If you’re traveling through Denver International Airport this summer, pack more than just your carry-on—pack some extra patience too. Today, I heard more than one person yell in frustration at someone who worked there and I think we can all agree that that doesn’t help solve problems (or make work days or travel days enjoyable). The busy atmosphere I witnessed in Denver is likely the same kind of thing you’ll witness at other aiports, too. 

Summer is always one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and airports are expected to see huge passenger numbers. Add in ongoing construction projects, crowded security lines, packed parking lots, full airport trains, and weather-related delays from afternoon thunderstorms, and it’s easy to see why getting to the airport at the last minute can turn into a stressful experience. I flew out of Denver this morning, and tempers were rising. One woman was crying because she was going to miss her flight, and it made my stress levels rise, too!

Last week, the afternoon thunderstorms caused my grandson to miss a connecting flight to LAX, where he was supposed to meet a humanitarian group. That caused tears for his mom! Eventually, he made it to Bali, but who needs all that stress?

 

Planning for Summer Travel

Denver isn’t alone. Many major airports are seeing heavier-than-normal traffic as families head out on summer vacations, reunions, cruises, and international adventures.

Our advice? Give yourself more time than you think you need. Arrive early, especially if you’re checking bags or traveling with kids. Reserve airport parking in advance if possible, and make sure you’re familiar with your airline’s app so you can stay on top of gate changes and delays. Denver’s airport is large, and getting from security to your gate can take longer than expected during heavy crowds. Unless you fly out of a small airport, you may have the same problems.

If you’re using points and miles for an amazing summer getaway, don’t let a rushed airport experience start your trip on the wrong foot. A little extra planning can make a big difference. Build in some buffer time, grab a beverage, relax in a lounge if you have access to one, and start your vacation feeling calm instead of frazzled.

 

Don’t Rely on Your Usual Routine

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is assuming their previous airport routine will work during the year’s busiest travel months. A drive that normally takes 30 minutes may take 45. Security lines that usually move quickly can suddenly stretch much longer. Parking lots can fill up. Airport trains can become crowded. Add summer thunderstorms or air traffic delays into the mix, and schedules can change quickly. I always get to the airport in time to use a lounge; today, I got to my gate as they were boarding! I wrongly assumed my usual times would work for me!🤦‍♀️

That’s why we recommend building extra time into every part of your travel day. Leave home earlier than you think you need to. If you’re checking bags, allow additional time. If you’re traveling with children, give yourself even more flexibility. Traveling with kids almost always takes longer than traveling solo, and rushing through an airport is stressful for everyone involved.

Another smart move is to make technology work for you. Download your airline’s app before you travel and turn on notifications. Many airlines will alert you to gate changes, delays, baggage information, and boarding updates before they are announced in the terminal. If your plans change unexpectedly, you’ll often learn about it first through the app. Alex and Jess swear by the Flighty App.

If you have lounge access through a credit card or airline status, arriving a little earlier may not be a bad thing. Instead of anxiously racing to your gate, you can grab a snack, charge your devices, and start your trip in a more relaxed frame of mind. We always remind ourselves that we’d rather spend an extra 30 minutes at the airport than spend 30 seconds watching the boarding door close.

 

 

Family Summer Travel Checklist

Before you head to the airport, run through this quick checklist:

• Check in online 24 hours before departure
• Download your airline app and enable notifications
• Verify passports and travel documents before leaving home
• Pack medications and essentials in your carry-on
• Bring portable chargers and charging cables
• Pack snacks for both the airport (unless you have lounge access) and the flight
• Bring refillable water bottles
• Download movies, shows, audiobooks, and games before leaving home
• Take screenshots of boarding passes, reservations, and hotel confirmations
• Confirm baggage allowances and weight limits, especially for international flights!
• Allow extra time for parking, shuttle buses, and security
• Build extra connection time into your itinerary whenever possible
• Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on for young children (and if I check bags, I do this for me, too!)
• Have a backup plan if weather or delays impact your schedule

 

Bottom Line

It’s not like I never travel in the summer, but today was eye-opening! Plan ahead, give yourself extra time so you’re not that person crying as security is slow! After all, the goal is to enjoy the journey—not spend it sprinting through the airport.

Summer travel creates some of our favorite family memories. However you’re using points and miles this summer, a little extra planning can make the journey much smoother. This summer, pack your sunscreen, your passport, and your excitement—but don’t forget to pack a little extra patience too.

 

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