Traveling can be a fun, rejuvenating experience but navigating the airport isn’t. From seemingly never-ending checkpoints and gate changes to delayed flights, there’s a long list of things that can go wrong and give your trip an unpleasant start or end.
In this post we share airport hacks to help you put together the perfect airport packing list. They will also improve your overall airport experience which is generally the most dreaded part of any trip.
11 Useful Airport Hacks to Travel Smartly
Planning a trip? Here’s a list of airport tricks designed to make your next trip a breeze.
1) Lighten Your Load
We waste a lot of airport time waiting to drop off and pick up our bags. If you’re going on a short trip, save some of that time and effort by limiting yourself to carry-on luggage. Find a small bag with wheels for ease of movement, while keeping in mind the size of carry-on luggage allowed by your airline.
2) Arrive Early
Hurrying to catch a plane can lead to many problems, especially in a busy airport like Toronto Pearson. You can forget important documents, misplace your belongings, and let’s not even talk about the stress.
Your best bet is to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international one. This will not only give you peace of mind but reduce your chance of missing your flight.
3) Book an Airport Limo
An airport limo service is the best way to reach the airport comfortably and on time. You can pre-book a ride and set a an appropriate time for your pickup so you have ample time before takeoff. When your limo arrives (on schedule), your chauffeur will help you with your luggage. You can then sit and relax without worrying about finding a parking spot or looking for a suitable route to save time.
4) Check In Online
In the world of smartphone apps, there’s no need to fumble around for paper printouts of your tickets and boarding passes. Simply log in to your airline’s website or app, check in 12 to 24 hours before your flight, download your boarding pass, and present your smartphone when boarding.
5) Bring Your Own Snacks
Skip the line at airport restaurants and save money by bringing your own snacks. Not only is it healthy but it’s also economical. Go for dry snacks like popcorn, energy bars, trail mix, and dried fruit. These snacks come in handy when your flight is delayed. This airport hack is especially helpful when travelling with kids.
6) Dress Comfortably
Savvy fliers know that comfort plays a vital role in ensuring a positive travel experience. That’s why you should choose your travel outfit wisely. Select wrinkle-resistant clothing or breathable fabrics like cotton, silk or linen to combat the different temperatures you may encounter throughout your journey. It is advisable to carry a jacket or sweater in your carry-on in case it gets chilly on the plane.
7) Know the Rules
As part of your trip planning, research airport security rules, baggage policies and safety measures. This will reduce your risk of carrying unwanted items.
While some airport rules are common, others differ. For example, rules related to carrying alcohol and medicines are not the same at all airports.
8) Utilize Your Free Time
Flights get delayed for many reasons, including technical faults and poor weather, which can leave you with dead time on your hands. So, why not make the most of this time? Complete some pending work, make important phone calls, or answer email while in the airport lounge.
9) Get Travel Insurance
It’s a good practice to always travel with insurance. Although not technically an airport hack, it does help ensure a positive travel experience. Not only does it act as a safety net against unforeseen medical expenses but it safeguards you against other travel-related emergencies, like losing your baggage or passport.
10) Make Your Luggage Easily Identifiable
According to an annual baggage report by Geneva-based technology service provider SITA, worldwide. One trick to make your luggage more readily identifiable is to mark your bags. You can use colourful ribbons, nametags, brightly-coloured cases or anything else that makes it easier for you to spot your bags.
11) Keep an Airport Map Handy
Although airports are designed to make it easy for fliers to identify different check-in points, gates, waiting areas and shops, confusion can arise. Download the airport map and get relevant information about terminals, gates, currency exchanges, ticket counters, baggage claims and more.
When it comes to planning and preparing for a trip to make it more pleasant, there are many things to think about. That includes how you start and end your trip at the airport. That’s when these tips will come in handy. From hiring a limo service to limiting your luggage, these small efforts can make big differences when you travel. We hope these hacks will help you move hassle-free through the airport the next time you travel.