2025 Summer Travel: Top 5 Tips to Fly Smart, Stress Less
May 22, 2025
Summer travel is heating up and so is airport traffic. Nationwide, passenger volumes have officially surpassed 2019 levels. If you’ve got a trip coming up, we’ve got tips to help you breeze from curb to gate with less stress and more confidence.
1. Don’t Forget Your ID
As of May 7, 2025, TSA requires a REAL ID (or another acceptable form of identification) for all U.S. travelers flying domestically. If your driver’s license doesn’t have a star in the corner, it may not be compliant.
2025 Tip: Check your ID now, don’t wait until the week of your trip. If you don’t have a REAL ID yet, you can also use a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or other TSA-approved identification. For the full list, visit tsa.gov. It’s a small step that can save you a big headache at the checkpoint.
2. Pack Like a Pro
Overweight luggage remains one of the top hassles at check-in. Most airlines cap checked bags at 50 lbs. and going just a few pounds over can mean surprise fees or a last-minute repack in the terminal.
2025 Tip: A smart luggage scale is a small investment that pays off big. But if you’re already at the airport and your bag tips the scale, don’t worry. We’ve got self-serve scales near the ticket counters so you can adjust as needed. Also, double-check your liquids. Anything over 3.4 oz still needs to go in your checked luggage.
3. Find Affordable Airfare
If flight prices feel steeper this year, you’re not imagining it. Demand is high, and airlines are still navigating crew shortages and fuel price swings.
2025 Tip: Find the best deals with our booking tool! It highlights daily deals, and lets you know which flights are offered daily or weekly, and how many connections are needed. Flying mid-week or during off-peak hours can also cut costs. Don’t overlook regional airports like MLI, either. They offer cheaper parking, shorter drives and less airport chaos. Plus, flying local helps grow flight options right here at home.
4. Arrive Early
Crew rest requirements, TSA staffing levels and ground crew availability can impact everything from check-in to baggage delivery. Allowing plenty of time gives you a buffer for the unexpected and helps keep your travel day calm, not chaotic.
2025 Tip: Arrive early—even at MLI. Airlines have strict cut-offs for check-in and baggage drop, so plan to be at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight. Save time by checking in online up to 24 hours before departure. And pay close attention to your connection times if you’re changing planes at a large airport hub.
5. Prepare for Weather & Flight Disruptions
Summer weather is getting more unpredictable. Even if it’s sunny where you are, storms along your plane’s route or at its previous stop can cause delays.
2025 Tip: Sign up for airline text alerts, track your flight on sites like FlightAware, and know your airline’s rebooking options. Most airlines let you change plans right from their app but if you do need to talk to someone, the gate agent, ticketing agent or customer support lines are your best bet.
Why Choose MLI?
Big airports can be chaotic but Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) keeps things simple:
- Quick check-ins
- Security lines that average under 10 minutes
- Friendly, helpful staff