Terminal velocity
Achieving maximum efficiency at the airport aka the way we all should be approaching air travel
There are those among us who feel at home in airports. They wheel their luggage in confidently, knowing exactly what they need to do to minimize friction and maximize comfort. They come armed with tools—credit cards, apps, and gear—that ease their journey through the liminal space between take-off and touch-down.
Recently, these people have been given an affectionate moniker: “Airport Dad.” But this isn’t about age or gender—it’s about a mindset. A dedication to ensuring every trip runs as smoothly as possible with near-militant precision. They are known for being over-prepared and highly organized. They do things like: insist on arriving at the airport hours before the flight, triple-check that your passport is on your person, and memorize airport layouts. If you’re traveling in a group, it’s always best that at least one person takes on this role. But it’s worth it to get comfortable with this mindset—whether you travel alone or not—so you can always make the most of your travel days.
In this letter, I’ll be outlining all my tips for “winning” the airport and ensuring that you can navigate them with grace and ease—helping you tap into your own inner Airport Dad in the process.
From ground to gate
Ensuring a smooth airport experience can start as early as the day before your flight. Here are a few different ways you can optimize your travel day before you even step foot in the airport.
Online check-in: This one is kind of self-explanatory in this day and age, but it bears repeating: save time by skipping the check-in counter if you’re only traveling with a carry-on. Most airlines allow you to check in online 24 hours before your flight, so be sure to have the airline’s app downloaded with an account set up.
Schedule your ride: To avoid last-minute scrambling, especially if you’re on a super early flight, schedule your ride the night before—It’s one less thing to worry about when you wake up. For my readers in New York, my rule is to leave two hours before your departure time for domestic flights and three for international. Obviously, this can vary depending on where you’re located, but I’ve found it to be a good rule of thumb.
Curbside check-in: If the counter has a long line to check bags, head outside to curbside check-in. There’s usually no line, and it only costs a few bucks per bag.
The security situation
Going through airport security is where I really experience the downfall of humanity. It is here, in this holding pen from hell, where people really seem to lose all awareness that others exist alongside them. I’m almost positive none of you reading this are The Problem, but I’d be remiss not to give my take on solving it.
Don’t block the bag scanner: Did you know that you don’t have to wait for your stuff to go through the bag scanner right where the bags come out? Especially when you just got through the line and other people have already been waiting? Using logic here, we can deduce that their things will come out of the scanner before yours. So, respectfully, don’t be That Guy™ blocking everyone else from grabbing their stuff (this is my personal pet peeve).
Be on your best bin behavior: Once you retrieve your things from the scanner (assuming you used a bin), put the bin back where it belongs. It’s a small courtesy that keeps the line moving and the vibes positive.
Dress for the occasion: if you know you’re going through a security line where you have to take your shoes off, perhaps pack the complicated flats that lace all the way up your ankles and opt for shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Wearing slip-on shoes, avoiding heavy jewelry, and keeping your pockets empty can significantly speed up the process.
Practice spatial awareness: In the same way you shouldn’t block the bag scanner, don’t block walkways by trying to put your shoes, jackets, or jewelry back on in the middle of them. Grab your things and find a proper space to re-dress and compose yourself. More often than not, there are benches just beyond the security area specifically for this purpose.
The traveler’s trifecta
Speaking of security, why make it more complicated than it needs to be? Having one or all of these services will help streamline the experience, giving you more time to relax before your flight. I have all of these, which gives me ultimate control—I simply choose whichever line is shortest.
TSA PreCheck: Skip the shoe-removal dance and the laptop shuffle. Just glide through security like the VIP you are.
Clear: Bypass the traditional ID check using biometric identification. Jump to the front of the line and breeze through with a simple scan.
Global Entry: Get expedited clearance through U.S. customs upon returning from international trips, saving you time and hassle at the airport. It also includes TSA PreCheck, making your entire travel experience smoother and more efficient.
Bonus! Mobile Passport Control: Download the app and have it ready to go every time you arrive back from a trip abroad. Even if you have Global Entry, MPC is a valid option because it often has shorter lines, especially during peak travel times when Global Entry lines are crowded.
If you don’t have access to any of these services, you can get the costs reimbursed through credit cards. Here are my favorite options:
AmEx Platinum: Offers credits for both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, plus a credit for CLEAR.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Provides a statement credit for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Lounge leisure
Airport lounges offer respite from the commuter chaos that dominates the rest of the airport. Here are some ways to gain access to them.
Credit cards: Many premium travel credit cards like the AmEx Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve provide complimentary access to a wide range of lounges, including Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, and more. Even if the card comes with an annual fee, the lounge access alone can be worth it if you travel frequently.
Day passes: If you don’t have lounge access through a credit card or status, many lounges offer day passes. It’s a worthwhile investment on long layovers, giving you access to comfortable seating, food, drinks, and sometimes even showers.
Status matching: Some airlines offer status matching, where they match your elite status from another airline or alliance. This can unlock lounge access even if you don’t have a membership with that specific airline. It’s a great way to enjoy lounges when flying with different carriers.
Partner lounges: If you have access to a specific airline’s lounge network, don’t forget to explore partner lounges. Many airlines have partnerships that allow you to access lounges even if they’re not operated by your airline. This is especially useful when flying international routes with codeshare partners.
Your digital dashboard
I’d argue that the right travel apps are essential for any trip. I have several in my arsenal, but these are the ones that will help you navigate airports, find lounges, and stay on track with your flight.
Flighty: Aggregate all of your flights across multiple airlines so you can see everything in one place. Get updates about delays (often before airline apps) and use the Lock and Home Screen widgets to watch your flight in real time.
Loungebuddy: Find and book airport lounges worldwide with detailed information on lounge amenities and even the option to purchase access.
FLIO: Airport guide that provides info on facilities, services, and transport options. It’s a one-stop app for navigating unfamiliar airports with ease.
Pack like a pro
I have a whole letter dedicated to my definitive list of travel essentials that you should check out if you’re into that kind of thing, but these are my top three recommendations for upgrading your airport experience.
Travel tote: My absolute favorite travel accessory is my Away tote. Having a tote bag dedicated to travel has changed my life. It comes with me on every trip!
Extra power: A practical recommendation. Always have a portable charger or power strip with you when traveling—ideally both.
Comfy pants: Having comfortable travel pants that feel like pajamas but read like chic trousers changed the game for me. These are super similar to what I always wear.
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Tori Simokov is a Travel Writer and Graphic Designer/Strategist based in New York. To get in touch, email tori@v1projects.com. Want more? Check out Instagram, TikTok, or shop her curated favorites.
Terminal Velocity is SUCH a good headline
I've always liked airports. Some great tips here! As Tori says, if you travel a lot then it's definitely worth checking out your credit benefits. Some give you access to airport lounges which is a game-changer!