It’s too early to tell whether this summer’s travel landscape will spiral into the chaos of last year, which was plagued by flight cancellations and delays, overstuffed airports, and an overall vibe of stress and frustration. But if the Memorial Day weekend offers a hint of what’s in store—the TSA screened almost 9.8 million air travelers, including a post-pandemic single-day record of 2.74 million people—passengers should at the very least have some proven strategies in place to navigate busy airports.
Of course, some of the most stressful aspects of air travel continue to be security lines, as well as immigration and passport control. But once you clear those hurdles, it’s not necessarily smooth sailing at the airport, either: From packed lounges to tight connections, there are plenty of other obstacles that can quickly derail an otherwise smooth experience. Here, our best hacks for navigating a busy airport in peak season, whether you’re headed for a breezy weekend getaway a few states over or a bucket-list summer adventure abroad.
Select your seat before arriving at the airport
Yes, it’s yet another to-do on your pre-trip list. And if you want to select a seat before check-in—or if you’re flying in basic economy—some airlines will charge a fee. But selecting your seat ahead of time makes for a much more relaxing airport experience for several reasons. First, you won’t stress over getting assigned the dreaded middle seat. Second, you’ll reduce the chance of being bumped from an oversold flight. (Similarly, you can also minimize being in the last boarding group and not having a place for your carry-on.)
Finally, selecting a seat beforehand as close to the front of the plane as possible is a huge bonus on international flights, as it gives you a head start upon landing for passport control and immigration lines. Trouble has already been brewing in this regard at some airports around the globe. During the busy U.K. bank holiday weekend from May 26 to 29, thousands of passengers in U.K. airports were delayed for hours due to a failure of electronic passport gates. And travelers at Amsterdam Schiphol, which struggled with labor shortages and massive passenger crowds in 2022, also have reported long lines at immigration and passport control.
Have a backup plan for weather delays
Long lines, as well as weather-caused disruptions, can make an already stressful airport experience that much worse as you scramble to rebook your flight. But Scott Keyes, founder of Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), says passengers shouldn’t forget about an often-overlooked resource: their airline’s international customer-service number.
“When thunderstorms hit, expect an airline’s customer service phone line to quickly get jammed,” Keyes says. “But those travelers are almost all calling the airline’s primary US hotline. Instead, look up any of the airline’s international phone numbers—Great Britain, Australia, Mexico, South Africa, anywhere. It will take a fraction of the time to get through, and agents can handle your reservation just the same.” Before you dial, however, Keyes advises you check international call rates.
Seek out quieter spaces that are free to enter
Airport lounges are, in theory, sanctuaries where travelers can enjoy some space and solitude (although lately they’ve been notoriously crowded—so much so that some carriers have tightened up entry rules). But even if you don’t have lounge access, airports still have tranquil spots to take advantage of—if you know where to look. A growing number are incorporating meditation spaces and sensory areas, offering travelers a much-needed (and often free) respite from the hustle and bustle. Ahead of a 14-hour flight to Bali, Pamela Holt, an author and host of a streaming series about solo travel, took advantage of Hong Kong International Airport’s yoga room, which she describes as “a saving grace” in the approximately 36-hour total journey from her home in Los Angeles.
Take advantage of airline and airport apps
Airline and airport apps have improved immensely as of late, with more robust functionality and real-time visibility that allows travelers to monitor security lines, walking times to gates, and tight connections. Some vendors even allow passengers to place digital food and drink orders, enabling quick, easy pickup post-security.
