My Declassified Airport Survival Guide
Image courtesy: pinterest
I have the pleasure of writing this to you from the Atlanta airport, which since being in a long-distance relationship, has become my second home. When I was younger, I used to adore the airport. To me, it represented the best thing in life, a vacation. Yet, the more and more I fly (especially alone), the more tedious it becomes. The upside of my new-found residency in airports is that I’ve perfected my solo routine down to a science. Thus: my declassified airport survival guide.
The Airport Outfit:
Girls, we all know the airport outfit. As a perfect balance between comfy and cute, a good airport outfit will make or break your trip. Here are my go-to’s:
Layers: I’m not sure why, but when you’re taxiing around on the runway before take-off, the plane is stuffy and 1000 degrees. The second you take off, all of a sudden the plane turns into a walk-in freezer. Therefore, layers are the name of the game. A zip-up is my ideal, so you can put your hood up and knock out. (Pro tip: If you’re like me and have trouble sleeping on planes, bring a sleep mask. GAME CHANGER.)
Hat: While I’m in the airport, I like being as incognito as possible. When I’m traveling alone, I adopt a different persona. If you see airport Alex, don’t talk to her. Anyways, a hat is good for this level of comfort and doubles as a sleep mask on the plane if you don’t have one. Also, needless to say, a baseball cap is so chic and cute for travel.
The bag: Often ignored, a good bag is an important part of the airport outfit. My all-time favorite is the Beis Mini Weekender. It is adorable, has a luggage strap to sit on top of your carry-on, and has a ton of room for anything you need, including a bottom compartment for shoes. Best of all, it is an acceptable size to qualify as your personal item. I have the beige one and absolutely adore it. It feels like an accessory!
Image courtesy: Beis
Other Tips:
-If you are willing to spend $75-85 (and some time and effort), I guarantee TSA Precheck will be worthwhile. There is no feeling like coasting through security while looking over at the never-ending main security line.
-Bring a reusable water bottle. Save yourself money by bringing your Stanley/Owala/etc., dump it out before security, and fill it back up once you’re through. Most airports have filtered water fountains for the unbeatable price of free, compared to an $8 Smartwater bottle.
-If you can, pack some food at home to bring to the airport to eat. Airport food prices are insane, so it will save you a lot of money to pack snacks (or even a meal). My favorite move is to pack a bagel with butter and eat it before I get onto the plane. (Yes, you can bring food through security.)
-Noise-cancelling headphones! That’s it.
-If you’re like me and enjoy flying under the radar while at the airport, don’t wear your college merch. Alumni are always lurking and eager to chat.
The traveling experience is rarely glamorous, usually boring, and sometimes hellish. I like to say that you’re not an out-of-state college student if you haven’t cried in an airport yet. Hopefully, this guide will make the experience marginally better for you, and soon you can call yourself an airport expert too.
Strike Out,
Alex Keezer
Editor: Caroline Kostuch
Athens