Airport travel is a necessary evil that most of us have to endure at least once a year. For many, the only saving grace is knowing you’ll be able to get some quality sleep on your flight. But there are so many other ways to make your airport experience better from start to finish. Here are our top hacks for making air travel time-saving and affordable.
1. Arrange for Your Airport Transportation in Advance
Always have your airport transportation pre-arranged by booking with a reputable online service. Doing so will save you time, money, and hassle as taxis are always more expensive at the airport. And pre-booking will guarantee you won’t miss your train only to have to take a cab instead. The best way to get there for those flying out of Toronto Pearson International Airport is on the UP Express train.
2. Where Are You Flying?
If your destination airport is an international one, you’ll have to fly through customs. This takes time and requires patience, so it might be better to save it for another time if this trip isn’t a necessity.
And what about the weather? If you’re traveling somewhere warm, you might want to pack a nice bathing suit so you can stop for a dip at a local beach. You’ll have unlimited access to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches on this trip.
3. Familiarize Yourself with the Parking Spaces
Try to note the parking spaces closest to the terminals as soon as you pull into your car park. This will save you time from having to circle.
The best thing to do is use online platforms that provide information on the parking spaces at airports such as the Toronto Pearson airport.
You’ll get details such as pricing and the number of spaces. Your Toronto airport parking experience will be enjoyable and time-saving when you know about the locations and distances for the parking spaces.
4. Seek out the Fast Track Lane
Before heading through customs, make sure you know whether or not you can take advantage of the fast track. This will save you time because it means less waiting in line. For example, if you’ve pre-filled all of your customs information online, then being “fast track” eligible allows you to jump right to the front of the line.
5. Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Get Through Security
Security lines can be long, so it’s essential to get there early. If you have TSA Precheck status, you’ll find that the lines always move faster, and it’s worth having. It doesn’t take long to get, but the benefits are worth it.
6. Be Mindful of Your Belongings
Don’t leave expensive or sentimental items in your bags because people can get into them at any time, even when they’re on the conveyor belt going through the x-ray machine.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have an extra smartphone charger if you have one, as well as anything else that may be worth taking with you at the end of your journey.
And don’t forget about those pesky fees. You can quickly pay hundreds of dollars for each bag you check, so make sure you only take the essentials with you.
7. Arrive Early to Your Gate
If your flight is non-stop, it’s nice to arrive at the airport several hours early because that way, you don’t have to rush or worry about making your flight. Plus, there are usually restaurants and shops to visit while you’re waiting.
If your flight is a connecting one, though, it’s a good idea to arrive at least two hours early. This will give you plenty of time for a coffee and a snack before taking the next leg of your journey.
If you plan and make sure your airport transportation is pre-arranged, you can save time and money. You should also know which parking spaces are closest to the terminal so that it’s easy for you to find them when returning from a trip. It’s recommendable to use online platforms in getting information on the target airport parking.
