There’s a reason seasoned travelers glide through airports like they own the place, while you, on the other hand, are still hunting for your gate. Frequent flyers know tricks that make travel smoother, cheaper, and less stressful. Here are eight of them you’ll wish you knew sooner.
8. The Art of the Airport Lounge
For many travelers, the airport lounge is an exclusive world. Meanwhile, frequent flyers know that you don’t always need a first-class ticket to get in. Many credit cards offer complimentary lounge access as a perk, and day passes are also available for purchase at many lounges. With free food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, the airport lounge can be an oasis amid the chaos of the terminal.
7. The Best Time to Fly
Frequent flyers also know that the time of day you fly can have a big impact on your travel experience. Early morning flights are often the best option because they’re less likely to be delayed. You’ll also find that airports are generally less crowded in the early morning, setting a great tone for your travel experience.
6. The Hidden Power of a Travel Pillow
A travel pillow is more than just a comfort item. While it’s great for getting some sleep on the plane, a travel pillow can also be used to save space in your carry-on. How? By attaching it to the outside of your bag. Doing this allows you to free up valuable real estate inside. Some savvy travelers even stuff their travel pillows with extra clothes to add more space to their luggage.
5. The Empty Water Bottle Trick
Here’s an unsavory truth: buying water at the airport can be expensive. A simple way to get around this is to bring an empty water bottle with you. You can’t bring a full bottle of water through security, but an empty one is fine. Fill it up at a water fountain and enjoy free water for your flight. It’s a simple trick that helps you save a few dollars while keeping you hydrated throughout your journey.
4. The Magic of a Portable Charger
Frequent flyers know that you can’t always rely on finding an open outlet at the airport. So the fix would be to bring a good portable charger. This is especially important when your boarding pass is on your phone. It’s a small investment that can provide a lot of peace of mind. Also, it gives you the freedom to wait for your flight wherever you want, not just where there’s a power outlet.
3. The Benefits of Being Loyal
By joining an airline’s loyalty program, you can earn points that can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other perks. The more you fly with a particular airline, the more benefits you’ll get, including priority boarding and lounge access. It’s a long-term strategy for frequent flyers, allowing them to have a more comfortable and rewarding travel experience over time.
2. The Lost Luggage Strategy
Losing your luggage is a nightmare, but frequent flyers know some ways to minimize the damage. The best strategy is to travel with a carry-on only. Need to check a bag? Make sure you have a change of clothes and other essential items in your carry-on. If your bag gets lost, be persistent with the airline. The more you follow up, the more likely you’ll get your bag back. Never leave the airport without a file reference number.
1. The Art of the Upgrade
Getting a free upgrade to first class isn’t just a matter of luck. While there’s no foolproof way to guarantee an upgrade, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances. First, be a loyal member of the airline’s frequent flyer program. With a higher status, you’re likely to get an upgrade. Second, travel during off-peak times, when there are more empty seats in first class. And third, ask politely. A friendly request at the gate can sometimes work wonders.
