1. Breeze Through Security

Instead of rushing to the airport, if you are connecting through Minneapolis, stay overnight at the Intercontinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel. Go to the 12th floor to watch the planes take off.

The hotel is connected to the airport with a security lane only accessible to hotel guests with carry-on only. Going through security can take less than 5 minutes. The checkpoint opens at 5 a.m. You might be good until 8 or 10 a.m.

The hotel provides free shuttle service to and from the Mall of America (MOA). The two restaurants at the hotel aren’t too bad either and might make you want to stay in and skip that trip to MOA.

When the volume of screenings increase, TSA personnel are moved to the other security checkpoints. No worries. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to hang out in.

2. VIP Seating

Boeing 717-200 has one seat in an exit row by itself. You don’t have to worry about bumping elbows with your neighbor. The only requirement, in the event of an emergency and plane evacuation, is to read the safety guidelines in the seat pocket and be prepared to help your fellow passengers out.

The stewardess will ask everyone in the exit row to answer “yes” to assist in the event of an emergency. If you don’t agree and are not willing and able, you will get moved to another seat. It’s okay to let someone else do it instead if you are not comfortable.

But if you are prepared to assist, sit back, relax and splurge on that $8 drink. Just know others are thinking just like you so book your VIP seat early.

3. Delta Sky Club

If you have a first-class ticket or a Delta Sky Miles credit card, you can access the Delta Sky Club for free or at a discounted rate and enjoy complimentary wine and snacks. It is an excellent option if you have an early flight and none of the shops are open yet.

4. Eat Like a King or Queen in Economy

Visit Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and get a caramel apple with your favorite fixings chopped for you to indulge on your trip without making a mess. Throw in a pretzel drizzled with while milk chocolate to eat later.

The other passengers will stare at you with envy wishing they would have thought about the same things. If you have a dog traveling with you, they also sell tasty doggy treats.

5. First Dibs on Overhead Cabin Space

Most airlines allow active members of the military to board the plane first. When the boarding announcement is made, if you are traveling in civilian clothes, take out your military ID and show it with your boarding pass.

Be prepared that you may be the only one in a sea of people currently serving in the military. Don’t be alarmed if someone comes up to you and says, “thank you for your service.”

The first-class treatment doesn’t have to end here. Check out my blog post 21 Carry-On Bag Essentials for Air Travel to Any Destination.