Six Actually Useful Airport Hacks to Save Time and Money

Navigating busy airports can be stressful, especially if you’re not a frequent flyer. With everyone rushing to their destinations, you don’t want to be that person struggling in a crowded airport, juggling oversized bags, and racing the clock against making your flight.  In this guide, I’ll give you six airport hacks that are actually useful. They will will save you time and money, and allow you to have the smooth and efficient travel experience you deserve!

Check- In Online

This is probably the most obvious hack, but it’s crazy to me how many people don’t take advantage of it. This simple step will help you avoid unnecessary stress, ensuring your journey begins on the right foot.

Download the airline’s mobile app (if they have one) and add your flight. The app will provide real-time updates on your flight status, gate changes, and boarding time. Using the app allows you to have all the information you’ll need at your fingertips. You’ll also get a mobile boarding pass, which you’re much less likely to lose.

Make sure to check- in as soon as the airline allows it—usually 24 hours before your flight. Set an alarm if you have to Checking in online will save you time at the airport. You ensure that someone in front of you with tons of documents and bags to be checked, or a large family that almost always takes longer, won’t delay you.

Once you have your mobile boarding pass, you can head straight to security!

Also, some airlines assign seats on a first-come, first-serve basis. So, if you check in as early as possible, you ensure a decent seat!

Don’t Check a Bag

I know many people will skip this hack, but… this is Carry-On Cass after all. I traveled to 30 countries with just a carry-on, and I still overpacked almost every time. It all started with a fear of losing my luggage on a solo adventure in another country. But the few times I did check a bag, I was miserable having to carry it around, check it, and wait for it at baggage claim. To me, traveling with only a carry-on lets you breeze through the airport and avoid potential baggage fees, making your travel experience more efficient and cost-effective.

This hack saves you both time and money, by allowing you to bypass long baggage lines and eliminating the risk of lost luggage. Bring your carry-on with you straight to the gate after checking in online. If, for some reason, you can’t check in online, try to keep the bag out of sight. In my experience, some airlines will try to get you to pay to check a bag that is clearly carry-on size (another reason why I always check in online when I can).

Once you get to the gate, if they still insist on checking your bag, they will likely do it for free. But if they do still make you pay for it, you would have had to pay to checked a bag anyway, so it’s worth a shot.

Use a Quart Sized Plastic Bag for Your Liquids

There are so many cute toiletry bags on the market, but so many of them are not actually built for air travel. Familiarizing yourself with the TSA rules beforehand can save you time and money at the airport. Because if those travel-sized liquids don’t all fit in your standard quart-sized bag, TSA will throw them out.

When it comes to carry-on toiletries, these are the official TSA rules:

Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule:

• 3.4 ounces or less per container.

• 1-quart size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag (all liquids must fit in the bag)

• 1 bag per passenger

I start with a standard quart-sized bag and pack the most essential items I will need first. I opt for solids whenever possible, to save space for essential liquid products. These are the products I usually pack in solid form to save space for liquids:

• Deodorant
• Shampoo/ conditioner
• Body soap
• Cushion foundation and other cosmetics

By switching out just those products, I save space on at least 5 liquid items, allowing me to pack more efficiently. And you can still use your cute toiletry bag! After I pack my quart-size bag with toiletries, I just put it inside my reusable toiletry bag. It acts like a liner against small spills. But most importantly, it will save you time on the TSA line if you can just pull out your standard-size bag of toiletries.

Download the MyTSA App

When it comes to navigating airport security with ease, the MyTSA app is incredibly useful, especially if you’re not familiar with TSA rules. This official app from the TSA offers travelers a wealth of real-time information and tools designed to make your airport experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. The app is free and gives you access to crucial information about airport security and travel regulations.

My favorite feature of the TSA app is the ability to check real-time security wait times at your airport. The app collects data from travelers who have recently passed through security, giving you an accurate estimate of how long you can expect to wait. This feature is especially useful if you’re trying to decide when to leave for the airport or whether you have time to grab coffee before heading to the security line.

Another great feature is the ability to search for prohibited items. If you’re not sure whether you can bring a specific item through security, the MyTSA app includes a comprehensive search tool that allows you to quickly check whether an item is allowed in your carry-on or checked baggage. Just type in the name of the item, and the app will tell you if it’s permitted and any restrictions that apply. This feature is especially useful when packing and can help you avoid unnecessary delays or financial losses from confiscations at security checkpoints.

I also recommend signing up for TSA Pre-Check if you’re eligible, which will save you even more time! It’s definitely worth it if you travel multiple times a year.

Grab a Shopping Bag at the Airport

This one might not be the most ethical, but we’ve all been in a bind at some point. If you’re overpacked and need to remove some stuff from your bag, or if you did too much shopping on your trip, make a small purchase and get a plastic bag from one of the airport shops (like Hudson News). By using one of these bags, the gate agent will think you just made a purchase at the airport before your flight and will essentially let you bring on an extra bag for free. I always have one or two of these packed in my travel bag, just in case I need it.

Download Mobile Passport Control

I know it seems like just another app, but this one is an absolute game-changer, and I am convinced that people want to keep this one a secret. The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app allows eligible travelers to submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app. Before I had global entry, I used to submit my travel documents while I waited to get off the plane after we landed. Then I bypassed passport control and went straight to the MPC line.

You are not required to be pre-approved to use MPC. Anyone can download the app and use it! This way, you skip passport control on your way back into the country, since MPC usually has its own line. Travelers who download it may experience shorter wait times, and less congestion, even without having global entry.

According to the official MPC website, the following travelers are eligible to use MPC:

• U.S. Citizens

• Lawful Permanent Residents

• Canadian B1/B2

• Returning Visa Waiver Program Applicants

Every time I have used MPC, I am usually one of just a few people on the line. Using it has saved me hours when entering back into the US.

***

The airport is always going to be a stressful place. But by planning ahead, packing smart, and coming prepared, you can transform a stressful experience into a seamless start to your new adventure! I hope these six airport hacks, will save you both time and money and make your travel experience go much more smoothly!

If you found these tips helpful, be sure to check out more of my content on solo travel. Safe travels!