Karl Katzke

Inc.com published Joel Spolsky’s Travel Tips… but there isn’t much in there for, you know, the common people. I’ve been flying since I was twelve, but I only fly once a year and I’m on a budget — no first class tickets for me. My father was a regular business traveler, and he taught me all of his tricks to get through security and whatnot with the minimum of hassle.

Here’s my list:

• 1. Carry-on only. If you can, this will save you hours of waiting in line to check and then pick up baggage. Plus, how much do you pack for a week long trip that you never end up wearing?
• 2. If you do have to check baggage, check it at the curbside stands. They’re way faster than waiting in line inside. Don’t forget to tip the skycap.
• 3. Pre-prep yourself for the security checkpoint. Make sure your laptop is accessible. Take off your belt. Take off your jewelry and put it in your carryon. Take everything out of your pockets except for your photo ID — yes, even your wallet. Put it all in your carry on. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
• 4. Don’t stuff your carryon with stuff. All you need is one book, any medical stuff you don’t check, and any electronics you have with you. Never check electronics, they won’t be there when you pick your luggage up. If I’m checking luggage, I keep a change of underwear in my carryon too just in case my luggage gets lost. Anyway, if you stuff your carryon, you can’t fit it into any of the overhead or underseat containers, and you can’t get stuff in and out of it without spilling all over the place. Keep it simple.
• 5. Above all, be gracious and polite. Politeness will get you lots of places with harried, underpaid airport workers and flight attendants. Helping your fellow passengers with their luggage and pillows and stuff means that the airplane gets in the air faster.

Happy holidays and safe travels!