When you’re someone who’s always on the go, airports become some kind of your second home. It just comes with territorial laws—and you must deal with it. Although airports may appear intimidating, however, they can be secure and comfortable places. With the right knowledge and set of tricks, you can make your next trip as painless as possible.
Here are five smart airport hacks that you can do on your next trip for a much easier travel experience.
- Pack your own snacks.
Airports are known for having mega-expensive price tags on everything, including food. Avoid spending a fortune on a sandwich and a bottle of water by packing your own snacks. Make your own chicken sandwich, pack mixed nuts or go for protein bars. In case of flight delays and long layovers, your tummy will thank you for bringing something to eat.
- Download your airline’s mobile application.
Nowadays, airlines have their own mobile apps. This allows them to update their passengers of the current situation real time. Get push notifications, check for upgrades and view your plane’s seat map by downloading your airline’s app. It just makes everything more convenient as it allows you to know what’s happening before it affects your trip.
- If you’ll be picked up, meet them at the departure area.
Always an effective trick: tell whoever is picking you up in your destination to meet you at the departure gate of the airport instead of the arrival area. It’s always less hectic up there. All you need to do is to run upstairs and see your buddies. Say goodbye to waiting and long lines of traffic.
- Stock up on necessities at duty-free stores.
Travelling overseas means getting access to duty-free stores. Take advantage of this opportunity for stocking up on your necessities—and buying souvenirs when you go home. The goods they sell in these stores are cheaper than other retail outlets as they are exempted from taxes and duties.
- Kindness is the key.
Being kind and courteous goes a long way at airports, and landing a free upgrade could just be a matter of saying thank you. Flash that big smile always. Remember to be kind and sweet to the flight attendants, as well as be respectful to your co-travellers. Apart from boosting your chance of getting an upgrade, it also is the right thing to do.
Following the mentioned hacks take very little effort, and will save you added headache as you embark on the trip you’ve long been waiting for.
