Traveling can be an adventure, but long hours at the airport and international flights can quickly drain your energy. Small annoyances like uncomfortable seating, security delays, or heavy bags can make your journey less enjoyable.
Fortunately, with a few essentials and adjustments, you can easily breeze through your next trip. From dressing strategically to navigating security checks smoothly, these airport tips and hacks will help you stay comfortable and stress-free.
Keep reading to elevate your travel experience and make your next journey as pleasant as your destination.
1. Wear Glasses Instead of Contacts
One of the best airport hacks for contact lens wearers is to skip the contacts. Airplane cabins have low humidity, which can make your eyes feel dry. This dryness can worsen and irritate your eyes if you wear contact lenses. Glasses, however, don’t touch your eyes directly, so they’re usually more comfortable. Also, airplane recycled air can lead to more bacteria or fungi on your contact lenses, which increases the risk of eye infections. So, if you’re flying, switching to glasses in the meantime might be a good idea to avoid these issues.
2. Dress Strategically
Dressing smartly is one of the ultimate airport hacks every traveler should know because it can make things easier and faster. Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put back on, like slip-on shoes or sneakers. Avoid shoes with lots of laces or buckles because they can slow you down during security checks. Also, wear a jacket or sweater that you can easily take off to move quickly through security and stay comfortable in different temperatures. Travelers should consider wearing fewer accessories like belts, watches, or jewelry to avoid security delays because they might set off alarms. Keep it simple to get through the airport faster.
3. Book an Airport Lounge
Booking an airport lounge is like getting a special room at the airport where you can relax before your flight. Instead of sitting in a busy area with many people, you enjoy a quiet place with comfy chairs, free snacks and drinks, and even Wi-Fi. Some lounges have cool amenities like showers or spa treatments. You can buy a day pass for lounge access for one trip, which costs between $25 and $60. If you have a special credit card or are a member of certain programs, you can get into the lounge for free. Some people also get free access if they travel a lot with the same airline or have special tickets.
4. Mark Your Luggage
Marking your luggage is one of the easiest airport hacks for travelers. You can add something colorful or unique to your bag so it’s easy to spot. For example, you could use special luggage tags with your name and phone number. You could also stick stickers or patches that reflect your personality. This way, when you’re waiting for your bag at the airport, you’ll be able to find it quickly and know it’s yours.
5. Prepare for Security Checks
Give yourself extra time to get through airport security, especially during busy times. This way, you won’t feel rushed, and you can handle any surprises that come up. You can sign up for special programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to make things easier. These programs help you get through security faster because you don’t have to take off your shoes, laptop, or liquids. TSA PreCheck is for flights within the U.S., and Global Entry is great for returning to the U.S. from another country. Global Entry costs $100 and lasts five years, but it can save you time and make traveling less stressful.
6. Adjust Your Watch
As soon as you get on the plane, change the time on your watch to match the time at your destination. This helps your brain get used to the new time zone immediately. It can help you figure out when to eat or sleep according to the new place you’re visiting. You can also plan your day and keep track of important activities when you arrive. Plus, it can help you feel better and adjust faster, so you don’t feel too tired from traveling.
7. Place Your Bag In Front of Your Seat
Putting your carry-on bag right above your seat makes grabbing things like books, snacks, or tablets easy without going up and down the aisle. This helps you stay comfy and keeps everyone else happy, too. It also makes getting on and off the plane quicker because you don’t have to search for your bag or get in other people’s way. If you can, try to board the plane early to get a spot above your seat before it gets too crowded.
8. Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones
Airports and airplanes are often noisy, with sounds from engines, announcements, and fellow passengers. Noise-canceling headphones can effectively reduce these ambient noises. On long flights, getting some rest can be challenging due to the constant noise. Noise-canceling headphones help create a more conducive environment for sleep by blocking out distractions, so you can arrive at your destination more refreshed.
9. Bring Ziploc Bags
Ziploc bags are handy for packing because you can see what’s inside them. This makes it easy to find things like toiletries, snacks, or small gadgets in your bag. Using different sizes of Ziploc bags helps you keep things organized. Use a quart-sized (7 x 8 inches) clear Ziploc bag for security checks for liquids, gels, and sprays. This makes it easier to show them to airport staff and meet TSA regulations. If you bring snacks or buy food at the airport, Ziploc bags keep them fresh and stop spills in your bag.
10. Watch Your Feet
The last on our airport travel hacks list is a portable footrest. Footrests can help your feet stay up and make you more comfortable, especially shorter ones. They help take pressure off your back and sit better. Keeping your feet up can also help your blood flow, which stops your feet from swelling and feeling sore on long flights. It’’s easy to carry because it’s small and light. Also, consider wearing compression socks. They squeeze your legs a little, help keep your blood flow well, and stop your legs from swelling or getting tired after sitting for a long time.
Takeaway
Using these airport hacks can make your travel more comfortable and less stressful. Simple things like wearing glasses instead of contact lenses to avoid dry eyes or choosing easy-to-remove clothes for faster security checks can improve your flight experience and make your journey smoother.
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