5 Airport Hacks You’ve Never Heard Of (That Work!)

Brittany Jones-Cooper
·Reporter


Most travelers arrive at the airport with hopes of having a stress-free experience. But with long lines, high-priced dining, and cranky passengers, things rarely go as planned.

While we can’t control the airlines, there are a few things you can do to make your time more enjoyable. Use these hacks the next time you head to the airport.

1. Go to the left

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Going left could prevent you from missing a flight. (Photo: iStock)

When you’re going through security, pick the line to the left. Most travelers are right handed, so they automatically pick the right lane. As a result, studies have shown that the left line is typically shorter.

2. Bring a bottle

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Bring an empty water bottle along, and never overpay for water at the airport again! (Photo: iStock)

Is it just us, or has water gotten ridiculously expensive at the airport? I recently paid nearly four dollars for a bottle of Aquafina at LAX. Instead, bring an empty water bottle. Without water inside, you can easily take it through security, and once you’re in the terminal, you can fill it up as many times as you want at the drinking fountain.

3. Screenshot your boarding pass

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Make boarding easy by taking a screen shot of your boarding pass. (Photo: iStock)

We’ve all been there: you download your boarding pass on your smartphone, but by the time you reach the boarding gate, you can’t seem to find it. Save yourself the headache and take a screenshot of your boarding pass. This way you don’t have to worry about your airline app freezing or timing out, and you can board with no delays.

Related: WATCH: Brittany’s Travel Hacks—4 Tips For Breezing Through Airport Security

4. Bring the power

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Don’t fight over outlets…bring your own power! (Photo: iStock)

People are really territorial over outlets at airports. So bring a power strip, and you’re guaranteed to have a place to charge your phone. Plus, letting others charge their devices on your power strip is a great way to make friends.

5. Get a gate guide

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Learn the layout of the airport before you arrive. (Photo: Gate Guru)

Finally, download Gate Guru. This app will tell you everything you need to know about your airport — with tips from other travelers, info on where to eat, and maps of the airport. It will also alert you if your flight has changed gates, so you don’t end up running around the terminal.

Want More Travel Hacks?

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