15 AIRPORT HACKS THAT EVERY WANDERER SHOULD KNOW!

Inside hacks from the travel and tourism management student that will save your time and money!

Travel is restricted during these COVID days, but worry not they are soon coming to an end. Travel is a way of release for some people, for some, it's their career and some people even consider travel a therapy. Are you already daydreaming about your next travel destination after the days in lockdown?

We have your back as we have prepared some must-know airport hacks that will make your travel days easier than ever! Even if you are an avid wanderer and think you already know them, it's better to brush up on them and polish off those top traveler skills!

1. TIE A BRIGHT-COLOURED RIBBON ON YOUR LUGGAGE:

Finding your luggage in a sea of similar-looking ones is always a hassle, you have to look at every similar bag in line. Tying a bright-colored ribbon to your bag will help you identify your bag from a mile away and save you a lot of time and effort. The cherry on top of it is that you get to accessorize it and make it aesthetically fashionable and not just convenient.

2. BRING AN EMPTY WATER BOTTLE:

Carrying a water bottle from home only to have it thrown out by the security check can be a headache, buying a new bottle can be an even bigger one. By bringing an empty bottle you can easily avoid it all and refill it inside the airport. It is also one of the most sanitary ways to get water.

Another awesome trick to get your drink on the airplane is to freeze your drink before arriving at the airport. This way as long as the liquid stays frozen solid when you’re going through screening, you can breeze through security.

Crazy right? You will have to meet the 3-1-1 liquids requirement, in case the drink appears melted or slushy.

3. FIND THE BEST SEAT BEFORE BOOKING:

Is there anything more aggravating than being seated in the middle seat on a lengthy flight? I don't believe so. Controlling where you are seated may appear to be a difficult chore, but it is far from it. You may choose your seats, sometimes for free, and ensure that you receive the finest seat available.

If you have additional time, avoid using the web check-in and instead arrive at the airport 1.5 to 2 hours early to check-in and request a window seat; you'll almost always receive one without having to pay the extra money.

4. CHECK-IN ONLINE:

Another difficulty encountered while boarding a flight from the airport is the effort of waiting in seemingly endless lines. There are countless continuous lines to deal with before departure, from the luggage desk to the boarding gate. Choose 'web check-in,' for which you will receive an email or text message from the airline, allowing you to pick seats and print an online copy of your flight ticket. All you have to do now is ignore the lines and wait for the airport authority to call your name once you have successfully entered the airport and surrendered your bags at the baggage counter. Meanwhile, you may relax in the lounge with a hot cup of coffee.

5. WEAR YOUR EXCESS ITEMS:

If you really want to save money on baggage fees, consider wearing your luggage. To save money, some savvy travelers have loaded their coats with goods.

Wearing an extra puffy jacket will not only help in your luggage but also keep you cozy during the flight.

Companies like Bagket and Jaktogo, are innovating wearable baggage. For example, Jaktogo sells a jacket that turns into a bag, allowing you to save money by wearing it through security.

6. CREATE A TRAVEL CHECKLIST:

Creating a travel checklist is the easiest airport tip for saving money. When individuals construct travel checklists, it's generally for items that they don't want to forget in their bag.

However, making a checklist for your hand baggage is also a smart idea.

This list covers items you know you'll need while waiting for your flight, during a stopover, or when you arrive at the airport.

The following is an examples of the items that might be included in your list:

• Passport or ID

• Warm socks

• Book or kindle

• Electronics like phone charger, power bank, headphones, etc

• Neck travel pillow

• Eye mask

• Reusable bottle

• Toiletries e.g. moisturiser, lip balm, sanitising gel, toothpaste, toothbrush

7. BEFORE LEAVING, BUY A POWER BANK:

Your smartphone might be your most important travel companion. After all, you may use it to get directions, check your mobile boarding ticket, send and receive emails, and interact with people both before and after your trip. It is without a doubt one of the most valuable products to have when traveling.

Rather than waiting in line for a charging station, invest in a portable charger. They come in all price ranges; just make sure it's powerful enough to fully charge your phone at least once. You'll find the gadget essential not just at the airport, but also throughout your flight (if you neglected to charge your phone before departing) or even during your trip: finding a charging station isn't always simple.

8. AVOID WEARING A BELT OR JEWELRY:

Security lines can be a pain, but you can make life easier by leaving the jewelry and belt at home. If you don't want to waste time at the security checkpoint, avoid wearing a belt with a metal buckle or any other metal item.

Wear a belt with a plastic buckle or one that is easy to remove and re-wear instead. You may be able to keep your jewelry on while passing through security in some situations, but it may set off the metal detector. As a result, you may have to toss your jewelry in the trash or undergo a security pat-down. Avoid wearing jewelry completely and instead store it in your luggage for the best effects.

9. TAKE AN EARLY FLIGHT:

Want to avoid the crowd? Consider a red-eye flight if your schedule is flexible. A flight early in the morning may have even fewer passengers because most people do not want to get up early enough to be at the airport by 5 a.m.

Taking such a flight helps save you a lot of money too. What's the best part? If you're traveling on a budget, bear in mind that you'll be saving a night in hotel costs, plus you'll have the entire day ahead of you when you arrive! Not to mention the incredible night photos you'll be able to capture!

What a view, right? Imagine seeing this outside your window!

10. USE FREE WI-FI:

All airports provide free Wi-Fi. All you have to do now is go to the information counter and inquire about the specifics. While you wait for your flight, log in and enjoy hours of entertainment.

Most airports have free wifi, but only for a limited duration (e.g., 30 minutes) or at a reduced speed. This strategy is used to persuade consumers to pay for "unlimited" and "faster" wifi, but unless you're working on a project that needs lightning-fast internet, the free alternative should suffice.

11. KEEP YOUR E-TICKETS HANDY:

You won't be permitted into the airport unless you have a valid, printed e-ticket or an airline confirmation email with your itinerary.

To enter the main door of the airport, the military guards demand that you display these documents in addition to your passport. This means you won't be able to bring non-traveling friends or relatives, and you'll have to say your goodbyes at the door.

12. DO NOT STORE ALL OF YOUR VALUABLES IN ONE LOCATION:

Consider the following scenario. You keep all of your cash and credit cards in your wallet and get robbed. Isn't that a tough place to be in, especially when traveling? Split your hoard and store it in separate locations to reduce your risk.

13. FILL YOUR BAGGAGE WITH ZIPLOC BAGS:

When it comes to packing important goods and keeping them apart from the rest of the stuff, zip lock bags are a lifesaver. Always have a few backup Ziplock bags on hand to store your electronics and other equipment such as charging cables, universal adaptors, and power banks.

Additionally, choosing high-quality Ziplock bags over traditional plastic pouches can help you safeguard your valuables from contamination.

14. PACK YOUR MEALS:

Rather than buying pricey snacks at the airport, bring your own food with you. Sandwiches, fruit, crackers, and granola bars are all good snack options but check with the TSA to ensure that your menu complies with security regulations.

15. YOUR SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU:

Don’t forget to carry a hand sanitizer and an extra mask, also wearing a clean mask at all times is a must. With the current COVID situation this is the most important tip!

So, the next time you're planning a vacation, follow the above-mentioned airport guidelines to ensure a smooth and swift journey through the airport. And with that you are officially a travel expert ready for your next adventure equipped with all kinds of airport tips and tricks!

See you around, traveler!