It is very easy to have many wasted hours at airports, either in security lines or by a flight being delayed. Learn how to avoid losing vacation time by following these tips below:

Nowadays travel has become a way of life. A quick flight by airplane for a weekend vacation, or a two week holiday in the sun, doesn't take as much planning as it used to. However a bit of forethought with regards to when to fly, where from and how to deal with the dreaded security lines can mean more time on vacation and less time in the airport.

1/ Use seatguru to find the best seating on a plane. This website has information about which seats are the best on almost any airline you want to fly with. It also has travel tips and comparison charts for different airlines.

2/ To minimize your time in the security lines consider flying between 9am and 3pm. Business travelers will already be at the office and the lines will be quieter. Travel at Xmas or Thanksgiving as many travelers are already where they want to be so again lines will be shorter.

3/ If possible fly from a smaller airport as there is less chance of a flight being canceled or delayed as not as many flights come in and out.

4/ When packing keep all electronics and wires together in a clear bag. That way trailing wires inside your suitcase or backpack won't alert officials for a bag search. A Ziploc type bag is perfect for this.

5/ If you are traveling frequently around the USA Clear is a good time saver. It is a pre-screened security line hopping pass. For a yearly membership fee of around $100 you can use the designated Clear lane at a security checkpoint. They claim to speed up your security process by 30%.

6/ Keep a separate ready-to-go wash bag in your bathroom, with smaller sizes of your favorite shampoo, face cream, shaving gel etc. That way you will not accidentally put something in your hand luggage that could be confiscated.

7/ As soon as you take off change your watch to the local time zone, even if it means going to sleep at your destination a few hours before or after you normally would. It makes it much quicker to adjust over the next couple of days.

8/ Never put your laptop in your hold luggage. You can't guarantee that it will be treated with care.

9/ Use your carry on bag for an extra pair of underwear and some basic toiletries. That way if your luggage is delayed you won't have to go out and buy supplies.

Using the above tips can save you time and money, not to mention the fact that delays often eat into that precious vacation time that has been carved out from a busy life. There is nothing more frustrating than losing the first and last day of your precious and much needed vacation, to airport delays and long security lines. If you can save a little extra time before you go too, it may just give you that extra hour or so to relax, and get into the holiday mood!

Learn more about this author, Georgia Fowler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for first-time and infrequent travelers?
We want to hear your view. Write now!