Airport and TSA Tips That Actually Save Time

Choose the Flight, Not Just the Price

I understand looking for the lowest airfare. I do it too.

But before choosing a flight because it's $40 or $50 cheaper, look at what you're actually getting.

What time do you have to leave home? How many connections are there? How long are the layovers? Are you changing terminals? Does the fare include the bags or seat options you need? What happens if that very short connection doesn't go according to plan?

The cheapest flight and the best flight for your trip are not always the same thing.

Sometimes paying a little more for a better schedule or fewer connections is money well spent. Sometimes the less expensive option works perfectly fine.

I want to compare the whole trip—not just the number beside the airfare.

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR Are Different

These programs get lumped together, but they aren't the same thing.

TSA PreCheck provides expedited TSA security screening at participating U.S. airports for eligible travelers.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection trusted-traveler program designed to provide expedited processing when eligible travelers enter the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck eligibility.

CLEAR is a separate private membership service that uses identity verification at participating locations and is not a replacement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

Which one makes sense depends on how often you travel, whether you travel internationally, which airports you use and whether the benefit is worth the cost to you.

You don't need to enroll in everything just because you travel. Eligibility, fees, benefits and participating locations can change, so it's worth checking the official TSA, CBP and program sources for current requirements and enrollment information before you decide.

Give Yourself Breathing Room

I don't like universal rules such as “90 minutes is always enough for a connection” or “you always need exactly three hours.”

Airports aren't that predictable.

The time you need can depend on the airport, airline, terminal, whether you're checking luggage, whether you need to clear immigration and customs, whether you're changing terminals, and whether you're traveling during a particularly busy period.

The same applies to connecting flights.

A connection that looks fine on paper can feel very different when your arriving gate is at one end of the airport and your next flight leaves from another terminal.

I would rather have time to grab something to eat than spend my connection running through an airport.

Keep the Important Things With You

There are certain things I don't want disappearing into a checked suitcase.

Keep important travel documents, identification, necessary medications, valuables and other essentials you may need during your travel day with you rather than in checked luggage.

I also like having the things that would make a baggage delay less miserable—such as chargers and basic personal necessities—where I can reach them.

A change of clothes can be helpful on longer trips or when checking luggage, but your personal carry-on needs will depend on the trip.

Pack your carry-on by asking one question: “What would I really need if my checked bag didn't arrive when I did?”

Just remember that TSA, airline and destination rules still apply to what you can carry and how certain items must be transported. If you travel with medications that have special requirements—temperature, quantity, or documentation—follow the guidance of your medical provider along with TSA and airline rules for carrying them.

Central Pennsylvania Gives Us Options

For travelers in Central Pennsylvania, the closest airport isn't automatically the best airport for every trip.

Harrisburg International can be extremely convenient, particularly when avoiding a long drive and larger airport is important.

But depending on the destination, airfare and flight schedule, it can also make sense to compare options from Philadelphia, Baltimore/Washington or Washington Dulles.

That doesn't mean I automatically send everyone to a larger airport.

We need to look at the whole picture:

• Airfare
• Nonstop versus connecting flights
• Flight times
• Driving distance
• Parking or transportation costs
• Possible hotel costs
• Luggage
• Who is traveling
• And how much inconvenience you're willing to accept to save money

Know the Airport Before Travel Day

A cheaper flight isn't necessarily cheaper once you add gas, tolls, parking and possibly an airport hotel.

Sometimes Harrisburg makes more sense. Sometimes the drive is worth it. That's why I compare the options.

If you're flying through an airport you've never used before, spend a few minutes getting familiar with it before you leave.

Know your airline and terminal when available.

Download the airline's app if you use apps.

Keep your confirmation information easy to find.

Watch for gate changes.

And don't assume the gate printed earlier is where you'll eventually board—airport information can change.

If you need wheelchair assistance or another airport accommodation, arrange it through the appropriate airline or provider ahead of time when possible and understand where you're supposed to go when you arrive. Airlines and airports each handle accommodations a little differently, so it's worth confirming the details for your specific trip rather than assuming what will be available.

The airport is much easier when the first time you think about the logistics isn't while you're standing inside it with your luggage.

Leave Home Prepared, Then Expect Travel to Be Travel

You can plan carefully and still encounter a delayed flight, gate change, long security line or baggage problem.

That's travel.

The goal isn't to control everything.

It's to handle the things we can plan before you leave home so that when something changes, you're not already starting the day with no time and no options.