After moving from Florida to Texas, I quickly realized that I would become very familiar with airports; specifically navigating them alone. This frequent change of scenery for me is often exciting, however, it also brings forward unwanted feelings of anxiety and stress. I am required to constantly be hyper-aware of my surroundings as well as solely responsible for all of my luggage and belongings at all times. While eating, ordering food, going to the bathroom, changing planes, and waiting to board, I must always keep an inventory of my things as well as scan the area to ensure my personal safety.
Along with wearing a serious expression and exuding confidence that screams “Don’t f*** with me,” here are a few more tips for when you find yourself traveling without a companion.
- Travel light, and make sure your required identification is handy (NOT buried beneath your souvenir mugs and underwear).
Having a heavy suitcase or backpack is almost always a burden when traveling through an airport. Sure, you may be more prepared when you reach your destination, but if you know you will have access to a washing machine and dryer of some sort, less is more is a great mantra to remember. Packing light means less hassle when lifting your suitcase into and out of the overhead bin, and if you’re checking a bag, eliminates the stress of an overweight bag fee.
Additionally, making sure your passport or ID is in an easily accessible place, like the front pocket of a backpack, will ensure that TSA is a breeze.
- Be early and get to your gate at least half an hour before boarding.
If your departure airport is anything like George Bush Intercontinental Airport, then there is minimal seating at the gates. Arriving at your gate early will allow you to get comfortable and establish your personal space before your plane begins to board. This prevents you from having to find a seat far from your gate or standing with all of your belongings.
- Engage in conversation with the flight attendants who are assisting you on your flight.
If you tend to be anxious and overthink the dangers of traveling alone as I do, find a flight attendant that is near your gate and spark a conversation. Sometimes you can acquire a lot of travel information about your flight or destination, and sometimes even make a friend.
Befriending a flight attendant may also enable you to be selected for a seat upgrade. On my last flight home from Houston, I made friends with a lovely United flight attendant before boarding. She noticed that I was a younger girl traveling alone, and once we were seated, found me on the plane and asked to upgrade my seat to first class to make sure a family with younger children was seated together.
- Try to avoid texting. Make phone calls if you need to contact someone.
Just as it is while driving, texting is a huge distraction. To be aware of your surroundings, you must not have your face buried in your phone trying to alert Snapchat and Instagram that “Miami isn’t ready!” for you. Making a phone call is a much safer way to communicate while in an airport. You can formulate the perfect post once you’re in a safer space.
- If your flight has connections, make sure you know your gate number and terminal.
When I traveled to Austin last April, I had a connecting flight and a brief layover in Dallas. Before I left Tampa, I made sure to memorize how and where to change planes and transfer terminals in Dallas, as my layover was only about 45 minutes. The last thing you want is to be stranded in a city or state alone, so making it a priority to use your transfer time efficiently is essential.
AND, If you travel alone frequently
I would invest in TSA-Pre Check. At large and busy airports with international and domestic flights, sometimes you are required to go through 45-60 minute TSA lines, possibly more than once. For those travelers who only fly domestically, TSA PreCheck is $85 for a 5-year membership. Global Entry is $100 and is better suited for those who frequent international travel, as it expedites the time spent in Customs. This membership makes TSA and Customs less of a stressor, especially if you are naturally anxious like me whilst traveling alone.