19 airport hacks to help you survive the holiday travel chaos

19 airport hacks to help you survive the holiday travel chaos

You can’t read or watch the news at the moment without hearing horror stories about the travel industry. In so many cases, the criticism from frustrated travellers looking forward to their first business trip, holiday or family reunion in some time is completely justified.

Having worked in aviation for 17 years, from starting at the check-in counter to being senior cabin crew and now managing our people department, I have definitely witnessed my fair share of delays, long queues and passenger meltdowns. So far this year I have travelled about once a month, some for work, and others for holidays, and I have of course noticed the difference not just in the logistics of travelling, but also in the travellers themselves. Pre-pandemic, most of us were so used to just jumping on a plane like a bus and thinking nothing of it, but now we’re either having to remember the processes, adjust to the new requirements, or both.

All of our colleagues in the terminals and on board the aircraft are working tirelessly with great kindness and professionalism to iron out as many negative experiences as possible. To further help relieve those stressful situations and save time, here are some handy common sense hacks that every traveller should know about.

1. Do your homework

Make sure before heading off to the airport that you’re familiar with the most up-to-date passport, visa, vaccination and health requirements for where you’re travelling to. Chances are, things have changed since you last travelled, and the last thing you want to do is stand in a check-in queue only to be denied boarding. Make sure you research the country you are travelling to and read our guide on how your holiday may be impacted by the wildfires in Europe.

2. Check entry requirements a few days before flying

Between an onslaught of strikes, heatwaves and European wildfires – over the last few years, we’ve seen rules and regulations for travellers change overnight. We’ve learnt how quickly things can change, sometimes with minimal notice. So it’s not worth only reviewing the country’s entry requirements a few weeks before your travel – you also need to check them again a few days before you go, and even the day before your flight just to be sure.

3. Print your documents

It may seem easier to travel with e-tickets and certificates downloaded to your phone, but in this current climate taking a printed copy of your documents is actually faster. When flying now I always have everything I need printed out and stored in a clear wallet. Whether it’s a check-in agent or an immigration officer, I can just hand them the wallet and everything is there, rather than going into different emails or files on my phone. With paper documents, especially if there are delays, it also skips having to worry about a dying phone battery.

4. Pack across suitcases

This is an old tip, but if you’re travelling in a couple or as a family, avoid having individually packed suitcases. By packing your items across two or more bags, it means if one suitcase does go missing, you at least still have some clothes you can use until you are reunited.

5. Know your airline’s hand baggage allowance and actually stick to it

A lot of travellers don’t want to risk checking anything into the hold and want to travel with carry on luggage only. It’s understandable given the footage online of piles of mishandled bags, but it’s also where people often run into problems. Often someone buys a bag that is compliant with their airline’s hand baggage allowance but they overfill it. If the bag ends up bulging, it doesn’t fit into the sizing gauges, and it inevitably has to be checked in. It’s an easy mistake to make, especially as there isn’t an industry standard hand baggage allowance, and this is where a lot of travellers get caught out. Pack carefully and check your allowance to minimise that stress and frustration at the check-in counter and the gate. To help you lighten your load, we spoke to organisation experts, flight attendants and frequent fliers about their most efficient packing tips, from how to categorise your clothes to the ultimate travel essentials not to forget.

6. Pre-order liquids to be picked-up airside at the airport

If you are only travelling with hand luggage, and worrying about taking all of the 100ml bottles and making them last for a week, it’s worth knowing that Boots and World Duty-Free offer an airside click and collect. So if you want that larger shampoo or a particular skincare item, or even baby items, you can order them online and they will get delivered to the designated airside store on the day you travel. If you don’t need anything too big, it’s worth nabbing a few extra plastic toiletry bags on your next trip through security to stash away at home – this way you’ll avoid any last-minute panic of whether or not you’ve got too many lotions and potions. Or go one step further and buy an airline-approved see-through toiletry bag so you can rest easy in the knowledge that you won’t get held up at security, and you’re also not travelling with single-use plastic bags.

7. Dress for the journey

When I travel it’s still lovely to see people getting dressed up for the occasion, but elaborate outfits can often mean delays at security – think strappy boots that take ages to undo. Inevitably when they get to security, they get stressed, the people behind them get frustrated, and then that causes one of many unnecessary delays at security and the queue gets longer. When I travel I always wear comfortable slip-on shoes and have an outfit that is layered. That way, it’s not only easy to take on and off to make going through security quick and easy, but also to be comfortable depending on the temperature in the terminal, onboard, and at the other end. For more tips, check out our ultimate guide on what to wear on a plane according to our fashion editor, from top tips on the cosiest socks to the comfiest matching sets.

8. Be prepared for security

Always assume you will have to put everything in the tray at security and don’t just wait until you get to the front of the queue. While you’re waiting, take your shoes and belt off, take your liquids and laptop out of your bag, and put anything that’s in your pockets in your bag. Remember that it is a common misconception that you must use one a plastic bag taken from the airport itself – you can place your liquids in a clear plastic resealable bag ahead of time to save stress at the security gate. An organised flight bag with designated compartments speeds this process up even more. If your bag doesn’t have suitable pockets, keep passports, tickets and your electric devices in a separate packing cube so they can be easily accessed.

9. Beat the queues

Many airports will allow travellers to book tickets to access a fast-track queue or a priority lane. This is a reliable way to avoid having to waste time queueing and make sure you can arrive at your gate with lots of time to spare. Pete Coombes, Senior Passenger Operations Manager at London Gatwick said “At London Gatwick, you can purchase the airport’s premium security experience for just £5 when you book online. It’s a smart investment that allows you to breeze through security without breaking the bank.” Plus, Heathrow is now allowing travellers to book security time slots for free as part of a new trial, saving you the stress of worrying about extra long queues. Here are more tips on how to get through airport security quickly.

You might not need to wait, but if you do, having something to keep you happily occupied is key. Pack a snack (which won’t be confiscated at security or customs if you forget about it), a good book and some headphones to keep you amused. Before you head to the airport, download any movies or podcasts to your phone with your home wi-fi, to avoid any painfully slow loading and save yourself from dead time at the airport.

11. Pack a portable charger

There is nothing worse than the packing you feel when your phone hits low battery – especially when you are relying on it to access all of your tickets and certifications. Make sure you pack a (fully charged) portable charger for your devices, and don’t forget the charging cable for the portable charger, too. This power bank from Amazon has three output ports and is super fast charging so you won’t have to sheepishly hang around while it loads.

12. Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are a great way to save space, time and stress when travelling. Not only do they help keep your luggage neat and tidy, but they will be easier to unpack at your destination – particularly if you plan outfits in advance. They are also handy in making sure your clothes don’t get mixed up among those belonging to your travel partner, if you are packing across several suitcases, as suggested above. These Chelsea packing cubes from Antler are the ultimate travel accessory.

13. Bring a travel pillow

As much as we hope any delays you face are short-lived, there is always the chance that your flight could be cancelled for hours on end. Packing a travel pillow will at least allow you to snooze in the airport while you wait for your new flight time. We’ve rounded up our favourite tried-and-tested travel pillows you should consider investing in, from the best one for neck support to the best for side sleepers.

14. Pack some noise-cancelling headphones

Flights with noisy children or rowdy holiday-goers are the worst. But even more frustrating are airport delays surrounded by people who are eager to let everyone else in the airport know how annoyed they are. To drown out those around you who you’d rather not be sharing your travel experience with, we love these Sony over-ear headphones from John Lewis are fantastic, and these Bose headphones are super soft on ears and definitely worth the investment.

15. Don’t forget your water bottle

To avoid wasting money on multiple bottles of water at the airport (and at your destination), make sure you bring your trusty water bottle with you when travelling. It’s better for your wallet and for the environment – just make sure you drink it all before you go through security so you don’t have to down it in one or pour it out. Lots of airports have water fountains and filtered water available (normally there is a water station near the toilets), so you can fill up your bottle before you board your flight.

16. Book your airport parking ahead of time

According to the press team at London Gatwick airport, travellers should “always pre-book parking space ahead of your departure date. Car parks at the airports – especially the cheapest and closest to the terminal – fill up quickly during the holidays, so your best bet is to book a spot in advance”. By booking in advance you are saving yourself time, stress and money: Oliver Bedford, head of car parks at London Gatwick, said: “By pre-booking your car parking space at London Gatwick you save up to 60% on your stay. You can even book parking at London Gatwick up to a year in advance of your travel date.” Make sure you research the different parking options available

17. Pre-book special assistance

For disabled, elderly or other passengers who require special assistance, it is important to check the airport’s website for information on facilities, services, and accessibility options, and try to book assistance in advance so they can ensure help is available to you and your journey is as smooth as possible. The same applies for your airline – try to contact the airline you are flying with at least 48 hours before your flight. Pete Coombes says that “by booking in advance, both your airline and the special assistance provider at the airport will be prepared and fully aware of your needs, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey”. Always ask for more help than you need, Pete advises: “Plan always for your ‘worst day’ when booking Special Assistance, and if you don’t need as much help as you thought you might when you arrive, just inform the provider on the day.” For more tips on travelling as a disabled person, check out our accessible guide to air travel.

18. Think ahead when packing

When travelling during the festive period, it’s easy to stuff as many presents and extra bits into your luggage without thinking about it. But planning ahead can save you a lot of hassle. Pete’s top tips for travelling around the holidays include:

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