Airports tend to be places where you need to be on the ball and aware that every passenger is viewed as a money-making opportunity by the businesses that operate there.
There are a number of useful hacks to be aware of that should help you save time and money at the airport.
Here are some top tips to help you become a savvy airport traveler.
1.) Arrange your Airport transportation in advance.
Knowing that you have your shuttle to and from the airport and hotel sorted beforehand will mean you don’t have to stress about meeting deadlines or being exploited by a taxi operator overcharging you because you didn’t pre-book.
2.) Start your journey online
Most airlines let you check in online. That is a no-brainer if you want to save time queuing at the airport. You can even choose your seat preference, along with getting your boarding passes before you even arrive for your flight.
If you haven’t already, sign up for a TSA pre-check.
3.) Taking a red-eye flight may be worth considering
If you can cope with nighttime travel you will often be able to pass through the airport quicker if you travel after 10 pm. Airports are much quieter later at night. You could even save on the cost of your flight if you book one that leaves at a more unsociable hour.
4.) Check the weight of luggage at home
It can be seriously disruptive and expensive if you discover that your luggage is overweight when you check-in. Avoid that scenario by checking the weight of each piece of luggage before your head for the airport.
5.) Learn the layout of the airport
You can waste a lot of time and energy wandering around the terminal building trying to find where you need to go. A good tip would be to familiarize yourself with the layout of the airport you are visiting. Knowing the best route to your gate is a lot less stressful and that knowledge will speed up your journey.
6.) Consider carrying all of your bags onboard
If you want to save some serious time and hassle you might want to see if you can get all of your clothes and accessories into hand luggage that qualifies to be taken onboard. Some savvy travelers even go to the extent of wearing bulky items like a winter coat so that they can walk straight onto their flight with everything they need for the trip packed into hand luggage.
Follow these time-saving tips the next time you are traveling through an airport and the whole experience is likely to be less stressful, and could even be less expensive too.
Courtesy The Travel Manual. Article available here.
