Smooth Sailing: Effortless Hacks for a Stress-Free Flight Day

12. Get Through Customs & Baggage Claim Fast

After a long flight, the last thing you want is to be stuck in long lines at customs or baggage claim. For international travel, speed things up by filling out any necessary entry forms before landing and having your passport and travel documents ready. Some airports offer electronic passport control kiosks that can make the process faster—check ahead to see if your arrival airport has them. If you have Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or a similar fast-track program, make sure you know where to go for expedited processing. Once through immigration, head straight to baggage claim. The sooner you get there, the faster you can grab your bag before the crowds gather. While waiting, check where ride-share pickups, taxis, or public transportation stops are located so you’re not scrambling once you have your luggage. If your bags don’t arrive, report it immediately to the airline’s baggage service desk before leaving the airport. Having a photo of your suitcase and a copy of your baggage claim receipt can make the lost luggage process smoother. Bonus tip: Use an Apple AirTag or Tile tracker in your checked bag so you can track its location if it gets delayed or lost.