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4 Ways to Enhance Your Airport Experience

Lisa S.

As I head off on another adventure, I actually look forward to my time in the airport.


Ok, that may be a bit of exaggeration, but it is true that I don’t have a sense of dread over waiting around or getting through security.


I realize this is because I have a variety of tools in my toolbox for making the travel experience a positive one.


Here are a few of them to share with you:


A row of empty blue chairs in an airport waiting area. A sign above the chairs reads "C7" and another sign in the distance reads "Gate C5".

1. Complementary credit cards that work together


I highly recommend getting a credit card for the airline or two that you fly the most, to optimize your travel benefits.


For me, that's a United card and a Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Most of my flights are on United, so it makes sense to have a credit card which gives me a free checked bag for myself and a guest on every flight. That adds up to $80 each way in saved bag fees. That's a huge perk. My airport experience is greatly enhanced when I'm not having to cough up $80 to check our luggage.


I love my Sapphire Reserve card because not only do I earn triple points on travel purchases, but those points are easily transferred to my favorite airlines. This means I get to use the points on whichever airline makes the most sense for a particular itinerary, and free flights always make me happy.


I breeze through the airport a little cheerier, knowing that my flight was free.


Security checkpoint lanes or screening equipment

2. TSA PreCheck


Waiting in a long line at security then having to unpack half my carry-on is no longer a concern due to TSA Pre.


I get to wait in a shorter line and essentially walk through security. No need to remove my shoes or jacket, and my laptops and liquid stay in the bag. It seems like a small thing, but it sure makes the airport much easier to breeze through.


Plus, I know that I don't have to play the “how long will the security line be?” game and arrive extra early at the airport. While there is a fee to join TSA-Pre, I believe it’s worth it, AND some credit cards (such as the Sapphire Reserve card) give you a statement credit when you join, essentially making it free.


A bowl of salad with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, parmesan cheese croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing sits on a wooden table.  On either side of the salad are plates, one with chocolate chip cookies and the other with orange slices.

3. Priority Pass lounge access


Priority pass is something that you can pay for annually, if you so choose, giving you access to airport lounges around the world.


For a flat fee each year, you get to enjoy pre-flight food and beverages in the comfort of first-class lounges. Certain credit cards include priority pass membership as one of the perks, including the Sapphire Reserve card (can you see why it’s my favorite card?!?)


A person holding a passport with a blue cover and an Etihad Airways boarding pass in front of it. The boarding pass has the text "Etihad Airways" and "BOARDING PASS" on it. The background is blurry and appears to be inside an airport.

4. Mobile Passport Control


Personally, I have global entry, to help me speed through the immigration and customs line upon arrival to the US.


However, there is a way to enjoy the same speed without having to do the interview, screening, and pay money for Global Entry.


There is an app called Mobile Passport Control. The app stores your passport information in it, so that you are ready upon arrival to the US. Then, once your plane lands, you enter your flight information and arrival gate, and submit. This lets immigration know that you're here and you get to access a special line in the terminal.


It is super quick and easy, saving you time and stress upon entering the US. This is especially helpful when making a connecting flight. 



While we tend to focus on vacation destinations, the airport experience is also a critical piece of the journey. I hope these 4 tips provide insight on how you may up your airport game and enjoy your travels a bit more.


When you're ready to plan your next adventure, I'm here to help. Schedule a call any time to get started.


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