#long-waits

#long-waits

Wait times at security checkpoints have plummeted at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which was one of the hardest hit by Transportation Security Administration staffing shortages. While last week it warned passengers of four-hour lines, its website listed waits of less than five minutes at all checkpoints just after 6:20 a.m. ET.

The flight, operated by Singapore Airlines, is one I'll never forget, and I'd do it again just to eat kaya toast once more.

David Lowy, the president of Vancouver-based Renshaw Travel, has spent his career planning trips for demanding clients who expect top-notch service. And while he considers himself pretty savvy-he's on Travel + Leisure's Travel Advisory Board, after all-something Lowy will often splurge on is an airport greeter. These concierge-style pros will meet passengers planeside, help them breeze through customs and immigration, and guide them to baggage claim-turning what can be a hectic and overwhelming ordeal into a soft landing.

I manage a team of four. One of my staff members, Jeff, asked to go to a conference that was about a five-hour drive away. I approved the request as the conference would be good for his professional development. Three other staff members from our closely connected teams were also going. Jeff registered for the conference. A couple of weeks later, he asked me about booking a flight to it. I was surprised by this, as the conference was a reasonable driving distance. I explained that the department would rent a van and the attendees would drive there together. (Our department wants to minimize expenses when reasonable, so this is normal unless it doesn't make sense logistically or financially.) He pushed back with a couple of reasons that he wanted to fly, such as it would save time and he didn't feel comfortable driving.

The longest flight in the world-the 19-hour non-stop from New York's JFK to Singapore's Changi airport-is no easy feat. It was me, myself, and I against 9,537 miles in the air, on my way to the glitzy Lion City for a reporting trip. The flight, operated by Singapore Airlines, is one I'll never forget, and I'd do it again just to eat kaya toast once more.

When traveling by air, take a look at the type of aircraft you're expected to fly with, as it can make a difference in terms of overall flight experience. This can also help you get to know the different cabin classes so you can make the right seat selection for your comfort level and your wallet.

Do yourself a favor and grab a neck pillow-the memory foam ones that wrap around are my go-to as they keep your head from bobbing in different directions. A neck pillow is non-negotiable when stuck in a middle seat, in my opinion. Not all airplanes have those built-in headrests that you can adjust to your liking, so you can't guarantee that you'll be able to get comfortable with one of those.

Gate changes, especially those sprung on travellers at the last minute, are a real pain point in air travel. The primary drivers are usually a last-minute aircraft swap due to a mechanical issue or an unexpected delay on an inbound flight occupying the planned gate.

arrive two hours prior to scheduled departure for domestic flights and three hours prior to scheduled departure for international flights.

Rushing to get on board with your carry-on may seem like a good idea (there's only so much overhead bin space, after all), but attempting to take shortcuts during the boarding process can actually delay your travels even more. "We understand that boarding can make people anxious, but I promise: If you have a seat assignment, you will get on the plane,"

I spend a lot of time in airports. Like, a lot of time. Last year alone, I took more than 100 flights and logged over 200,000 miles in the air, which means I've seen just about every airport mistake imaginable-usually unfolding in real time at security, the boarding gate, or mid-aisle as someone realizes their phone is at 3 percent.