1. Get there early.

It doesn’t matter if you think you have an easy or early flight, you never know what could happen.

2. Check your flight status and credit cards for access to lounges.

Amex Priority is one of my favorites to use as well as United Club access with the United Card.

3. Bring a travel cup.

I always have my travel cup filled with ice only before I board because there never seems to be enough.

4. Bring a blanket or light jacket.

Surprisingly, airports and planes can be super cold even for people who are naturally warm-blooded.

5. Use easily identifiable luggage tags.

If you travel with Northcutt Travel Agency, you will more than likely get a fluorescent bag grip to quickly identify your bag in baggage claim. If you want to make sure you have enough for all of your checked bags and not just one per person - ask us!

We love these from Sweet Grass Prints from Etsy

6. Get your things through security and move to the benches outside.

We all know the frustration of trying to get a laptop back in its bag while also grabbing all of the other bags and trying to put on your shoes while the people behind you are trying to do the same and move past you. The best plan of action is to bundle everything up in your arms and find a bench where you can readjust without the hustle and bustle behind you.

7. Always keep baby wipes and hand sanitizer handy.

The amount of people and germs going in and out of any given airport is enough to make you want to take an entire bath in hand sanitizer. Something I’ve gotten in the habit of is wiping down the seats I’m going to sit in before getting comfortable.

8. Keep your boarding pass and your identification in an easy to find spot.

While there usually is an option to show your e-boarding pass on your phone, electronics can fail. It’s good to have a paper copy as well.

9. Always pack an extra change of clothes in your carry-on.

Unfortunately luggage is lost or delayed far too often. You’ll never regret keeping an extra pair of clothes in your carry-on.

10. Pack important medications in your carry-on.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Keeping your medicine on you or as close to you as possible in your carry-on is recommended.

We hope this list is helpful to you! If you have your own tips and tricks that are not mentioned above please let us know in the comments! We love to learn new things.

Want to read more about What It’s Really Like to Fly United Polaris?

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The 5 Reasons You Need a Travel Agent This Year