Airport Hacks for Easier Travel
1. Use Packing Cubes and Travel Bags
One of the little game changers that I made years ago was that I started utilizing packing cubes and other small travel bags to keep everything organized. I often designate a bag for in-flight essentials {earphones, chargers, lip balm, hand sanitizer and wipes} so that I can quickly and easily everything I need. I also try to make this pouch fit in the little seat back pocket so I don't have to haul out my travel backpack from under the seat every time I need something and my carry on bag never needs to leave the overhead bin.
I utilize packing cubes in my carry on. I sort out everything from socks/underwear, to dirty clothes {on my return trip home}, to medication and toiletries. Everything can be accessed quickly and easily.
These are my favorite packing cubes for clothing.
This is the small travel pouch I use for my in-flight essentials.
If you're like me, you likely have an abundance of zippered pouches for your other necessities. I generally pick them up when I see them for under $1 at garage sales.
Using packing cubes also has helped me stick to carry on only, even on month-long trips!
See more: 10 Packing Tips From a Recovered Overpacker
2. Download Entertainment in Advance
I never leave home without downloading some movies or TV shows to my phone. In-flight WiFi is often unreliable and you really can't count on it for streaming. Every airplane is different and some don't come with inflight entertainment. Download any movies, podcasts, or playlists before you leave home!
If you are using your phone for watching videos, you need this!
On international flights, I do enjoy watching the inflight entertainment. Those headphones they give you are garbage. The sound quality is so horrible! I use this instead and it makes a world of difference.
3. Join TSA Precheck Programs
If you are a frequent flyer {or you plan to be!} consider joining TSA Precheck or Global Entry. We have had Nexus which includes both for about 10 years. It's been well worth the time we save! You might want to check to see if you have a credit card that reimburses the application fee for programs like this.
Check out this post if you aren't sure if you should get TSA or Global Entry
In case you're wondering if TSA Precheck is worth the money, I give my honest opinion here.
My home airport {Seattle/Tacoma} is notorious for long security lines. Because we've had Precheck for so long, I never find it to be an issue. I can be dropped off on the curb and through security in under 10 minutes.
If you aren't a frequent traveler, there is a SEA Spot saver program that makes getting through security faster in Seattle. Check it out!
Don't miss this post: Travel Items I Won't Get on a Plane Without!
4. Plan Your Meals and Snacks
Cafes and restaurants in airports can be expensive, limited, and honestly, sometimes really slow! If you haven't planned ahead, you might not have the time for a food stop, and this might create additional stress.
Carry a small zip-lock with snacks and have a few high protein bars in your bag for those times you need a little pick me up.
Pro Tip: Always bring a reusable water bottle {this one is great because it doesn't leak, is fully insulated, and has a cover over the straw}. You can take ice through security and fill up your bottle once you are on the other side.
Another Pro Tip: If I have an early morning flight I like to treat myself to Starbucks before I go. Ours offers mobile orders and are WAY faster than the long lines you'll usually find at the coffee chain when you are there in the morning. I will place my order while I'm in the TSA screening line and it's ready for me when I get through security.
5. Dress in Layers
If there's one thing I will NEVER wear on an airplane, regardless of the time of year or where I'm going, it's shorts! Planes are notorious for unpredictable temperatures. The trick is to wear layers! I also always pack a pair of "traveling socks" because cold feet are the worst! I know people swear by compression socks, especially for long flights.
Packing layers also helps you manage your carry on luggage. I always wear the bulkiest items on board so that they aren't taking up valuable real estate in my luggage.
I've even been known to pack a scarf and use it as a blanket when I'm flying!
Pro Tip: Dress nicely! Don't wear your pajamas to the airport, even if you have an overnight or red eye flight. You can still wear comfy clothes that aren't your pjs! The aviation industry is still very forward facing, and if you have even the slightest chance of an upgrade, they will give it to the person who looks nice. Trust me.
Don't miss this post: Travel Things I No Longer Do Now That I'm Older
6. Use Flight Tracker Apps and Airline Apps
There is so much information available now through airline apps. It's easy to check-in, change your seat, order food and more. But they also allow you to monitor your flight status, get alerts about delays, and gate changes, as well as information about baggage carousels and airport maps.
Pro Tip: Always check in as soon as you can {usually 24 hours before your flight}. This often puts you higher on the list for any potential upgrades.
As a mom and wife of a pilot, I also use FlightAware, but it's available to anyone! This allows you to see where your actual airplane is and ease any anxiety as you track the flight and your aircraft.
7. Bring a Portable Charger
We've all been there...wondering where the outlet is on an airplane only to find the cord falls right out, or we read about all the hacking that's being done as we wait at the airport gate and try to get enough juice to access our boarding pass.
Always pack a portable battery pack and make sure it's full before you fly! This one is my favorite and has a built in cord.
Pro Tip: I'm OBSESSED with these ear phones mostly because the charge lasts for forever! Having items that hold a charge well, is so important when traveling. Plus, they are also noise cancelling and around $20!
8. Check the Airports Website for any Special Amenities
Here's a bonus that many people don't even think about! Airports often have hidden perks like nap-pods, shower facilities, or even play zones for kids. Before your trip, check the website of the airports you're flying through {or have a layover at}. You can start planning ahead for your travel and utilize the airport in a whole new way!
Pro Tip: Many of these are available for an additional fee. Even as cheap as I am, paying extra for a nap-pod on a long layer or for a shower after a long flight and before another long leg, might just be worth it!
Check out my Doha Layover Guide to Getting Rest for more tips!
9. Always Carry a Pen
It doesn't take up too much space to always have a pen when you are traveling! That way, if you are handed a customs or immigration form you aren't waiting for the communal one.
10. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
There's nothing more anxiety producing than not having enough time at the airport. If I get to the airport too early, I just walk. Getting in extra exercise isn't a bad thing, especially if I'll be sitting for quite some time on a long flight.
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In the world of travel, comfort isn't just about the destination or the hotel, it's all about the journey. The airport portion of your trip sets the tone. What are some of your airport hacks that make travel easier for you? I'd love to hear them in the comments!
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