These tiny travel hacks make a big, big difference

Most lessons don’t stick unless you learn them the hard way.

Unfortunately, I’ve learned more than my fair share of lessons at the airport (and once, on my way to the airport after underestimating how long it would take to get my family ready and out the door, which ultimately resulted in missing our flight).

Fortunately, the implications of making big mistakes — such as missing a flight — and smaller ones — like being unable to find my car in the airport parking lot after a long trip — have stuck with me.

Now I have an arsenal of small hacks that make my travel days smooth and stress-free. Well, as stress-free as a day at the airport with thousands of my closest friends can be.

Credit: Clint Henderson

My hope today is that by sharing these small-but-mighty travel tips, you can skip the part where you are forced to learn the hard way and benefit from the fact that I’ve been there and done that.

• Don’t wait until your travel day to look for your passport: Just don’t. The consequences of not finding it in the spot you thought you put it last time are just too high. Pick a designated spot for your passport that’s secure and easy to remember so you always know where to find it.

  • While you’re at it, maybe also check your passport expiration date if you don’t have it memorized – especially since there are many places you can’t travel during the last six months of its validity.

• Invest in a digital suitcase scale: With a digital suitcase scale, you never have to cross your fingers and hope your suitcase isn’t over the checked luggage weight limit. That peace of mind is worth the $10 investment.

• Download your airline’s app: This is a vital step to avoid travel-day headaches. You can check in online via the app, save your boarding pass to your phone’s wallet for easy access and get real-time alerts for delays and cancellations. Some apps have the added capability to track your checked baggage and chat with customer service should issues arise.

• Sign up for your airline’s free loyalty program: There is no cost to sign up for an airline’s loyalty program — like Delta SkyMiles or Southwest Rapid Rewards — and you can enjoy some benefits just for signing up. These include things like free Wi-Fi, the ability to earn and redeem miles, members-only offers, and more.

  • Some airlines – such as Delta Air Lines– even give you bonus miles if your checked luggage takes a while to come out at baggage claim, so it pays to join!

• Pack a portable power bank: If your boarding pass and inflight entertainment are stored on your phone, ensure you have enough power to access them. I don’t know why so many airport outlets are inoperable, but it’s better to have your own power bank on hand as a backup. Just remember to charge it before your trip.

Credit: Sean Cudahy

• Prebook parking if you live near a busy airport: This isn’t a problem at my small-ish airport, but many of my co-workers live in busier metropolitan areas where airport parking is at a premium and sells out – even on somewhat “normal” travel days. If that sounds like you, I recommend reserving airport parking in advance to ensure it’s not full when you arrive.

• Take a photo of your parking spot: I am notorious for pushing the lock button on my key fob until I hear my car’s horn in the airport parking garage. A smarter (and quieter) way to find your car is to take a photo of the parking section you’re in before heading into the airport.

• Double-check your boarding pass as soon as you check in: You don’t want to realize your name is incorrect or your TSA PreCheck status didn’t show up on your boarding pass after you get to the airport. Check your boarding pass immediately after checking in so you can address any issues promptly.

• Consider putting an AirTag in your suitcase: If you are checking a bag, consider tossing an AirTag in your suitcase alongside your cute vacation outfits. If, for some reason, your bag doesn’t arrive on time, you can track its location and hopefully be reunited with your belongings more quickly. Many airlines now also allow you to share the AirTag’s location with their system.

Credit: Summer Hull

• Make Starbucks mobile ordering your best friend: The saddest day of my life was when I had to board the plane before my Starbucks order was ready. OK, not really, but it was painful.

  • If I had ordered ahead on the Starbucks app rather than waiting in the long line, I would have been sipping that sweet caffeine from the comfort of my seat rather than waiting for my miniature cup of Diet Coke (I don’t do airplane coffee) during the inflight service.

• Text your flight number to anyone who needs to know your whereabouts: If someone is picking you up from the airport or you just have friends or family members who like to know where you are, text them your airline and flight number (such as “SWA391” for Southwest Airlines Flight 391). If they are using an Apple device, it will appear on their phone as a link they can click on to display the status of your flight.

Credit: Tarah Chieffi

• Bring an empty water bottle: Everything is more expensive at the airport … including water. Save yourself some cash while you stay hydrated and bring an empty water bottle from home. You can fill it up as soon as you get through security.

• Spring for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry – or better yet, see if your credit card may cover it: This is one splurge that is totally worth it. Though honestly, it may not have to be a splurge since many credit cards will cover the application fee.

  • But in any case, application fees start at just over $75 for a five-year membership. Once your application is approved, you can skip the standard security screening line and proceed to the shorter, more convenient TSA PreCheck line, where you don’t have to remove your laptop or liquids from your baggage.

I wasn’t lying when I told you I’ve learned a lot of travel lessons over the years, and I know I’m not the only one. If you have a tried-and-true travel tip, share it here so we can all benefit.

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