How to Pack Your Car for a Stress-Free Airport Drop-Off
As the spring season comes into view, so do many of our carefully laid travel plans. Whether it’s short-term parking near Philadelphia Airport or our daily itineraries, we take heavy consideration into all aspects of our trip in order to make for the perfect, stress-free getaway possible. However, one component of our trips that rarely garners a significant amount of thought has to do with how we pack our vehicles for efficient, organized airport drop off.
Think of this like a pit stop in auto racing. We can’t exactly be in the loading zone forever and it’s still important to make sure we have all the essentials before hitting the point of no return which is TSA. However, simple mistakes in how we load our luggage can be a predictive measure that relates to a completely preventable airport headache. Here’s a comprehensive guide to organizing your vehicle for a smooth, stress-free airport drop-off, whether you’re parking on-site, using a shuttle, or just dropping off a loved one:
Load Your Luggage Strategically
It all starts during the initial moment where we lay our luggage in the car. In the midst of all the chaotic rush associated with getting to the airport in a timely manner, it’s easy to forgo proper contemplation during this step and the results can be unfortunate. It’s helpful to think of your trunk like a game of Tetris. It’s wise to load heavy, bulkier suitcases first, placing them flat and securing them so they won’t shift in transit. Once your main bags are in, stick to the following rules:
- Stack lighter items on top
Smaller duffels or carry-ons can sit on top of checked luggage, but be careful not to crush anything fragile.
- Leave essentials up front
Bags with passports, IDs, snacks, or chargers should never be buried. Keep them in the front seat or passenger-side floorboard for fast access.
- Secure valuables
Electronics, wallets, or important documents should stay within reach but out of plain sight when parked.
Create a “Last Minute Essentials Bag”
There’s nothing worse than realizing mid-drop-off that your boarding pass is buried under layers of clothes or that your phone charger is stuffed in a checked suitcase. That’s where a “last-minute essentials” bag can alleviate the stress of making sure you have everything at the ready. It’ll essentially serve as your go-to carry-on for anything you might need between your front door and your airplane seat. This bag should be compact, easy-to-access and can be a game-changer when it comes to staying calm and organized during hectic travel days. Think of it as your personal in-flight survival kit, airport toolkit, and comfort companion all in one. What you should include in this bag can consist of:
- Travel Documents and Identification
- Personal Health Essentials
It’s also worth noting that your essentials bag itself should be just as practical as what you put in it. Choose a bag that’s lightweight, durable and (if possible) clear as this will make the process of moving through the airport with ease less of a hassle. TSA will be grateful as well.
Declutter and Prepare the Night Before
Sometimes the battle to secure a quick and successful airport drop-off is lost the night before the trip. One of the simplest, most powerful ways to ensure a calm and organized airport drop-off is to tackle your prep the night before. Scrambling the morning of your flight is a surefire way to forget something important or run behind schedule. By taking just a little time the evening before, you can leave home confident, calm, and focused on your journey ahead.
Start with your vehicle and make sure that the trunk is spatially prepared for your luggage. Remove anything that will not be necessary for the trip to the airport or the vacation at large. It may also be beneficial to weigh your luggage beforehand, so you don’t run into added fees for overweight bags. This is a “better safe than sorry” situation if there ever was one.
Final Thoughts
Packing your car with a clear system and travel mindset can transform your airport experience from frazzled to focused. With a few simple adjustments, such as packing bags in order of importance and preparing essentials the night before, you’ll be ready to handle anything the airport throws at you. This way, you’ll arrive at the terminal cool, calm, and ready to take off.
If your trip doesn’t involve a quick drop off, you’ll likely want to find peace of mind in your parking plans. If you need overnight parking at Philadelphia International Airport, look no further than the premier parking alternative. Located mere minutes from the airport and connected by a convenient shuttle service, we take the guesswork and stress out of parking on site. If you want to learn more about how to make your next vacation’s travel a breeze, please contact us. We look forward to seeing your vacation going off without a hitch.
