How to Leave the airport quickly!
How to leave the airport quickly
Your plane has finally arrived and you can’t wait to get to your final destination spot!
You feel so excited, but you have to get through airport security, baggage check, immigration, etc. before you can start enjoying.
“I love spending lots of time going through the airport process” said no one ever…
Whether you’re departing or arriving, these airport travel tips can help you to start your vacation quicker and smoother.
Here is my guide on how to leave the airport quickly.
Do this to leave the airport quickly!
Check in online before
This may be a given to many people, but do your online check in if you’re able to.
In most situations, you can check in 24 hours before your flight.
Get your seat selected and you’re boarding passes before too!
You can pay for your baggage when you check in, if you didn’t do so when you bought your ticket.
Although, I recommend doing all of this in advance.
I always download my boarding pass on my phone and take a screenshot too.
Look at the airport layout
If you’ve never been to that particular airport before or it’s been a while, check it out.
How many terminals are there? Which terminal do you land in? If you have a connecting flight, is it in the same terminal, or do you have to take a shuttle to get to another terminal?
What is the layout of the airport? Is it a long line, or a letter ‘L’ shape. Get to know it a bit to see if there are different wings of the terminal.
Learn about where and how to catch a bus or shuttle if you need to transfer to another terminal, especially if you have a connecting flight. Where do you get on it, is it a bus, or a train that goes above?
If you have the information about your gate in advance, you could look that up too.
But a word of caution to check again; many time I have had my gate changed last minute.
Read the signs and ask someone who works there if you’re not sure.
Knowing this type of information can save so much time when you’re trying to get to different areas of the airport, and prevent you from going the wrong way and having to take double the time to get there.
Use apps
Most airlines have apps that you can download to make the process of checking in quicker.
I recommend downloading the app for the airline before you get to the airport. You can fill in any information or upload anything that may be required in advance.
Isn’t it great when you see a long line, but it doesn’t matter to you because you completed that process all online!
You may be able to pass by long lines and move on to your next step!
Sometimes you get little perks too, like wifi on the plane or something like that when you use the app for that airline.
Write it down
Have print outs, digital downloads, or write down all of your confirmation numbers and reservation numbers.
I like to put them all on a paper or form so that I have them together.
Once I lost my phone while travelling, and I was so thankful that I had written down the name and address of my hotel etc. on a piece of paper.
For that reason, I made a travel planner and organizer like this one.
You could even pack a travel planner and organizer because it can help you to not forget things and to plan and organize your trip. As well, there are other planning and journal pages too!
Verify your luggage requirements
What is the weight limit for checked and carry on luggage for the airline that you’re flying with?
I always pack this luggage scale to weigh my luggage, this way when I’m headed home or to my next destination, I can check my luggage again.
I usually end up finding some great things to buy at every destination, so I want to make sure that I don’t go overweight with my new items.
Check the weight of your luggage before you leave for the airport while you’re still at your home or hotel.
I was once that person opening up my luggage at the check in counter while my clothing was falling out, trying to shift items to my carry on bag to get it 2 pounds lighter. Not fun… lol!
Turns out my scale wasn’t working well… Needless to say, I went and bought this new luggage scale, so I wouldn’t have that problem anymore.
Also, what about the dimension of your bags?
Do the carry on bags fit for that specific airline.
We all know that certain airlines have less space for carry on items than others… I am not naming any names…
A little trick you can do to help compress your luggage, while at the same time keeping it securely closed is this 4-pack of luggage straps.
This 4-pack of luggage straps will also make your bag easier to identify from the other bags on the carousel because you will notice the straps around the bag. This will lessen the chances of you missing your bag and having to run after it, or wait for it to come around the carousel again. Just another way to help you to get out of the airport quickly.
Check in advance the limits for the size and weight, then make sure your luggage meets the requirements.
Also, make sure that you have your credit card ready in case you forgot to pay for your bags, or you need to check an extra bag.
Carry a pen
With forms to fill out while flying or arriving at the airport, it can really slow you down if you need to take time to look for a pen.
Even worse, you don’t have a pen! Perhaps you have to wait your turn to use a pen at a counter or borrow from someone when they’re done using it.
Besides just bringing a pen with you, I recommend keeping the pen in a front pocket or a spot that is easily accessible.
If you don’t have a pen you often end up waiting, which means that all those other people who had pens will be ahead of you in the line.
I don’t know about you, but I would rather avoid all those headaches and fill out my forms with ease using my own pen.
Most importantly, get it done correctly and get through the airport quickly.
Keep organized
This is something that I’m big on when travelling.
There is nothing worse than not being able to find your passport when you’re in line at the airport!
I think that knowing where my tickets, boarding pass, confirmation numbers, etc. is also very important.
That’s why I use this passport holder and organizer to put everything together. It also stops them from being accidentally ripped or folded.
Not only do I make sure that they are all together and safe, but I also make sure that they are in a carry on bag where I can easily access them quickly when needed.
This is on my list of things to do the day before a vacation – organize my important documents.
I think that picking a good carry on bag helps a lot with this, and of course an organizer for your documents and passport.
If you want something simpler or smaller then there is this passport and card holder that will protect your passport and hold a few cards.
If you’re looking for some tips on organizing and packing your carry on bag, check out these Ultimate Carry on Packing Tips.
Have your documents ready
We have all heard it a bunch of times before, the airport calling out for everyone to have their passport and boarding pass out and opened to the photo page.
I’m amazed at how many people don’t do it, perhaps there is a language barrier, they are assisting someone, or they are distracted…
Needless to say, having all your papers ready to go will help you to board the plane quicker and ultimately take off quicker.
I also make sure that my passport is facing up, so that they don’t have to turn it around to read my name and check my photo.
Tips for getting through airport security quicker
Listen to the instructions
Pay attention to the instructions from the staff when you’re in the airport security line or any line for that matter.
Whether it’s an announcement over the speaker, or the staff walking around and giving instructions, make sure you try to catch it all.
They may tell you things like, you don’t need to show your boarding pass, just have your passport ready to show. They might also be asking people to check 1 larger carry on as the plane is very full.
Maybe they are announcing that you need to, or you don’t need to remove your shoes when you go through security.
Listen for these types of announcements so that you can breeze through when it’s your turn.
Go to the left side of line ups
Since most people are right handed and many countries walk or drive on the right hand side of the road or walk way, there is a natural tendency for many people to go right.
Obviously, take a moment to observe first. If there is really not too much of a difference, then going to the left is often quicker.
Fill out your forms
We already talked about packing a pen, but make sure that you actually use it while you’re on the plane if possible.
If not fill it out either before you get in line, or if it’s a long line, maybe in line if you have somewhere flat to write on.
I have had experiences where they ran out of immigration or custom forms on the plane, so there was no choice but to fill it out while I was in the airport.
Make sure you write down your airline and flight number and sign your signature in any required spots.
Travelling with someone?
If you’re travelling with one person or more then you can save each other’s spots as you take turns running to the washroom. This way you won’t lose your spot by everyone leaving the line.
When you’re stuck in a long line, depending on where, you could go get a boxed or take out lunch or some snacks or a drink for the plane too.
Also, if one person has a question about something or needs help, someone can hold the line while that other person gets the help that they need.
Ask if you’re not sure, if you don’t know if you’re in the right line or spot, 1 person can go ask while the other person holds the spot… just in case.
Carry your luggage with ease
Instead of struggling with carrying all of your luggage, use a luggage strap so that you don’t have to stop and switch hands or deal with luggage falling over.
You can simply attach the luggage to each other and pull them using the handle of the bigger luggage.
If you don’t have a lot of luggage or you just have carry on luggage, then you can bring this luggage strap bag bungee.
You can attach your duffle bag or personal item to the top of your other luggage and have 1 hand free to help you to get out your documents and move more freely through the airport.
Be hands free
Another tip that can help you to leave the airport quicker is to pack this travel cup holder. It attaches to the handle of your luggage on wheels.
You can put your cell phone and a bottle of water or cup of coffee in the 2 holders.
This way you’re not trying to get your passport out of your bag with a full cup of coffee and your lunch in your hands. Even worse spilling your drinks on your luggage or documents.
You can focus on pushing elevator buttons, opening doors, getting documents and paying with ease because you’re not carrying a drink or other items in your hands.
Don't check any luggage
I totally realize that this may not be possible for you, and if not – all good.
If you can get away with no checked bags, you will save not only time at the airport, but also money!
You can bypass the checked luggage step, which means no weighing and tagging your bag. Also, having 1 less line that you need to line up in is always a good thing!
I totally realize that this may not be possible, but if it is, why not save time and money!
Check the lines
Sometimes the airport staff tell you which line to join, and that’s it, you have to join that specific line.
When you’re given a choice, take a moment and look at all of the lines.
Check which one is shorter, and what is going on at the front of the line.
Watch the lines to see which lines are moving quicker as well.
After you have taken a few moments to watch what’s happening, pick your line that you think will be the most efficient and easy to go through.
Comfortable easy clothing and footwear
Think about your clothing, specifically your footwear that you are going to wear to the airport.
Make sure they are easy to remove if you’re required to in the airport security screening.
You may have to remove a large sweater or cardigan when you go through security.
Also, make sure that your footwear is comfortable for your to be comfortable.. obviously.
I wouldn’t pick tall lace up boots for the airport! lol!
Another reason to pick easy comfortable footwear is in case you need to run or rush through the airport for a connecting flight you can do so a bit more comfortably.
Even just for the amount of walking from one area of the airport to another it’s worth wearing comfortable flat footwear.
If you’re not in a rush, you may still need to put in a lot of steps, so might as well be comfortable as you do it!
Don't wear metal zippers etc.
If you want to get through airport security faster, I would recommend not wearing metal clothing like zippers and buttons.
I have this shirt with a metal zipper in the front and I wore it once to the airport.
It set up off the alarm and they had to pull me to the side and check that I wasn’t carrying anything on me or in my shirt…
So, might as well avoid the awkwardness and the time of doing these extra checks.
Choose clothing that doesn’t have metal that will set off the sensors.
Check the liquid sizes
Avoid having your luggage inspected. Follow all of the safety rules and requirements for carrying liquids and other materials and items.
As for liquids, the standard in most places is less than 100 mls in your carry on bags. So make sure that you put your creams, lotions, and liquids that are more than 100mls in your checked bag if you have one.
If you don’t have a checked bag, then you have to put some of your product into a travel container that is less than 100 mls.
I like this 16-pack of TSA approved toiletry containers because they meet the standard sizes and I can choose which ones I need to bring for each trip, depending on how long I am travelling.
They also seal well and are not too big in size, so it’s easy to pack them in any bag.
Empty your pockets
Don’t be one of those people holding up the line with tons of keys and coins in your pockets.
Prepare ahead of time by putting those items in your carry on or checked bag before you get to the airport security line.
You can pack a ziploc bag and put all of your change and other items from your pockets in the bag, then put it in your carry on bag.
This way you can quickly and easily find them later when you’re ready to leave the airport.
This way they are all gathered in 1 spot, so you can quickly take them out as you need to pay for a bottle of water or taxi.
Other Apps
If you’re travelling on an international flight, there is more of a process then a national flight.
You can sign up for Global Entry, so that you can get through TSA checks quickly.
Answer some questions and scan your fingerprint at an automated kiosk and you are usually good to go.
You will save a lot of time this way, and pass by the people who are in line.
This can actually save you a big chunk of time!
Check if there's a taxi line up
At some airports that I have been to they have a line up to get an authorized taxi to leave the airport.
If you are doing this, I recommend getting in the line as quickly as possible.
I have seen lines with more than 50 people in them waiting for an authorized taxi.
So, if you need a taxi, check for this spot and get in line as quickly as you can. Also, make sure you have cash. Speaking of cash…
Carry some cash in the local currency
Some countries deal mostly in money, rather than debit or credit.
If you need money for a taxi or bus, make sure you have it so you don’t have to try to find an ATM or go to a currency exchange before you can leave the airport.
Also, the exchange rates at the airport can be higher than other places to exchange money, so might as well get the best value for your money and exchange some in advance.
Not only will you get better value, you will also be able to leave the airport quicker because you’re not wasting time waiting in line for the ATM machine. You can offer tips to people that carry your bags, get a bottle of water or snack and have money to get started on your vacation at your destination.
Ready to get through the airport quickly?
I hope these tips help you to leave the airport quickly.
Which tips did you find the most helpful?
Did I miss any? Share them in the comments below.
If you have a long flight, here are say ways on how to stop boredom while on a long flight.
Also, if you want some tips on being the most comfortable that you can on your flight, check out my Top 8 Ways to Be Comfortable On your Flight!
Where to Stay
I suggest booking your hotel in advance. Whether you have an overnight layover, or you’re arriving at your destination, I recommend sorting out where you will stay in advance.
Especially if you want to make sure that you get a quality hotel for a good price.
Also, you will have a better pick of hotels in your preferred area of your destination when you book in advance.
For example, there will still be some hotels available that are close to the beach, concert venue, downtown area or anywhere else that you want to be near.
You can check out booking.com here and book your rooms.
Prepare your phone
Remember to turn off your data and roaming abilities to save money.
I recommend using Airalo.
You can download the app, then pick an eSim card, so that when you arrive you can be in contact with loved ones, use google maps for directions and more.
It’s nice to be able to search places to go or eat when you first arrive, rather than not having any data.
Book your rental car in advance
I have had some crazy experiences in the past trying to book a car as I land at the airport, save yourself the stress and book your rental car in advance.
If you’re headed on a road trip in Canada, check out:
Besides being a travel blogger, I am also a travel writer, Amazon author and an English teacher. Check out my services here and follow me here. Thanks so much!
