9 Airport Hacks to Make Your Next Journey a Breeze

December 31st 2021

Going on holiday is an exciting experience, but getting to and through the airport is a whole different ball game, and can often prove quite stressful. However, with a few insider airport hacks, your passage towards your final destination could be a breeze. Read on for our top airport tips and tricks to help streamline your onward journey.

1. Check COVID paperwork requirements for your destination

These days, you’re going to need much more than a passport and possibly a visa to get in to your destination country. Be sure to check the entry requirements for wherever you’re headed, including any countries you are transiting through to get there. More often than not, you’ll need to complete some form of declaration form. You may also need a negative test certificate, and/or a vaccination certificate.

Also be sure to check your airline’s requirements. Many will expect you to upload the necessary documents in advance of checking in so that they can be verified. Whilst you probably won’t be able to do this until 48 hours before you travel, you can prepare in advance. Whatever you do, don’t leave it till the last minute.

2. Check in online

Checking in online will save lots of time at the airport, especially if you are travelling with hand baggage only. This is one of the best travel hacks, as some low cost airlines charge extra to check in at the desk, so you’ll usually save money too.

3. Get organised with your airport transfer

If your flight is departing early in the morning or very late at night, you won’t be able to rely on public transport to get to the airport, especially if you don’t live nearby. So you’ll either need to drive yourself, rope in a friend or family member, or book an airport transfer. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to get organised in advance.

If you’re driving to the airport, book your parking in good time. The closer you get to your departure date, the more expensive it will be.

If you’re booking an airport transfer, make arrangements in advance so that there are no last minute hiccups. You’ll be able to get a price, and book your preferred style of transport, whether that’s a saloon, estate or family MPV. If you’re going to need a child seat, make sure you request it in advance. When choosing your airport car service, be sure to select one that proactively tracks flights, so they’ll be on the case should there be any delays or cancellations. You’ll also want one that provides a written confirmation for reassurance, as well as app tracking so you know when they’re on their way on the day of travel.

If you do opt for public transport, make sure that your bus or train will actually be running when you need it. Transport serving airports located in the suburbs may be subject to reduced services at weekends or on bank holidays, for example.

4. Download the airline’s app

Whatever airline you are travelling with, be sure to download their app. It will allow you to access your boarding pass at all times, as well as keep you up to date on any delays.

5. Prepare your hand luggage for security

Whilst some airports are now installing modern X-ray machines that no longer require you to take your liquids or tech out of your bag as you go through security, it’s not the case yet across the board.

So, here’s another one of the best airport hacks for you. When you pack your hand luggage, be sure to separate your liquids into your clear bag, and place it somewhere handy so you can take it out to place in the tray before you go through the scanner at security. Do the same with your tech; keep it handy so you are not rummaging around trying to find it and holding everyone up. A bag with an external pocket to put things in that you need to readily retrieve is a good idea. Remember, one clear bag of liquids per person, and no more than 100ml per item.

Lastly, make sure you keep all your valuables on you. NEVER pack anything valuable in your hold luggage. If the bag goes missing, so will your valuables, and your travel insurance won’t cover you.

6. Weigh your luggage before you leave

There’s nothing worse than arriving at baggage drop-off, only to be told your luggage is overweight. Invest in a set of travel scales so you can weight your suitcases before you leave, and remember to take it with you so you can do the same on your return. If you don’t have your own scales, you can weigh your luggage at the airport at any empty check-in desk.

7. Go left at security

One of the best airport hacks we know has to be, when choosing a security lane, always go to the left. Most people are right-handed and so will naturally turn right. The chances are that if you go left, you will experience shorter queues.

8. Check in at the counter next to business class

When you get to the airport, if you’re checking in at the desk, or dropping off hold baggage, if you are not flying business class, be sure to queue next to that line. If is no one in the business class queue, the staff will usually call people forward from economy to speed things up.

9. Keep an eye on the departure screens

Most airports won’t announce that a flight is boarding, so be sure to keep an eye on the departure screens so you’ll know as soon as your departure gate is announced and can start making your way towards it. Remember that in some airports, certain departure gates can be quite a walk from the lounge, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Ready to fly? Book your London airport transfer today with ZedCarz.

With all bookings confirmed in writing, and flight details confirmed with the airport, you’ll have complete reassurance from the outset. We monitor all flights, so you’ll never be left waiting if you land early. Get your holiday off to a flying start, as your smartly dressed ZedCarz driver helps you with your luggage, and goes the extra mile to make your journey as smooth as possible.

There’s nothing like a pleasant journey to get your holiday off to a good start, so why not book your airport transfer with ZedCarz? We look forward to serving you.