Travel Tips: 10 Smart Ways to Breeze Through the Airport Like a Pro

By Frank Macek

Traveling by air can be equal parts thrilling and stressful—but over the years, I’ve picked up a few habits that have turned chaotic airport runs into smooth, almost enjoyable transitions. Whether you’re heading off on vacation or catching a last-minute business flight, these ten practical airport tips can help you save time, reduce stress, and maybe even grab a better seat along the way.

1. Download Your Airline’s App Before You Go

I can't stress this enough. Your airline’s app will be your boarding pass, gate change alert system, baggage tracker, and rebooking tool if your flight gets delayed. It updates faster than the airport monitors and lets you check in before you even leave home.

2. Know the Security Rules—and Prep Accordingly

If you want to breeze through TSA, dress for it. Wear slip-on shoes, avoid metal accessories, and keep your liquids in a clear quart-size bag ready to pull out. Place electronics and snacks on top in your carry-on so they’re easy to access in bins. Trust me—it saves awkward fumbling under pressure.

3. Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR

If you fly more than twice a year, these programs are game-changers. TSA PreCheck lets you keep your shoes, belt, and light jackets on, and usually gets you through security in five minutes or less. CLEAR uses biometric ID to skip ID checks entirely. The peace of mind is worth it.

4. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle

Don’t pay $5 for a bottle of water after security. Bring your own empty reusable bottle and fill up at a hydration station near your gate. Most airports now have these, and staying hydrated is key—especially on longer flights.

5. Pack a “Seatback Survival Kit”

Airports are full of distractions, but flights? Not so much. I always pack a slim zip pouch with my noise-canceling earbuds, disinfecting wipes, a power bank, gum, pen, lip balm, and a few snacks. It fits easily in the seatback pocket so I don’t have to keep reaching for my bag.

6. Don’t Skip the Lounge (Even if You’re Not a Member)

You don’t need elite status to enjoy a lounge. Many airports have lounges accessible through one-time passes, credit card perks, or apps like Priority Pass. If you’ve got a long layover or delay, it’s a more relaxing place to wait—with better Wi-Fi, food, and quiet space to recharge.

7. Take a Photo of Your Parking Spot or Baggage Claim Ticket

After a long trip, the last thing you want is to wander around a parking deck or misplace your bag tag. I snap a quick photo of the parking space number and the baggage claim sticker before I even leave the terminal.

8. Skip the Fast Food—Head to Local Airport Vendors

Many airports now showcase local eateries or chef-driven counters that offer a taste of the city you’re passing through. You’ll get better food and a memorable meal before your flight, rather than another generic burger and fries.

9. Know the Best Time to Arrive

For domestic flights, I aim for 2 hours before boarding. For international, 3 hours minimum. But if I’m traveling during holidays or peak mornings, I give myself a cushion. It’s better to be early and relaxed than sprinting to the gate.

10. Be Nice to Gate Agents and Flight Crew

This might be the most overlooked tip of all. Gate agents and flight attendants deal with stressed-out passengers all day. A smile, a “thank you,” or a kind word goes a long way—and can make a difference if you need help rebooking or switching seats.

Flying doesn’t have to feel like an endurance test. With a little preparation, a few tech tools, and a calm mindset, your airport routine can run like clockwork. These tips won’t eliminate turbulence—but they’ll make sure it’s the only thing rocking your trip.

Exploring the National Museum of the Great Lakes: Where America’s Freshwater History Comes to Life

By Frank Macek

I never expected a museum could make me feel so small—yet so deeply connected to the world around me. That’s exactly what happened when I visited the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio. Nestled along the Maumee River’s edge, where it slips into Lake Erie, this museum is a beautifully orchestrated experience that brings the history of America’s freshwater heart vividly to life.

Courtesy: National Museum of the Great Lakes

From the moment I stepped inside its modern glass façade, I was enveloped by sound: the low rumble of engines, the creak of shipboards, even the distant echo of foghorns. These sensory details drew me immediately into a narrative far richer than idle maritime trivia. Over 300 historic photographs, 250 artifacts, and 45 interactive exhibits share stories of the lakes' geological formation and immense freshwater reservoir—accounting for 84% of North America’s surface water. But what truly resonated were the personal tales woven through those stones and steel: of sailors braving winter gales, of families making a life ashore in bustling port towns, and of immigrants starting anew.

What sets this museum apart is its living history—the vessels themselves. Docked just outside, the SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker stretches an imposing 617 feet along the waterfront. Known in its day as the “Queen of the Lakes,” this 1911 lake freighter once carried iron ore, coal, and grain across the region. Walking its decks, through its engine room, cabins, and pilothouse, I was struck by the scale of human ambition and ingenuity. The polished steel, worn wood, and antique fittings spoke of countless voyages and untold labor. Standing at the helm, I could almost feel the waves and wind that shaped this ship’s journeys.

Nearby, the tugboat Ohio waits—currently under restoration until next season—but even in its quieter form, it hints at the unsung workhorses of lake commerce. The contrast between this compact tug and its massive freighter sister highlighted how many roles shaped Great Lakes maritime life.

Courtesy: National Museum of the Great Lakes

The indoor galleries trace a fascinating arc—from natural origins to industrial boom, from steamboats and warships to modern ecological challenges. In the “Port of Toledo” exhibit, I discovered how this region transformed from a modest riverside community into a maritime powerhouse—a story too often overlooked. Yet the museum doesn’t stop at celebrating the past; it looks ahead too. It tackles current issues like invasive species, pollution, water rights, and conservation—reminding visitors that the Great Lakes are still writing their story.

One of the most meaningful features I found was the museum’s commitment to inclusivity. As a Certified Autism Center, it offers sensory-friendly mornings the second Saturday of each month, with lower lights, reduced noise, and smaller crowds. The staff goes out of their way to ensure everyone has access—whether through assisted tours, virtual options, or plain old friendly guidance.

The museum also has a beating heart of community energy. Lectures, speaker series, rotating exhibits, and seasonal events keep the content fresh and locally rooted. During my visit they were gearing up for "Second Wave," a 5,000-square-foot expansion set to open in June 2025, complete with the historical SS St. Mary’s Challenger pilothouse—a stirring promise of even richer storytelling to come.

With admission at just $14 for adults (discounts for seniors, military, and first responders), and free parking included, the museum offers exceptional value. Membership is a smart option for locals or frequent visitors, including perks like unlimited entry and discounted event tickets. I watched families, local retirees, and enthusiastic historian-types wander through galleries and board the Schoonmaker, all clearly absorbed by the immersive storytelling.

Courtesy: National Museum of the Great Lakes

As I left, I heard a man telling his young son, “That’s what brought the steel that built our city.” His words captured the museum’s essence perfectly: this isn’t a place cluttered with unused relics. It’s a living portal into how waterwirtschaft—waterwork—built a region and continues to shape its future.

Toledo may not be on every tourist’s radar, but this museum is worth the detour. It reignites your sense of wonder and respect for the waterways that connect and sustain us. If you're a history buff, love maritime tales, or just crave an experience that marries technical depth with human drama, this destination delivers—and then some. I left not just informed, but moved and compelled to return when the next wave of exhibits opens.

Visitor Information: National Museum of the Great Lakes

Address:
1701 Front Street, Toledo, OH 43605
Website: https://nmgl.org
Phone: (419) 214‑5000

Hours of Operation:
- Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on Tuesdays (November through April)
- Museum ships are open seasonally from May 1 – October 31

Admission Prices:
- Adults: $14
- Seniors (65+), Military, First Responders: $12
- Youth (ages 6–17): $8
- Children 5 and under: Free

Parking:
- Free on-site parking available

Accessibility:
- Museum is ADA accessible
- Ships contain stairs and tight spaces; ask staff for virtual tour options
- Sensory-friendly hours held the 2nd Saturday of every month, 9–10 AM

Frank's Tips for Visiting:
- Allow 2–3 hours to experience everything
- Visit between May and October for full ship access
- Check the museum calendar for rotating exhibits and special events
- Memberships available for frequent visitors and supporters