It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-timer or a million-miler, we all make mistakes when it comes to flying. Even those of us who consider ourselves travel experts have been known to head to the wrong airport, book a flight at the worst possible time or fail to allow enough time to get to the airport in bad weather or road construction season.
Here. we lay out the airport mistakes we’ve made, along with the solutions to fix them.
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1. Arriving at the Airport Too Late
The common rule is to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
This is a good general guideline. But it doesn’t work for EVERY flight.
How to Fix This Mistake
We recommend looking at historical data for your airport before deciding how early you actually need to get to the airport. It’s also not a bad idea to check flight schedules. Are there 12 flights leaving within 20 minutes of one another at 8am? If so, security lines will be loooooong at 7am. Don’t make the airport mistake of arriving at the busiest times and being surprised it’s so busy.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t arrive too early if you plan to check your suitcase. You cannot check luggage more than 4 hours in advance on many flights.
2. Arriving at the Wrong Airport
While you may be asking who does this, it happens more than you think! With three airports to choose from, I have set off to the wrong one.
How to Fix This Mistake
If you’re lucky enough to live in a city that is blessed with more than one airport choice, check your ticket to be sure you know which airport is the right airport. Always double-check (triple-check, quadruple-check) flight times and airports.
Read More: What to wear to the airport to be comfy but still look cute.
3. Booking Your Flight to the Wrong Airport
Many budget airlines fly in and out of secondary airports. For example, flying Allegiant Airlines to Oralndo means arriving at Orlando’s Sanford Airport (SFB) rather than Orlando International Airport (MCO). That’s fine, if Sanford is where you want to be. If you need to be at MCO, the cab fare could negate any savings you reaped by booking the budget carrier.
Likewise, when you search for flights into New York City, Newark International often pops up. But it’s in New Jersey.
How to Fix This Mistake
Slow down when you’re booking the flight and look closely at the airport code before you book.
4. Not Factoring in Time to Park and Walk to the Gate
So you planned to get to the airport two hours ahead of your domestic flight and you know that it takes 45 minutes to drive to the airport. So you’re leaving home 2 hours and 45 minutes ahead of your flight, right? Wrong.
You forgot to factor in the time you will spend circling to find a parking spot and the 20-minute walk from your car to Ticketing. Rookie mistake.
How to Fix This Mistake
First, leave a little earlier. Second, book a parking spot ahead of time using an app such as Spothero.
5. Not Buying Travel Insurance
We are travel insurance super fans. There are so many scenarios when it comes in handy that we wholeheartedly recommend either an annual policy that covers your whole family (for frequent travelers) or per-trip coverage (for infrequent travelers).
How to Fix This Mistake
You already know the answer to this one: Buy the travel insurance.
6. Not Reserving Parking
Usually, there are many parking choices near an airport. Airport-run garages are the most centrally located and usually the most expensive. Economy lots will involve time on a shuttle or bus. But there are all sorts of other options – Park N’ Fly, The Parking Spot, SpotHero, nearby hotels and more. Some parking lots require a reservation and do not take same-day drive-ups.
How to Fix This Mistake
Figure out your parking ahead of time!
6. Not Figuring out How You’ll Get from the Parking Lot to the Airport
Some off-site lots run shuttles every few minutes, but some have specific shuttle times. This is another lesson I learned the hard way. On my last flight out of Houston Hobby Airport, I found cheap parking at the nearby Marriott. Score! One thing I didn’t realize? The hotel shuttle only ran every half hour to the airport. Luckily, I had enough time and didn’t miss my flight.
How to Fix This Mistake
Ask before you book. A shuttle that runs every half hour might be just fine, especially if the parking rates are super affordable. Just factor in some extra time so you won’t be sweating while you wait for the shuttle — or eat up all the money you saved on parking by ordering an Uber.
7. Not Remembering Where You Parked
It happens. You’re rushing because you didn’t leave enough time (tsk tsk) or you’re trying to get 3 kids and luggage into the airport. When you return from your trip, you realize you have no clue where you parked. Maybe it was the 8th floor? The “buggy of shame” picks you up and drives you around the garage as you push your key fob lock button hoping to hear a faint “beep beep” in the distance.
How to Fix This Mistake
Take a picture of where your car is parked or add a note to your calendar app for your return date so you can find it easily.
SheBuysTravel Airport Tip: Frequent flier? I highly recommend always parking in the same area of the same lot. Walking to your car becomes a muscle memory activity.
8. Not Bringing a Refillable Water Bottle
Yes, we know you can’t bring liquids through security, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay $4.99 for a 16.9 oz bottle of Dasani after security.
How to Fix This Airport Mistake
Carry an empty water bottle with you. Most airports have water filling stations, so you’ll save money and the environment.
9. Not Washing Your Hands
Airports are germy places. Chairs, handrails, those TSA bins. The germs are everywhere.
How to Fix This Mistake
I feel like this goes without saying but wash your hands. Carry sanitizer. Try not to touch anything.
10. Not Printing Your Boarding Pass
While many of us elect to use mobile boarding passes on our phones, it’s still a good idea to have a printed copy. Maybe it will be the day you forget your phone charger. Maybe the airline has technology issues. Stuff happens.
How to Fix This Mistake
Another easy one: print your boarding pass(es) at home before you head to the airport. It’s always better to have a paper copy than to be muttering silent affirmations to your phone as the battery hovers at 2% while you stand in the C boarding group for your Southwest flight. And, if you’re flying a cut-rate airline, you could get hit with a printing fee to have your boarding pass printed at the airport.
11. Not Taking Advantage of Lounge Access
Million-milers know the wonder that is an airport lounge. It’s the place to find a quiet respite with comfy chairs and access to free (and strong) wifi, free drinks and lots and lots of free snacks.
How to Fix This Mistake
If you have a credit card or frequent flier status on any airline, you may have access to airport lounges. Before your flight, look into what credit card perks you may have. And if you think you’ll be flying a lot, consider switching to a credit card that offers airline lounge access as a perk.
12. Major Airport Mistake: Not Planning for TSA
Ahh, airport security. Unfortunately, a lot of airport mistakes center around your time at the security checkpoint. some sort of expedited security access (CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, etc.), you’ll need to know the biggest TSA mistakes and how to fix them:
- Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put back on. The good news: Kids under 12 and adults 75 and older do not have to take off their shoes.
- Bring or wear socks to avoid walking barefoot on the (usually filthy) floor barefoot during your security screening.
- Leave the studded tank tops, elaborate underwires, bangle bracelets and anything else that might set off the metal detector at home (or in your suitcase).
- Plan to remove your jacket. You may be asked to remove sweatshirts or anything considered a “jacket.” So unless you want to parade around in that lacy see-through camisole, dress accordingly.
- Pack liquids and toiletries in a one-quart zip-top plastic bag. All liquids, gels and aerosols should be smaller than 3.4 ounces.
- Keep electronics accessible. Any electronics larger than a cell phone will need to come out of your bag for separate screening. Listen carefully to the instructions from the TSA agent. Some airports want Kindles and iPads to be sent through in a bin just like a laptop.
- Know where your snacks are. While you may not need to take them out, some airports require passengers to remove food items to be swabbed. I’ve run into this twice at Boston’s Logan Airport. Keep them together.
13. Not Packing Snacks
Here’s the deal: Flight delays are common these days. And they sometimes happen while you’re sitting on a tarmac strapped into your seat with no way out. Your tummy might be grumbling, but there won’t be any drinks or snack service until the airline hits cruising altitude.
How to Fix This Mistake
Pack snacks! Not only will you be able to quell your hunger on the plane, you’ll save a lot of money and time at the airport. Labor shortages are still a problem. The lines at the snack shops can be long, the service can be snarly and the prices definitely will be high.
14. Thinking a Flight Delay is Written in Stone
When a flight delay pops up on the board, remember this: It’s just an estimate. The airline is notifying you that you may be delayed. But things change. This isn’t the time to head to the sit-down restaurant and order a full meal thinking you’ll have plenty of time to eat it only to miss your flight that ended up taking off on time.
How to Fix This Airport Mistake
If you plan to still take the flight despite the notification of possible delay, continue your drive to the airport. If you’re already in the airport, pay attention to the announcements. Sign up for text notifications on your phone.
15. Failing to Pay Close Attention to Airport Announcements
This has happened to just about every frequent flier. We are so comfortable at airports that we head to the gate listed on the flight board, set up our laptops or tune into our favorite podcast and zone out, waiting for the gate attendant to call us to board. But airports are dynamic places gate changes can and do happen. You don’t want to be sitting at Gate 36 happily binge-watching old episodes of “Friends” only to find out your flight left 10 minutes ago from Gate 31.
How to Fix This Airport Mistake
There are several options here. One, of course, is to put away your electronics and pay attention to the world around you. Another is to sign up for text alerts about your flight so your phone will tell you the gate has been changed. Or you can simply set a timer to go off 30 minutes before your flight is scheduled to take off so you know to look up from your laptop to check on the status of your flight.
16. Not Taking Advantage of Unique Airport Entertainment
So you got to the airport early and have plenty of time before your flight. You sit down near your gate and wait and wait. You read a bit, then do some people-watching. But everyone’s getting bored. You need to figure out how to entertain them.
How to Fix This Airport Mistake
Sure, you could just start that movie you downloaded to the iPad. But save that for the flight. Airports are fascinating places. From art displays to yoga rooms to live music to movies, airports provide more entertainment than ever. Do a little research before your flight to see what’s offered at your airport. Besides, you can still move around freely in the airport. Get those steps in while you can!
17. Not Bringing Proper ID
You know what makes a trip much less fun? Not being able to go because your passport is too close to expiration, or your driver’s license is expired or is not Real ID complaint.
How to Fix This Mistake
Research what type of ID you need and check to make sure yours is compliant — before you book the trip. Starting in May 2025, all domestic US flights will require REAL ID.
18. Not Bringing Proper Paperwork
Traveling solo with your kids out of the country? A common mistake is not bringing proof of consent from the child’s other parent. Even if you’re married, authorities could ask for it.
How to Fix This Mistake
We recommend a notarized consent letter. You can find notaries at most UPS stores, some pharmacies, travel agencies, banks and city offices. We’ve got one for you that is free to download.
19. Not Checking the Size of Your Carry-on Bag
Having to check a too-big bag last minute will put a damper on your trip. It could cost you time if you end up standing in line for a bag that you can’t bring through security. Or it could cost you big money if you’re flying a low-cost carrier. Flying Spirit? It will cost a whopping $99 to check your bag at the gate if the gate attendant determines it’s too big!
How to Fix This Mistake
These days it seems like every airline has a different size limit for carry-on baggage. Make sure yours measures up BEFORE going to the airport. Remember that rules are different for many international flights.
20. Not Packing an Emergency Bag
Planes often run out of overhead bin space before everyone boards. If you’re among the last to board, chances are you’ll have to turn over your carry-on to the gate attendant so it can be checked and stored underneath the plane with all of the other checked baggage.
How to Fix This Mistake
Pack an “emergency bag” in your carry-on. It can be as simple as a reusable tote bag. That way, if your carry-on gets checked, you can quickly pull out the essentials — medications, bathing suits, a spare pair of underwear — that you will want to have just in case your bag gets lost.
21. Packing Essentials in a Checked Bag
This is a common rookie mistake. Frequent fliers rarely check a bag, often because they were burned at some point by an air carrier that lost their luggage. And yes, we always hope that luggage won’t go missing, but it happens. In fact, estimates are that 7 in 1000 bags will get lost or delayed.
How to Fix This Mistake
Always pack your keys, medications and valuables in a bag that fits under your seat. (This is another good reason to buy travel insurance. It can cover the cost of replacing your lost luggage and its contents!)
22. Not Knowing Your Rights
What you don’t know can hurt you in an airport — from not knowing your right to bring breast milk through the security checkpoint as a nursing mother to not knowing what rights you have if your flight is delayed. There are a myriad of rules surrounding what an airline needs to provide to you in case of a delay or cancellation.
How to Fix This Mistake
Know your rights! Read the rules, called Contracts of Carriage, for your airline.
23. Not Downloading Airline Apps
An airline’s app does all sorts of things. It allows you book flights, displays your boarding pass, notifies you of changes and, in many cases, is the way you access the carrier’s free onboard entertainment. You don’t want to discover that when you’re at 35,000 feet and bored out of your mind.
How to Fix This Mistake
Download the app and explore all of its functions before you leave for the airport. You can always delete the app after the flight if you don’t want it taking up valuable memory on your phone.
24. Not Asking for Help When You Need It
Whether you’re traveling solo or dragging a small posse of your offspring with you, flying can be a hassle. Many folks try to tough it out. Don’t! Ask for help!
Gate agents can direct you to the nearest restrooms. Hands full? There’s a good chance a fellow passenger will earn their good human certificate for the day by holding something for a second.
Flight attendants are there for your safety, but also to make sure you have a pleasant flight.
How to Fix This Mistake
Don’t wallow through your travels alone. Ask questions as needed. People are generally willing to assist if you give them the chance.
Heck, we’re even here to help at SheBuysTravel. From numerous family travel stories to a Facebook page, please let us know how we can help with airport tips or any other questions you might have!
25. Not Planning Ground Transportation
You may gasp, but not every city has Uber. Also, rental car sites aren’t always open during the posted hours. No one wants to be stranded at an airport at 1am.
How to Fix This Mistake
Research transportation options before your trip and call locations to confirm the information is correct, or ask questions if it’s confusing.
26. Not Allowing Enough Time to Make Your Connection
From weather delays to mechanical issues to the unexpected announcement that your flight crew is nowhere to be found, there are so many reasons you might miss your connection. When you book a flight that connects, the airline will (helpfully) book you the shortest connection time so you can arrive at your final destination as quickly as possible. But, in the all-too-likely event there is a problem, you’ll miss that connection and be left with nothing but hope you might make to your destination that day.
How to Fix This Mistake
This is an easy one. Book a longer connection, You don’t have to access the first choice the airline offers. Look for a later flight and book that as your connection. If you need more motivation, read our post on why short layovers no longer fly.
One response
I like the idea of reserving a parking space. I would think that would let you make sure that you could get a good spot and not have to search for one for forever. I’ll have to look into something like that and hopefully save a bit of money that way as well.