15 EXTREMELY HELPFUL AIRPORT TIPS TO MAKE TRAVEL EASIER

For your next trip, here are some tips for airports

This article is about the best airport tips. While traveling is enjoyable, getting through airport security can sometimes be a stressful and exhausting experience.

Because I work for a Big Four consultancy firm, I spend a lot of time at airports to travel for my job. There have been months when I flew for work every week for a few weeks!

I have accumulated a lot of useful tips from all the time I spent at airports.

Here are 15 amazing airport tips that will make your travel experience more enjoyable.

1. You can bring your own snacks.

Bring your own snacks to avoid paying outrageous airport snack prices. I love to take fruit leather, trail mix, and energy bars as snacks on flights.

Additional snack ideas: Best Airplane Snacks

2. Take a water bottle.

To ensure that I have enough water for my journey, I always keep a full water bottle in my carry-on bag. Many airports offer water fountains or refill stations for water bottles. This will save you money and not cost you more than buying a water bottle at the airport.

This water bottle can be used as a refillable water container and has a filter straw to make water safe for drinking.

3. Book your flight well in advance.

Check in online for your flight 24 hours before you arrive at the airport so that you don’t have to wait in line. If you were unable to choose your seat at the time you booked your ticket, this can be a great way of securing a seat assignment.

You should also check in before you get to the airport. Some budget airlines now charge extra for passengers who wait to check in with agents.

4. Wear socks

You may be asked to remove your shoes at security checkpoints, particularly in the US. Socks are a good idea to avoid barefoot walking on airport floors. They will keep your feet warm while you fly.

5. Layer up for your flight.

Similar to the above, layer up to keep comfortable at the airport as well as on your flight. Layers will make it easier to stay comfortable in airports and on planes that can be extremely cold or hot.

6. A portable charger is a must.

You won’t find an outlet or charging station at every airport. Make sure you bring your own charger! This portable phone charger has been a lifesaver for me when I travel.

7. Your laptop should be stored in a convenient place.

When you go through security, your laptop and other large electronic devices will need to be removed from your bag. Avoid having to search through your bag as you wait in line for security.

You may want to consider a laptop-friendly carry-on bag for frequent business travelers.

8. Take a photograph of your parking spot.

Take a photo of the parking area and any numbering or signage that may be helpful to you when you return from your trip.

It’s not the best feeling to return from vacation and forget where your car was parked. This can lead to you wandering around airport parking garages for over an hour.

9. Take a picture of your checked luggage.

If your checked luggage is lost or damaged, it’s a good idea to take a picture of it and your receipt.

10. Hand sanitizer should be packed.

You should always have a small, travel-sized hand sanitizer with you when traveling. I love this hand soap because it can be easily clipped to your bag or purse.

11. Research sleep spots

You may need to stay the night at an airport if your flight is delayed or you have a long layover. This website lists the best and worst places to sleep in airports worldwide. It’s not fun to sleep in an airport, but it can be made a lot more enjoyable if you plan ahead and know where the best spots are.

12. Take along hotel toiletries with you.

You should always bring additional travel-sized toiletries with you when you are staying in a hotel. You’ll be able to bring a selection of TSA-approved toiletries with you when you travel only with your carry-on luggage.

You won’t have to buy shampoo/conditioner as often!

13. Add a ribbon of color to your luggage.

Tie a bright ribbon to the handle of your luggage if you are checking it. This will make it stand out from the other luggage on the conveyor belt.

14. Stay left at security.

Studies show that people tend to veer to the right when they reach security checkpoints. If you do, you might be able to save some time waiting in line.

15. A designated aircraft outfit

Make sure you choose a comfortable outfit to wear for your flight. If I’m traveling somewhere cold, I always wear leggings and a lightweight, loose-fitting sweatshirt.

You won’t have to search for clothes on the day of your flight. It will also make it easier to be at ease on the ground and in the air.

16. Invest in Global Entry

My airport experience has been improved by having Global Entry.

Global Entry is well worth the price if you’re a frequent flyer or fly only 3-4 times per calendar year. Global Entry comes with TSA Precheck. This allows you to skip the security line and move through the TSA Precheck faster (where you don’t need to take off your shoes or take your electronics out of your bag).

You can also get expedited customs clearance when traveling internationally. Global Entry is $100 and valid for five years. TSA Precheck is available for $85 if you only need it. It’s valid for five years.

Although my company paid for my Global Entry fee, I would definitely spend my own money to pay it. Your Global Entry fee can be covered by some travel credit card.