Think about traveling to your dream vacation spot and the first thing that comes to mind is… the airport! Logistics can make or break your trip, especially during high season or peak travel periods. So here are some tried-and-tested expert airport hacks for comfortable travel, no matter when or where you’re flying.
Travel day chaos is the enemy of a comfortable trip. To get around that, use these airport hacks to start your vacation a few hours early. We’ve also included some tricks to maximize layovers, so they don’t feel like a chore, either.
1. Never run out of power for your devices
Take the stress out of how you’ll recharge your phone and other devices by preparing in advance. Most planes and airport waiting lounges have USB ports these days. Your best bet is to carry a USB-A cable that fits your stuff, and you’ll be covered. And, while you’re on the go or waiting in line to check in, use a portable battery charger to keep topped up.
2. Save money on your airport drop-off
Airport parking can be a nightmare at the best of times and it’s always expensive. To avoid high parking fees, an easy airport hack is to do a little research on your options up front. Some airports have cheaper parking lots a short shuttle ride away from the main terminal.
3. Know your airport
One of the easiest airport hacks is to simply do some preflight research. Most airports allow you download their terminal maps, or at least check them online, so you can get an idea of facilities, shops, restaurants, and gate locations. You can even preplan a layover full of fun activities, like booking a manicure! Make the most of airport lounges. You can usually find good deals on lounge access through your credit card, and it’s absolutely worth it for the peace and quiet, especially at busy times. Prebook your lounge during school holiday periods, if possible, or you might not find a spot!
4. Be WiFi-independent
If you rely on airport WiFi for internet access, you might be left without a boarding pass at the last minute. Instead, download it at home and save it locally in your phone’s wallet.
Pre-downloading is a great airport hack to beat boredom and travel with your favorite shows, too. Most streaming services allow you to download several episodes, entire movies, documentaries, or podcasts so you can enjoy them when you’re offline. This is great if you don’t like the in-flight entertainment options. As a bonus, watching content offline uses less battery power from your device. And you’ll be able to keep watching your favorite sitcom during a layover, even if Netflix doesn’t yet offer it in that country.
Bonus tip: Downloading content to your smartphone or tablet before flying can help once you arrive at your destination, too. Save offline maps onto your device so you can drive off without waiting for international roaming services to kick in, saving you time and data usage.
6. Book facilities for any disabilities
Why not ensure you have a comfortable trip by prebooking any facilities that can reduce your travel stress? Wheelchairs and attendants who can help you get around can be ordered ahead of time. Moreover, did you know that renting a wheelchair is free of charge for people with mobility issues? There are also electric buggies that can be prebooked.
Additionally, alert the airline in advance of your trip and they will often provide passenger mobility support. They can also provide some of their own airport hacks and other tips on what to do to be comfortable during the flight, too.
Finally, as part of special assistance measures, you can ask to skip ahead of the security check line. And, if you have what’s called a “hidden disability,” like autism, wearing a lanyard that shows airport staff that you could need assistance can be a lifesaver. If you haven’t had time to order one to be delivered to you at home, you can usually get one at an assistance desk when you arrive at the airport.
7. What to wear
For a comfortable trip, take a hint from travel influencers and act like you’re flying in first class even if you’re in coach. Pack a soft, comfortable blanket to wrap around yourself in the plane and invest in a silky sleep mask that will help you forget about the world around you. To tune out chatter and engine sounds, wear noise-canceling headphones.
If you’re concerned about baggage overages, skip the blanket and wear your bulkiest coat or jacket in the airport, then use it to wrap around yourself when you’re in your seat. Wear your bulkiest shoes for the trip as well, to keep your bag lighter.
8. Bring an empty water bottle and toothbrush
One of the most underrated airport hacks is carrying your own water bottle. You’ll save lots of money on overpriced bottled water in the airport, and you’ll be reducing the use of plastic. Nowadays, many airports have a water fountain or refill station near restrooms, or you can ask for your bottle to be refilled for free in cafés around the terminal.
Give yourself peace of mind in case your luggage is delayed or goes missing by bringing a toothbrush and a few other small “just in case” items for your carry-on bag. You may consider bringing on board miniatures of your favorite toiletries (toothpaste, moisturizer, deodorant), a spare top, and a change of underwear.
9. Set your watch to your new timezone
When you have long layovers or you’re crossing the globe, timezone changes can get confusing. Try to stay one step ahead of the jet lag by getting into your destination’s timezone while you travel. Set your watch to the new time, but double check with your phone and airport displays to make sure you don’t miss your connecting flight!
Other things you can do to help with jet lag include adjusting your eating times to match where you’re going and using a sleep mask to trick yourself into night mode when you’re on the plane.
10. Ziploc bags and wet wipes
These two items are always useful in airports and when traveling. Carry a few small Ziploc bags that can help you organize your items inside a bigger bag. They’re also great for storing snacks and for transporting food you haven’t finished yet. As for wet wipes (and hand sanitizer), stay away from bacteria and germs easily by carrying a small pack with you. You’ll be able to wipe off a dirty tray table or clean your hands at your seat before an airplane meal, for example.
Flights make our skin and eyes dryer. To avoid discomfort from wearing contact lenses, especially on long flights with layovers, wear your glasses instead. You may want to bring some eye drops with you as well, to enhance your travel comfort.
12. Plan your meals
It’s hard to eat healthfully in an airport, and if you have any dietary constraints, it can also become an additional source of stress. Instead, check the restaurants’ menus in advance and make a plan around what you’ll buy on-site and which snacks you’ll bring with you.
Start planning your next trip and we wish you well and are here to help you book your flights.
