Samantha Brown Called Out A Big Issue With This Frustrating American Airport

Nobody wants to leave the airport without their baggage, but this could accidentally happen to you in one popular U.S. airport, according to travel expert Samantha Brown. Frommers reported that Brown called out Dallas Fort Worth International Airport for this very reason. She explained that it could easily happen because the baggage claim is right next to the arrival gates. While this may seem convenient, the problem is that you could pass by it and head out the door where you are unable to turn back.

Once you're on the other side, you are separated from your luggage, which could make your arrival in Dallas Fort Worth rather stressful. In other words, if you are flying there, you need to keep your eyes peeled for baggage claim, especially when it is next to one-way customs doors. Even though this is an unusual layout for an airport, it's important to expect the unexpected when you travel to smoothly navigate your way to or from your flight.

If you know you need to navigate a busy airport and want to do so without losing your mind, there are plenty of ways to do so. Before you go, use technology to your advantage by saving a copy of the map and downloading your airline's dedicated app so that you can check in and save your ticket on your smartphone.

One hack for shorter queues is to pick the one on the left because many right-handed people will unconsciously choose the right. This may help you move through quicker and beat some of the crowds going through customs. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask for help, as even though airports have staff, passengers often overlook them when assisting you is part of their job.

During the busy holiday season, check the perks that come with your credit card as you may be entitled to points you can put towards travel rewards. One of these is Global Entry, which can help streamline the amount of time you spend going through security protocols. The airport that you fly into really affects your experience so it is worth looking into finding the right one for you.

If you know where to look, you can find everything you need to know about an airport before you even book your flight. Several companies conduct annual data studies on U.S. airports to check the facilities they provide as well as traveler satisfaction levels with them. Two of the best are rewards provider Upgraded Points and data analysts J.D. Power. They use various criteria, including wait times and the size of the airport, to rank them according to the service they provide passengers.

Travel+Leisure also surveys its readers annually to rank everything from airports to spa days. If you have specific considerations for your flight, such as mobility issues or if you're traveling with kids, check out the reviews offered by dedicated travel bloggers on the best airports to fly to. However, regardless of where you decide to fly, as Samantha Brown warned, always check each baggage claim carefully before you walk past it.