Travel hacks you need to know for your next flight

(NewsNation) — Millions of Americans traveled over Labor Day weekend, and plenty more will soon begin planning holiday trips before the year’s end.

TSA PreCheck

“PreCheck, PreCheck, PreCheck,” advised Bobby Oler, senior digital producer.

About 99% of those enrolled in TSA PreCheck, an expedited security screening program, wait less than 10 minutes in security lines, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

Benefits include keeping jackets and belts on — the shoe removal requirement was recently lifted for general passengers — and leaving laptops, large electronics and carry-on-sized liquids in bags, allowing for a faster process.

TSA has also expanded its TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program to 15 airports, eliminating the need to present an ID to a TSA agent. Passengers instead scan their faces in front of a machine.

Travelers can pre-enroll online and schedule an in-person appointment for a fee ranging from $76.75 to $85. The one-time fee provides a five-year eligibility.

Secure the suitcase

The travel experience starts with packing a suitcase at home, and it can be a daunting task trying to ensure items fit neatly and that its weight doesn’t exceed the limit.

Meg Hilling, digital content producer, said she packs trash bags to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones on the trip.

Jordan Perkins, digital content producer, rolls her clothes instead of folding them “to save a ton of space.”

Michael Ramsey, digital content producer, puts a piece of white tape on his luggage handle to easily spot it at baggage claim.

“Yes, I can probably figure out my bag, but there are other similarly sized green suitcases on the conveyor belt. This simplifies things,” he said.

Ashley Soriano, digital content producer, opts for more frugal travel. Instead of checking a bag, she uses a personal-sized backpack and packs lightly to avoid paying bag fees.

“I would rather use the $50 you’d pay for a bag on a fun activity instead, so believe it or not, I cram everything I’d need for three or four days for a weekend trip into a bookbag that fits under the seat,” she said. “It’s possible, you just have to get really good playing Tetris.”

Pretzels? All in the timing

“Research where the Auntie Anne’s is in the airport before going,” advised Mills Hayes, national correspondent.

That is, if travelers arrive at the airport early, they can get in line to grab a bite to eat.

An additional tip from Perks is a classic: Arrive at the airport “super early in case of delays.”

Do your research

Travelers should also research pharmacy hours in a destination country on international trips beforehand, Hilling said.

“For example, when I lived in Brussels, the pharmacies in my neighborhood rotate who is open on Sunday each month. Nothing worse than needing Tylenol when you are sick, and you’ve got to go on a hunt to find which one is open,” Hilling said.

To maximize time upon landing, travelers should have an idea of what’s in store after picking up their bags.

“I’m huge in having an itinerary of things to do on the day of arrival, which are lighter things, and then the more heavy ideas or suggestions in the full days during the stay,” said Eric Rosas, IT specialist.

Know how to get around

“Download Google Maps data for the area you’re going to so you can navigate offline, just in case you lose service or need to go airplane mode for power reasons,” suggested Anna Kutz, digital content producer. “Similarly, make sure any public transit pass or map you need is downloaded rather than open in a tab.”

Bonus travel tips

For Rob Taub, digital content producer, seat choice is important: “Always try to not to sit next to the aisle so your arms aren’t getting hit by the drink cart.”

Kutz urged travelers to use the bathroom before boarding, even if you don’t have to go.

“Always grab a few squares of toilet paper to take with you, especially if you’re traveling in Europe, where they hate a public restroom,” she said.