The Best Airport Hacks To Change The Way We Travel

Traveling is a great way to see the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s always straightforward. Sometimes, it can feel as though traveling is more stressful than it’s worth. Still, there are plenty of ways to make things a breeze from the moment you decide to head off.

The best airport hacks to change the way we travel can be just the thing we need to take one of the most stressful aspects of traveling and make it cheaper, easier, and more comfortable than ever before.

Bring your own set of headphones if you want to be more comfortable

• What You Need: A set of headphones
• Cost of Hack: $5 +

With so many airlines now offering in-flight entertainment, headphones are pretty much a must for any traveler. Even if you don’t want to take advantage of the movies and TV shows on offer, listening to your favorite podcast or music can quickly pass the time. Want to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout our flight? Bring your own headphones.

Sure, some airlines offer pretty impressive headphones to passengers, but the same can’t be said for every airline. Plus, having your own headphones means they should be more comfortable, and you can wear them how you know suits your ears best. The best bit? Your own headphones will most likely be much better quality than the free ones on offer.

Asking for free upgrades sometimes has its payoffs, depending on how busy the flight is

• What You Need: The confidence to ask
• Cost of Hack: Free

Plenty of people never want to cause a fuss, meaning they book their airline tickets and try to make it from A to B without being noticed. However, something as simple as asking could see you enjoy a host of luxuries you never expected. What about asking for a free upgrade on your flight to better seats?

The worst that will happen is the airline says no, and you end up in the seats you were assigned. On the other hand, you could soon find yourself flying Business or even First Class, all through asking if there are any seats left. Sometimes, you might even find you get access to VIP lounges at the airport.

Head to the left checkpoint when going through airport security

• What You Need: The difference between left and right
• Cost of Hack: Free

Many airline travelers have learned the hard way what it’s like to wait in line at an extremely long security check. It often feels like there’s nothing you can do but wait it out, even if it has you stressing out about making it to your gate on time. It turns out one simple airport hack could speed things up.

The twist? When you get to the line, head left instead of right. The thinking behind it is that most people are right-handed, so they naturally walk to the right when they get to a line. Going to the left not only breaks the mold, but it could mean you end up behind fewer people and, therefore, get through faster.

A portable battery can save you and your phone if you get stuck

• What You Need: A portable battery
• Cost of Hack: $10 - $20

Love it or hate it, many of us would be lost if we didn’t have the tech we’re so used to having by our sides. Traveling often means we rely on our phones a little more than usual, especially with so many electronic boarding passes and moments to pass the time that come with flying.

Rather than relying on an outlet at the airport, why not invest in a portable battery? They can be taken in your carry-on bag and often only cost a few dollars. So long as you remember to charge the portable battery before your flight, you could soon find you have access to an almost endless amount of power.

Bringing your own hand sanitizer and wet wipes can limit the amount of germs you touch

• What You Need: Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• Cost of Hack: $3 - $5

If we have learned anything, it’s that flying can sometimes be one of the worst ways to catch something. After all, planes can feel like flying cans of germs, but what if there was a way to reduce the number of things we interact with during our flights? That’s simple; all you need are some wet wipes and hand sanitizer.

Your wet wipes can be used to wipe things down that might have been missed during the aircraft clean, such as the tray tables, armrests, or buttons. Then, your hand sanitizer can be used to clean your hands after everything you touch. Just be sure to check with the airline’s restrictions before packing your supplies.

Book flights early in the morning if you want to avoid more turbulence

• What You Need: Tickets for a morning flight
• Cost of Hack: Free

While some people can cope with a little turbulence, others get worried and stressed about the mere thought of it happening to them. If that’s the case, you might want to do all you can to avoid turbulence as much as possible. Of course, a few bumps along the way are perfectly normal. However, you can prevent some.

It turns out that different air pressures that cause turbulence differ throughout the day, with the morning being the most optimal time for a smoother flight. Aspects like mountain ranges can cause more turbulence, so you might not be able to avoid it entirely, but an early morning flight could help to prevent as much as possible.

Bring a set of spare Ziploc bags to use at various points during your vacation

• What You Need: Ziploc bags
• Cost of Hack: $4

Packing for a trip can leave many of us thinking we need to take everything and anything - just in case. Who knows when you might need those seven extra pairs of undergarments or those shoes you have never worn but could suddenly need? While leaving some stuff behind is best, you might want to add Ziploc bags to the list.

There are plenty of times these can come in useful, such as finding you have liquids in your carry-on bag while waiting in line at security. Ziploc bags can also be helpful while out and about on your vacation, especially if you’re heading to the beach and want to protect your belongings from all that sand.

Check-in online 24 hours before your flight leaves

• What You Need: Access to the internet
• Cost of Hack: Free

One of the many joys of the modern world is the fact we have access to most things at our fingertips. Checking in for our flight online is one on the list. This means you can avoid potentially lengthy lines at the airport when it’s finally time to take off and keep a close eye on your departure time.

Most airlines offer the chance to check in 24 hours before takeoff and shut things a few hours before the plane departs, so be sure to keep watch to make sure you make it to the window on time. The best bit? Checking in online doesn’t cost a penny, meaning you can beat the rush without forking out.

Take a photo of your checked luggage before dropping it off at the desk

• What You Need: A camera
• Cost of Hack: Free or $100 +

Try as we might to stand out, it can be tough to find a suitcase that hasn’t been bought one hundred times before. There are several things you can do to make your bag stand out from the rest, but how are you meant to describe that to someone if something does go wrong and you need help?

Taking a photo of your bag before you send it off on its journey is one of the best ways to show an airport worker what your things look like without having to describe it from memory. Plus, it can be helpful when you’re waiting at baggage claim after a long day of traveling and suddenly need a reminder.

Freeze liquids to take on the plane to get them through security

• What You Need: Plastic bottles
• Cost of Hack: $1

Did you know that taking frozen liquids through airport security isn't actually breaking any rules? That's right; one of the best airport hacks comes in the form of freezing your liquids - particularly a bottle of water - the night before you fly, something that's particularly helpful if the airport doesn't have any water fountains on the other side.

Still, there is a catch: the liquid must be entirely frozen for you to be able to get it through security. You'll also have to wait for it to defrost before you can actually enjoy your drink. While it can be a great hack for people who live close to the airport, it might not be best suited to everyone.

Use SeatGuru to check for the best seats when checking in for your flight

• What You Need: Access to SeatGuru
• Cost of Hack: Free

With so many advancements and tech at our disposal, traveling is now easier than ever before. Still, even seasoned fliers might need some help every now and then if they want to have the best trip they can. That’s where SeatGuru could be the best thing at your disposal. After all, it uses people’s real experiences.

The website is entirely free and allows you to see what seats have been best reviewed, which ones are worth avoiding, and the seats that have offered mixed experiences. Flyers can leave their reviews to help people traveling in the future, but be sure to leave your own once you’ve flown to help out your fellow travelers.

Red-eye flights can be better options for people looking to sleep through their trip

• What You Need: Tickets for an overnight flight
• Cost of Hack: Free

Overnight flights might not be to everyone's tastes, but they might be more worthwhile than they sound on the surface. It usually doesn't cost any more to book overnight tickets - and could even be cheaper in some instances - but red-eye flights can come with plenty of benefits. It just means you fly overnight and arrive in the early hours.

However, red-eye flights mean you can sit back and relax as you pass the hours by sleeping and chilling out. Even if you can't sleep while flying, overnight flights tend to be quieter, as most people want to just sleep, so you are usually pretty much left to your own devices to watch movies and read in peace.

Check the airport’s map to see which shops and restaurants are on offer

• What You Need: Access to the internet
• Cost of Hack: Free

One of the best things about the internet is so long as you have access to it, it’s completely free. That means you can find your way around the airport and everything that’s on offer without having to spend a dime. Every airport is different, with some offering more store and restaurant choices than others.

Checking what’s at an airport before you fly can be particularly helpful if you need to do some shopping or have dietary requirements, as you can see what foods are on offer at which restaurant. You can even make a note of where to find things you need to make sure you don’t get lost as you navigate the terminals.

Take an empty water bottle to avoid paying large prices once through security

• What You Need: Empty water bottle
• Cost of Hack: $1

While some people might need to buy a bottle to have one to hand, plenty of us already have an empty water bottle - or several hundred - waiting to be used at home. Of course, many frequent fliers know by now that we can’t take a full bottle of water through security. However, there are no rules about empty bottles.

One thing that can quickly see us spend more money than expected is buying drinks to take on the plane once we’re through security. Thankfully, most airports are now filled with plenty of free water fountains for us to refill our bottles, meaning we can access unlimited drinking water for our entire trip, all by packing a bottle.

Wear red clothes if you’re traveling in a group to avoid getting lost or separated

• What You Need: Various red clothes
• Cost of Hack: $5 +

The idea of investing in an entirely red outfit might sound strange to start, but there is a reason for the madness. This is a particularly helpful airport hack if you’re traveling in a group. Why? Airports being such a busy place mean it can be easy for groups to get split up among the crowd.

Wearing a bright color that most people tend to avoid, such as red, makes it easier to spot people in a crowd. Something like a hat or a scarf also means you have something to wave in the air if you really get split up in a crowd. Just be sure to agree on the group’s color before traveling.

Check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport

• What You Need: Access to the internet
• Cost of Hack: Free

One thing that’s long been debated is how long you really need to be at the airport to make it on time for your flight. While you don’t want to cut it too close and risk missing your plane, plenty of people don’t want to spend their entire day waiting around, either. Thankfully, one airport hack is simple - and free.

Merely check the status of your flight before you head to the airport. It might sound simple, but looking online to see if there are any delays could be the difference between making it to the airport at the perfect time and spending five hours waiting because the plane is delayed. Sometimes, the simple things are the answer.

Using hotel toiletries could save a lot of money in the long run

• What You Need: Toiletries from the hotel
• Cost of Hack: Free

Perhaps you need to stay at a hotel before you fly? Maybe you’re going straight from your home to the airport, but your vacation is about to see you living in a hotel for the next week or so? Whatever the case, there’s a good chance a hotel might be a part of your trip at some point.

It could be time to take full advantage of what the hotel has to offer. If your room comes with complimentary toiletries, such as shampoo and conditioner, be sure to pack them before you leave. This way, you can enjoy packing plane-approved toiletries in your check-in bag for your trip - or you have some waiting for your next adventure.

Make use of the VIP airport lounges for a more relaxed experience

• What You Need: Frequent flier miles
• Cost of Hack: $40 - $50

The more you fly, the more perks you can collect along the way. That is if you’ve already signed up for frequent flier miles or have a credit card that comes with a host of benefits. While it might cost a few dollars to get access to one of the VIP lounges on offer, it could make all the difference.

For one, you will have somewhere to relax if you have a long flight ahead of you. Plus, VIP lounges often offer free food and drink, potentially saving money in the long run. The best bit? If your plane is delayed after you check-in, you can now sit back and chill out in the VIP lounge without any worries.

Call the airline instead of waiting in line if your flight gets canceled or delayed

• What You Need: Access to a phone
• Cost of Hack: Free

Oftentimes, it’s hard to find something more annoying than your flight getting canceled. Now, you have to worry about getting a refund on your tickets, booking new seats, and dealing with everyone else also trying to do the same thing. Although you will still need to talk to someone, you might not have to wait in a long line.

That’s because calling the airline could save you plenty of time and stress, as the people on the phone will know just as much about what to do next as the person working the airline’s desk at the airport. The best bit? You can even make the call from the airport, meaning you won’t miss any announcements if something changes.

Wearing neutral colors might mean you face fewer random security stops

• What You Need: Various neutral-colored clothes
• Cost of Hack: $5 +

Sure, wearing bright colors can help if you’re traveling in a group and don’t want to lose one another, but what about if you’re a solo traveler or there are just two of you, and you want to get through the airport as quickly as possible? That’s where wearing neutral colors could be your best friend.

Neutral colors are some of the best ways to blend in, meaning you could find you’re more likely to make it through security without being pulled aside for random checks. Of course, this isn’t a given, so you should still expect some delays, just in case. Plus, traveling with restricted items won’t be forgotten just because you wear neutral colors.

Take a nap before your flight to ensure you’re well-rested by the time you land

• What You Need: A quiet area or sleeping pod
• Cost of Hack: Free or $60 +

Passing time at the airport can be easier said than done. While getting something to eat and browning through the stores on offer can pass some time, it can be easy to get bored - and cranky. What better way to pass the time than by sleeping it away? That might be easier to do than it seems, too.

If you’re traveling in a group, ask someone to keep watch and wake everyone up as you find a quiet area for a nap. If you’re traveling alone, find somewhere secure for your things and set an alarm. On the other hand, why not spend a few dollars and enjoy a sleeping pod if there’s one on offer?

Keep your laptop somewhere easy to reach to make things easier

• What You Need: A large bag or laptop case
• Cost of Hack: $10

This might sound obvious, but how many times have you packed your carry-on bag without thinking about how to access the things you might need on your trip? Many people need to take a laptop on their trip, but how are you going to get it in and out of your bag without having to empty the entire thing first?

Instead of making things difficult, it could be time to invest in a better traveling bag. Plenty of carry-on bags now come with laptop compartments, meaning your electronics are easy to access. On the other hand, several airlines let you take on a laptop bag as a separate carry-on item, making things even easier than ever before.

Take a photo of where you parked your car for when you get back

• What You Need: A camera
• Cost of Hack: Free or $100 +

Getting to the airport and finding somewhere to park can often be one of the most stressful aspects of flying. After all, the parking lots are usually huge, and it can be easy to get all turned around looking at the same concrete pillars and parking spots. Want to make sure you can get home without the same issues?

Simple: take a photo of where you parked your car before you head into the airport. If you already have a camera or a smartphone, this won’t even cost a thing. Be sure to note any permanent structures, such as numbers, colored doors, or landmarks, instead of relying on other vehicles that could leave before you return.

Wear the bulkier clothes you want to take to free up more space in your bags

• What You Need: Extra clothes
• Cost of Hack: Free

There’s a good chance plenty of people want to make traveling as affordable as possible. That means sticking to all the restrictions and not forking out for extra bags. What about when you need to take heavy items with you or those that take up a lot of room? Winter vacations are the perfect example.

Ski jackets and the like can take up a lot of room, so why pack them at all? Instead, simply wear your coat on the plane and forget all about having to pay for extra weight for your bag. Just be sure to remember you have it, and sit back as you enjoy all the extra room in your luggage.

Adding something bright to your luggage makes it easier to spot at baggage claim

• What You Need: A bright tie or scarf
• Cost of Hack: Free or $5

Let’s face it; flying can be pretty tiring. After several hours on a plane, there’s a chance most of us just want to curl up and fall asleep at long last. What about when you need to be on your A-game for the last leg of your trip? Landing is one thing, but we still have baggage claims.

It can be easy to forget which bag is yours when you see 100 black suitcases pass by on the carousel. Instead, why not invest in a bright tie or scarf to help your bag stand out? If you have one lying at home already, even better. Simply make sure to tightly tie it onto the handle, and voila!

Applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry could save a lot of time at security

• What You Need: Time to apply for and check the criteria
• Cost of Hack: $100

Want to avoid as many long lines as you can while you travel? You’re not alone. That’s where the TSA Precheck or Global Entry could be your new best friend. Sadly, neither is free and usually costs $100, but they do mean you get to beat most of the lines at airport security if you’re approved for either.

Simply put, they mean you go through a background check, fingerprint checks, and several other layers of security before your travel. However, it means you get to go through your own PreCheck or Global entry lines - often with fewer people - and quicker security checks to save yourself valuable time and plenty of stress at the airport.

Check to see if there's free WiFi in the airport to avoid expensive charges

• What You Need: Access to a phone, laptop, or tablet
• Cost of Hack: Free

One of the biggest drawbacks that often comes with traveling around the world is having to pay hefty data charges just to use your cell phone while you're abroad - or not using your phone altogether. While it might not help once you leave the airport, you can at least stay connected while you're waiting for your flight.

All you need to do is check if there is free WiFi on offer at the airport. Just be sure to sign into the legit WiFi on offer and avoid doing anything that could be at risk, such as checking confidential documents, while using the network just in case something goes wrong. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy being connected.

Keep things like electronics and liquids near the top of your carry-on bag

• What You Need: Nothing
• Cost of Hack: Free

For the cost of absolutely nothing at all, you could save yourself a lot of time if you plan how you pack your carry-on bag. All you need to do is think about what you might need while you’re at the airport or on the plane, as well as the things you might be asked to remove along the way.

Electronics and liquids are often the two most obvious things on the list, so be sure to pack them somewhere they can be reached easily to save having to rummage through your bag each time. If you’re really prepared, why not pack your liquids into a Ziploc bag before you leave the house to save even more time?

Booking flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays might offer better deals on flights

• What You Need: Access to the internet
• Cost of Hack: Free

Plenty of websites have tried to find the best hacks for booking flights to save people as much money as possible. Now, it appears we finally have an answer. At least, CheapAir says they have one, as the site claims a study proved booking airline tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays offered the most savings, averaging $73 less per ticket.

As if that wasn’t enough, the same study also revealed that flying on a Thursday or Friday also offered further savings. The most expensive for booking and flying? Sunday. The best month to book your flights? January or February, especially if you plan on taking a summer vacation, with the later months seeing prices skyrocket.

A portable set of luggage scales means you have an idea of how much your bags weigh

• What You Need: A portable set of luggage scales
• Cost of Hack: $11 +

Hands up if you’ve ever packed as much as you can into your luggage, having nothing more but hope that it will be under the airline’s weight policy? You’re not alone. While some have been lucky enough to just scrape through, others haven’t been so fortunate. This can be even worse if you buy some souvenirs to bring home.

Instead of risking paying a hefty fee to get your luggage home, why not spend a few dollars on a portable set of luggage scales before you fly? Thankfully, reliable sets can be as little as $11, meaning you can check the weight of your bag wherever you are in the world - and adjust things as necessary.

Avoid listening to music if you need to listen out for important announcements

• What You Need: Nothing
• Cost of Hack: Free

It can be tempting to sit back and drown out the rest of the airport as you wait patiently for your flight. While it’s a good way to avoid getting bored, you might want to think about bringing a book or magazine to read instead. Why? Wearing your headphones could mean you miss important announcements.

Sometimes, airlines make last-minute announcements offering vouchers for cheaper flights for the next available - especially if they have oversold the seats - or they could announce that the gate has changed and you need to be on the other side of the airport. Whatever the case, sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry at the airport.

Using MyTSA means you can check wait times at airport security

• What You Need: Access to MyTSA
• Cost of Hack: Free

Most of us head to the airport and just hope that things will go to plan. While that might have been the case for years, we no longer have to leave things up to luck. Instead, MyTSA could be just the thing you need to plan your airport trip to the exact minute - or at least give you an idea.

The app allows people to check on wait times at the airport, comes with several warnings and tips, and even has updates and news on the app to make traveling even easier than ever before. It’s completely free and can be a great addition for someone worried about getting stuck or frequent travelers wanting to up their game.

Don’t feel you have to rush to board the plane as soon as possible

• What You Need: Nothing
• Cost of Hack: Free

Many of us have seen them: the ones who will spend hours waiting in line just to make sure they are first on the plane. They’re usually the same ones who rush to get up as soon as the plane lands, even though you have to spend several minutes waiting for the stairs and doors to open anyway.

What’s the rush? Sure, there are benefits to getting to the gate early if you don’t have booked seats and want a specific spot. However, if you have your seat booked and don’t need to worry about using the overhead lockers, there are no real benefits to getting on the plane first. It just means more time waiting for takeoff.

Keep your most important items in your carry-on bag to protect them

• What You Need: A carry-on bag
• Cost of Hack: Free

Some airport hacks have only come around in recent years. Then there are the ones that have been a part of our lives for so long, they’re almost common knowledge at this point. Keeping your most important items in your carry-on bag is one of the latter. After all, it means you always have them by your side.

Although we might not want to think about our checked luggage getting lost, having things like jewelry, medication, documents we need, and any other valuables in our carry-on bags means we at least know the important things are safe. If you have room, packing a change of clothes can be another way to ensure you never get caught short.

Power strips mean you can make the most of limited outlets at the airport

• What You Need: A power strip
• Cost of Hack: $5

This might sound simple, but if you’ve never heard it before, it could change your life. Plenty of airports now offer outlets for us to use to charge our things as we wait for our plane. However, we can quickly run out of places to charge our tech or argue with loved ones about whose turn it is.

That’s where power strips come in. Now, you only need one outlet, but you have access to plenty of spaces to charge all your things and let everyone else enjoy some free electricity, too. The best bit? If you invest in a compact power strip, it shouldn’t take up much room in your bag and can be used on vacation.

A laptop stand makes it easier to work while at the airport

• What You Need: A laptop stand
• Cost of Hack: $20 - $30

Flying across the world isn’t always because we’re heading off to relax. Plenty of people need to use the airport for business trips or have to check in with emails and how work is going while they’re away. Waiting for a plane can be a great chance to catch up on work before we start to relax.

However, using a laptop at the airport can be incredibly uncomfortable. That’s where a small laptop stand can be perfect for the worker on the go. Compact versions usually only cost a few dollars, but they can make all the difference when working in the airport lounge or on the plane. Your back will thank you later.

Sit in the front half of the plane if you're sensitive to flying

• What You Need: Nothing
• Cost of Hack: Free

Travel sickness comes in all shapes and forms, with some people finding they are more sensitive to flying than others. Of course, this isn’t usually ideal when you want to enjoy your vacation. However, sitting in the front-half of the plane could be just the thing you need to avoid any sickness along the way.

That’s because of the pressure in the aircraft and the way it’s distributed throughout the plane. Plus, sitting near the front means you usually have better access to the bathrooms - just in case. If you want to take things one step further, exit rows and window seats are also some of the better places for sensitive fliers.

Rent your car through the company’s website to avoid long airport lines

• What You Need: Access to the internet
• Cost of Hack: $50 +

Want to save money and time when traveling? You’re not alone. Oftentimes, it’s all about being as prepared as possible. That means looking ahead for deals for hiring cars instead of waiting in long lines at the airport. If you’re heading somewhere particularly popular, you could even find all the vehicles are gone before you get to the front.

Instead of taking the risk, be sure to shop around online before you fly. Of course, always check a company’s reviews if it’s one you haven’t heard of before to check they are legit and avoid further disappointment. From there, you can simply lap up the deals for being prepared and save yourself all that worry.

Print a map of the airport and your boarding pass to save time and stress

• What You Need: Access to a printer
• Cost of Hack: Free

Did you know that plenty of airports have an online map of what’s available? That’s right; you can check out all the stores and restaurants on offer before you even leave the door - and you don’t have to worry about forgetting where things are, either. With airports usually getting bigger, it can be easy to get lost.

Instead of taking the risk, why not print a map of the airport before you leave? While you’re at it, why not print your boarding pass, too? As well as having everything you need for the airport, you’ll also have copies of everything you need just in case you forget your phone or it runs out of battery.

Switching to glasses from contact lenses can stop your eyes from drying out

• What You Need: Contact lenses
• Cost of Hack: Free or $50 +

Plenty know what it’s like to wear contact lenses. Sure, you get used to them, but they can be more than a little irritating when traveling. It turns out that wearing contact lenses while you travel could also dry out your eyes more than wearing your usual pair of glasses, thanks to the pressure and air quality while flying.

Contact lens-safe drops can help to avoid some symptoms of dry eyes while flying, but they aren’t always an option, and they mean we have to remember to reapply them frequently throughout our trip. Instead, it could be time to use our glasses, even if it means removing our contact lenses just before boarding the plane.