Travelling during the high season doesn’t have to be stressful. With these travel hacks, you’ll be beating queues, saving money and packing like a pro. Even the most frequent flyers will find something on this list to add to their travel skills.
1. Pack a charging cable with a USB A end
Keep your phone, e-reader and tablet topped up by packing a charging cable with a USB A end. Most airports and airlines have charging ports for USB A connections, making it one of the handiest items to have on hand. This is the most common USB type, and it’s likely you already have this cable somewhere at home. Another tip? If you’re on multiple flights, charge whenever you can. You never know if your next flight or airport will have easy-to-access charging stations.
2. Bring a portable battery charger
If you prefer to be untethered to a wall while you travel, pack along a power bank. Charge this portable battery charger while you’re still at home for the freedom to charge on the go while you travel. This way, you’re not reliant on wall chargers, and you can move around and charge your devices at the same time. A 10,000mah capacity power bank is typically smaller than a cell phone, and will charge your phone two to three times. Some luggage companies offer carry-on bags with power banks built inside them.
3. Pack a water bottle and a few ‘just in case’ items in your hand luggage
Say no to $8 water at the airport with your own water bottle. Most airports have water refill stations airside once you make it through security. If you’re unsure of the water quality, pack a water bottle with a built-in filter, like the ones made by Lifestraw. Having a full bottle of water during your flight also means you won’t have to stay awake for the drink cart to come by.
Feel human the whole flying experience through by packing essentials like a toothbrush, deodorant and a hairbrush to freshen up in between flights. A spare change of underwear, socks and T-shirt also goes a long way on long flights or if your bag doesn’t turn up at the carousel.
4. Wear your bulky shoes and clothes to avoid baggage charges
If you’re travelling with hand luggage only, every gram counts when it comes to your total baggage weight. A pair of jeans can weigh around half a kilo, and a jumper is often similar. Wear your bulkiest and heaviest items while your baggage is weighted to avoid the scale tipping over the top. Once you’re on your flight, pack your outer layers into a packable bag for a makeshift travel pillow.
5. Pre-order your food from airside restaurants
Skip the line and save time by pre-ordering your food. Many airport restaurants have gone digital over the past few years, making online ordering a breeze. While you’re waiting around for the check-in queue to move forward, place your order to have your meal waiting once you scoot through security. Many popular apps like Grab, Deliveroo and Uber Eats have airport restaurants as ordering options.
6. Plan special assistance in advance
Most airports offer special services and facilities for travellers with hidden and visible disabilities. Hundreds of airports throughout the world participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, a lanyard displaying a sunflower to alert staff that you or another traveller in your party has a hidden disability. Wearing the sunflower allows airport staff to make adjustments or offer more time for assistance. You can often collect the lanyard at the airport.
Book wheelchair assistance or any other assistance you may need before check-in for a smooth experience. Some airports offer maps of accessible facilities, and sensory maps where the airport is likely to have the most noise, to help plan your time spent before takeoff.
7. Pre-book lounge access during school holidays
Sipping a glass of bubbles in a lounge is an ideal way to start any holidays. But, if you try to get in during busy travel season, like school holidays, you could be shut out. Some lounge access companies, like Priority Pass, LoungeBuddy and Dragon Pass allow you to reserve a spot in the lounge before your plane touches down. Qantas Club members always have access to Qantas lounges. If you’re not a Qantas Club member, you could purchase a lounge pass in advance depending on your status and route.
8. Use the check-in line closest to business travel
An airport check-in area often becomes a labyrinth of queues before a full flight. How do you know which one to choose? If you’re flying economy, we recommend standing in line closest to the business travel check-in counter. If there are no business travellers waiting to check-in, staff members usually wave economy passengers over.
9. Check for additional drop-off facilities to avoid airport charges
Escape airport parking charges by being dropped off somewhere with a free shuttle bus service. Generally speaking, the closer you park or are dropped off to the airport, the more you’ll pay. Instead of parking your car in the airport’s long-term parking, search for alternative private lots nearby. These usually offer a free shuttle service to your terminal. Check for parking perks tailored to electric vehicles, like free drop off and shuttle transport, as well.
10. Collect full-size toiletries inside the airport
Worried about your luggage weight? Purchase full-size toiletries and travel essentials inside the airport. More and more shops like Target, Lotte Duty Free and Heinemann Duty Free allow travellers to purchase items in advance to purchase in store, including stores found after security. This not only gets you out of paying airport prices, but also lets you plan ahead for a less stressful experience. This is especially helpful for heavy and bulky items like baby formula, jackets or shoes.
Some grocery stores have a click and collect option for passengers arriving at the airport. If you’ve been away and are arriving in Melbourne, order your groceries for pick-up at the Coles Click&Collect locker once you leave the airport.
11. Research your sleep spot ahead of time for a long layover
Long layovers and flight delays might have you scrambling for space to snooze. If your layover is planned, search for airport sleeping pods, capsule hotels or full-service hotels. It might be worth splurging on a lounge pass for more cushy seats and extra comfort. Sleeping In Airports is a great resource for finding darker, quieter corners of the airport to catch a few extra Zs. Look at the departures board for flights that aren’t taking off for a few hours — their gates are likely to be a little quieter.
If the airline has delayed your flight, you could be entitled to a hotel stay depending on the length of the delay. If your delay is more than a few hours and overnight, talk to a customer service representative to see what they can do for you.
12. Don’t rely on good wifi
Not all airports and airlines are equal when it comes to online offerings. Before you disconnect from your home router, download your boarding pass, e-books and entertainment before heading to the airport. Most streaming services allow you to download shows, films, podcasts and music to enjoy offline during your travels. Even if the airline does offer in-flight entertainment, it might not beat what you’re watching at home.
13. Set your watch to the timezone you’re travelling to
Time seems to lose all meaning while flying, especially if you have a long layover. On your first flight, set your watch to the destination you’ll be travelling to if you want to reduce your jet lag. Then, make moves to adjust to this schedule by sleeping and eating in line with the time of your destination. Closing your window shutter and avoiding brightly lit areas of the airport can help sync your natural rhythm sooner than if you started adjusting on touch down. When you need to know the current time, check flight information boards or your phone.
14. Walk through a SmartGate at Australian airports
There are a variety of ‘trusted traveller’ systems and programs to help you skip the normal queue during security and customs clearances. If you hold an Australian passport and are arriving in Australia, head to the SmartGate section during customs. The SmartGate will process your passport using facial recognition within just a few seconds, moving lines faster than queues staffed by people.
