Six ways to manage chaos at the airport

With travelers rushing to escape the cold grip of winter and kids off school, the TSA has seen checkpoint traffic numbers rivaling the Sunday after Thanksgiving, one of the busiest days of the year at airports.

In some cases, extreme weather and labor shortages have exacerbated the strain on airports, leading to cancellations that come with little warning.

But swarmed airports don’t have to ruin your trip. Here are six tips for making the experience a little smoother.

Pack smartly

As you pack for your trip, think about how each item might cost you time getting through the airport. Start with a completely empty bag, checking every little pocket to make sure nothing is in there.

And remember to consult the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA’S website or the MYTSA app.

Try a mental exercise

If you’re anxious about heading to a crowded airport. Mark Debus, a manager of a behavioral health team, recommends picturing what the scene will be like ahead of time. Anticipate the huge lines, the angry travelers, the process of taking off your shoes and putting your belongings on the conveyor belt. The exercise can help you feel better prepared for the potential chaos.

Make extra time

Even if you’re someone who lives for the thrill of cutting your arrival time dangerously close, consider giving yourself more time than usual to get to (and through) the airport. If you’re planning on parking at the airport, anticipate spending longer looking for a spot. If you’re renting a car, you should expect more of a wait while picking up and dropping off. You will probably encounter lines every step of the way, said Lisa Farbstein, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration.

Invest in line-cutting services

Spring break travel brings a lot of families to the airport, and people trying to wrangle strollers, car seats and missing toys are bound to slow down security checkpoints. James Ferrara, a travel adviser, suggested enrolling in a line-cutting service such as CLEAR or TSA Precheck — or both. You might want to start building status with your favorite airline’s frequent-flier membership, which can eventually get you priority boarding, access to private lounges and upgraded seating.

Use mobile apps

Download your airline’s app to easily track your flight status and simplify check-in. Drake Castañeda, a Delta Air Lines spokesperson, said the Fly Delta app can alert you of flight changes in real-time; let you change your assigned seat; provide airport maps; show information on airport lounges; help you access in-flight Wifi; and send a push notification when it’s time to board.

Take a deep breath — or 10

Debus recommended adding an extra hour to the standard airport arrival time for your mental health. Also, find a gate near yours that is less crowded and try a breathing technique to relax and de-stress.