13 Airport Hacks That Will Change The Way You Travel

Travelling to a new destination is an enriching experience that brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding about our world. Unfortunately, airports can be harrowing and all-consuming business that sometimes takes away from that experience.

From the dreadfully lengthy lines at customs to spending hours anxiously awaiting a delayed flight or chucking on five jackets and three pairs of pants when you’ve accidentally overpacked the absolute life out of your suitcase… Airports can be an engulfing, stressful process if you don’t have a few hacks up your sleeve. 

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• Prepare Like a Pro

• Get a Go-To Travel Outfit

• Layer Up

• Keep Your Essentials Close

• Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

• Organise Your Gadgets

• Keep to the Left

• Pack Your Headphones

• Bring Your Own Snacks

• Search for Free Wifi

• Book a Red-Eye Flight

• Take a Photo of Your Parking Spot

• Nap, Nap, Nap!

• Ask for a Free Upgrade

• FAQs

First Things First, Preparation is Key

Learning to conquer and navigate airports like a pro doesn’t come naturally.

Nowadays, just showing up and hoping for the best is a recipe for disaster. To help you prepare for your next adventure, I’ve compiled the following 13 airport hacks and advice.

Not only will you save time and money, but every step of your journey can and will be as hassle-free as possible if you follow this advice. 

Gather up a Go-To Travel Outfit

Make your life easier by designing a specific set of comfortable clothes on planes. Comfort should be your priority. Opt for clothing that is somewhat durable, light and warm. Chuck your go-to outfit on the top of your packing list a day or two before you embark on your journey.

There’s one keyword here, folks: layers!

Dabble between an extra sweater, a light scarf, or a hoodie to keep yourself warm. Even if you get too hot on the plane, these layers can be assembled into the perfect pillow to help you nap your flight away. A warm pair of socks also do wonders.

Ditch the high heels, and go for a pair of sneakers. If you’re wearing a belt, avoid the hassle of removing your metal one and wear a belt with a plastic belt buckle. That way, no buttcheeks and asscracks will be on show for the lucky stragglers in the line behind you… 

On a side note: During a flight, your eyes and skin will dry up quite a bit. Skip the contact lenses and opt for glasses. Eye drops and hand lotion can help you to feel a bit more refreshed. 

Is Your Luggage Overweight? Layer Up!  

Let’s be honest; this has happened to (almost) all of us. When I moved to Barcelona, I had to pack my entire life into one single suitcase. I rocked up to the airport with no preparation and got a nasty slap in the face when I was confronted with the fact that my luggage was 15kg overweight.

Let’s just say I had to pile on a substantial number of layers to make ends meet, and when I returned to the check-in counter, I was still way over the weight limit. I had to leave some of my belongings at the airport and in the bin. My heart was broken, to say the very least. First-world problems…

I recommend investing in a decent luggage scale, preferably small and light. That way, you can weigh your suitcase before you go to the airport and when departing your destination to return home.

Suppose you are over the luggage limit; put on the heaviest item of clothing in your suitcase. Usually, it’s a jacket, coat or pair of jeans weighing you down. You can also shove clothing in your jacket or pants pockets. 

Pack Your In-Flight Essentials Within Easy Reach

Ideally, your carry-on should be one small bag. Pack the items you’ll need to use more frequently in an easily accessible location to save yourself the stress of digging through your bag like a beaver and his burrow. 

Pack your ID or passport, boarding pass, earphones, a good book or e-book, and a snack. Take note that if you’ve got liquids like antibacterial hand gel, you will more than likely be required to place them in a small plastic bag (for security measures).

Pack a Ziploc bag or two with your liquids beforehand to save time. Plus, you never know what it could come in handy for. You could also store electronic cords and chargers, as well as another stash of snacks… 

H2O! Bring a Reusable or Filtered Water Bottle in Your Carry-On

Anyone who’s travelled through an airport before knows how much they love to crank up bottled water prices.

One time, I paid €9,00 for a 250ml water bottle. Ridiculous.

Not only will you save some serious dosh by bringing your own bottle, but you’ll also be doing Mother Nature a favour by not contributing to the ever-growing plastic pollution problem. Yay for the earth!

Simply fill up your water bottle at a water fountain after the checkpoint (most international and domestic airports have a water fountain these days). 

Remember that the liquid limits are 100 ml, so empty your water bottle before heading through security and refill it later. 

Get Your Gadgets in Order

Bring a portable phone charger and a multi-plug adapter.

Coming prepared with these two ítems can seriously make one hell of a difference. It’s just like adding icing to the cake. If you can’t find an open outlet at the airport (which is highly unlikely these days), you can also use it on a flight.

There’s nothing worse than arriving at a new destination and realising you have no battery even to make it outside. 

To the Left, to the Left

When entering the security checkpoint, head to the left checkout.

I hear you mutter… What sort of nonsense is going on over on the left-hand side? Nothing special. This is because of the simple fact that the majority of humans are biased. We are more inclined to our dominant hand. This means most will hover over to the right-hand lane if given the choice.

The far left-hand side is more than often less hectic and less crowded. Save yourself the hassle!

Don’t Forget Your Own Headphones

Instead of splashing extra cash for the ghastly headphones they sell on the plane (or the free ones), always bring your own pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

A quality set of tunes, a podcast, or even a video can be better enjoyed. Get lost by immersing yourself in the content you consume, helping you pass your time up in the clouds. Top tip: Be careful when wearing headphones at the gate; keep an ear out for important gate announcements, changes, etc. 

Attack of the Snacks! 

Unfortunately, aeroplane food isn’t all the best. Do yourself, and your stomach a favour by packing your own healthy snacks.

Check out the TSA rules ahead of time to avoid any nasty surprises. You can save yourself some cashola by doing this. Think about it, that €20,00 you spend on an overpriced sandwich and juice could be spent on a nice cocktail at a rooftop bar…

For some snackspiration (snack-inspiration), think nuts, cereal bars, and other dried goods. 

Hunt for Free WiFi

Nowadays, many airports offer free, unlimited WiFi, while others allow access for a limited time. Think ahead and download Offline Google Maps before you depart, so in the rare case of no WiFi when you land, you won’t be left stranded and disorientated.

Check out the local transportation systems in your destination to see if there are any high-speed trains, a metro, a bus, or even an Uber that can get you where you need to be. By preparing ahead of time, you can say adiós and ditch that overpriced taxi rank. 

Book a Red-Eye Flight

If you’re anything like me and strongly dislike crowded airports and the rush-hour traffic that comes along with it, book yourself a flight that leaves after 10 p.m.

Evening flights are not only cheaper, but the airport is often a lot less hectic. Booking a red-eye allows you time to fall asleep and wake up at your arrival destination without having to deal with all of the usual airport hustle and bustle. 

Take a Picture of Your Parking Spot or Write it Down in Your Notes

Before rushing from the car to the terminal, take a photo of the signage identifying your location (level, aisle, etc.). Save yourself the stress of arriving home and scrambling around the airport searching for your vehicle…  

Nap Your Life Away While You Wait

Many international airports are seeing an influx in sleeping pods, where you can catch up on shut-eye between long flight transfers. Expect to pay around $50 for four hours. The price seems a bit hefty, but a shower with body wash and towels is usually provided too.

You can avoid the back pain that sleeping on the floor brings and the paranoia of your stuff being stolen!

Ask for a Free Upgrade 

No need to fear! Just be polite and ask quietly. The worst thing that could happen is a flat-out no. Take advantage of special occasions, such as a birthday or honeymoon, and inform the airline staff.

You never know your luck; they might be able to upgrade you! There’s no harm in asking…

FAQS

How can I make my airport travel better?

Get travel insurance, wear comfortable clothing and arrive early. Bring your snacks, pack a portable charger and consider lounge access if you have a long layover.

What are travel hacks?

Travel hacks are ways of earning points and miles to save money on future travel. It involves using credit card points with airlines or hotel programs to get discounts.

How to hack a long flight?

Book far in advance, choose a comfortable seat and pack your travel essentials in the cabin luggage.

How do you take extra stuff on a plane?

Stuff clothes into your travel neck pillow and wear as many layers as possible.

So, now you know these Top 13 Airport Hacks, which one will you use?