How to get through the airport faster this summer:
Airports are busier than ever this summer, and lines are longer than anyone would like them to be. That old two-hour rule sometimes doesn’t leave us time to get that bottle of water or use the restroom one last time before we board. Here we offer a few of our favorite time-saving tips for getting through security more quickly and with maybe even with a little time to spare.
Check your flight status before you leave home. This can sometimes save you unnecessary waiting if your flight has been delayed. You can have your airline text you flight status updates too.
Check in online and save yourself a lot of time, especially if you print your boarding passes at home too.
Weigh your bags before you get in line. Some airports now have scales so you can see how much your bag weighs before you get up to the ticket counter. You can also buy an inexpensive scale and weigh bags at home, which can help you prevent surprises at the airport altogether.
As soon as you get through security, stop in at your gate to check for any breaking information. You want to make sure nothing has changed, and then you can get something to eat or relax before boarding.
TripIt is a free app that will keep your itinerary and all your travel confirmations and other info organized for you.
A big tip for getting through airport security faster is one many travelers know about, but some still have not heard about. You can sign up for the TSA’s PreCheck program. It is now available at more than 130 airports. Travelers with PreCheck are pre-screened and can get in a special line that is shorter and faster because you don’t have to remove your shoes or take your laptop out of your carry-on bag. There is also a shortcut for frequent international fliers called Global Entry.
Our number one tip is to take American City Express to the airport so you can go right from the curb to the ticket counter. Skip the parking lot and the shuttle buses and get to your gate faster. American City Express Car Service from Newark Airport to your destination is an especially great time saver.