Whether you are a first-time flyer or an intermediate traveler, navigating the airport can be a nightmare. Here are just a few airport travel tips, tricks, and hacks I’ve used on dozens of flights.
Airport Travel Tips, Tricks, and Hacks
Airport Travel Tip One: Avoid curbside check-in
My first tip is to avoid curbside check-in. Unless you are running extremely late, curbside check-in is not worth it. It costs money. I used it one time without knowing that there was a price tag associated with it. Though only ten dollars, that was wasted money as all I had to do is walk 50 feet into the airport and check my bags in for free.
Airport Travel Tip Number Two: Bring A Reusable Water Bottle
My next airport travel tip is going to save you even more money. Tip two is to bring and use a reusable water bottle. Though the water bottle must be completely empty when going through the TSA security checkpoint, you can fill up your water bottle at the water fountains when nearing your gate. I bring a water bottle on every flight and this saves me anywhere between $3 and $6 on purchasing a bottled water. If there happens to be a Starbucks at your airport, they will fill it up for free.
Airport Travel Tip Number 3: Bring food and snacks from home
My third tip goes along with tip number two. Purchasing food or snacks at the airport can be super expensive. Instead, bring pre-packaged snacks with you in your carry-on or personal bag.
Airport Travel Tip Number 4: Prepare for security
My fourth airport travel tip is to prepare to go through security while you are waiting in line. Take off your belt and put it in your carry on with your cell phone, keys, change, etc Loosen up your shoes, take out your laptop or electronics from your carry-on bag. This will save you time and get you through the line faster.
Tip Number Five: Obtain TSA Pre-Check
Travel hack number five is to apply for and obtain TSA PreCheck. This trusted traveler program give you access to a shorter line because you have already been through a background check. You do not have to take off your shoes or jacket therefore you can arrive to the airport just prior to your flight versus hours in advance. Make sure your boarding ticket says TSA Pre-Check.
Trick Number Six: Download the airline app
Airport travel trick number six is to download the app to whatever airline you are using. The apps allow you to check your flight status and check if there’s any gate change. Should you have a flight with a layover, you can check for the gate to make sure you’re there on time especially if you have a quick connection. Sometimes airlines provide additional perks if you download the app.
Airport Travel Tip Number Seven: Download entertainment before boarding
Travel tip number seven is to make sure you have entertainment ready on your device before heading to the airport. Some airlines, like Southwest, provide you with in-flight entertainment but you must download the Southwest app to use it. If you have a Netflix subscription, there is now a download option so you can download your favorite show or your favorite movie to watch on the airplane without the use of Wi-Fi. Amazon Prime has the same download feature. If you have a subscription to Audible, you can download your audio book before the flight as another option.
Airport Hack Number Eight: Pack your toothbrush and paste in your carry-on luggage
Airport travel tip number eight: on long or overnight flights, make sure you pack your toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on luggage. You can freshen up in the bathroom.
Tip Number Nine: Take a screenshot of your digital boarding pass
If you’re using a digital boarding pass, I highly recommend you take a screenshot and save the photo for easy and quick access. Many times in the airport, you will not have adequate internet or Wi-Fi connection. Without internet, you will not be able to log into your email or the app to quickly show your boarding pass.
Airport Travel Tip Number 10: Pack heavy items in your carry-on
Airport hack number ten relates to your carry-on luggage and personal items: If you are traveling with heavy items, pack them in your carry-on bag because the airline never weighs them. In addition, it is good to know the dimensions of the bags permitted by the airline. You can find this information on the airline website. Ensure your carry-on luggage meets the standards so you do not have to pay extra if it’s not within their size restrictions.
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Tip number eleven: Avoid buying black luggage
If you do not have a luggage yet, please do not buy a black bag. Everybody has black bags and finding your luggage on the baggage carousel is difficult. If you do have a black bag or common luggage, buy a strap, cover, or even put a ribbon on your luggage. This will allow you to find your bag easily. Also, this will hopefully prevent someone from accidentally taking your bag.
Travel For Free With A Travel Credit Card
My last airport travel tip is to apply for a travel credit card that gives you points towards flights. You can fly for free. My husband and I put all of our monthly bills on our Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. We pay off the credit card at the end of the month avoiding interest. It is easy to accumulate points to use toward travel. In addition, this credit card also offers travel insurance on any travel booked on the card. Talk about saving money!
If you wish to apply to the Chase Sapphire Travel Credit card, use this link. You will receive bonus points and so will I.
In summary:
Whether you are a first-time air traveler or travel consistently for business, implementing these easy airport travel tips, tricks, and hacks can save you time and money. In addition, your airport experience will be less hectic. What tips did I miss? Drop me a comment with your favorite airport travel tip.
About the Author:
Hi! I’m Chris. I’m a mother, wife, college professor by trade and micro-influencer by hobby. I am a bargain hunter, jack of all trades, and master of chaos.
Thank you for reading my random thoughts on travel, my stories of life as an under appreciated mother of a teenager, and my easy recipes that have won no awards but instead my family’s love and adoration (which is WAY better, right?).
