Helpful Airport Tips to Make Travel Easier

Flying when traveling can be challenging, exhausting, or a hectic experience. Here are helpful hints to help you cope with flying in these trying times.

1. Check in 24 hours in advance, so you don’t have to wait in line at the airport. This gives you the benefit of being able to have your boarding pass in the app on your phone without having to print anything out. Download the app so that you can get up to date information should your flight have any changes or delays. Read more on what to do when your flight gets cancelled.
2. Sign up for the TSA PreCheck program to expedite screening and cut down waiting time.
3. Take a piture of area where you parked your car. You may think you will remember but many travelers forget and spend a considerable anount of time looking for their car instead of heading home.
4. FLIO is an app (available for Android and iOS) that gives you all the information you need on airport amenities (washrooms, charging hub, shortest routes) plus deals on lounges, ground transportation, food and shopping in over 800 airports in the world.
5. Carry an empty water bottle to fill once you’re through customs, as long as the water is drinkable in that location. It’s good to have water with you so you don’t have to pay airport prices and on the plane you don’t have to wait to be served.
6. Pack liquids and electronics in an easy to reach place when going through security. Liquids can go in a toiletry bag and electronics in one packing cube that can easily be pulled out.
7. Turn left at the security checkpoint. Most people turn right, making the lines to the right longer.
8. Bring a portable charger, especially if you have a long stopover or a really long flight. You can’t be sure all airports have charging stations. Also bring your mobile/iPad charger with you on the airplane to use the USB charger in the headrest in front of you next to the display.
9. If you’re traveling with children or just want a snack for yourself, bring it with you to avoid paying those high airport or airplane prices. Short flights are easier but airplane food isnt all that great so you may want to make a list of the best foods to pack for a long flight.
10. Airplanes and airports are a Mecca for germs. Bring a mini hand sanitizer in your bag for your flight and your day-to-day travels.
11. Opt to get a portable weight checker and never again pay for overweight baggage fees.
12. Dress in layers for those cold airports and warm outdoors to feel comfortable at all times.
13. Wear socks to avoid those dirty floors when having to remove your shoes going through security and to keep your feet warm during the flight. You might think about compression socks to help increase the blood flow in your lower legs if you have foot difficulties.
14. Tie a colorful ribbon on the handle of your luggage or have a very noticeable luggage tag to make your luggage stand out to find it easier.
15. Sometimes your luggage may get delayed (or lost) so if you have something important (like medication, your I.D. etc) keep it with you in your carry-on. It’s also good to have a change of clothes with you as well.