Traveling is full of fun and adventure, but the least exciting part is having to spend time at the airport.
But since you can’t always drive to every destination, some trips require time sitting around at the airport. Believe it or not, your cell phone can help make your next airport experience easier and less stressful, and not just by doom scrolling.
You just have to have the right apps.
As a frequent traveler who's flown all around the world, I’ve spent more hours than I could possibly count in airports. Over the years, I've discovered a few apps that have made my time at the airport less stressful, perhaps even enjoyable. Here are a few mobile apps I suggest downloading before you head to the airport.
LoungeReview
You don’t need to have a business class ticket booked or even a fancy travel credit card to access an airport lounge.
All you need is the right app.I've recently been relying on LoungeReview, a free app that lists lounges by airport along with hours of operation, entry requirements, amenities, location, and whether day passes can be purchased.
It also features an estimated crowd meter showing whether a particular lounge is likely to be overcrowded or not.
If you create an account, you can enter your elite status and travel credit card details if you have them, and the app will also list any lounges where you qualify for complimentary access.
I've found it especially helpful when traveling through an airport I don't fly through often.
Alternatively, program-specific airport lounge apps like Priority Pass are another option. You can see which in-network lounges are available at each airport. If a lounge accepts digital membership access, you can scan your app’s QR code at check-in.
MyTSA
Another helpful app to download before your next flight is MyTSA.
This free app, provided by the Transportation Security Administration, allows travelers to know what to expect before arriving at the airport security line.
You can view estimated TSA security wait times, whether TSA PreCheck is accepted and if the line is currently open, and whether there are any current FAA delays for a particular airport.
If your flight departs during a busy time of day or during a busy travel season, this tool can help you better plan your airport arrival to allow enough time to get through security before your flight departs with less stress. The app automatically displays the nearest airports, but you can also favorite preferred airports.
Mobile Passport Control
Don't have Global Entry but want to skip the long customs line when reentering the country? Download Mobile Passport Control.
This free U.S. Customs and Border Protection app lets eligible travelers submit their passport and customs declaration digitally, with no membership required. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with an approved ESTA are all eligible.
You can fill out your details up to 4 hours before landing. I suggest doing it while waiting to deplane. After doing so, you'll be prompted to take a selfie and will receive a QR code to show a customs officer.
Since Mobile Passport Control has a dedicated line, separate from the regular customs line, it's a great free alternative to Global Entry that gets you through much faster than waiting in line with everyone else. Before I had Global Entry, this was my favorite travel hack.
Airline-Specific Apps
I also suggest downloading your preferred airline's mobile app. This is a simple thing that can save serious time.
Airline apps are a great resource for reviewing upcoming flight details and keeping up with gate changes, flight delays, or cancellations. I've found out about gate changes before they were announced on the airport loudspeaker thanks to airline apps.
Many airlines allow you to rebook directly through the app when your flight is delayed or canceled. This feature can save you significant time and frustration compared to waiting in an airport customer service line.
And if you have a checked bag, you can view tracking details through your airline's mobile app. I rarely check luggage, but when I do, this feature helps me feel more at ease, knowing that my bag made it on the plane.
Finally, a mobile boarding pass can sometimes make life easier. Delta, for example, offers an expedited "App Bag Drop" experience that lets travelers who've checked in on the app and hold digital boarding passes skip the regular bag-drop line at its hub airports, shaving off a few minutes from their wait time.
The Shortcut
LoungeReview shows which airport lounges you can access based on your credit cards and elite status, and whether they're currently crowded.
MyTSA shares real-time security wait times and TSA PreCheck lane status before you leave for the airport.
Mobile Passport Control lets you skip the regular customs line without Global Entry. It's free with no membership required and works for U.S. citizens and several visa categories.
Your airline's app often knows about gate changes before the loudspeaker does. It also gives you a headstart by letting you rebook directly if your flight is canceled. Delta's app also offers an expedited bag-drop feature.
