Airports Without Stress: Practical Tips for a Better Travel Day

Airports Without Stress: Practical Tips for a Better Travel Day

Christopher and Ashleigh share their favorite strategies for turning the airport from a dreaded obstacle into a surprisingly enjoyable part of your travels. Drawing on their own experiences and a mindset shift, they offer concrete ways to minimize stress, stay flexible, and even discover small pleasures along the way.

From booking smarter to making the most of your time before takeoff, the episode covers practical steps that help you avoid common headaches and find value—no matter where you’re flying. Christopher and Ashleigh emphasize treating the airport as part of the journey, not just a hurdle, and share tips for navigating both the expected and the unexpected.

• Book flights directly through the airline for easier changes and fewer headaches if issues arise.
• For fewer cancellations, aim for the earliest direct flight available whenever possible—a tip borrowed from Samantha Brown.
• Download your airline’s app and consider using Flighty for real-time updates, alternate flight options, and seamless trip tracking.
• Check in as soon as possible (usually 24 hours before) to avoid being bumped from oversold flights, especially on budget airlines.
• Arrive early, pack light, and keep essentials in the same spot in your bag for a smoother security experience—Christopher swears by this approach.
• Always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on, even if you aren’t planning to check a bag.
• Bring an empty water bottle to avoid paying airport prices, and don’t bother with freezing water to get through security—the airport water is free.

On this episode’s wine break, the hosts sample Mary Taylor Douro, a rich, full-bodied Portuguese red from the historic Douro region—perfect for reflecting on travel’s unexpected joys.

The conversation continues with tech tips (portable chargers are a must), airport research hacks (check Eater guides for the best terminal eats), and why TSA PreCheck is a worthwhile investment if you fly even once a year. Ashleigh highlights the value of having backup flight plans and knowing what to expect at your layover airports. The hosts also reminisce about memorable terminals, like Detroit’s bright McNamara, San Francisco’s mid-century modern lounge, and the rocking chairs in Charlotte.

Whether you’re a reluctant flyer or secretly love airports, this episode of the Go See Do Explore Podcast is packed with honest, actionable advice for making your next travel day more enjoyable. Tune in and discover how a few smart tweaks can help you go, see, do, and explore with less stress and more delight.