When to Book the Tickets?

Yes, the time and the day of your ticket booking matters a lot. Never book tickets on friday as ticket prices go up around Friday since there is a high demand for tickets over the weekend. Whereas prices drop during Monday and Tuesday.

Fly red eye

A red eye flight leaves quite late at night and arrives early morning. There is less crowd at the airport at that time. Sometimes, the airport staff are  too tired to thoroughly check baggage at customs ;-). It’s actually a good way of cutting down the airport waiting times as queues are shorter, check-in is faster, and you will cheaper flights too.

Airline’s App

Download the App of airline through which you are going to travel as it provides real-time updates regarding flight delays/gate changes. Some apps also allows for paperless boarding at most airports.

Never pay for water at the airport

Water is one of the basic necessities for travelers. Airport shops take advantage of that by selling water at high prices since you are not allowed to carry water to security checks. So, next time onwards, instead of bringing a filled water bottle, bring an empty bottle in your carry on luggage. Simply fill it with water from water fountain at the airport after you have passed through the security point.

Mark your luggage as fragile

Always mark your luggage as fragile even if you are not carrying any delicate items as that ways your bag is more likely to be handled with care and will be placed at the top of pile in the storage compartment of the plane. Since your bags are placed in such a way that they come out first on the carousel, so you’ll get back your bag quickly too and this will minimize your waiting time at the baggage claim.

Prepare well in advance for security check

Belts – It’s such a tiring process to take off the belt, jacket and shoes at the security check point and then keep them in a tray and then wait for them to pass through the security process. So, you can avoid all this by wearing a trouser/jeans which fits you properly and doesn’t not need a belt and that ways, it will be easier for you to clear the security check-point fast.

Blazers/Jackets – Since blazers/jackets have to go through the X-ray machine, so to save your as well as security personnel time, take them off while waiting for your turn at the security checkpoint.

Shoes – Prefer slip-on shoes over laced ones as Slip-on shoes make for a speedy walk through. Try not to wear flip flops as in case of an emergency, it’s best to have a good set of sturdy shoes that will protect your feet from heat or sharp objects.

Pre-book an airport lounge

If you are going to flying long-haul, pre-book yourself into an airport lounge. Agreed, they ain’t free and you need to pay for it, but it provides you a quiet environment with complimentary drinks, food, magazines, newspapers, WiFi etc. When you leave the lounge, take a few big bottles of water. It’s a cost effective and relaxing way to start your journey.

Always carry a sarong/scarf/Hoodie Jacket

Carrying a sarong/scarf/stole is always a nice idea as they are light and stylish and are multi functional too. Also, since airports/planes can be cold, so try to travel in a hoodie. Hooded tops/jackets makes for excellent travel garments. You can slip up your hood in case you are feeling cold, or if want to sleep on a flight.

Pack your suitcase smartly

Always make sure to place heavier items at the bottom of the suitcase. This ensures that the bag remains balanced which will also make your suitcase much easier to roll around the airport and you won’t have to worry about a top-heavy bag tipping over.

Breakfast/Lunch/Diner at the airport

Consider eating at the airport rather than in a plane. Airport restaurants meals are cheaper than planes and you also get a lot of variety too. Also, avoiding heavily processed food served on planes will prevent you from getting dehydrated and help you with jet lag. You can minimize jet lag by eating less, eating right and by avoiding caffeine/booze.

Airlines Rules and Regulations

Familiarize yourself with Airlines rules and restrictions beforehand concerning prohibited items to know which items are allowed and which are not allowed aboard an airplane in carry-on bags before you start packing for your trip. This will help you to pass through airport security with ease. Most airports clearly outline what is allowed and isn’t allowed. Items like Scissors, toy guns, razors, blades, liquids are not allowed in the hand luggage. You can carry them in the check-in luggage though.

Online Check-in

Checking in online and choosing your seat beforehand is going to make things a lot easier when you actually get there.

Book the best seat

Which seats are the best? Exit rows, Window Seats, Aisle seats, and seats close to the front of the plane are considered the best. Book tickets early as this way you get the privilege of picking the front seats. Another advantage is you will be able to get off the plane first upon arrival.

Select your seat online when you book the tickets

Many airlines and travel websites allow to choose a seat when you book the ticket online. In most of the cases, this process is absolutely free but some airlines do charge for the same. Most airlines allow passengers to check in online 24 hours before their flight departs. You can confirm the seat you’ve already chosen or even choose a better one at that time too.

Turbulences Bother You?

If turbulence is a big issue for you, try to book a seat next to the wing on the airplane. This way you will experience minimal turbulence if there’s bad weather up there. This is because the area next to the wing has maximum structural support. This way you will get extra legroom too as these seats are near the emergency exit.

Tie a bright ribbon on your luggage for easy Identification

You can tie colorful tags, strings or ribbons to the handles of your suitcases. This will make your luggage easier to spot from a distance. Tie the tag properly else it can get caught on conveyor belts.

These are Airport Hacks to make traveler’s life much more easier and convenient.

Much Love, Neha