From going through security checks to dealing with unexpected flight delays, traveling by plane is messy and even more.

To go through the process as effortlessly as possible, you definitely need an airport dad on your crew. What exactly is an “airport dad”? The term went viral on TikTok in 2021 when kids started documenting their hyper-focused, multitasking dads in airports.

Such dads perform a number of thankless tasks at the airport: carrying the group’s boarding passes, making sure everyone gets to the airport in time to get through security, and making sure transportation to and from the airport is booked. They do it all with enthusiasm—and usually cracking dad jokes while doing it. (Again, we should give the floor to the moms here; dads may do the mental work at the airport, but it’s usually the mom who packs the bags and makes sure everyone has the right clothes for the climate and enough sun protection.)

You don’t necessarily have to be a real father (or even a man) to take on the role of airport dad: On TikTok, you’ll find plenty of childless airport dads in their twenties, fearlessly leading their groups through the airport.

Airport Daddy is for all ― and given the stress of traveling lately, we need more of them. With that in mind, we asked airport dads to share tips they would give to someone looking to take on the role.

Travel blogger Lee Huffman has two children, ages 9 and 13, who both started flying at 6 weeks old. (“They now have more stamps in their passports than most of my adult friends,” Huffman told HuffPost.)

If you’re traveling with kids, Huffman’s top tip is to prepare all the kids’ favorite things in advance: Bring their favorite snacks, charge your devices, and download videos in advance. If you don’t want to end up with grumpy kids, you don’t want to be without entertainment at the airport.

“Keeping kids entertained and feeding them well is a great way to keep them happy while traveling,” he told HuffPost. “As they get older, you can involve them in this process by assigning them tasks and responsibilities, but even when they become teenagers, I still think it’s a good idea to make a checklist and double-check to make sure nothing gets forgotten.”

To avoid travel mishaps or at least be prepared for them, you should track the flight 24 hours before departure, advises Martin Gomez, who runs the YouTube travel channel “Tourist to Local” together with his wife Juliana.

“Search for your airline’s flight number on Google, then check the status on FlightAware,” he said. “Find out where your plane is coming from and follow the weather reports there so you’re prepared for delays.”

Forget the antiquated rules of arriving super early. You’ll just spend your time staring at the scoreboard waiting for your flight to appear, says Nick Demski, father of one and founder of the YouTube channel Nomad Lifestyle.

“I’m close to pissing off my own father, but I recommend approaching it like a new father and accepting that two hours for any flight anywhere is generally good enough,” he said.

Keep in mind that many recommend arriving three hours before departure for international flights. Demski, however, sticks to two hours. Sure, you’ll miss some international flights pretty narrowly, he says, “but it’s better to feel the pain of being late quickly than to suffer an untimely and very slow death in an uncomfortable chair wondering why you arrived so early in the first place.”

Rob Taylor, father of two boys and founder of 2traveldads.com, likes to research the airports his family flies out of: Googling, he found that Denver has a large outdoor patio with couches and fire pits, while Punta Cana has a lounge with a rooftop pool. O’Hare, on the other hand, has famous movie locations that his family enjoyed exploring while waiting for their flight.

“If you’re armed with something to pass the time at the airport or make a layover more fun, you’ll appear extra cool to the kids and adults you’re traveling with,” he said.

Taylor says it’s definitely worth applying for and paying for TSA PreCheck. (The application fee is $78.)

TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that allows pre-approved travelers at U.S. airports to keep their shoes, jackets and belts on during security screening, but leave liquids and laptops in their bags.

“It’s been a lifesaver for our family in terms of time and stress,” he said. “When we travel with others, we let them know ahead of time how important these services are and have gotten our travel companions to sign up for their benefit and ours.”

Liquids of any kind are not allowed, but did you know that ice is allowed through the checkpoint as long as it is completely frozen when checked?

“Filling water bottles with ice allows you to have cold beverages throughout the day of travel, keeping everyone healthy and hydrated during the trip,” Taylor said. “If someone forgets to fill their water bottle before boarding the plane, at least they have ice cubes to enjoy until a drink is served.”

If you have the opportunity to relax in an airline lounge, by all means do so, advises Demski. (How do you get access? You can have a premium travel credit card, subscribe to an airline-specific loyalty program or be a guest of someone with access.)

“You get free food and drink, and a quiet and safe place to relax and spread out,” Demski said. “Your whole family can rest and eat their fill without ever thinking about thanking you. That’s the thing about being an airport dad; much like an umpire at a baseball game, you do a good job when you’re completely ignored.”

If you travel frequently, be sure to stick with one airline and collect loyalty points, advises Taylor.

“There are many perks, including the opportunity to board first due to status,” he said. “If you’re travelling with carry-on luggage like we are, it means you’re virtually guaranteed space in the overhead bin, ultimately saving you time and stress.”

If you’re an airport dad — or want to be one — you probably already have a mental map of every airport in the country, including the best cafes and secret shortcuts to the gate, Gomez said. But remember: This is your trip too — try to relax and have fun.

“You’re not piloting the plane. You don’t have to arrive five hours early and explain to the TSA how to do their job,” Gomez said. “Your carry-on doesn’t need a zombie apocalypse survival kit. Enjoy the trip.”