I love travelling but the airport part not so much. The airport can be stressful, and being a seasoned traveller doesn’t mean that things can’t go wrong. When you travel frequently, you can get complacent, giving rise to costly schoolgirl errors. Due to recent events that cost me both time and money, I decided to collate some of the best time and money-saving airport hacks to make the airport slightly less stressful, leaving more time to enjoy the duty-free freebies.
1. Download your Airline’s app
Everyone should be doing this by now, and if not, why not? Download your airline’s app and check-in to give yourself more time and keep updated. Checking in online not only saves time and reduces stress, but depending on what airline you’re flying with, it can also save you money. Some airlines charge if you have not checked in online by a specific time.
Unless you require a particular seat, I recommend waiting until you can select a free seat 24 hours before your flight or opt for random selection.
Although you could use your phone’s Web browser to check in, the airline apps make the process quicker. Additionally, you can check the status of flights, choose seats and download boarding passes.
Check out other useful travel apps to have on your phone.
2. Book a morning flight
Booking an early flight means that if you miss it, it may be possible to fly the same day on another flight saving you going home only to return to the airport again the following day.
Early flights avoid traffic en route to and at the airport, and it is rare for such flights to be delayed. There are often fewer people for a flight early in the morning as most people don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night to get to the airport before the crack of dawn. The antisocial timing of the flight means they can also be much cheaper and, depending on where you’re flying, can mean you have a full day ahead of you when you land!
Additionally, if you fear turbulence, this is another reason to get a morning flight. Apparently, factors that cause turbulence usually occur in the afternoon, so if you get travel sickness or you’re scared of turbulence, opt for a morning flight.
3. Have a portable charger
Accessible outlets to charge phones etc. are often hard to find or all in use at the airport. Taking a portable charger means you don’t have to worry about your phone dying. Batteries tend to go at crucial times, which can be disastrous, especially if travelling alone.
4. Check your luggage allowance
Double-check your luggage allowance and pre-book extra luggage if necessary. It will save time and money at the airport.
5. Make sure your essentials are easily accessible
Make the items you will need first (e.g. boarding pass and other essential items) or frequently easily accessible to avoid searching through your bag and pulling everything out at security or having to get up and rummage through the overhead bin on your flight.
6. Keep electricals in an accessible place
Electrical items will have to be taken out when going through airport security, so having easy access to them means you won’t have to search through your luggage in the line. You will have to scan your laptop separately, so as said above, make sure it is easily accessible.
We know the procedure, so empty your pockets and don’t waste your and everyone else’s time fumbling with keys and change before going through the metal detector.
7. Have a reusable water bottle
As you can only take 100 ml of liquid through airport security, take a reusable water bottle that you can refill at the airport. Refill it when you pass security, at one of the free water stations before boarding, instead of paying ridiculous prices for bottled water at the airport.
8.Dress Practically
Always dress as comfortably as possible. Travelling means walking or even running far to get to the gate and sitting on a plane for hours. My typical outfit is jeans, trainers/boots and a tracksuit top, but whatever you decide to wear, make sure it’s comfortable enough to sit and walk in for long periods.
It’s advisable to wear or bring warm socks and a jumper/tracksuit top/hoodie. With air conditioning often on full blast, it can feel chilly when sitting on the plane. If you don’t need it, you can use it as a pillow on board.
9. Avoid expensive airport food
Sometimes you want to treat yourself at the airport, and other times you’re Hank Marvin and faced with overly priced and mediocre airport/plane food options. Prevent hunger headaches, hanger and overspending by bringing your own dry snacks in your carry-on that are easy to take through security.
10. Reserve your duty free
Do your duty-free shopping ahead of time by browsing online at home, reserve your shopping, and then collect it when you get through security. You can reserve your airport shopping online between one month and 24 hours before you fly.
Not only does this save time, but ordering in advance of your flight means you can choose from a wider selection of products, some of which may not be available at the airport.
11. Hand luggage only
Save yourself time and pack light when possible. Travelling with hand luggage saves checking it in and waiting for it at each end. Hand luggage only makes it easy to get around without being weighed down and is especially helpful if you’re late for a flight.
12. Take an extra bag
Taking a spare, large bag like a tote or small holdall with you is helpful if you’re luggage is overweight and you need to transfer items. If travelling solo, you can’t shove your extra weight in someone else’s luggage. Taking an extra bag with you will save buying costly luggage at the airport.
13. Wear your extra luggage
Following on from the above, if you’re still packed to the brim, wear your heavier clothing through airport security and change when you pass them.
14. Keep hotel toiletries
Save money and keep a collection of hotel toiletries instead of paying for travel-sized ones. You have paid for them in your hotel rate, so take them with you and keep them for your next trip. Frequent travellers, in particular, will benefit from this tip.
15. Separate liquids
As we are required to separate liquids into clear plastic bags, do so before reaching security. It’s also a good idea to have a couple of spare. There are plenty at the airport, so grab a few and keep them as they may come in handy on your travels.
16. Go to the gate early
I should take my advice here. All too often, I’ve had to make a mad dash to the gate even though I was at the airport in ample time! Now is not the time for a last-minute cardio workout. I’m sure you’re already beach body ready.
17. Re-book flights on your phone
If you miss your flight, don’t waste time queuing at the customer service desk to re-book. Use your phone and see what the prices are on Skyscanner or directly on the airline website. Often booking through a customer service agent at the airport is more expensive.
18. Take a picture of your case
Taking a picture of your checked luggage can save a lot of time if your luggage is lost or stolen, allowing staff to know what they are looking for exactly.
19. Tie a ribbon to your case
A lot of luggage can look the same, so whether it be a bright ribbon or a piece of string, tying it to your suitcase will make it easier to identify during baggage claim.
20. Pre-book parking
If you’re parking at the airport, pre-booking parking means less stress. Booking in advance saves time, is cheaper, and offers a wider range of parking options only available online.
21. Take a photo of your parking space
Each floor of the airport car park looks the same, and you’re not likely to remember where you parked when you’ve just returned from a relaxing holiday. If you’re parking and flying, take a photo of where you parked your car, including signage, section and level.
22. Be careful when wearing headphones at the gate
Speaking from experience, sometimes just looking at the board isn’t enough.
Listening to music, streaming podcasts or watching a movie on your electronic device helps pass the time at the gate, but keep an ear open for those important flight announcements.
23. Make use of the lounge
The airport lounge is no longer only for those flying business or first class. If you’d rather sit in a more tranquil space, make use of several lounges open to the public for a small fee.
The lounges are best booked in advance and offer complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, charging points, digital newspapers and magazines, private meeting rooms, runway views and much more.
24. Ask for an upgrade
The answer is always going to be no if you don’t ask. Travelling solo makes it easier to ask for a flight upgrade, and the worst they can say is a no.
25. Go to the left at security
As most humans are biased toward the fact that the majority of the population is right-handed many naturally veer to the right when choosing a security checkpoint line, leaving fewer people in line on the left. It may not always be the case, but worth a try.
I hope you enjoyed these time and money-saving airport hacks. Let me know what you would add to the list.
