Here are our top airport travel hacks for you to easily navigate the airport stress-free and with ease. You're going on holiday so why not start it off right?

Check in early

You can check in for your flight 24 hours in advance online, with some airlines even earlier! When we're doing this I typically print out the boarding pass too so we're all set to go the next day! Checking in early also allows you to skip the line saving you some time when you get to the airport!

Keep important documents together

This hack is so simple but so helpful when you’re traveling. We typically keep every document we might need to pull out at some point between getting to the airport and getting to the hotel at our destination in one folder in a pocket in our carry-on. 

We keep our boarding passes, car reservation, hotel reservation, etc. and wallet all in one spot. There’s nothing worse than being in a rush and having to search through your luggage for your papers. Save yourself the stress and keep it all together!

Check out security points beforehand

Most airports have a map of their security checkpoints on their website. Before your trip check out online the different security checkpoints you can use in the airport.

People typically go to the first one they see which causes huge lines. If you do your research, you may just know where to find the security checkpoint that most people don’t know about, thus getting you through faster and saving you time waiting in line!

Always check the monitors

This is one we do every single time we travel and one that we were taught to do at a young age by our parents. Every time you pass by a monitor in the airport, make sure you check it.

There is nothing worse than finding out your gate had been moved across the airport and you missed your flight because you didn’t know. Checking the monitors takes 5 seconds and could save you a huge headache. In our book, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Bring your own water bottle and snacks

You know that you can’t bring your water through security. However, you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it up once your past security! There are definitely water fountains and often times a place you can fill up a water bottle too by the gates. Say goodbye to wasting your money on overpriced airport water bottles, plus its MUCH better for the environment.

Also, bring your own snacks! Again, airport snacks are overpriced and the airplane food is pretty meh. Also, if you are wanting to eat healthier because everyone knows airport food is pretty bad for you and full of sodium, this is also a great option!

Ask for free upgrades

Honestly, what’s the worst they can say? No?

Grab whoever you’re traveling with and walk up to the agent at the desk at your gate (which you know is your gate because you checked the monitor every time you walked by) and just ask if you could have a free upgrade!

Most of the time they will probably say no and you just say “okay, thanks!” and never see that person again. BUT sometimes they say yes, and you get a free upgrade on your flight making it so worth it!

Keep valuables with you 

Do not pack anything of value in your checked luggage. This one may seem obvious but it’s easy to forget when you have a hundred different things on your mind when you’re traveling. You never know if your luggage might get lost! If you have any valuable jewelry, money, anything that you are bringing on your trip, do not put it in your checked bag!

Dress nicely for long haul flights 

If you are traveling internationally we recommend dressing nice. This is because it increases your likelihood of getting upgraded to first class! If you look like you belong in first class, honestly, your chances of being chosen by an airline agent to be upgraded when they have open spots are much higher than if you were wearing old sweats.

I know what you’re probably thinking, if I’m traveling internationally I am getting as comfy as possible for the long flight. Honestly, we feel that. However, just because you are dressed nicely doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable.

Make your luggage stand out

After your flight and while you’re waiting for your luggage to come by on the carousel you have probably noticed several bags that could have been yours but you weren’t sure and had to check. It can be as simple as tying a colorful ribbon or bright colored duct tape to the handle of your bag. This way you can easily spot your bag and it’s also less likely to be taken by mistake by someone else!

Bring your phone charger in your hand luggage

Often times you will have an opportunity to charge your phone before getting on the plane ensuring you don’t kill the battery mid-flight, so keep your phone charger in your carry-on ready to grab for when you see an open outlet! Some flights also have outlets on the plane where you can charge your devices as well.