Tips to Get Through the Airport Hassle-Free

While I absolutely love travelling, the airport is usually a real struggle.  From checking in to airport security to boarding the plane, something is bound to go wrong.  However, after hundreds (if not thousands) of flights, I’ve come up with a list of small little tips to get through the airport hassle-free.

Step 1: Checking In

First, make sure to check-in before you even step foot at the airport.  Most airlines allow you to check in 24 hours before your flight, so definitely take advantage of that!  By doing so, you won’t have to stand in a ridiculously long check-in line.

When you check-in online, save a copy of your boarding pass to your digital wallet.  This digital ticket is much handier than a paper one.  I don’t know about you guys, but when I’m at the airport, I’m juggling a bunch of different items, so to have my phone and my ticket in the same place is extremely helpful.

This last “check-in” tip is also a pre-airport suggestion.  Nothing is worse than getting to the counter and finding out your luggage is four pounds over the limit.  So then you have to open up your suitcase in front of everyone and try to shove four pounds of T-shirts, hair brushes, and flip-flops into your already bursting carry-on. That’s definitely not the ideal. So weigh your luggage beforehand! If you’re at home, this is pretty easy. Just hoist you bag onto your scale. If you are traveling though, and you’ve just bought an absurd number of souvenirs, this can be a little more challenging.  Instead, purchase a handheld luggage weight scale and take it with you!  That is half a pound put to good use!

Pro Tip: Use a light-weight suitcase!  As I mentioned in my “How to Pack Light” post, duffle bags are much lighter than hard shell bags.  These will give you more weight for items to actually put inside the suitcase.

Don’t even know where to start when it comes to packing?  If you’re headed to Hawaii, here’s a list for ya.

Step 2: Airport Security

Airport security can be such a struggle sometimes. But this tip can also happen pre-airport.  Wear a sweater instead of a sweatshirt!  For some reason, the TSA agents will make you take off a light sweatshirt, but not a light sweater.  Why? Beats me.

Second, make sure to put your Ziploc bag full of liquids at the TOP of your carry-on for easy access.  That makes it a lot easier, so you don’t have to furiously sift through your bag while holding up the security line.

Lastly, make use of that personal item!  I’ve noticed that guys especially tend to just have their one main carry on and no personal item.  However, bringing a personal item makes it way easier to get through airport security!  It helps when you need a quick place to put your phone or loose change before going through the metal detector.

Pro Tip: In the US, there is always the paid option of TSA Precheck.  When purchasing this service for around $85 I believe (and, of course, passing a background check), you can go through a separate security line where you leave everything in your bag (including your laptops and tablets) and keep your shoes and sweatshirts on.

Step 3: Boarding the Plane

For some, boarding the plane may actually be the most hassle-filled part of the airport experience.  “Is there going to be space for my carry-on in the overhead bin??” Well, here are a couple tips for that too.

First off, pay attention to your boarding group. Don’t be that person in group 4 who tries to board with group 2.  Nah man.  Just board with group 4.  Not group 5. Group 4.

Second, actually try putting your carry-on under your seat.  Like I know it looks like there is absolutely no space there, but I’ve seen people successfully put hiking backpacks under there, so your oversized bag of souvenirs will fit just fine.

Any other tips to get through the airport hassle-free?  Write them below in the comments!

Did you like this post? Pin it!

Disclosure: I use referral links in this post, and I might make a commission on my recommendations.