20 Essential Airport Hacks to Make Your Travel Experience More Enjoyable

Travel can be stressful, even for the most experienced flyers. To make your airport journey smoother and more enjoyable, try these simple yet effective tips. Not only will they help you navigate the airport with ease, but they might also save you some money. Check out these top hacks for a more comfortable and efficient travel experience.

1. Photograph Your Parking Spot

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Before you leave your car, take a photo of your parking spot. Include details like the parking deck number, level, aisle, and space. This way, you’ll easily find your car when you return, avoiding aimless wandering in the parking garage.

2. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle

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Save money and stay hydrated by bringing an empty refillable water bottle through security. Most airports have free water bottle filling stations, so you can avoid pricey drinks and reduce plastic waste. If your bottle doesn’t fit in your bag, attach it to your carry-on with its loop.

3. Check Travel Details Before You Go

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Use apps like MyTSA to check your flight status and security wait times before leaving home. If you’re carrying unusual items, check with AskTSA on Twitter to see if they’re allowed. This prep work can save you time and hassle at the airport.

4. Pack Your Own Snacks

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Skip the overpriced airport food by packing your own snacks. Choose items you enjoy and avoid bringing fresh produce if it’s restricted. Also, be considerate of strong-smelling foods that might disturb other passengers.

5. Choose the Best Seat

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For extra comfort, check your flight’s seating chart on SeatGuru before booking. You can find reviews and choose a seat with extra legroom or an aisle seat if you plan to get up frequently.

6. Take Photograph Of Your Luggage

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Before you check your luggage, take a photo of it. This way, if your bag’s tag gets lost, you have proof of ownership, which can help resolve any issues at the baggage claim.

7. Use a Portable Battery Charger

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Ensure your devices stay charged by carrying a portable battery charger. Keep it in your carry-on and recharge it during your flight. This way, you’ll always have power when you need it.

8. Bring Sanitizing Supplies

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Airports and planes can be germ hotspots. Carry hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to keep your hands and surfaces clean. Wipe down armrests, bathroom handles, and any other surfaces you’ll touch.

9. Rebook Flights by Phone

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If your flight is canceled, skip the long customer service lines and use an airport phone to rebook. This can save you time and get you back on track faster.

10. Research Layover and Destination Airports

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Before your trip, look up maps and amenities for your destination and layover airports. Apps like GateGuru provide useful information to help you navigate unfamiliar terminals and find your way quickly.

11. Prepare for Cold Temperatures

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Even if you’re heading to a warm destination, flights can be chilly. Pack warm socks, a sweater, or a scarf in your carry-on to stay comfortable and cozy during your flight.

12. Carry Reusable Bags

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Stay organized by packing reusable bags for various items like dirty laundry or toiletries. This helps keep your belongings sorted and reduces stress during your trip.

13. Be Flexible with Travel Times

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If your schedule allows, opt for off-peak flights or travel through less busy airports to save money and avoid crowds. Fewer layovers can also reduce your ticket cost.

14. Identify Your Bag Easily

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Tie a brightly-colored ribbon or strap to your suitcase handle to make it stand out. This simple trick helps you quickly spot your bag on the luggage carousel.

15. Wear a Travel “Uniform”

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Choose a comfortable, stylish outfit to wear for all your flights. This eliminates last-minute outfit decisions and keeps you looking good while traveling.

16. Opt for Glasses Over Contacts

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Avoid dry eyes by wearing glasses instead of contact lenses during your flight. The low humidity in planes can make contacts uncomfortable.

17. Wear Extra Clothes to Avoid Fees

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If your luggage is overweight, wear some of the heavier items to reduce the weight and avoid extra fees. This also helps keep you warm on cold flights.

18. Choose the Left Security Lane

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Most right-handed people naturally choose the right security line, making it busier. Try the left lane instead for a quicker security check.

19. Keep Your Laptop Accessible

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Store your laptop in an easily accessible spot in your carry-on. This saves time and hassle when you need to use it during your flight.

20. Stay Alert with Headphones

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While listening to music can help reduce travel stress, keep the volume low enough to hear important announcements and changes at the airport.

By incorporating these airport hacks into your travel routine, you can make your journey more enjoyable and less stressful. Safe travels!