What would make your travel days your favorite part of vacation? I have the airport hacks you need, from experience. I’m an avid traveller who has flown all over the world, and I like to think I’ve nailed the art of air travel. As a self proclaimed “airport princess”, I can show you how to breeze through the airport every time and make those once hectic travel days the highlight of your trip.
I know I’m in the minority here, but I love going to the airport. To me, it is a place full of opportunity with people all heading off in different directions for adventure, reunions, new experiences, etc. However, what comes to mind for most people is long lines, sterile hallways, uncomfortable chairs, and being packed in too close to a stranger for several hours with no escape.
I hear you.
As I’ve developed my love for travel, I’ve accumulated a few airport hacks I always follow on travel days.
Airport Hack #1: Lounge access
If your layover is long enough or you think you will get your money’s worth, this is my top airport hack for making airport days great. Inside you’ll find free food, free drinks, comfortable seating, and smaller crowds. You can look up the requirements for entry for the lounges near your gate. Most lounges will allow you to pay to get inside, usually between $25-$60. In my opinion, if you’re going to be eating in the airport anyway, it’s worth it to go to a lounge and see if they will let you in.
Airport Hack #2: TSA pre check
I know this airport hack isn’t accessible to everyone because of the monetary and interview requirements; however, if you think you qualify, run to get approved for TSA PreCheck. I used to have incredibly bad airport anxiety after one too many stressful delays, but having TSA PreCheck has lessened the stress of going to the airport so much for me. It costs around $80 to apply, and most travel credit card providers pay for the application as part of their perks.
Airport Hack #3: Get a travel credit card
Number 3 on the list of airport hacks makes the first two super easy. Depending on what card you go for, TSA pre and lounge access might be free perks of being a cardholder. Now, this is not a tip I recommend for everyone, and if you’re someone who has a tricky history with credit cards, skip down to the next airport hack. There are so many variables to consider when deciding which card is right for you, but I highly recommend the Capital One Venture Card to get free travel, miles, lounge access, and more.
Airport Hack #4: Know the airport map before you get off the plane
If you have a tight layover, you need to know what the airport map will look like once you land. Even if you have spare time, it helps to make the most of it rather than wandering up and down crowded hallways. Here are some questions I try to answer in between landing and getting off the plane.
- Are you going to have to go through customs or security again?
- What restaurants are between your arrival gate and the gate you need to get to?
- Where is departure pickup if you’re at your final destination?
- If you followed tip #2, where is the lounge?
- How close is your arrival gate to your departure gate?
Airport Hack #5: Don’t check a bag
For the next tip, I’m very much on the side of never – under any circumstances – checking a full size bag. This one can be controversial. By packing just a carry on, you don’t need to wait in line to check your bag or wait at the baggage claim at your destination. You also won’t have to lug a huge set of luggage around on your way to your accommodations. I’ve seen too many poor people dragging giant bags across cobblestone streets looking like they wished they had packed lighter.
Airport Hack #6: Be aware of options available for your airline
Delays and flight issues are the least fun part of travel. Knowing my airline’s support number has saved me from a night in the airport more than once. If you’re in an airport that has information desks for your airline, definitely check there first to avoid long wait times over the phone. However, I always recommend knowing all avenues to reach the airline’s support. It is also good to know the exchange and refund policies for the level of ticket you purchased.
Most airlines should have a support number for your current region as well as your destination country/region if they are different. Some even have numbers you can text to get assistance changing a ticket. I never recommend booking through a third party (other than your travel credit card), though if you did, you would need to contact their support instead of the airline. Having a go-to option ready if you run into any issues can make finding an alternative route easier and faster.
Airport Hack #7: Keep your emotions in check
Finally, Emotions can run really high at the airport. Especially when we have no control over our situation, we can get antsy and stressed. If the plane doesn’t depart on time or a bag gets lost in transit, it can bring a lot of negative emotions into traveling – which is supposed to be fun, right? My tip here is to not let it get to you. If you get stressed or you play it cool, you will still have the same outcome. Honestly, by not getting stressed out or angry, you may even have better travel outcomes. I know this one isn’t easy sometimes, but your emotions will dictate your day if you let them.
Ready to use these airport hacks?
So, feel ready to roll up to departures with all your new airport hacks in hand? I try to follow all 7 of these tips each time I fly depending on the situation. Are any of these airport hacks helpful to you? If so, leave me a comment down below!
– Lillie
Want to learn more about me? Read my bio, here.
