The best airport hacks for the frequent flier
Integrating travel into your lifestyle can bring many joys along with it, new experiences, deeper relationships and breathtaking scenery. However, the sight of endless gray tile floors, carpeting chairs and moving sidewalks create one vista that travelers can never escape. Learning how to make the best of time spent in the airport is an essential part of travel, as a harried trip or precarious return may taint the memories you set out to create on your journey.
Glasses over contacts
Liquid bans and the drying conditions encountered on planes, choosing eye glasses over contact lenses is a must for the visually impaired. Dry eyes during travel can lead to irritation and infection that is costly and painful.
Bring an empty bottle
Just because bottles must be empty at the TSA gate doesn’t mean they should not be packed at all. These days, most airports have bottle-filling stations scattered throughout the terminal, an eco-friendly and budget-friendly option to let travelers bypass overpriced newsstand drinks.
Big pockets
If you are attempting to avoid checking a bag, bringing a coat or vest with oversized pockets can be the difference between a fee and a carousel or a simple transition into your destination upon arrival. Sticking things like Kindles, battery packs, snacks, books, headphones, cosmetics cases and chargers into an outfit pocket will help conserve bag space for the things that are truly important.
Check public transit
If you’re coming from the United States, it may feel intuitive to jump into a cab versus opting for public transit when leaving for the airport. However, many countries have a more robust and efficient public transit system and may be able to deliver you to your destination for a fraction of the price easily and comfortably.
Wear layers
Between shuttles, terminals, airplanes and security lines, you will come into contact with a number of climate-controlled environments during your travel day, the thermostats of which never seem to be aligned. To ensure that you stay cool, calm and comfortable, make sure you are able to shed or add layers with ease by choosing garments that can be worn together without being overwhelming.
This story was originally published September 12, 2022 at 9:00 AM with the headline "The best airport hacks for the frequent flier."