Simple Ways to make your travel experience easier…at the Airport!

Why Get Salty About the Little Things? Make a Few Minor Adjustments and its Smooth Sailing For Your Next Big Trip!

The obvious:

-TSA Precheck: Pecheck is designed to speed up the amount of time you spend going through security. Apply online, schedule and interview for background check and fingerprinting, and pay $85 for a 5 year membership. It is SO worth the money if you travel even just a couple of times a year.

-Global Entry: This program is designed for international travelers so you can get through customs more efficiently. It’s an extra $15, but well worth bypassing the lines at customs when you arrive home from a long international flight.

The newby:

-CLEAR: This is the newest airport security clearance methodology. It uses biometrics, your fingerprints and iris of the eye, to confirm your identity. The benefit- you walk to the FRONT of the TSA Precheck line and wait in NO line at all! Its fantastic! It comes with a hefty price tag: $179 for 12 months. But again, if you travel a lot, this is a no- brainer!

Another option:

-Mobile Passport App: This is only supported at 26 airports so far, but the number is growing. This app is authorized by the U.S, Customs and Border Patrol. The app is free, requires no background check, interview or pre-approval You just submit all info for your family from one mobile device and voila! You can get through the airport faster! (Mobile Passport Plus adds a document scanner and passport storage for an extra $14.99.) Essentially, it allows you to skip the declarations form you fill out when you arrive back in the U.S. You submit your passport and declaration form on the app, then head to a dedicated lane at the airport! How easy is that?

Ideas for managing the security line:

-Do NOT bring a disposable plastic water bottle to the airport. Why not help the environment and save yourself the headache of a security delay and bring an EMPTY water bottle instead? We use S’well water bottles because the are insulated and keep drinks hot or cold. So, we just fill up AFTER the security line with our beverage of choice. Who’s thirsty?

-Wear minimal, comfortable shoes for comfort traveling through the airport, easy shoes to slip on/off, and portable enough to stash in a bag! Here are a few options that are ideal for travel:

Converse slip on Chuck Taylors: Easy to walk in, travel with, and stylish too!

Vans Classic Slip-on Unisex sneakers: Ditto- cool, casual and comfy!

Tory Birch Minnie Foldable ballet flat: A dressier option! And foldable! How great is that?!