Frequent flyer Mark Wolters has shared his airline travel secrets to help holidaymakers avoid the frustration of flight delays. In a new video on his Wolters World YouTube channel, the American travel expert offers savvy solutions for navigating airports more efficiently.
Early Morning Flights: The Best Bet
Mark advises setting your alarm for an unsociable hour to catch early morning flights. 'If you take that early morning flight, usually your plane landed the night before, so you don't have the delays,' he explains. He adds that fewer passengers are at the airport at that time, making check-in, security, and gate access faster and less stressful. As the day progresses, small delays snowball, making late evening flights more likely to be delayed. 'So, you're going to travel for holidays or anything like that, don't take the afternoon flight. Get up in the morning... suck it up, take that early morning flight so you have less chance for problems,' Mark says.
Choose International Terminals
Mark also recommends selecting flights that depart from purely international terminals, as these tend to have shorter security queues compared to terminals that handle both domestic and international flights. 'For example, when I go to Chicago, I know if I'm flying out of Terminal Five, the international terminal, it's going to be a lot faster than if I'm flying out of Terminal Two, which has a lot of domestic flights,' he notes. This tip can save time, especially if you are running late.
Cleanest Bathrooms at Baggage Claim
Another airport secret Mark shares is using restrooms near baggage claim, as they are often the cleanest. 'Think about it. When people get off the plane, they want to go to the bathroom right away. So, those bathrooms in the terminals by the busy gates, those get used a lot more than the other ones,' he explains. Bathrooms at baggage claim are less frequented because passengers are focused on collecting their luggage and heading home, so they tend to stay cleaner longer.
Mark has visited more than 80 countries and compiled these tips to help travellers reduce stress and enjoy smoother journeys. By following his advice, you can minimise delays and make the most of your holiday time.
