Seriously helpful airport tips from experienced travelers
Helpful airport tips
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.

For many of us, the airport is the least fun part of our journeys. It feels like a necessary evil that we have to endure before we get to the promised land. But it doesn’t have to be like that. Below are several helpful airport tips and hacks to make the airport experience a little better. These are easy to implement and they can quickly offer improvement.

Be advised—many of these airport tips need to be implemented before you get to the airport!

Airport tips - do this before you leave

1. Pack important things and a change of clothes in your carry-on

The chances of your checked luggage getting lost are slim but possible. Be prepared for the unthinkable by packing your important documents, valuables, and a change of clothes in your carry-on.

2. Personalize your luggage

People can make mistakes and accidentally take someone else’s luggage, which looks similar to theirs. Avoid mistakes like these by personalizing your checked luggage and your carry-on. You can do this by adding stickers or ribbons, or luggage belts.

3. Download your boarding pass and airport map

It’s a great idea to use your phone to access your boarding pass, but what if you cannot access your boarding pass via Wi-Fi? What if the free airport WiFi is too slow because everyone in the airport is connected to it? Avoid this potential hassle by downloading your boarding pass and an airport map ahead of time. If you can do so, have a printed copy too, just in case.

4. Check-in Online

Use technology in your favor! Most airlines now provide online check-in to cut down on waiting time. Use it! (Some airlines do not provide a refund if you miss your flight if you checked in online, so check the terms and conditions of your chosen airline.)

5. Pack a light jacket

Even in the summer, the air conditioning in airports (and airplanes) can be high. Be prepared for this by always having a light jacket or sweater in your bag.

6. Travel with a multi-plug in your carry on

Airport power plugs are limited and dispersed across the airport. By traveling with a multi-plug, you can charge all your gadgets simultaneously, and other passengers can even charge theirs from the same outlet. If you are traveling abroad, include your travel adaptor, too.

7. Pack plenty of snacks

Airport food is expensive. Save money by stocking up on snacks that you can eat on the go. Passable dry snacks are typically the best choices to take on your travels since they will not set off security scanners. Good snacks for traveling include granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, etc.

8. Pack hand sanitizer

With so many people traveling through airports every day, it is a germ pool. Keep a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer close and use it after touching common areas.

9. Pack an empty water bottle

Buying water at the airport is expensive, but you can’t bring water past airport security. The solution to that dilemma is to bring an empty water bottle. Once you are through security, fill your bottle at a water fountain.

Airport tips - do this once you arrive

10. Take a picture of your airport parking spot

Avoid the aggravation of trying to remember where you parked. Simply take a picture or two of the spot and the location. Also, if you are parking long-term, be sure to look for cheap parking options before you leave.

11. Queue Near the Business Class Check-in

If you have already checked in online, this step is unnecessary. If not, it’s helpful to know that business travelers rarely have to wait long to check in because they have their own dedicated line. When the business class check-in hostess has no one else to serve, and the economy class check-in line is long, he/she may offer to lighten the load. If you are queueing close to that check-in line, you may get checked in earlier.

Airport tips - how to get through TSA quickly?

Helpful airport tips - how to get through tsa quicklyThe quicker you can go through security, the less stressed you will be.

12. Prepare for going through airport security before you leave

There’s always that one annoying passenger who holds the line up because they have to take off their bulky boots, unclasp their accessories, and undo their money pouches and belts. Avoid this by simply understanding the rules. For security, we all have to remove our laptop or tablet, 3-1-1 liquid bag, jacket, shoes, belt, and metal jewelry before going through security.

As you prepare yourself that day, dress appropriately so that you can get in and out of the line quickly. Here are a few simple tips to follow:

  • Wear socks and slip-on shoes;
  • Avoid shoelaces, buckles, or complicated straps;>
  • If you can avoid wearing a belt, do so, or keep your belt in your carry-on until after the security check.

13. Opt for lines on the left

Since most people are right-handed, we tend to pick the line on their right to stand in line. By choosing one of the rows on the far left, you are increasing your chances of making it through the line swiftly.

14. Scan the lines before you pick one

Before you select a line, look who is in the line first. Sometimes, the shortest line takes as long as a longer one. Consider that movement through security is significantly faster for a dozen business people than for a family with young children or a tour group of senior individuals.

15. Have your paperwork ready

Have your boarding pass and ID ready when you enter the security line.

16. Empty your pockets while you’re in line

The line at airport security is usually long because people need to empty their pockets, remove shoes, etc. You can speed up the process by emptying your pockets before you reach the front of the line.

17. Pack electronic devices and liquids at the top of your carry-on

When you are going through airport security, you are going to be asked to remove liquids and electronic devices. To ease the process, be sure to pack those items in the top section of your carry-on or backpack so that you have quick and easy access to them.

18. Remember TSA rules

  • Unless you’re in a PreCheck lane, you must remove your laptop from its case and place it in its own container.
  • For the TSA’s 3-1-1 protocol, ensure that any liquids are kept in a transparent plastic bag.
  • Throw away any plastic bottles with liquid in them;
  • Before you enter the security line, make sure that your reusable bottle is empty. (If you have a bottle with liquid in it, it will have to be thrown out or emptied. If you empty it, it will have to be re-screened, which causes delays in the line.)

To go through the airport security line as quickly as possible, remove all your belongings from the belt as quickly as possible.

Airport tips - pre boarding

19. Avoid listening to loud music on your headphones

According to stewardesses, the top reason people miss their flights is that they were listening to music via their headphones. The fact is, if you are choosing to listen to loud music via headphones while at the airport, you are also choosing to potentially miss announcements such as a gate change or a boarding call. If you are going to be listening to anything via headphones, don’t put the sound up so loud that it drowns out all other sounds.

20. Boarding takes time—no need to rush

When they say it is time to board, most people jump up to go stand in line. The boarding process takes about 10 to 20 minutes., so take your time. If you are busy with an email, finish the email. In other words, take the time you need to close up what you have and prepare yourself for the next part of your journey. It doesn’t matter that you are in the front or the back of the line— everyone will wind up in the same area.

LOVE THIS POST? SHARE IT...
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

TAGS:

RELATED POSTS

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About The Author

Hi! We’re the Cheltens’. We visit South Africa 1-2 times per year. We want to share our experiences with you so that you may make educated decisions when you plan your next trip to the rainbow nation.

Time now at South Africa (GMT+2)

3:09 pm
Friday, September 30, 2023

Upcoming festivities/holidays in South Africa

September 2023

MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
SU
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Heritage Day (National Holiday)
All Day
His his speech marking South Africa’s first Heritage day, President Nelson Mandela said: When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation. W , ...
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
Want to have your business or product featured?
We’re always looking for awesome places, products, activities, restaurants, travel accessories, or anything else that promotes the rich and colorful culture of South Africa.
Travel Categories
Best Travel Products
Sale
Ceptics South Africa Travel Plug Adapter (Type M) - 3 Pack [Grounded & Universal] (GP-10L-3PK)
  • Small Travel Size - 3 Pack
  • Standard: Type M plug, South Africa CEE 7/16. Grounded 3-Prong plug.
  • Accepts plugs from all countries including USA.
  • New conductivity design - internal metal interfaces provides better Conductivity
  • Grounded 3 Round Prong plug. Max Capacity Up to 3000 Watt (max 250 Volt, 13 A)
Sale
Money Belt for Men Travel Security Belt with Hidden Money Compartment Pocket, Cashsafe Anti-Theft Wallet Non-Metal Buckle
  • PATENT PENDING ; (🔥 KEEP YOUR CASH HIDDEN FROM YOUR WIFE / GF!🔥 ) Travel Security Money Belt
  • 🔒 BYE BYE PICKPOCKETS 💵 - DESIGNED FOR TRAVEL TSA 🧳 - keep your cash safe from pickpockets; equipped with an easy-to-use hidden zippered...
  • 💪 DURABLE - Made with Premium YKK Zipper with reinforced non-slip buckle, Adjustable wear-resisting nylon materia for waist sizes 26 to 42 inches....
  • ✅ Easy access and storage; quickly stash and remove your bills, coins, and keys with ease
  • ✅ NOT JUST A NORMAL BELT - It is a Long-lasting companion; made of premium quality top-grade webbing, YKK zipper, and a reinforced buckle; this...
TRAVELREST Nest Memory Foam Travel Pillow/Neck Pillow - Advanced Neck Support for Long Flights - Patented Design for Optimal Relaxation - Long Travel - Unmatched Sleep - Machine Washable - Blue
  • OPTIMAL SLEEP IN THE SKIES - TOP AIRPLANE NECK PILLOW FOR 2018 - 2023: ENDORSED BY THE NEW YORK TIMES WIRECUTTER. After undergoing multiple...
  • SLEEP INNOVATION: The Travelrest Ultimate shines with its distinctively angled back that stays flat against the seat, ensuring impeccable...
  • REVITALIZE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE: Engineered with thermo-sensitive memory foam, our flight pillow delivers optimal support for neck, shoulder, and...
  • EFFORTLESS RELAXATION EVERYWHERE YOU GO: Our neck pillow is your ultimate companion for long flights, car trips, train journeys, buses, couch...
  • SEAMLESS TRAVEL CONVENIENCE, STYLISH CHOICES: Explore our flight pillow, featuring sophisticated gray and vibrant blue options. This package includes...
Sale
INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, External Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad etc
  • ✅【From INIU--the SAFE Fast Charge Pro】Experience the safest charging with over 38 million global users. At INIU, we use only the highest-grade...
  • ✅【Market's Thinnest 10000mAh】 The market’s one and only 0.5-inch power bank that breaks the limit of 10000mAh, easily slipped into any travel...
  • ✅【Only 5% Got USB-C IN&OUT】INIU is the only 5% of power banks got a USB-C IN&OUT port. Unlike others only recharge via USB-C port, INIU can...
  • ✅【3A High-Speed Charging】3A fast charging fuels iPhone up to 78% in just one hour. INIU's AutoFit identifies and meets your device's ideal...
  • ✅【15-Layer SAFE Charging】INIU's unique 15-Layer SmartProtect system shrugs off any unusual charging at the start. Take overheating risk and...
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @YEBOSOUTHAFRICA