If you have traveled lately, you likely had the opportunity to hear people complain about how air travel is not what it used to be.
It seems like people increasingly complain about how the airport is full of hassles and how air travel is an inconvenience.
Some of this is accurate, but some of it is exaggeration.
There are a few objective changes.
Now only travelers can go to and from the gate Ð your loved ones can't meet you or drop you off right at your flight.
You also will have longer lines at security because of heightened security measures.
But these two changes do not make for the purported decline of the airline industry.
Other travelers may point to flight delays as proof of worsening conditions, but this is not the case Ð there have always been delays.
There are things you can do also to get through lines and security more efficiently.
Following the tips below will help you in your efforts to streamline air travel.
Pack light: Years ago, we congratulated ourselves for smart packing, by fitting in a large volume of items in the space of a suitcase and a carryon.
Today, smart packing means skipping the suitcase entirely.
Instead, keep all of your clothes and necessities in your carryon.
You'll have to prune your list of what to bring, but the timesaving benefits are worth the inconvenience of possibly rewearing clothing or having to be creative in stretching your wardrobe.
Consider: if you have only one modest-sized carryon bag, you can likely skip or pass quickly through three lines at the airport.
First, you won't have to wait to check a bag.
Second, the bag comes off the plane with you so there's no wait to pick up the bag at baggage claim.
Finally, you may even be able to check in online for your flight, print your pass, and proceed to security and then the gate.
Pack safe: Don't bring anything that will complicate getting through security.
This means leaving behind anything that can be seen as hazardous.
Your bag should not contain any of the following: scissors, knives, liquids over 3 ounces, sharp objects over a few inches long, metal objects.
And when you pack toiletries, choose travel sized ones and pack them in zippable plastic baggies.
It seems like people increasingly complain about how the airport is full of hassles and how air travel is an inconvenience.
Some of this is accurate, but some of it is exaggeration.
There are a few objective changes.
Now only travelers can go to and from the gate Ð your loved ones can't meet you or drop you off right at your flight.
You also will have longer lines at security because of heightened security measures.
But these two changes do not make for the purported decline of the airline industry.
Other travelers may point to flight delays as proof of worsening conditions, but this is not the case Ð there have always been delays.
There are things you can do also to get through lines and security more efficiently.
Following the tips below will help you in your efforts to streamline air travel.
Pack light: Years ago, we congratulated ourselves for smart packing, by fitting in a large volume of items in the space of a suitcase and a carryon.
Today, smart packing means skipping the suitcase entirely.
Instead, keep all of your clothes and necessities in your carryon.
You'll have to prune your list of what to bring, but the timesaving benefits are worth the inconvenience of possibly rewearing clothing or having to be creative in stretching your wardrobe.
Consider: if you have only one modest-sized carryon bag, you can likely skip or pass quickly through three lines at the airport.
First, you won't have to wait to check a bag.
Second, the bag comes off the plane with you so there's no wait to pick up the bag at baggage claim.
Finally, you may even be able to check in online for your flight, print your pass, and proceed to security and then the gate.
Pack safe: Don't bring anything that will complicate getting through security.
This means leaving behind anything that can be seen as hazardous.
Your bag should not contain any of the following: scissors, knives, liquids over 3 ounces, sharp objects over a few inches long, metal objects.
And when you pack toiletries, choose travel sized ones and pack them in zippable plastic baggies.
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