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Airport Hacks

22 Airport Hacks to Remember Before Your Next Flight

Jan 26 2018

Travelling is always a fun and exciting experience, but getting through the airport can be a struggle. If it happens to be an unlucky day, you'll get stuck with long lines, rude airport security staff, or delayed flights. Luckily with just a little bit of research, there are many ways you can make your journey faster and more comfortable. We rounded up all the tips and tricks so you don't have to! Learn to navigate airports like a pro with the advice here. You'll be surprised how much time and money you end up saving.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Mark Popovich

1. Take Your Own Spare Bags

Since security rules require you to separate any liquids in your hand luggage into clear plastic bags, it is always a good idea to bring spare bags in case you lose one or if you're buying tiny travel liquids last minute. While most airports hand them out for free, we have heard stories of people being charged for bags if they don't come prepared. Also, be aware that some airports will limit you to one bag per person. Check the airport website before you pack that hand luggage.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

2. Store Your Laptop in an Easy-to-Access Place

If you don't have a laptop case, invest in one. Security usually makes you scan your laptop separately, so always have it in an easy-to-reach spot of your bag or suitcase.

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3. Bring an Empty Water Bottle

Like snacks, water usually costs a lot more at airports. The best way to cheat the system is to bring an empty water bottle or canteen and fill it up once you get past security checkpoints.

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4. Wrap Your Luggage or Bag Handle

Make your suitcase easily identifiable by tying brightly coloured fabric or ribbon to the handles. You'll be able to spot it amid all the black suitcases rolling out.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sheila Gim

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5. Freeze Your Liquids to Take on Planes

The only con to this trick is your liquids must actually be frozen solid like a rock. If you're on a long flight, however, consider freezing your favourite drinks.

Image Source: Flickr user cfournie

6. Pack Your Own Snacks

If you can, you should avoid buying snacks and drinks at airports because they're overpriced. Instead, pack your own travel snacks, like nuts, cereal bars, sweets, and other dry goods, to munch on while you wait for your flight (or while you're in the air).

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7. Sleep at the Airport

Some airports, like London's Heathrow, offer sleeping pods where you can catch up on rest between long flight transfers. Pay around £30-£40 for four hours (minimum) and you can take a shower (body wash and towels are provided) and enjoy a comfortable nap (not on the airport floor). If you're travelling internationally, check to see if your airport location offers this sleeping amenity, or see if on-site hotels will offer you a room for a few hours at a reduced rate (doing this at Shanghai's airport hotel was the best decision we ever made). Alternatively, just get comfy in a quiet spot and snooze.

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8. Pick the Checkpoint Farthest to the Left

If you hate waiting in line or you're in a rush to make your flight, research shows that most people are right-handed and tend to turn right first, so do the opposite and go left. For more on how to find faster airport security lines, follow these tips.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Mark Popovich

9. Pack a Light Scarf or Jumper

Always expect an airport or plane to be cold. Pack a light blanket or extra jumper, cardigan, hoodie, or scarf to keep yourself warm before and during the flight. Even if you don't wear it, you can use it as a pillow if you want to nap on your flight.

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Product Credit: Tibi Sweater, Demylee Charcoal Sweater, Rebecca Taylor Sweater, 3.1 Philip Lim Sweater, Vince Sweater, Stella McCartney Sweater

10. Don't Be Afraid to Ask For Free Things

Especially when it comes to flight upgrades. Take advantage of special events; if you were recently married (on your honeymoon) or have a birthday, tell the airline staff — they may be willing to upgrade you. Travelling alone also makes it easier to ask for a flight upgrade as well as just simply asking! Do so quietly, and the worst that can happen is a polite no.

Image Source: Melissa Mercado Photography

11. Sign Up For a VIP Airport Lounge

If you're a frequent flier, you can use your flyer miles to buy a membership to airport lounges. Some lounges also offer day passes (around £30). These private, fancy spots are perfect for resting and offer amenities such as a great bar and knowledgeable staff.

Image Source: Flickr user lukelai

12. Wear Your Extra Luggage

Worried about your hand luggage going over the weight limit? Wear the heaviest items and wear layers to get past security. Then head to the nearest toilet and switch out of the clothes.

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13. Fly Red-Eye

If you really hate packed airports and rush-hour traffic and don't mind overnight flights, try booking for a plane that leaves after 10 p.m. You can simply go to sleep and wake up at your next destination without all the usual airport hassle.

Image Source: Flickr user prayitnophotography

14. Collect Unused Hotel Toiletries

Take hotel toiletries with you next time you travel. These mini bottles are the perfect hand luggage size, and you won't have to shell out the extra money for reusable bottles or travel liquids.

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15. Sign Up For Global Entry

If you're travelling to the USA and you don't mind paying a fee ($100) this programs allow you to bypass long lines and get into another country twice as fast. Check to see if you can apply for global entry.

If you're travelling within the EU or arriving back in the UK and you have a biometric passport, look for E-passport gates. These automated gates are almost always the fastest way through security.

Image Source: Flickr user dionhinchcliffe

16. Always Check For Free WiFi

Many airports offer unlimited for free, while others allow you to sign in for certain increments of time.

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17. Wear Glasses

If you wear contact lenses, you'll notice how your eyes often get really dry during the flight (as well as the rest of your skin). Glasses may not make a fashion statement, but you'll be comfortable, and you can always switch into contacts once you land.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Mark Popovich

18. Bring Baby Wipes or Hand Sanitiser

Planes are one of the easiest places to catch germs and a cold. Pack wet wipes or a small bottle of hand sanitiser to use during the flight or while you're at the airport. They'll keep your hands clean and refresh your face after a flight.

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19. Check Airport Real-Time Conditions

Check to see what's happening at your airport (whether there's a delay in flights, long lines, or other issues) before you leave your home.

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Product Credit: Clare Vivier long sleeve striped shirt, Current/Elliott white zip jeans, Newbark slides, Iconery rings, Topshop rings

20. Carry a Portable Battery Charger

Airports have charging stations, and that's usually the spot everyone gravitates toward. Often you won't be able to get a seat next to a socket, so you end up standing off to the side while keeping an eye on your phone that's charging. To be on the safe side, carry around a small portable charger that you can pull out anytime.

Remember to put your phone into airplane mode once on the flight. It's not just for flight safety: if you accidentally leave it on as normal, your phone will spend the whole flight scanning for a network, and the battery will be drained by the time you land.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Mark Popovich

21. Skip the Taxi Line

Check out the local transportation systems at your airport destination. See if there are air trains you can take or a bus that will take you to your destination. Avoid taxi services if you can, but if you really want to travel via car, check out services like Uber or Lyft (which can be a lot cheaper).

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22. Download Offline Google Maps Before You Fly

In case there is no WiFi when you land at your destination and you have a limited online data plan, download the Google Maps app beforehand.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

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