14 useful Airport Hacks That Could Change The Way We Travel

By YEET MAGAZINE Updated 0118 GMT (0918 HKT) October 2, 2021

Wear your extra luggage © Kaspars Grinvalds / Shutterstock.com

Airports are dynamic spaces, full of travelers who strive to get from point A to point B with as few hitches as possible. Even though we love to explore new places, there are times when we get on a plane that things don't go as planned, but did you know that there are a number of arrangements you can take to make your trip? a little more pleasant trip?

Some airlines like Southwest can help you more than you think. Sometimes, just taking this or that item with you can make the difference between a horrible theft and an exceptional theft. Even if you think you are familiar with the customs of airports, the tips and advice below could be very useful to you.

1. Bring your own headphones

Pros: No need to pay for extras
What you need: Your own pair of headphones

It is strongly recommended that you bring your own headphones to the airport for several reasons. Not only will this save you from having to pay extra if you want to watch a movie during the flight, but they will definitely be more comfortable and won't fall out of your ears every time.

Bring your own headphones Viacheslav © Nikolaenko / Shutterstock.com

It's a good thing airlines like American Airlines do , however, their quality often leaves something to be desired. If you really want to relax and enjoy your trip, it is better to bring your own rather than using the ones provided by the airline.

2. Don't hesitate to request a free upgrade.

Pros: Possibility of getting a better seat
What you need: Self-confidence

Most people are either too polite or too shy to dare to ask for something for free, but that's a mistake. In this world of bullies, if you can get better treatment by saying that you are celebrating a particular event, then do it.

Don't be afraid to ask for a free upgrade © Antonio Guillem / Shutterstock.com

Airlines like United have been known to offer passengers free upgrades when available to make their experience as memorable as possible. Of course, this does not always work, but whoever tries nothing has nothing.

3. Go towards the checkpoint on the left at security level

Benefits: Pass faster
What you need: Be able to distinguish right from left

We all know how taxing it can be to stand in line for hours on end at security checks, but there might be a way to save you the trouble. Instead of automatically going right when you get to security, head left and into the lane furthest on that side.

When entering the security check, head to the left checkpoint © Milosz Maslanka / Shutterstock.com

The reasoning behind this is simple. Since most people are right-handed, they naturally go to the checkpoint to their right. Going left you are sort of bypassing the system and will probably go faster. This tip will not save you anything financially, on the other hand it will save you precious time.Advertising

4. Don't forget to take a portable charger for your phone

Pros: You'll never run out of battery
What you need: A portable phone charger

There's no denying that we can't live without our phones anymore, so making sure we always have battery power is essential. Traveling without being able to access your cell phone can be incredibly boring, and even dangerous. Airports have plenty of charging stations, but you are unlikely to find one free or near you. Also, it is best to take your own portable charger.

Don't forget to bring a portable charger © O_Lypa / Shutterstock.com

As soon as your iPhone starts showing a low battery level, pull out your portable charger and set it on to charge. A little extra tip: turn off your phone or put it in airplane mode after take off. Otherwise, it might continue to search for a network and overuse your battery unnecessarily.Advertising

5. Bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer.

Benefits: You'll be protected from germs
What you need: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer

As airplanes are much like tin cans floating in the air, and with so many people around you, it is normal that the risk of being contaminated with a microbe is increased. To guard against this risk, make sure you always take a packet of wet wipes and hand sanitizer with you.

Bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer © Jaromir Chalabala / Shutterstock.com

Use them whenever you have the chance to kill bacteria and other germs. Plus, the wet wipes will help you cool off after a long flight. Everyone feels a bit groggy after spending several hours on an American Airlines

American Airlines Grouparrow_downward 20.58 -0.43 (-2.05%)access_time 15:54:56plane . You might not be able to shower right away, but at least you can wash off that way.

Advertising

6. Book a morning flight if you can't stand the turbulence

Benefits: A more peaceful flight
What you need: A morning flight

Turbulence is arguably the most unpleasant part of any flight, and usually few people enjoy it. A chaotic flight that lasts for hours is not good on anyone's nerves. Sometimes they are just unavoidable, but there are a few steps you can take to reduce your chances of encountering them.

If you don't like turbulence, book an early morning flight © KieferPix / Shutterstock.com

Most turbulence tends to occur in the afternoon. Booking a flight early in the morning can therefore allow you to travel more serenely. This will not completely eliminate the chances of turbulence, but it will reduce them and allow you to quietly watch the Netflix movie you downloaded.Advertising

7. Bring your own zipped freezer bags

Benefits: Travel with fluids, keep things safe
What you need: Zippered freezer bags

When planning your trip, you might not even think of heading to the kitchen to grab a few bags of freezer. Still, it's a great idea for several reasons.

Bring Your Own LAN Cable © Daniel Krason / Shutterstock.com

Even if you have already packed all your liquids, you will surely be shopping for other things at the last minute at the airport. If you are planning on heading to the beach, this is a great way to protect your belongings when using them. If you don't have one at home, you can find it in stores like Walmart for half a dollar.

8. Check in 24 hours before the flight

Benefits: Skip the line at check-in
What you need: Check-in online

A few years ago it was not possible to register online. But nowadays most airlines offer it. You can check in online from 24 hours before your flight time.

Check in 24-hours before your flight © leungchopan / Shutterstock.com

So you no longer need to queue to check in, just bring your already printed boarding pass. There is certainly a lot to complain about on the Internet, but this option made possible by it is a pure wonder.Advertising

9. Take a picture of your checked baggage

Pros: Easier to spot when picking them up
What you need: A phone with a camera

When it comes to luggage, you could say it all looks the same or everyone has the same. There are things you can do to make your luggage easier to spot when you collect it. Just take out your phone and take a picture of them before saving them.

Take a photo of your checked luggage sebastianosecondi / Shutterstock.com

This way, you can refer to them when looking to spot them on the luggage belt, and be sure you have taken the correct ones. Even if you think you recognize yours, another passenger may have bought the exact same ones from Target. . Prevention is better than cure !Advertising

10. Freeze liquids so they can be taken on the plane

Benefits: Pass liquids through security checks
What you need: Freeze your liquids first.

Everyone knows that liquids have been prohibited on planes for some time now, only small containers being allowed. If you really want to take something to drink with you on the plane without having to buy it at the airport, you can always freeze your water bottle.

Freeze Your Liquids to Bring on Planes © mr.kriangsak kitisak / Shutterstock.com

The only difficulty is that it must still be completely frozen when it comes to going through security checks. If your bottle of Pepsi is even a little thawed, it will not pass the checks and it will be a waste of time. So if you have a long drive to get to the airport, this might not be for you.Advertising

11. Find the best seat on the plane when checking in

Benefits: Being more comfortable
What you need: SeatGuru

Airlines all use different aircraft, with different seating configurations. It is therefore sometimes difficult to know if the seat you choose will be really comfortable. Don't worry, there is SeatGuru for that. You can use it to search for reviews of different seats, which will let you know if you made the right choice or not.

Find the best seat on the plane when you check in © Kunat CR / Shutterstock.com

It's a novel idea that has helped many weary travelers in the past. Don't forget to give your contribution and leave a comment for the seat you have chosen. This could be useful for future passengers!Advertising

12. Flying at night

Benefits: Peace and quiet
What you need: A night flight

Few people in practice opt for night flights. This makes sense, since most of us prefer to sleep in a cozy bed at night rather than on a plane, but if you hate crowded airports and prefer a quieter experience, book a plane that leaves late at night and arrives early the next morning.

Fly red-eye © motive56 / Shutterstock.com

All you'll have to do is fall asleep in front of your Amazon Kindle, and by the time you wake up, you'll be at your destination. It is certainly not for everyone, but if you like peace and quiet, try to opt for night flights when possible.Advertising

13. Find out in advance about restaurants and shops at the airport.

Pros: You'll know what to find in advance
What you need: Internet and a good sense of direction

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of travel and think you'll find something to eat at the airport. However, not all airports have a great choice of restaurants and shops. Often, there are only a few fast foods there, which means poorer nutritional choices.

Check ahead to see which restaurants and shops are at the airport © haireena / Shutterstock.com

Instead of settling for junk food, check ahead when planning your trip. Knowing what's out there in advance will give you more time to organize yourself accordingly and avoid getting caught up in a fait accompli by eating something you don't really want.Advertising

14. Bring an empty water bottle

Benefits: Get free water
What you need: An empty water bottle

One of the main ways airports can make money is to allow passengers to eat and drink while waiting for their flight. If you have a habit of buying a bottle of water on every flight, you should consider skipping that. Just bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it up once you get through security.

Bring an Empty Water Bottle @TheDieline / Pinterest.com

So you can quench your thirst as much as you want, without having to pay exorbitant prices. This is a simple little trick, but it will prove to be beneficial for your wallet in the long run.