After working for an airline for five years (four of which were at an airport, and one of which required me to commute weekly) and backpacking Europe for the last five months, I’d like to consider myself qualified to be an expert traveler. 

I developed a little system after a lot of trial and error, so I thought I’d share my secrets.

Simplify Security

Don’t make airport security any more of a hassle than it already is. 

Wear slip-on shoes and a belt that won’t set off the metal detector. Better yet, keep the belt off until going through security, so that way you won’t have to sacrifice style points for function.

Keep all liquids in a shaving kit that can be easily identified in the security line. In addition, keep your laptop separate as well. I also keep a second, smaller shaving kit in my bag for all my electronics (iPod, camera battery, USB, etc) cables. And when you get home, re-stock your shaving kit right away so it’ll be ready for your next trip.

Carry-on only

Unless you’re on an international flight and away for more than a month, don’t check your baggage.

Keep it simple with a single carry-on bag. Invest in a quality roller bag for extended business travel; I suggest a Travelpro bag (what we, in the industry, refer to as the Original 22). Mine has never failed. For business day trips, I take only my Roots laptop bag (seen below).

For pleasure trips, I’ll choose a small leather duffle. And while backpacking in Europe, I bought a Deuter bag that satisfied the strict carry-on requirements for European low cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet.

Dress in layers (and be smart about it)

This one is simple. It’s easier to take a layer off than it is to find something to put on. Nuff said.

Here are my top three tips-within-a-tip:

• Pack smart and have a strategy. I place everything out on my bed and visualize the entire trip – everything from whether I’ll be going out at night, to that early breakfast meeting. And only pack what you need.
• Embrace wrinkle-free! I hate ironing and only do it when I absolutely have to (which is too often as it is), but well designed, wrinkle-free clothes have taken half the hurt of out ironing for me.
• You can just keep your coat off until past security, but instead, I’ll wear a warmer hoodie or sweater, which are not required to be removed at security.

NEXUS means you’re up next

Invest in a NEXUS card if you travel between Canada and the States often. It’s a simple process and cheap option ($50 for 5 years) for eligible Canadian and American citizens who travel frequently. Now with Obama and Harper’s Beyond The Border shared parameter plan signed, the NEXUS program will see even further benefits.

This system works like this: US airports have a “preferred line” at TSA security check points for cardholders and airline crews. In addition, cardholders can use iris scanners to bypass any long lines at US Customs pre-clearance facilities at major Canadian airports. This process can save you anywhere between 15 and 60 minutes.

NEXUS cardholders are also automatically eligible for the US Global Entry program at all US ports of entry. I used this option between London and San Francisco a few weeks ago and it worked flawlessly.

Knowledge is power

Airports are busy places. They can be confusing for people who don’t travel often, and even trip up the most seasoned travelers at times. But the fun doesn’t stop there. External, uncontrollable factors such as traffic and weather can change things at a moments’ notice.

That’s why the first thing I do when I walk into an airport is check the flight information display screens (FIDS) for recent gate changes or updated departure times.

Keep in mind that all airports are different – some keep FIDS outside of the secured area, while others will only show this information once you’ve gone through security. If you don’t see the information right away, head through security as soon as possible, and you will most likely find the information that you are looking for on the other side. Most airports in Europe, for example, don’t assign gates until approximately 30 minutes prior to boarding – so if you’re in Europe and you don’t see your flight, don’t fret.

BONUS TIP: Make use of that status card

Many credit card programs, or airline and hotel loyalty programs have great perks when traveling. Everything from lounge access to fast-track security and boarding lines. I use my American Express card to purchase everything from gas and groceries to clothing, which gives access a number of airline lounges when I travel. Virtually every airline offers a similar program – Air Canada’s Aeroplan, United’s Milage Plus, and American’s AAdvantage to name a few. So choose a program that works best for your region, carrier and travel habits.

That’s it!

Hopefully these travel tips help you “fly” through the airport next time you travel.

-Connor