At an airport, getting to work isn't just the drive. It's parking, shuttles and security too. Here's how to plan for all of it so you're never racing the clock.
At most jobs, being on time means getting to the building. At an airport, the drive is only the first part. You might still need to park in an employee lot, wait for a shuttle, go through employee screening and walk to your work area before you clock in. Every one of those steps can add surprise minutes. Here's how to make your commute predictable.
For your first week or two, write down how long each part of the trip takes: the drive, finding parking, the shuttle wait, security and the walk. Most people are surprised by how much time goes to everything after the drive. Add those up and you know your real commute time. Then add a buffer on top.
Traffic, a slow shuttle or a long security line can happen any day. A buffer of 15 to 30 minutes turns a bad commute into an annoying one instead of a late one. If you arrive early, use the time to eat, stretch or just breathe before your shift. Arriving calm is a better way to start than arriving out of breath.
Employee screening lines can be longer during busy travel times or at shift changes. Keep your badge with you and in good shape, and know what you can and can't bring through. A forgotten or expired badge can stop you cold, so check its expiration date and renew it early.
Very early and very late shifts have their own commuting challenges: fewer shuttles, less public transit and more tired drivers on the road. Get your things ready the night before so you're not searching for your badge at 3 AM. If you're driving tired, be honest with yourself about it. Our 4 AM shift guide has tips for early starts.
If coworkers live near you and work similar shifts, carpooling can save money and keep everyone on time. Just agree on the rules up front: who drives, what time you leave and what happens if someone is running late. A good carpool depends on everyone being reliable.
Sometimes you know ahead of time that a shift just won't work, maybe because of car trouble or a family need. That's when trading or giving away a shift can help. Our step-by-step guide explains what to do.
If you know a shift won't work, you can post it in TakeMyShift, and it goes straight to coworkers in your same position at your base. When someone picks it up, a private chat opens so you can confirm the details. It's free. Read the app guide.
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