entirely different part of the terminal.
Inspect Your Luggage: Here’s a bonus tip. After grabbing your luggage from baggage claim, inspect it before you leave the airport to make sure there is no damage (inside or out) and that none of your belongings are missing. After my last trip to Egypt, I didn’t realize airport security had rummaged through my bag until I got home and found their inspection note inside. Sadly, they broke some of my souvenirs! (Ever since then, I always carry souvenirs onboard—never in checked luggage.)
Fellow adventurers – Have a favorite way to reduce airport stress? Share your tips in the comments below.
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