I almost didn’t make it home for spring break. Five out of eight U.S. Airway flights from Boston to Philly were canceled, and I sat in Boston Logan watching with heart palpitations as flight after flight was canceled. Thankfully, though, my flight was one of the three that actually took off and landed safely in Philly.
Flying and dealing with airport nonsense is stressful enough without the added anxiety of wondering whether or not you’ll actually make it to where you’re headed. I’ve become a pro with airports since I’ve started college, thanks to the back and forth between home and school. Here are a few tips I’ve built up from experience for surviving Boston Logan:
- Eat a satisfying, healthy meal before you leave for the airport.
The food options in the airport sound great in theory—Au Bon Pain, Auntie Anne’s, Panda Express, and so on. But trust me, having a quarter pound of General Tso’s chicken rolling around in your stomach does nothing for you as you’re sprinting to your gate, struggling to shove your bag in the overhead compartment, or sitting on a plane for however many hours. Conversely, I’ve also made the mistake of not eating anything before heading to the airport and refusing to purchase something from the food court. Wouldn’t you know it—that was the trip when my flight was delayed for five hours, and by the time I stepped off the plane, I thought I was going to pass out. Moral of the story: feed yourself before you leave your dorm or apartment.
- Take the Blue Line to the airport!
The first few times I went to Boston Logan (which is only, like, a fifteen minute drive from campus), I made the naïve mistake of taking a cab. Not only do Boston cabs outrageously overcharge, but you can end up stuck in traffic, or it may take you forever to get one during heavy travel days. I’ve recently started taking the Blue Line to Boston Logan, and it changed my life. I pick up the Green Line at BU East or at Kenmore, and then switch onto the Blue Line at Gov Center, which I take to the Airport stop. From the station, there are free shuttle busses that drop you off right at your terminal. It sounds like a lot of steps, but it’s actually really simple, and takes about 25 minutes. Did I mention that it costs only $2.50 as opposed to the $30-$40 you would spend on a cab?
- Get through security as easily as possible.
Make your life easier and get through security as simply as possible. Don’t wear too many layers that you’ll have to strip off. Start getting prepared to go through security as you’re waiting in line, so you can fly through. Consolidate your belongings by having as few carry-on bags as possible, and avoid liquids if you can—that’s one less thing you have to pull from your bag. Don’t wear boots because they’re time-consuming and just awkward to peel off in front of everyone.
- Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi—preferably with Netflix.
Wi-fi in the airport is complimentary, as long as you watch the stupid 30-second advertisement first. Just watch it, then spend the rest of your spare time before your flight catching up with your favorite shows via Netflix. If you don’t own Netflix, check out www.shortoftheweek.com to stream some great short films for free.
- Or bring school reading with you.
Most likely you have school reading or work that you have assigned over break. Complete whatever you can while you’re sitting at your gate or on the plane. If you’re successful, you’ll then be able to spend your break however you want, without the added stress of schoolwork!