Traveling around the world is such a fun time! However, going through that airport can be very annoying at times. Your main focus is on your trip and the final destination, not on spending hours at the airport waiting for your plane to depart. From delays and layovers to waiting forever on line, let’s just say the airport is not fun half the time.

I love flying and being up in the air, taking beautiful pictures from above. But I do not like spending my time, waiting in the airport with anxiety for my flight. With these simple hacks, you can save some time and money for your next trip to the airport. To make your life a little easier, here some airport hacks!

1. Bring your own snacks

I think anyone who has been to an airport knows how expensive food and snacks are. To yourself money, bring your own snacks with you. Be sure your snacks are unopened, if they’re open then you’re going to have a hard time getting through security.

2. Bring an empty water bottle

Buying a water bottle in the airport can be very expensive. To save some money, bring an empty water bottle with you. As long as it’s empty you won’t have any problems going through security.

Due to the pandemic, how safe you feel filling up your bottle from a fountain is up to you. If you choose to do so, then you’ll save yourself a few dollars.

3. Sign up for Global Entry

This is a nifty little card (that’s part of the traveler’s program) allows you to expedite the entry process for other countries. There are additional benefits but the main reason why you should get this is because it includes TSA Pre-Check. By spending a few extra dollars on the Global Entry card, you get the benefits of speedy processing and no lines!

If you’re a frequent flyer, this is such a great card to have! It’ll save you time and money in the long run. If you’d like to learn more about this program, you can go to DHS website.

4. Check in ahead of time

If you have the airline app, check in ahead of time to ensure you are set for your flight. I’ve heard from time to time that those who wait until the last minute to check in risk not getting a seat on the plane (even though they picked one when purchasing the ticket).

Better to be safe than sorry and check in before entering the airport. If you don’t have the airline app, then check in at the airport.

5. Wear warm clothing

Airports can be a cold place. Especially if you’re like me, you’re cold all the time and will be even colder at airports. A hack is to wear warm clothing or extra layers to keep you nice and warm. A nice sweater, hoodie, cardigan, anything that’ll keep you warm.

6. Bring your own entertainment

You have to be prepared and expect the unexpected when traveling through an airport. Delays, layovers, cancellations, noise, and other factors can make your experience ugly.

Bring your iPad, laptop, book, Nintendo Switch, anything that’ll keep you busy and your mind off of the stress that comes with an airport. But don’t get too zoned out or you’ll miss your flight!

7. Bring extra Ziploc bags

This is something I do when I travel and I recommend it to you as well. Bring extra Ziplock bags with you. You can store your snacks in them after you’ve passed through security. It can be used to hold your phone in there or for your liquids if something spilled in your primary liquids bag.

Whatever the reason is, it’s a good idea to bring 2-3 extra bags with you.

8. Put your electronics in an easily accessible place

It’s nerve wracking trying to take your shoes off, sweater off, electronics out of your bag while people are waiting for you to finish. Their gaze burns into the back of your head and it is the most uncomfortable feeling ever. To make your life easier, put your electronics in easy to reach places.

Most backpacks and luggage have designated laptop sleeves. If your luggage doesn’t have that, then put them in the front or top portion of your bag. That way, it’s easy to get to in a pinch and you’ll save time and energy.

9. Make your luggage stand out

How many times have you seen the same black suitcase? That black or blue backpack? If you get your luggage mixed up with someone else’s stuff, what will you do? A simple hack is to make your luggage stand out from the rest.

You can get real creative by drawing or decorating your luggage. You can tie a colorful scarf or string around your bag. A luggage tag will do as well but you want to have something bold that stands out.

10. Wear your extra clothing

One thing that travelers dread when they are going through the airport is their luggage being over the weight limit. By wearing your extra clothing, especially during the fall and winter months, you’ll save up on space and weight! This post here will discuss more on how to pack for those chilly months.

11. Depart during off hours

Hate the crowds and busy atmosphere of an airport? I do! You can fly during off hours, such as VERY early in the morning or late at night. For example, flying at 3-6am or 8-10pm. These times will have less people, less lines, which will ultimately give you less anxiety.

12. Bring sanitizer

This is essential nowadays but even prior to COVID, sanitizer was a staple in my travel bag. Especially now more than ever, bring sanitizer with you to clean your hands. It can be used after you use the bathroom, before and after you eat, after you’ve touched something sticky, the list goes on.

From my own experience as well, I’ve found that sometimes the sanitizer stations in the airport are either empty or really gross looking. In that case, it’s always good to have your own sanitizer so you can ensure your hands are clean.

13. Bring a portable battery charger

Don’t you just hate it when your battery is low and everyone is sitting next to an outlet, using up all the space, and you can’t use it to charge your phone? Well, a simple solution is to bring a portable battery charger with you. Never again will you have to worry about beating someone to the nearest charging station or outlet.

14. Bring extra padding for your body

Sitting in those plane chairs can be quite uncomfortable which can leave you with a sore neck, head, and or back. Avoid this by bringing some extra padding with you. This could be in the form of a travel blanket, pillow, neck cushion, anything that’ll provide you with support.

15. Arrive early

You never know what’s going to happen. Whether that Uber was late picking you up, traffic, or you overslept, this can disrupt your flight plans. Play it safe and arrive at the airport early. This will ensure you have enough time to go through security, check in, and find your gate without missing your flight.