What Adds Value to Your Airport Experience?

Global airport travel is on its way up again, after nearly stagnating in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To put this in perspective, 4.7 million traveled by plane in 2019, compared with 1.7 in 2020. But we’re quickly bouncing back, with 2.3 million people already having traveled on a plane so far this year.

Now with passenger numbers going higher, the level of stress, inconvenience and hassle will rise as people have to deal more and more with crowded airports, cramped parking options, and delayed flights once again.

So how can you make the airport experience more fun and less hassle? Factors that add value to your airport experience include the ability to:

Pre-Select a Seat at the Front of the Plane

It’s human nature to browse around for that perfect seat at the perfect price, but for the sake of your sanity and in the interest if time, it’s best to pre-select a seat at the front of the airplane. Once the plane lands, you will be one of the first ones off, which saves time and the hassle of standing in that crowded line all the way down the aisle. In addition to allowing you to disembark more quickly, you’re at the front of the line for passport control when on an international flight.

Check In Online or On Your Mobile

The virtual check-in is quite possibly the most transformative and convenient aspect of the airport experience. No need to wait in person at those long lines at the terminal. Just go to the airline’s website on your phone or laptop, add your details, print your boarding pass and you’re all set. What used to take an hour now takes just minutes. And you can save a tree while you’re at it if the airline allows you to show a mobile boarding pass instead of a printout.

Book Off-Peak Flights

If you want a less-crowded airport and a more seamless experience with fewer people involved, book a flight at off-peak times:

• Red eye flights, early morning, late night
• Tuesday through Thursday
• Not during holiday seasons (November, December, etc.)
• Not during college spring breaks (end of March/April)

Know Your Airport

Knowing the location and layout of the airport you’ll be flying into and out of is helpful. Do your homework before you arrive, going on the airlines’ website to see which gates and terminals you have to use, where they are, the location of shops, restaurants and other facilities, and where to park. This is especially useful for large airports featuring multiple terminals and various departure areas for multiple flights.

Hire Valet Parking

Use an off-site parking and shuttle service to get to the airport, whether you’re taking off for a couple days for work or a week with the fam. For instance, Valet Connections DTW Parking is a full-service parking company that offers affordable parking at the Detroit Metro Airport, with reserved spots, shuttles that come along every few minutes, and valets that can have your car ready for you whenever you need it. There’s no better way to add value to your trip than hiring a valet service to handle the parking situation, which is easily the most stressful aspect of traveling!

Contact Valet Connections DTW Parking

For that last one, Valet Connections DTW Parking can come in rather handy. Call us at (734) 992-4946 to speak with one of our staff or to book valet parking service.