If you've traveled through Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport during a busy time of year, you know it can get pretty hectic. Yellowstone is packed. Big Sky is packed. Flights are coming and going, and that little bit of extra time you thought you had quickly disappears!

We've learned a few things about traveling through BZN over the years. Nothing too complicated. Just a few easy tips that can make a busy travel day a whole lot easier!

Arrive Early During Peak Yellowstone and Big Sky Travel Times

If you're flying during one of the busier times of year, plan to get to BZN at least two hours before your flight.

We know that two hours might feel like a lot, especially if you're used to walking into the airport, breezing through security, and heading straight to your gate to board. On the really busy days, security can get backed up and take a little longer. You don't want to be standing in line wondering if you're going to make it to your gate in time!

And don't worry, if security happens to be quick, that's okay too. There is plenty to do once you're through security. Grab a coffee. Get something to eat. Browse the shops. Pick up a last-minute Montana gift. Or just find a cozy spot to relax before your busy travel day! Having extra time at the airport isn't the worst thing. Rushing through it definitely is!

Check the current BZN TSA wait time here!

Can’t Take It Through Security? Our Airport Shops Can Ship It for You

If you have picked up a bottle of huckleberry syrup, a larger liquid, a pocketknife, or something along those lines that TSA won't allow in your carry-on. Or if you had something packed that you didn't realize couldn't come through security, don't worry! No need to throw it away or leave it behind.

Yellowstone Forever Park Store and Copper Horse Market can ship your items to you. It doesn't matter if you bought the item at the airport or you've been carrying it around with you. If it's something you can't take through security, come see us, and we'll help get it shipped to your doorstep!

Grab a Coffee Before Your Flight at Milk Creek Cafe

Need coffee? There are plenty of spots at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport that are great for that. Milk Creek Cafe is one of the newer additions to BZN, and travelers have already been loving it!

They serve coffee from local roastery Ghost Town Coffee Roasters, so you can get a little taste of Montana before you take off. They also have quick bites and plenty of other drink options if coffee isn't your thing. Plus, the space itself is worth checking out. It's a really nice spot to sit for a few minutes before your flight. You'll also find branded and engraved YETI drinkware, which makes for a pretty great Montana souvenir!

Quick Snacks and Easy Meals at BZN Market

If you're hungry, but don't have enought time for a sit-down meal, BZN Market is an easy stop. They have a little bit of everything. There's a rotating hot bar, grab-and-go food, Montana-made products, gifts, sweets, treats, and plenty of other things to look through!

This stop is especially handy when you're traveling and don't want to spend a bunch of time figuring out where you're going to eat. Grab something for the flight. Pick up a snack for later. And hopefully you'll find a Montana gift you love while you're there!

Stay Hydrated With an Engraved YETI From the Airport Shops

Another HUGE tip for a successful travel day. Don't forget to drink some water! Travel days can be long. You're getting to the airport, going through security, walking around, sitting at your gate, and then getting on a plane, so it's easy to realize halfway through that you haven't had much to drink.

If you forgot your water bottle, no big deal. You'll find a great selection of engraved YETI drinkware at N.S. Provisions and BZN Market, with some fun Montana-inspired designs. They're practical, they make a great souvenir, and you can actually use them when you get home! Grab one before your flight, fill it up once you're through security, and you're good to go.

Skip the Checked Bag if You Can - Baggage Claim Construction Can Slow Things Down

The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is growing, which is exciting, but construction is sometimes an annoying part of that growth. Right now, baggage claim is limited to one or two claims, so it can get pretty congested when several flights are unloading around the same time.

If you can pack everything into a carry-on, it might be worth doing. You'll skip the wait at baggage claim and can head out of the airport as soon as you're ready. That can make a pretty big difference after a long travel day! Of course, we know that's not always possible. If you're coming to Montana for a week, bringing ski gear, or packing for the whole family, you're probably going to need more than just a carry-on. But if you can make it work, it's one less thing to worry about when you land.

At the end of the day, busy travel days are just part of flying out of BZN, especially during the busiest times of year. Our best advice is to give yourself some extra time and don't stress if you end up getting through security faster than expected. Grab a coffee, get some food, do a little shopping, and take a minute to relax before your flight. If you forgot something, need a snack, want a Montana souvenir, or end up with something you can't take through security, there are plenty of options to help you out. A little planning goes a long way, and honestly, it's a lot nicer to have some extra time than to be rushing to your gate. Happy traveling!