8 airport survival tips to fly stress-free

There’s no busier time at the airport than the summer travel season. Good weather and school holidays mean that travelers descend upon airports in droves, causing crowding, congestion, and confusion. On top of that, summers are often also plagued with flight delays and cancellations, as both airport and airline staff struggle to keep up with the large influx of people. 

Because it’s easy to get overwhelmed, we’ve put together some airport survival tips to make the journey a little easier. 

1. Check in online 

Avoid the masses and the long queues by skipping the airport check-in line altogether. Many airlines offer online check-ins and open anywhere between 24 hours to several weeks before your scheduled departure, so you can check in from the comfort of your own home instead.

Online check-ins are available on the airlines’ websites, but there are a few that will require you to download their app, which is well worth the time if it means having one less line to queue for. 

2. Get a portable luggage scale

The sudden rush to repack and redistribute items when bags are overweight is a common sight. While airports often have their own scales, don’t wait until you’re already there — you’d save time and stress if you make sure that your bags already meet weight requirements before arriving at the airport.  

Unfortunately, not all hotels have scales available, so it pays to have a portable luggage scale on hand. They are small enough to fit into the palm of your hand and you can be assured that your luggage is just the right weight — no need for repacking or needing to wear your heaviest clothing on the plane. 

3. Use the luggage self check-in kiosks

Now that you’re sure that your luggage meets weight requirements, it’s time to check in! Self check-in kiosks are another great way to avoid lines. Just scan your boarding pass, print your luggage tag, and attach it securely to your bag. Don’t forget to keep your luggage tag ticket in case your bag gets lost along the way! AirHelp+Luggage makes sure you get a payout if that happens. 

4. Keep items that require screening close to hand

Once you drop off your check-in luggage, it’s time for security screening! Airport security is one of the most time-consuming parts of your journey as hundreds of people unpack items, put them in trays, and get screened via x-ray. 

Make it easier on yourself — and others — by placing any items that require screening near the top of your bag or in pockets, so that you can quickly pull them out when needed. This includes electronics, liquids, and any metal objects that could appear suspicious on the x-ray, such as foil-wrapped foods! 

5. Wear clothes and shoes that are easy to take off

Airport security will also ask you to take off any jackets, hoodies, boots, belts, and watches. To avoid struggling, pick items that are easy to take off and put on, and layer clothes smartly. Stick to simple items that don’t require too much adjusting.

6. Consider a collapsible water bottle 

Airport security doesn’t allow large water bottles, but you can pack an empty bottle and fill it up after security. Collapsible silicone water bottles are perfect as they fit in your pocket and have the same capacity as regular bottles.

7. Don’t lose your duty-free receipts

If you purchased anything from the airport, hold on to those duty-free receipts, especially if you have a connecting flight! This comes in handy if you are traveling with liquids such as wine bottles, which otherwise are too big to go through your connecting airport’s security, so it’s important that you have proof that you purchased them from the airport. 

8. Chill in a lounge during a flight delay 

If you have to spend more time in the airport than planned, why not escape the crowds by heading to a lounge? With AirHelp+, you get free lounge access after a flight delay, so that you can sit back, relax, and have a good meal while you wait for your flight to take off. 

Wishing you a stress-free flight ahead!

Want a fast €100 next time your flight’s delayed or canceled? AirHelp+ membership gets you fast payouts, 100% of up to €600 compensation and lounge access when your flight’s disrupted. Explore More.