Airports are vibrant hubs of activity, full of travelers doing their best to get from A to B with as little disruption as possible. As much as we love exploring new places, it’s no secret that things often go a little bit awry when flying, but did you know there are things you can do to make the journey as smooth as possible?
Airlines like Southwest might be able to help you out more than you think, or packing something extra could make the difference between an awful flight and a great one. Even if you think you’ve got your airport routine down to a T, you might want to consider these helpful tips and tricks.
1. Bring your own headphones
Pros: No need to pay for extra
What you need: Your own set
Cost: $5+*
Bringing your own headphones to the airport is highly recommended for a number of reasons. Not only will it stop you from buying your own set when you want to watch the in-flight movie, but they will be more comfortable and won’t fall out of your ears at a moment’s notice.
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It’s good of airlines like American Airlines to provide them, but they aren’t exactly top-quality. If you want to truly relax and watch the entertainment without interruption, you’re better off sticking with your own pair than taking a risk and buying a set of theirs.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for a free upgrade
Pros: You might get a better seat
What you need: Confidence
Cost: Free
Most people are so polite that they would never dream of asking for anything for free, but that’s where we’re going wrong. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and if making it known that you’re celebrating a special occasion means you’ll get special treatment, do it.
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Airlines like United have been known to give passengers free upgrades if they’re able to, just to make their experience as memorable as possible. Of course, it doesn’t always work, but if you don’t ask you don’t get – and you have nothing to lose!
3. When entering the security check, head to the left checkpoint
Pros: Get through quicker
What you need: To be able to tell right from left
Cost: Free
We all know how excruciating it can be to be stood in the security line forever, but there could be a way to eliminate this stress forever. Instead of going automatically right when you get to security, head left and for the one furthest away from you on that side.
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The thinking behind this is simple. As most people are right-handed, they head for the right checkpoint. By going left, you’ll play the system and likely end up getting through it all faster. It might not be a hack that will save you a ton of money, but it will save you precious time!
4. Don’t forget to bring a portable charger
Pros: You’ll never run out of power
What you need: A portable battery charger
Cost: $10-$20*
There’s no denying that we love our tech, so keeping it charged is often top priority. Traveling without access to a phone can be incredibly annoying as well as unsafe. Airports have plenty of charging points, but the chances of landing a seat next to one is unlikely. Instead, bring a portable charger with you.
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When your iPhone starts to run out of charge, you can just get it out and start charging. Bonus tip: turn your phone off or put it into airplane mode after takeoff. Otherwise, it could keep scanning for a network which will end up draining the battery at a very fast pace.
5. Bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer
Pros: You’ll be protected against germs
What you need: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer
Cost: $3-$5*
Planes are essentially floating tin cans, and with so many people in such close proximity to you, it’s only natural that the chance of catching a bug is increased. To be on the safe side, make sure you travel with a pack of wet wipes and hand sanitizer.
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Use them at every available opportunity to try and keep the nasties at bay. Plus, wet wipes will help you feel refreshed after a long flight. Everyone feels a little groggy after spending a long stretch of time on a American Airlines plane. You may not be able to shower straight away, but at least you can wipe yourself down.
6. If you don’t like turbulence, book an early morning flight
Pros: A more relaxing flight
What you need: A morning flight
Cost: Free
Turbulence is a horrible part of flying that no one really enjoys. A white knuckle ride that lasts for hours isn’t going to do anyone’s nerves any good. Some people even have to buy costly medication to get them through it. Sometimes it’s simply unavoidable, but there are a few things that you can do to lessen your chances of experiencing it.
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Most turbulence tends to occur in the afternoon, so booking a flight in the early morning could mean a smoother ride. It won’t eliminate the chance of it happening totally, but it will lessen the odds and hopefully allow you to watch that downloaded Netflix movie in peace.
7. Bring your own spare ziploc bags
Pros: Traveling with liquids, keeping stuff safe
What you need: Ziploc bags
Cost: $4*
When you’re packing to go away for a trip, it might not occur to you to run into the kitchen and grab the pack of Ziploc bags. That being said, it’s actually a really good idea to make some room for them in your suitcase for a variety of reasons.
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Even if you’ve already packed all of your liquids, you might end up buying something last minute at the airport. On the flip side, if you’re planning on going to a beach, putting your tech inside a clear bag can actually protect them while you use it. If you don’t have any at home, you can pick them up at stores like Walmart for a fairly minimal amount.
8. Check-in 24-hours before your flight
Pros: No waiting in the check-in line
What you need: Online check-in
Cost: Free
Many moons ago, online check-in wasn’t even an option. But, these days, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, almost every modern airline has this option as standard. You can check in online up to 24 hours prior to your flight time. Say goodbye to expensive last-minute cab rides to the airport.
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That way, you don’t have to stand in line to have someone do it for you, you can just shuffle on through with your electronic boarding pass already printed. There’s a lot to be said about the internet, but this is definitely one of the better perks. It’s a modern marvel.
9. Take a photo of your checked luggage
Pros: Easier to spot at baggage claim
What you need: A camera phone
Cost: $100+ (free if you already have one)*
When it comes to luggage, there are tons of people out there that have the same bags. There are things that you can do to make your suitcase look more identifiable so it’s easier for you to spot. Even then, it’s best to get out your phone and take a quick picture of it before you check it.
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That way, you’ll be able to refer to the picture while you’re standing at baggage claim so you know you’re definitely picking up the right one. Even if you think you know which one is yours, someone could have got the exact same one at Target. Better to be safe than left red-faced!
10. Freeze your liquids to bring on planes
Pros: Get your liquid through security
What you need: A frozen bottle of water etc
Cost: $1*
It’s no secret to anyone that liquids have been banned on planes for a while now, with only smaller containers allowed. If you really want to bring a drink onto the plane and don’t want to mess around with buying one, then you can always freeze your bottle of water first.
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The only downside is that it must still be totally frozen when it goes through the checks with you. Even if that bottle of Pepsi is just a little bit defrosted, it won’t pass and it will be a big waste of time and money. So, if you’ve got a long trip to the airport, this one might not be for you.
11. Find the best seat on the plane when you check-in
Pros: You’ll be super comfortable
What you need: SeatGuru
Cost: Free
Different airlines have different planes and different seat layouts, so it’s sometimes difficult to know whether the seat you go for is going to be a comfortable one. That’s where SeatGuru comes in. You can use it to search for reviews on your seat, so you’ll know if you made the right choice or not.
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It’s a novel idea that has helped many tired travelers in the past. Just remember to return the favor and leave a review for your own seat when you’ve disembarked. You never know, it could really make a difference for the next person that walks in!
12. Fly red-eye
Pros: Peace and quiet
What you need: A red-eye flight
Cost: Free
Not many people actually chose to fly red-eye. It makes sense, considering most of us would rather be asleep in a cozy bed at night rather than on an airplane, but if you hate crowded airports and would rather have a quieter experience, book a plane that leaves late at night and arrives early the next morning.
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All you’ll have to do is read your Amazon Kindle, take a long nap, and by the time you wake up, you’ll be at your destination. It’s not for everyone, but if you like peace and quiet then try to opt for the red-eye. You’ll be surprised with the difference it makes to your flight, at no extra cost.
13. Check ahead to see which restaurants and shops are at the airport
Pros: You’ll be organized
What you need: The internet and a good sense of direction
Cost: Free
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of traveling and just think you’ll grab dinner at the airport. However, not all airports have a great choice of restaurants and shops. Quite often, fast food restaurants dominate the space, which can mean a poorer quality of food and a bigger waste of money.
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Instead of settling for something unhealthy, check ahead before you embark on your journey. If you know what’s there, you’ll have more time to plan and look at menu options instead of being flustered when you arrive and panic buying something you don’t really want.
14. Bring an empty water bottle
Pros: Free water
What you need: Empty water bottle
Cost: $1/Free*
One of the major ways that airports make money is by people grabbing snacks when they are waiting for flights. If you always find yourself buying a bottle of water when you check-in, then don’t. Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it up once you get through security.
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That way, you’ll end up with as much water as you want, without having to pay extortionate prices. It’s a simple little hack, but one that will end up saving your wallet a lot of heartache in the long run.
