10 Simple Airport Hacks for a Stress-Free Journey

Worthwhile travel experiences such as overseas studies, volunteering, taking a gap year, or teaching overseas time and again begin and conclude with an international flight. Airports and air travel can be anxiety-ridden and complicated for new and accomplished travelers alike, for all that. With all the steps to go through, regulations, and the requirement to get the timing down just appropriate, flying can instantly turn into stress without a little help. 

 

To make your next trip a bit simple, we've outlined 10 useful airport tips & tricks for easygoing travel!

 

If you intend to fly repeatedly, it's a wonderful idea to register yourself for expedited security screening via TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. 

 

TSA PreCheck: Citizens of the US and permanent residents have to pay $85 USD for a five-year pass. Following their website, most people wait less than 10 minutes to get over security. PreCheck only concerns flights departing US airports and can not be utilized at airports overseas or for reentry to the States. Validation time normally takes 3-5 days but can take up to two months for some applications.

 

Internation Entry: International Entry accelerates the reentry to the US for US citizens along with citizens from particular countries including:

 

● Mexico

● The UK

● Germany

● Taiwan

● Panama

 

Due to the attentive background verification that International Entry requires, validation can take around 2 weeks to 6 months. You'll pay a one-time fee of $120 with your application.

 

 

At the same time if you experience you already have numerous apps messily jamming your phone, downloading your airline's app is a significant addition. The benefits of airline apps include:

 

Saves time: If you aren't having check-in baggage, you can go directly to security.

 

May enable you to pick your seat: Enhance your legroom by reserving an emergency exit seat or get that window seat you require. 

 

Gives you a trouble-free way into boarding passes: Screenshot it or add it to your phone's Wallet so there's no point in losing it. 

 

Enables you to confirm flight delays: Get informed about status changes and gate changes.

 

If you don't intend to fly with the airline frequently, you can remove the app after your trip. 

 

Packing a essentials bag is both an art and a science. You'll not only want to make certain you have the appropriate items but also that they're organized in a manner that makes them easy to get to. 

 

● Unfilled water bottle

● Travel pillow, blanket, or sweatshirt/sweater

● Medicines with prescriptions

● Snacks

● Consolidate electronics, chargers, and cables in the packing cube

● Put electronics and liquids at the top of your essentials for trouble-free removal when going through screening

● Don't forget the 3-1-1 rule for liquids

 

If you are on a long-run flight, don't forget to:

 

● Pack a toothbrush

● Compression Socks

● Earplugs

● Eye Mask

● Hand Sanitizer

● Facial Wipes

● Pen, if you are required to fill out the immigration forms during the flight

 

If you're looking for something to help you sleep, you might want to try melatonin, a non-habit-forming option that won’t make you feel sluggish. Always check with your doctor before trying any new medications or supplements.

 

 

For some individuals, flights of any duration are extremely dull. To keep yourself entertained, bear in mind to download your best-loved shows, movies, music, podcasts, and games before you go to the airport. In place of bringing an e-reader and a tablet, you can download the Kindle app to have a way into your books as well.

 

Bring a portable power bank in case your battery starts to run low but there's not an outlet hold in view. Don't forget to put this in your essentials, not your checked bag.

 

 

You may want to wear your best-loved outfit so that you look fabulous when the plane reaches your destination but comfort is of prime importance. Some best tips for staying comfortable when you are flying involve:

 

 

Opt for loose, breathable clothing: Airplane seats are compact enough, so pick fabrics that are relaxed and flexible in place of tight or restrictive.

 

Choose the right shoes: Slip-on shoes or any pair that's easy to take off are perfect for travel.

 

Limit accessories: Jewelry, belts, scarves, and other accessories can give rise to delays at security, making the process even more complicated. If you wear any, take off them well before you reach the line. 

 

Bring your glasses: For long journeys, wearing glasses will help hinder eye irritation from dry cabin air, and it's simpler than managing contact solution and a case if you want to eliminate them mid-flight. 

 

The main advantage of signing up for TSA PreCheck is that you don't have to put off your shoes, jackets, or belts at the time of screening so take that into account if you are on the barrier. 

 

 

When steering the airport, you may be requested for your passport and boarding pass at different times. Store essential documents securely in your carry-on (ideally in an individual pocket that closes/zips) so they don't get lost. If your boarding pass is on your phone, make certain your phone is charged and within reach. 

 

 

A considerable time and trouble saver is flying with only carry-on times. You can check in online at home before you get to the airport and then skip the lines at the airline desks and go straight to security. 

 

Checking bags may be inescapable, though, if you're planning to be elsewhere for a while. If flying with check-in baggage is important, try to:

 

Get to check in before time: Reaching before you planned may provide you with additional time sitting by the gate late but it'll save you the fear of lines that move very slowly. Take into account that bag check-in for international flights is 1 hour and for domestic flights is 45 minutes.

 

Mark your bags clearly: If your bag looks generic, try tying a ribbon or scarf to the handle to make it easier to spot at baggage claim!

 

 

Bottled water at the airport is very high-priced (and a waste of plastic). Bring your own reusable water bottle and keep it empty until you get to the bottom of security. Thereafter, you can fill it up at a water fountain or visit the closest Starbucks for free iced water!

 

 

The regular suggestion is to arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international. It's useful to evaluate this time based on your boarding time and not departure time. You can adjust this time based on particular factors like if you 

checked in online, aren't checking bags, and are signed up for expedited security screening like TSA PreCheck.

 

Make sure to account for any potential traffic delays on your way to the airport!

 

Airport lounges aren't free of cost they're great if you have international flights or long stopovers. They include benefits like:

● Wi-Fi

● Meals 

● Drinks

● Plenty of power outlets

● Comfortable seating

 

Depending on the airport, some may also have showers which are best for freshening up during extended stopovers. 

 

To save your money, check if your credit card allows lounge access or whether you can purchase a discounted day pass. 

 

These 10 tips will help you travel through airports more easily and with less stress. Whether you’ve traveled before or this is your first time, a little planning can make your trip better. From signing up for faster security checks to packing your bag smartly, these simple ideas will make your flight more comfortable. Have a great trip and safe travels!

 

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