Whatโs everyoneโs least favorite destination on vacation? The airport. But traveling through this vital stop on the journey doesnโt need to be stressful. Here are 20 airport hacks so you can breeze your way from check-in to boarding.
If you want to take the stress out of navigating the airport, here are 20 airport hacks that will change the way you travel. From simple prep and packing at home, security tips and tricks, and ensuring a smooth boarding. These airport hacks will save you time and stress at every stage of your airport journey.
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Airport Hacks
If you dream of breezing your way through the airport โ youโre in the right place!
For many of us, the airport is a dreaded but necessary stop on our vacation. The endless queuing, stressful security protocol and the anxiety at the gate that you might somehow miss the flight youโve arrived three hours early for is all too real!
But believe it or not, your airport experience doesnโt have to be a stressful one. Here is the ultimate list of airport hacks that will take the anxiety out of your journey. So buckle up and take note if you want to make your next visit to the airport a breeze, each step of the way!
Before You Go Airport Hacks
If you want to make your journey through the airport as simple and stress-free as possible, you want to start preparing before you even leave the house. Make sure you prepare these hacks before you set off to set yourself up for a seamless airport experience.
Weigh Your Bags At Home
No one wants to get to the airport and discover their luggage is too heavy. You either have to pay a hefty baggage fee, or do the humiliating rummage through your suitcase on the airport floor and layer up!
The best way to rest assured you are within your limit is to check the luggage allowance before you leave, and weigh your suitcase at home. A set of digital luggage scales like these are perfect for weighing your suitcase with ease. Plus, you can pack them in your case to weigh it again ahead of the return trip.
Invest In A Unique Suitcase
If youโre fed up with trying to identify your suitcase in the sea of black cases that are spewed out onto the luggage carousel, invest in a unique one. There are so many colorful and unique designs available. I have a vibrant floral design similar to this one.
Trust me, I definitely never miss it!
If itโs losing your suitcase youโre concerned about, here are two bonus tips. Always take a photograph of your suitcase before you hand it over. If you have a photo you can share it with the airport team so they know what theyโre looking for. Or, if youโre heading on a journey where youโre changing flights, you might want to invest in a GPS suitcase tracker to keep tabs on where it goes!
Add A Name Tag To Your Carry On
This one seems like an obvious one but itโs often overlooked.
Make sure you add a luggage tag to your carry-on bag as well as your suitcase. If youโre rushing through the airport or your bag needs to be inspected at security, you can rest assured that it is clearly labeled. If you do get separated, chances are it will find its way back to you pretty quickly!
Check-In Online
Once you get into the habit of using online check-in, youโll never look back!
Most airlines give you the option to check-in 24 hours before your flight. This saves soooo much time and effort! You can easily click through check-in from the comfort of your own home and it takes one step out of the stressful airport process!
Choose Your Seat
I donโt know about you, but find it reassuring when Iโve been allocated my seat and I know where Iโm sitting.
As someone who doesnโt like flying, my worst fear is being sat apart from the rest of my party. So when it comes to checking in, I always pick my seat in advance so I can rest assured weโll be traveling together. It also gives you the option to choose your preferred window or aisle seat (because no-one likes the middle seat, do they??)
Write Down Your Parking Spot
Weโve all been there. Itโs the early hours of the morning having just crawled off a long flight. Itโs cold and, here in the UK at least, itโs probably raining. And you canโt remember where you left the car over a week ago.
So before you race into the airport in excitement for your vacation, take a minute to write down the car park, floor, and section or space youโre parked in. Youโll thank yourself when you return, trust me!
Security Airport Hacks
For many people, the security check is the most stressful part of the airport experience. But with these hacks, you can make the whole process a lot easier and feeling prepared will help to calm those nerves!
Keep Electronics And Liquids Easy To Access
When you pack your carry-on bag make sure you place your electronic items and liquids right at the top. You donโt want to be rummaging around to dig them out when you get to the front of the queue. Placing them somewhere you can access them easily will make the whole process more straightforward.
Get Prepped For Security
Weโve all seen that person. The one who casually weaves through the queue and then waits to the point of filling the bucket to start removing their watch, belt, jacketโฆ
I admit I may suffer from the equivalent of road rage for pedestrians!
But when youโve spent a long time in the security queue and youโre feeling stressed about it, it is frustrating to be held up even longer. You can make the whole process easier for you and your fellow passengers by getting prepped in the inevitable queue.
You can start removing accessories such as belts and watches easily while you are waiting your turn and pack them safely in your bag, instead of placing them directly into the tray. So when you get to the front of the queue, you know your belongings are safe and it will only take you a couple of minutes to place everything in the tray and breeze through the security checks.
Wear Shoes You Can Slip Off
In recent years, some airports have added the requirement for you to remove your shoes when you pass through security. Or certain types of shoes. Or you just leave them onโฆ
There doesnโt appear to be a whole lot of consistency to the process between airports. But you can ensure youโre prepared for any scenario with a comfortable pair of slip-on shoes that you can easily remove if needed. Sketchers are always a great go-to because they are insanely comfy. If youโre planning a lot of walking on your trip, youโll definitely put them to good use!
Choose The Left-Hand Queue
This is a trick I learned in a Disney Parks travel guide years ago and it has helped me in many situations since then!
When it comes to queuing, many humans have an unconscious bias and will subconsciously head to the right-hand queue. So if you want the speediest trip through security, pick the inevitably shorter queue on the left. It works for Disney and airports, I can assure you!
Packing Airport Hacks
If you want to make your trip through the airport super simple, there are a few essentials you can pack to make your life easier. Be sure to add the following items to your carry on bag so they are close at hand!
Wear Layers
Airports and planes have the most inconsistent temperatures. The easiest way to conquer this is to wear layers. If youโre wearing a jacket or sweatshirt, youโll need to take it off as you go through security. But, it doubles up as a comfy pillow or added layer during the flight so it is worth the little extra effort.
Pack A USB Charger
There are so many reasons why you want to have your charger to hand when flying! Many airports offer charging facilities, and you can usually charge your device on the plane too. This is ideal if you want to use your phone for music and movies during the flight but you need to use it for maps when you reach your destination!
Bring Your Own Snacks
Airport snacks are expensive. But did you know that you can bring your own snacks for your flight? Save yourself some cash by picking up snacks from the supermarket before you travel.
Some foods that are considered liquids or partial liquids such as marmalade, jam and sauces arenโt allowed through security. Always make sure you check your departure airport guidelines prior to travel to avoid packing any prohibited items.
Bring An Empty Water Bottle
We all know that it is no longer possible to take liquids through security. However, it is possible to take an empty water bottle that you can fill up once youโre in departures. A collapsible water bottle such as this one is perfect for taking up minimal packing space.
Reusable water bottles are much more eco-friendly than purchasing water in plastic bottles throughout your travel. It will also save you money too, since you donโt need to buy water each day.
Pre-Flight Airport Hacks
Now youโve made it as far as the gate, there are a few final hacks you need to know, to set you up for the perfect flight.
Keep Hydrated
Since youโve packed your reusable water bottle, you might as well put it to use!
Airplanes have incredibly low humidity, which is the perfect environment to cause dehydration. Before and during your flight, it is important to stay hydrated to avoid feelings of fatigue, headaches, nausea, and more. Jetlag is a killer enough without adding dehydration into the mix!
Hydrate Your Skin
In the same vein, the airplane humidity will dry out your skin. To combat this, moisturize thoroughly before stepping onto the plane. You can keep your skin feeling refreshed by topping up with a facial spritz during the flight.
Avoid A Heavy Meal
At 35,000 feet, when youโre sitting for hours on end, your body has a hard time digesting food. This can make you feel extra sluggish and uncomfortable during the flight. So if youโre grabbing a meal at the airport, ensure it is a light one packed with nutrients and low in sugar.
Boarding Airport Hacks
And finally, as you head to your gate, here are some boarding airport hacks to ensure the final stage of your airport visit is as simple and stress-free as the rest of it. Make sure you donโt want to fall at the final hurdle!
Listen Out For Announcements
It can be tempting, especially if youโre traveling alone, to sit at the gate with your headphones in. Or if youโre transferring flights, you might fancy a quick snooze. You want to avoid this if you can, however, as you need to be listening out for gate changes and boarding announcements.
After all of the effort youโve put in so far, you donโt want to miss your flight!
Pack Your In-Flight Essentials In A Small Bag
While youโre at the gate, use your time to get your carry on bag in order.
I always pack a foldable shopping bag in my carry on, then spend a few minutes at the gate reorganizing my luggage. I pack all of the items I want access to on the flight into the shopping bag. This means that when I board, I can throw my rucksack into the overhead locker and jump into my seat with all of my in-flight essentials in hand.
An additional bonus is that this smaller bag doesnโt take up all of my legroom when I place it under the seat in front of me!
Wait To Board
Finally, donโt jump up to get on the plane as soon as boarding is announced. Most airlines will board passengers from the back of the flight, working their way forward. This is to avoid people getting held up in the aisles as much as possible while passengers get themselves settled in their seats.
Despite this, there is often a charge of people eager to get onto the plane the second boarding is opened. To avoid the chaos, wait until your seating section is called up. Because no one really wants to spend longer trapped on a plane than necessary, do they?
20 Airport Hacks
If you found these 20 airport hacks helpful, be sure to follow Get Lost on Pinterest for even more bonus travel tips and news.
Before You Go
So if youโre heading to an airport, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it so you can revisit these tips!
Is there a top tip Iโve missed? If there is, Iโd love to hear about it! Letโs connect onย Instagramย and send me a DM with your number one airport hack!
Until our next adventure,
Love it? Pin it!
If you like these 20 airport hacks, be sure to follow Get Lost on Pinterest. Thatโs where Iโll be sharing all my great travel tips!
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Hello, Iโm Hannah! Iโm a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you donโt have to go far to find an adventure.
Very practical tips there and packed with loads of common sense. I was nodding as I was reading this ๐
I’m so glad you agree with these tips! Thanks for reading!
Loving all of these useful yet simple tips! I actually tend to eat a larger meal before heading to the airport, so that I don’t have to buy anything there or on the plane, and enough time has passed that I don’t feel ill while flying.
I’m glad you love the tips! Oh, eating before heading to the hospital is a great idea! We normally fly super early in the AM, but next time I have a flight later in the day I’m going to try this one out!
Getting a small luggage scale was a game-changer for me. I love not being stressed out about my baggage weight when trying to check-in!
It removes so much of the stress, doesn’t it! It’s such a worthwhile investment for the amount of stress it saves!
These are fabulous tricks, thanks for sharing. As a fequent traveller, I do most of them… However, the one I REALLY need to do is invest in a unique suitcase. What a fabulous idea, I’ve seen so many people confused about which one is their case! I need this!!
A unique suitcase really does make a difference! I’ve always been a person drawn to bright and unique designs, but it really does come into its own when you’re waiting at the airport carousel!
Excellent tips, thanks for sharing. I do many of these without even paying too much attention to them. One thing I’d like to add is that don’t take your favourite water bottle with you. In some airports they take away even empty water bottles in security.
That’s a shame that some airports take away empty water bottles! That’s why I quite like the collapsible ones, as you can squash them right down and just take them through security in my bag. I’ve never had any problems in the past but with so many airports having different rules I’ll prepare myself that I might lose it one day!
These are some cool hacks! Very useful tips, some of which are so obvious, still we tend to ignore. ๐
I’m glad you like the tips and found them useful! Thanks for reading!
These are all great hacks and I utilize many of them. I even learned a new one from you, which is to utilize the left hand queue. Iโll try that the next time I travel!
I’m glad the tips! The left-hand one is a funny one…now you’re aware of it, you’ll find yourself using it everywhere! Thanks for reading!
So many great tips! Even if you think you know it all, it’s always handy to have a list to refer to. Pinning!
Thanks Denise! I’m so pleased you find the tips useful! I hope you get a chance to put them into practice soon!
Waiting to board is my favorite hack! I would rather spend less time in my seat! Water bottles and snacks are also key! Great list!
I’m so pleased you love the list! I completely agree with you, who wants to spend longer crammed in a plane than necessary??
I’ve never heard of the left side queue tip- but it makes sense! Can’t wait to start using it!!!
Honestly, it’s a lifesaver! You’ll find yourself using it everywhere!
There are some great tips on this post! Definitely going to come back to this next flight.
I’m so glad you love the post! I hope you get an opportunity to try them out soon!
Good point re eating a healthy meal. It is so important when travelling. However, I find airports to be carb and temptation havens!
Airports are lethal when it comes it food options! Although I can often find a nice salad somewhere with a bit of hunting! That being said, I am guilty of stuffing the carbs on occasion depending on what is on the menu! I suppose I only have myself to blame!
These are some great tips! I use many of these myself but I didn’t know about using the left lane.
The left-hand lane is a handy tip! You’ll find yourself using it everywhere! I’m glad you love the tips!
These are brilliant – great minds think alike! All these little tips and tricks reaaaallly make me miss travelling – hope I remember to do all of these when we can again! ๐
Oh I know how you feel! I never thought I’d miss being in an airport! At least I got to re-live the experience briefly while writing this post! I’ll never complain about the security queue again after this year!!
I love this! People stress so much going to the airport and there are so many things they can do to help. Best tip is weighing your suitcase beforehand…saves so much trouble.
The airport process always stressed me out until I started travelling frequently with work. I can see why people who don’t do it frequently feel overwhelmed! I can’t imagine travelling without weighing my case in advance…I can’t deal with the roulette at check-in as I see the weight fluctuate! I’m so glad you love the post!
What a perfect list! Writing down the parking spot is a great idea. After a long trip, we always forget. Ha!
I’m glad you love the tips! There’s nothing worse than not being able to find the car when you’re cold and tired after a long flight! I end up getting rumpy so it’s safest for everyone if we write it down!
Great list of tips – but it’s the lefthand queue that is now etched in memory as the way to go for future flights!
It’s a great tip, isn’t it! I was only 9 when my Dad first read it in the Disney travel guide but it has always stuck with me!
Love these tips! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost a car in an airport so I really should write that down. I also wear shoes that can easily slip off, but also ones I can wear socks with so I’m not walking in my bare feet around a dirty airport floor while they inspect my bags. I didn’t know about the right queue bias. I might try that next time and go to the left!
I’m so glad you love the tips! Losing the car is infuriating, isn’t it! Once we step off the plane I’m so ready to go home, I don’t want to spend hours looking for the car! I hope you get an opportunity to try out the left-hand queue soon!
Omg I need to do so many of these things. Especially the parts about hydrating my skin and hydrating my body haha. I will definitely follow these tips when I go on my next plane!
It is surprising how much of a difference it makes when you stay hydrated! I definitely feel much more refreshed stepping off a plane when I’ve had plenty to drink and kept my skin moisturized. I hope you get a chance to try the tips out soon!
These are great travel hacks! Getting through the airport efficiently is a great skill to have for any traveler.
I’m glad you love the airport hacks! It really makes a difference if you can have a stress-free airport experience!
Haha I totally share your frustrations with people who start taking out their liquids when they’re already at the trays… And super useful to know that the left queue is the one to choose (I never knew this before!).
Haha I’m glad I’m not the only one who shares the frustration! I hope you get an opportunity to try out the left-hand queue soon!
These are awesome airport hacks and tips to help ensure a smooth start to a trip. I never remember where I park so always take a picture of the lot / stall number.
It’s so handy to remember where you parked the car, isn’t it! It’ sp frustrating when you come back and just want to go home but you can’t remember where you left it! I definitely agree that a stress-free airport experience sets you up for a great trip!
I enjoyed your suggestions. Particularly liked the hand-held luggage scale and the collapsible water bottle. I do love selecting my seat in advance but have found that many international flights do not allow that UNLESS you pay extra. That really infuriates me.
It’s definitely frustrating when you have to pay to select your seat in advance! Because I’m terrified of flying I’m usually happy to pay for the peace of mind that I’m going to be sat with my family but it definitely feels like an unnecessary additional expense! I’m so glad you enjoyed the guide! Thanks for reading!
Airport travel Can def be overwhelming so this guide is super helpful! Some things have become so second nature I didnโt even think of it as a tip.
I’m so glad you like the tips! It’s always a good sign when things become second nature, many of these are now habits for me, but I can recall when the airport was a super stressful experience! Thanks for reading the post!
I love reading about travel related hacks, so I really enjoyed your post. I’m such an organised person when it comes to travel, that I basically do almost everything you listed above and it helped me so much to actually enjoy my airport visits ๐
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post! It’s the great thing about these tips that, over time, they start becoming a habit and it makes the airport experience a stress-free one! I used to dread heading to the airport but it is a much more enjoyable experience now. And after this year, I can’t wait to get back to the airport! Thanks so much for reading!
Love these tips!! I had no idea about choosing the left hand queue! Iโm gonna have to test that out.
I’m so glad you like the tips! I hope you get an opportunity to try out the left hand queue soon!
Great advice! I consider myself a seasoned traveler but I can still benefit from these tips, especially the one about choosing the left-hand queue, and all the ones about checking in your luggage. I’ve never had to check in, but it’s useful info for the future.
I’m glad you like the tips! I hope you get a chance to try them out soon. Thanks for reading!
Girl I do so many of these!! And I get so annoyed at people who don’t have their liquids and computer easy to access. Here’s hoping more people take your great advice!
I’m glad you like the post! I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels the frustration! I hope we’re able to get back to the airport soon to try these all out again!
Great tips!
And Ah-hahaha! I am so glad I am not the only one that experiences the pedestrian equivalent of road rage! It does my head in when people walk so slowly through airports!
I totally agree about having a unique bag. I used to have a suitcase with pink polkadots. I was sooo sad when I’d used it to death. Now I have a grey one so it’s always slightly less obvious it is mine. Next time it breaks I’ll go back so something individual…
Yesss!!! I’m glad I’m not alone with the frustration! I cannot deal with slow walkers!
It’s surprising what a difference a unique suitcase makes, isn’t it! It’s so sad that your polka dot one broke!
I’m glad to say I do a lot of these too! Measuring weight of my bag is the only thing i’m really bad about. I’m getting a travel size luggage scale to weigh before/after the trip so I don’t have to take all my stuff out at the airport to repack.. AGAIN.
Luggage scales make the world of difference! It always feels a bit like roulette when I don’t weigh my luggage beforehand! I never travel without luggage scales now!
I totally agree with your tip to wait to board. I don’t understand why people want to get on the plane first — only to wait longer in a cramped seat! We’re sometimes the very last people to board. Thanks for these airport hacks for travelers!
I’m so glad you like the tips! I’m with you, why spend longer on a plane than absolutely necessary? I always wait to board rather than rushing!
Great tips and tricks! I have always been following a lot of these! Especially following the queue on the left side – not many people realise that isn’t it? You’ve just spilled out the secret, now people will start using left queues – ha ha ha ๐
Haha maybe if everyone starts queuing on the left we’ll have to switch to the right instead for the quicker journey! Sorry for letting the secret slip!
Every one of these tips is on the mark. All very practical and they take the angst out of navigating airports. The left-hand queue is new to me in airports without trusted traveller lines or staff directing travellers to specific screening stations. I love the note about parking. I was picked up in Toronto once and we spent a considerable amount of time searching for my friend’s vehicle. Great tip!
Thanks Anne, I’m so glad you like the tips! I actually learned the left-hand queue tip when visiting Disney – it works there too! The car park one is a lifesaver. I hate getting home in the early hours after a long flight then spending house in the cold trying to track down the car! Thanks for reading!
okay, major score here. I am about to take my first solo trip (without the hubs and kids) in 2 weeks and this post was the PERFECT refresher! In-flight essentials bag… so much yes. I literally just got up and found a bag to use for that. THANK YOU!! ๐ – Linzey @thefamilyfuntour
Thanks for reading Linzey! I’m so glad you found the guide useful! It’s been so long since I last travelled, I’m going to need a refresher too! Have a wonderful solo trip! Where are you heading?
These airport hacks are a treasure trove of practical advice. They cover every stage of the journey, from pre-flight preparations to in-flight comfort. Thanks for sharing these tips to make traveling through airports a breeze!
I’m so glad you found these tips helpful!
MY PRO TIP when going through the security checkpoint: For electronics like laptops Phones or cameras it is always better to send them last through the screening.. if you send them first before you clear the security.. you might give a chance to someone to pick your item and leave
Oooh I LOVE this tip! I always end up sending tech through first but then I’m stuck juggling it while waiting for my bag to follow ๐คฆโโ๏ธ I’m going to switch it up next time to make it easier – thanks for sharing!
Oh you should try it next time ๐
happy this helps ๐