Even for the most experienced travelers, travel day can be stressful.
Travel day can be especially challenging if you are bringing the whole family, going on a long trip, or have a schedule-packed business trip. Fortunately, there are ways to help ease travel day stress and stay organized and in control.
Here are twelve tips to make your travel day easier when flying out of Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) International Airport.
1. Book Your Flights On Lighter Days And Times
Booking your flights on less busy days reduces travel stress because there are fewer crowds.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are great options to avoid the rush of weekend travelers. For international travel, consider flying on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which are typically also the cheapest days.
If possible, schedule your flights either on holidays or as far from them as possible to avoid crowds.
2. Reserve Airport Parking And Transportation
Avoid last-minute parking stress by reserving your airport parking in advance. EZ Air Park offers secure parking options and convenient shuttle services right to the terminal door. Booking ahead ensures you have a spot and can save time on your travel day.
3. Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance covers unexpected changes and emergencies. Whether it’s a delayed or canceled flight, lost luggage, or a medical emergency, having insurance can help pay for the additional costs.
You can obtain travel insurance from your insurance provider, airline, or through a travel agent.
4. Plan Your Day, But Don’t Overplan
When planning your travel day, start by familiarizing yourself with your destination. Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has two terminals, so review your flight information, airline list, and the airport map in advance.
Download your airline’s app, check in ahead of time, and organize your tickets and IDs to streamline the process. While having a plan is essential, avoid overplanning, as travel can be unpredictable. Allow for delays and have contingencies in place. Always check your flight status regularly for updates and gate changes.
Pro Tip: If you do face a delay at MSP Airport, visit Words, an independent bookstore in Terminal 1. Words offers a curated selection of bestsellers, travel books, and works by Minnesota authors to make your wait more enjoyable.
5. Download The MSP Airport App
The MSP Airport app is an excellent tool for navigating the airport. It provides real-time flight updates, gate information, and airport maps. The app also highlights various accessibility services, such as wheelchair assistance, visual and hearing aid support, and accessible restrooms.
If you need additional support at the airport visit the information desks located around the terminal or the contact the Travel Assistance Program at MSP. Additionally, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and numerous charging stations throughout the airport to stay connected and keep your devices powered up.
6. Get Plenty Of Sleep
Getting enough sleep before your travel day can significantly reduce your stress levels. Adequate sleep helps your body and mind deal with stress and reduces anxiety, which is especially helpful if you face long layovers, flights, or any travel hiccups.
7. Dress Comfortably
When planning your travel day outfit, opt for comfortable clothing and practical footwear that can help you move through the airport easily.
- Wear layers you can easily adjust to accommodate the changing temperatures at the airport and on the plane.
- Choose practical shoes that are easy to remove and put back on, as you’ll need to take them off during security screening.
- Do not wear excessive jewelry or metal accessories that may complicate the security process.
Also, make sure to plan for the weather at your destination by checking the forecast before you pack.
8. Pack Light
One of the simplest ways to make your travel day less stressful is to pack light. Traveling with only your carry-on luggage saves you time and hassle at security check.
Flying with Delta and checking a bag? Use Delta’s curbside check-in services to drop off your bags before entering the terminal. Curbside helps you avoid the bag drag and long luggage check-in lines inside the airport.
9. Stay Hydrated And Carry Snacks
Proper hydration and a good supply of snacks can significantly reduce travel stress by maintaining your energy and mood. Remember, the 3-1-1 liquid rule still applies to carry-ons, so check TSA guidelines before packing liquids.
Bringing your snacks is a smart way to avoid stress from hunger. If you follow a special diet, packing your own snacks guarantees you have something suitable to eat during your journey. Of course you can buy snacks inside the terminal, but it’s always good to have a backup in case you’re pressed for time.
Pro Tip: Plan to stay hydrated by bringing an empty water bottle to fill after passing through TSA to save money instead of buying at the airport.
10. Arrive At The Airport Early
Timing is everything when it comes to stress-free travel. Arrive at least two hours before any domestic flight. Arrive three hours before any international flight. Having a buffer of time allows for check-in, security screening, and handling any potential delays.
Arriving at the airport early lets you handle unexpected issues calmly without feeling rushed.
11. Get Through TSA Check Quickly
Security checks can be one of the most stressful parts of traveling.
To speed things up, enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. These programs provide expedited security screening and are available at MSP, significantly reducing your wait time. With TSA PreCheck, you won’t need to remove belts, light jackets, or belts, and you can leave compliant liquids and laptops in your bag.
CLEAR offers an even faster experience by using biometric data to verify your identity. If you are traveling internationally, consider Global Entry.
12. Explore the Terminal While You Wait
If you arrive early and have time before your flight, enjoy the amenities at MSP. Relax in quiet seating areas or the Escape Lounge in Terminal 1. Explore art installations and the observation deck for great views of the airfield. For shopping and dining, MSP offers options like Caribou Coffee for a quick drink and French Meadow Bakery & Cafe for a more substantial meal by a great, local restaurant.
Following these twelve tips will help you have a stress-free travel experience. To book parking at EZ Air Park, visit our website and fill in your check-in and check-out dates and times on our easy quote form. Parking with us is always stress-free.