Don’t Miss that Flight! Tips for Travelers Who Cut it Close

image

You won’t miss that plane by following these expert tips. (Photo: iStock)

This story is part of a new Yahoo Travel series, #StressFreeTravel, dedicated to making travel better in every way possible.

“Oh, we were going to leave without you!,” says the attendant, scanning the electronic ticket on my iPhone. My heart is racing. It’s 11:15 and my JetBlue international flight leaves at 11:30. Keep in mind I only got to the airport 15 minutes ago.

I make it onto the plane, miraculously.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a perpetually (but always fashionably) late person. I know — it’s a bad habit, and I realize that time is money and being delayed is inconsiderate. But somehow, it usually works out, even in the world of flying, where schedules are not so flexible and stewardesses not so forgiving as friends and family.

How do I get away with my tardiness?

Here are a few quick and easy, tried and true, ways to still get your butt on that plane. Some are obvious, some more creative — but they will all help you avoid stress, especially during this busy holiday travel season, and even save a few minutes here and there:

image

Fashionably late… at Narita. (Photo: Ko Im)

Prepare Yourself

Editors and experts will often advise you book non-weekend times for cheaper flights. Well, non-peak hours within those off days also means the airports won’t be so crowded. Sounds obvious to work around heavy-traffic holidays or winter delays. But freelance writer/editor Vickie An travels as early as she can over Christmas by saving up her vacation days and getting out before December 20. She also generally avoids traffic and weather emergencies by booking the earliest flight in the day.

Keep Calm and Carry On

If you think you’ll be cutting it close, always carry on: waiting in line to check bags takes too much time. But if you have to check bags, drop off your suitcase at curb check (it’s worth paying the tip). Some airlines offer the option domestically as well as internationally.

Paper and Paperless

These days, it may seem pointless to print out the boarding pass with each airline’s smartphone app updating you on gate numbers and showing you airport layouts in advance. Recently, however, I did not make the cut one morning at JFK. I thought I had checked in online and could get through. Mistakenly, I was out of luck. Turns out Delta’s machines cannot print out tickets for you less than 45 minutes within departure time, something this United frequent flyer did not know.

Related: Travel Hacks to Survive a 14-Hour Flight

I had to temper my well-deserved frustration and exert my energy into pleading my way to make standby. By crossing my fingers, I got it on the earlier option, even sat in the Comfort+ level and made my evening meeting at my destination.

Lesson learned: always print out your boarding pass if you plan to cut it close.

image

Savvy travelers plan ahead. (Photo: Thinkstock)

Pre-Check, Please!

If you haven’t already, sign up for TSA Pre✓ and Global Entry, so you can secure your way in the fast-track security and customs lines lane at designated airports. Healthcare manager Jason Bilog had already registered for Global Entry, and discovered that it saved the day at Los Angeles International Airport when he only had a 45-minute connection from Sydney back home to Washington, D.C. via another terminal. He sped through immigrations and made the flight.

Gauge it

Public relations specialist Romey Loungavilay has never missed a flight. He avoids lines with accessory-laden tourists or families and heads toward lines with solo travelers or couples.

Dress Appropriately

Wear slip on sneakers like Tom’s (for both men and women). Put away the belts and buttoned jackets that will cause hold ups. If you’re like me and tend to make last-minute outfit decisions, try laying out or even sleeping in your clothes so you’re good to go. Let the laptop and toiletries lay on top of other suitcase belongings.

Related: 4 Hacks to Help you Breeze Through Airport Security

Beg!

There’s no shame in begging. Sometimes if you go to a manager you can be ushered through security. Or in the worst-case scenario, ask the TSA agent (with a smile) if you can skip to the front.

Strategy consultant Avery Roth says she will just use honesty as the best policy and tell people she will miss her flight. Often, your fellow travelers will take pity on you.

Ask for Help

If you’re carrying too many bags, try to spot an empty electric cart and carry some cash with you to flag down the driver for a bigger tip if he or she can take you without picking up any other passengers along the way across the terminal.

image

Slip on and off your shoes, and of course carry on in comfortable dress. (Photo: Ko Im)

Lose it (the shoes)

Innovations contributor Amanda Johnstone recommends going barefoot and holding your high heels in your hand. She says: “everyone understands when you’re running with no shoes on. They always, always let you through.”

Fake It

Amanda says she has also pretended to be sick to get through customs on one of the golf caddies.

Related: Here’s How to Get on Your Flight Attendant’s Good Side

Move It

If you’re racing through an airport, remember: take the rolling walkways whenever possible to move faster and look for elevators only if they’re around the corner.

Don’t be afraid to firmly say “on your left” or “right behind ya” when scurrying past people who seem to have all the time in the world. (Add “thank you” and “sorry.”)

Win the game of chicken — without crashing — by looking ahead at where you’re going without indecisive shifting.

image

Thank goodness for these walkways at SFO. Any little bit helps! (Photo: Ko Im)

Google it

Advance planning also helps. Lawyer Christopher Chan uses Google maps public transit in foreign countries because the traffic timing is “remarkably accurate.” He also uses Google calendar for all scheduling and Google translate for getting quick directions through the show-off feature.

Post It

Project manager Mieka John will put handwritten post-it reminders of what time she has to leave by on her phone, on the mirror, everywhere. She has also never missed a flight.

Buddy System

Lastly, remember that there’s nothing like the fear of being left behind or the pressure of disappointing a bunch of people. When you start your journey with someone else, you’re held accountable. Traveling with a companion will force you to get up earlier or nudge yourself to move considerably quicker than you normally might. A group tour guide told me that he has left tardy people behind. That statement made a FOMO-impression on me!

WATCH: 5 Airport Hacks You’ve Never Heard Of (That Work!)


Let Yahoo Travel inspire you every day. Hang out with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Check out our original adventure travel series A Broad Abroad.