Here are my 17 best hacks for airports from check-in through boarding.
Let’s face it, getting through airports in 2025 can be difficult, tricky, and time-consuming. Be prepared to check in, get through airport security, and navigate to your gate for your flight quickly. I have 17 hacks for airports.
These tips help get through the airport to their flights more easily, safely, and efficiently. Often, passengers are held up at each of these locations, especially if they’re unprepared for any of them.
Smartphones are terrific tools to help air travelers get essential information at the airport for their journeys.
Before leaving for the airport, load your smartphone with proven air travel apps:
There are three travel apps I find essential. My go-to travel app is Tripit. I keep all my itinerary details on Tripit. More often than not, I receive detailed information from Tripit about flight delays, cancellations, and baggage information before my airline sends me those notifications.
Flightradar24 is the best real-time flight tracking app available, plus AtAirports for airport information, including lounge locations, stores, and lavatories. Don’t forget to add your airline’s app to your smartphone to use for flight information, boarding passes, etc.
Becoming a member of airport lounges, as well as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, can be of major help in the airport during your journeys.
Consider becoming an airline or credit card airport lounge member, or buying a lounge day pass:
American Express Centurion lounges generally offer a quieter and more comfortable space than those found at airport gates. They usually have complimentary food and drinks as well as reliable Wi-Fi. For those on long layovers, some lounges provide showers and dedicated areas with chairs and desks for work.
Become a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry member:
Today, in the US, no air travelers need to remove their shoes at airport security. TSA Pre-Check membership is still helpful to get through airport security checkpoints more easily and quickly. Global Entry membership not only speeds international travelers through US immigration and customs upon their return to the U.S., but it also includes TSA PreCheck membership.
Know TSA and airline rules. Follow them carefully to avoid missing your flight, or worse.
Before packing, check your luggage and personal item for prohibited items:
Check all your bags and personal item prior to packing them to ensure there are no prohibited items in your bags. Nothing slows you more than the detection of a prohibited item such as a forgotten large pocket knife or firearm at airport security. Many travelers have missed flights due to the delays at airport security following the detection of a prohibited item in their bags.
Use a multi-pocket travel/photography vest as a third carry-on:
International airlines often have more stringent carry-on weight restrictions than U.S. airlines. Wear a multi-pocket travel or photography vest for belongings to stay within airline carry-on and personal item weight limits.
Give yourself easy access to anything you want to be able to use on your flight so that you can quickly pull it out before stowing your carry-on and personal item.
Put in-flight essentials in a small bag:
Make it easier upon boarding your flight by packing your in-flight essentials in a small bag with easy access in your carry-on. Personal items along with your e-reader, tablet, and/or laptop for quick removal. Do this before stowing your carry-on in the overhead bin. This way, you’ll have no trouble locating your headset, earbuds, snacks, and other items when taking your seat.
Pack an empty water bottle in your carry-on:
Stay hydrated at the airport and on your flight. Pack an empty water bottle in your carry-on or personal item to fill after getting through airport security.
Download entertainment for the airport and before your flights:
Games, movies, books, etc., tablet, smartphone, or laptop to help you pass the time while waiting at the airport or during your flight should be downloaded.
Before leaving for the airport, make sure you have all of your travel documents to ensure a smooth check-in prior to your flight.
Before leaving for the airport, be sure you have all your travel documents:
Before leaving from home or your hotel, in addition to your boarding pass, be sure you have all necessary travel documents for your flight, including your real ID for U.S. domestic flights and your passport, necessary visas and other required documents for international flights, according to your destination.
Bring smartphone essentials when you travel, including a charger, plug adapter, and multi-plug adapter.
Bring a portable phone charger:
If you have important documents and other information on your smartphone, bring a portable phone charger with you and plug adapters. Keep your smartphone charged throughout your journey.
Bring a multi-plug electrical adapter:
Bring a multi-plug electrical adapter in case someone else is using the only electrical outlet near you. With the adapter, you’ll both be able to use the same outlet simultaneously.
Bring snacks in ziploc bags:
Flight delays seem to be more and more typical at airports these days. Bring snacks that aren’t considered prohibited by airport security in ziploc bags for easy access when you get hungry during excessive delays.
Put an Apple AirTag in your car so you can quickly and easily find it when you return from your trip.
Put an airtag in your car in the airport parking lot:
Take a photograph of your car in the airport parking lot so you can locate it quickly upon your return. A better solution is to put an Apple AirTag in your vehicle or another tracking device to help you locate your car.
At airport security, secure your coins, keys, and other items:
Remove these items from your clothing prior to passing through the full body scanner or metal detector at airport security. They should be placed in your carry-on or personal item, or a zippered pocket in your jacket, and placed in a bin. This is easily seen and prevents theft before you can retrieve them.
Always protect your electronic devices from hackers throughout your journey.
Never use USB charging stations unprotected:
Always use a USB data blocker between the charging station outlet and your smartphone.
Protect your data if using public WiFi Internet access:
If you must use airport or other public Wi-Fi Internet access, protect yourself from hackers by using a software firewall, VPN service, plus antivirus and anti-malware software on your connected devices. To the extent possible, be sure that the network you’re connecting to is the legitimate airport or airport lounge network. Check its name carefully before connecting.
Use the airport restroom preemptively:
Use the nearest airport restroom in case of boarding delays, tarmac delays, and turbulent air while in flight.
Following these hacks at the airport can help make your time at the airport prior to your flights as easy and safe as possible. While they might not eliminate all problems, they will certainly mitigate many of them.
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After many years working in corporate America as a chemical engineer, executive and eventually CFO of a multinational manufacturer, Ned founded a tech consulting company and later restarted NSL Photography, his photography business. Before entering the corporate world, Ned worked as a Public Health Engineer for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. As a well known corporate, travel and wildlife photographer, Ned travels the world writing about travel and photography, as well as running photography workshops, seminars and photowalks. Visit Ned’s Photography Blog and Galleries.
