15 ways to reduce stress when driving to the airport

Too many times I have been stressed, worried or frustrated on the way to the airport. Once we missed a flight to Hawaii because of a series of unfortunate events. If any one of them hadn’t happened, we would have easily been on our way. Not only were we disappointed, but our vacation was delayed and in essence, cut short.

Over the years, I’ve learned that I needed to be well prepared for our trips. Here are some ideas that may help you reduce the negative emotions that can end up ruining your trip.

1. Arrange for a ride: friend, family, shuttle, taxi or limo – this will allow you to relax on your ride to the airport and will eliminate the need to park your car
2. Reserve a parking spot – if you don’t know where to park or are looking for cheaper alternatives to airport parking (AirportParkingReservations.com)
3. Stay overnight in an airport hotel – not only will you be close to the airport, some have packages that include parking which may be cheaper than leaving your car at the airport, often with free shuttle service (ParkSleepFly.com)
4. Consider having a meal before flying, in or near the airport – if you are going to eat before, plan to leave at least an hour earlier (additional benefit – you will not be hungry when boarding the plane)
5. Check-in online – this will notify the airline that you are planning to be on the flight and you may not need to go to the counter if you’re not checking luggage (Please note: if you bought a vacation package and received paper documents, check to be sure what they are for. For example, Southwest Vacations mails what appear to be paper tickets, but they are only used to get through security. You must bring them with you to the airport, otherwise you will need to purchase new tickets. If you don’t go to the ticket counter, you will need to exchange them at the gate.)
6. Print out boarding passes – if you don’t need to check luggage, you can go straight to the security check point
7. Check gasoline level in your car – you may need extra time to get some gas or you may not have enough time if you need to stop on the way
8. Print out a map of your route – if you need to find an alternative route, a GPS may not be able to help you (Google Maps, Mapquest)
9. Pack activities for the kids – the less distractions, the better
10. Be prepared to leave early – unforeseen events can happen along the way
11. Check your flight – you will want to know if it is on time, delayed, or rescheduled
12. Check the traffic report – online (Sigalert.com – in the Los Angeles area) and on the radio
13. Check the weather report – especially important if you have a long drive to the airport (AccuWeather.com)
14. Consider checking bags at the curb – it will save you time if there is a long line at the counter and is convenient
15. Have a backup plan if you miss your flight – if you know your options prior to arriving at the airport, you will know what to do if something happens

Careful preparations will make for a more enjoyable trip. If you have anything to add here or on my other articles, please leave me a comment. I am always looking for new ideas. Happy travels!