7 Travel Habits Frequent Fliers Swear By

Remember how George Clooney’s ultra-slick character in “Up in the Air” had everything ready to go before he passed through security? Well, seasoned world travelers are just like that, too — they know where they’re going, pack what they need, and don’t waste precious minutes at check-in. Here’s what you need to know to fly like a pro in the era of long airport security lines.

They hire airport greeters.

“More discerning travelers know their stuff and want to get where they’re going, especially on connecting flights,” says Julie Danziger, co-founder of Embark Beyond.

To help you breeze through the airport, she recommends splurging on an airport greeter service to have someone help you carry your bags, escort you to your airline’s check-in, and whisk you past airport security, immigration, and customs. “When you land, you kind of feel like a celebrity,” Danziger said.

Similarly, frequent travelers also know to book a car service to streamline their airport departure so they don’t have to wait around for a cab or rideshare.

They pack like pros.

“People that travel often understand how to pack,” said Danziger. “Whether it’s for business or pleasure, if someone’s going to ship their luggage or not, they know what they need for each day and plan to have room to bring things home if they go shopping.”

They also pack for worst-case scenarios, such as flight delays and cancellations, says Renee Falack, a luxury travel advisor with Embark Beyond. That means having anything important, such as a toothbrush, medication, and a fresh set of clothes, on you at all times.

They know their airports.

Experienced travelers tend to know their airports’ layouts and how much time they will need to get from point A to point B, Danziger says. “Even with a greeter, you know you need to be patient” in a sprawling hub like Heathrow, while other airports are far more efficient (and smaller).

They also know to ask about an airport if they’ve never been or to download a terminal map before they arrive.

They know what they like on a plane.

Another thing that sets worldly travelers apart? They’re familiar with different airlines, says Falack, and “they know what they want on a plane.” Whether they love window seats or prefer to stretch out in the aisle — ideally in business class, of course — they think about their priorities and make arrangements before check-in.

To help speed up the process, pro travelers ensure they check in via their airline’s app well before heading to the airport. And, in those apps, they keep their information handy, like passport numbers, frequent flier information, Known Traveler Numbers, and emergency contacts, so they can get through in a few clicks.

They register for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

By now, you’ve probably heard of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler Programs: TSA PreCheck ($78 for five years), which grants you access to an expedited security screening process, and Global Entry ($100 for five years), which includes TSA PreCheck and allows for speedy entry into the U.S. from abroad.

Frequent plane hoppers spring for these programs, says Danziger, because they know they make traveling easier.

They triple-check everything.

It helps that they’re adaptable and think on their feet, says Falack, but the real thing that sets pro travelers apart is their ability to plan for the worst. “They snap pictures of their passport to keep on the phone,” she said, “and make alternate plans in case the first one falls through.”

They also triple-check everything before they leave home. They ensure their seats are assigned, glance at their itinerary, and proofread their tickets. They may even weigh their suitcase before they get to the airport so they aren’t flustered if their bag is too heavy.

They consider the season.

Utter the phrase “shoulder season” to a regular traveler, and you may be met with a blank stare. But the pros know exactly what this means — and how it can save them money.

“We don’t have to explain why we recommend, say, the Caribbean in August or September and why it’s so cheap,” explains Danziger. Seasoned travelers just get that some places are better to visit at certain times than others.

Think about popular Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos, for example. The best time to visit Greece might not be the peak months of June, July, and August, but rather, the quieter (and more affordable) shoulder season months of April, May, and October. Frequent fliers know that airports can be stressful and hectic during those busy periods, but if they do travel at peak times, they arrive early and plan for delays.