For many travelers, airport stress is part of the start of their vacation. Long queues, baggage check-in, security checks, and the worry of missing your flight can dampen your anticipation of a well-deserved break. But with the right preparation and a few clever tricks, your stay at the airport can be much more relaxed.
In this article, we present 10 of the best airport hacks and tips that will save you time, money, and stress. These airport travel hacks, flight hacks, and travel hacks for flying will help you move through the airport more efficiently and start your trip relaxed. From arrival to check-in to security checks—with our tips, you can confidently master all stages of the airport experience and start your vacation feeling relaxed.
The 10 best airport hacks and tips for a relaxed travel experience
With the following 10 airport hacks, airport tips, and practical flying tips and tricks, you’ll be well prepared for a relaxed start to your vacation. Good preparation is the key to a stress-free and smooth stay at the airport. Try out our tips on your next flight and enjoy a relaxed departure!
1. Use public transportation or reserve a parking space in advance
Getting to the airport can be the first source of stress. To avoid this, it is advisable to use public transportation. Many airports are well connected to the public transportation network. Trains or buses usually take you directly to the terminal without you having to worry about finding a parking space or traffic jams.
If you still want to travel by car, be sure to reserve a parking space in advance. Many airports offer online booking options, often at cheaper rates than on site. Look out for Park & Ride offers or long-term parking spaces, which are usually cheaper than the parking garages close to the terminal.
2. Be at the airport 2 to 2.5 hours before departure
A classic among airport tips that cannot be repeated often enough: allow plenty of time! As a rule of thumb, you should be at the airport at least two hours before departure, and even 2.5 to 3 hours for intercontinental flights.
This gives you enough time to deal with any unexpected events, like long lines at check-in or security. It also gives you the chance to check in, drop off your luggage, and get to the gate without rushing. If you even have time left over, you can relax in one of the cafés or shops.
3. Know your home airport like the back of your hand
The better you know your departure airport, the more relaxed your start to your vacation will be. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the airport in advance. Many airports offer detailed maps on their websites to help you find your way around.
Find out where the check-in counters, security checks, and gates are located. Also, know the locations of restrooms, ATMs, and shops. This will allow you to use your time at the airport efficiently and avoid unnecessary wandering around.
4. Airport hack: Finding the right departure terminal and gate
Especially at larger airports with multiple terminals, it is important to know which terminal your flight is departing from. This information can usually be found on your boarding pass or in your airline’s booking confirmation.
It is best to check this information the day before your flight. This allows you to plan your journey to the right terminal and avoid time-consuming trips between terminals. You can also use helpful apps from the airlines to find the right gate. Simply download them and keep an eye on your flight without any stress. Bonus: If the gate changes, you will be notified automatically on your cell phone.
5. Use online check-in and, if available, self-bag drop machines
Many airlines offer online check-in, often 24 hours before departure. Take advantage of this option! Not only will you save time at the airport, but you can usually choose your seats as well. Download your boarding pass to your smartphone or print it out.
More and more airports also offer self-service bag drop machines. Here you can check in your luggage yourself without having to wait in long lines at the check-in counters. The machines are usually easy and intuitive to use. This saves you valuable time that you can spend in the lounge or duty-free shops instead.
6. Sort your belongings before the security check
To speed up the security check process, sort your belongings in advance. Pack all liquids in the prescribed plastic bag and keep it handy in your carry-on luggage. The same applies to electronic devices such as laptops or tablets.
Place jackets, belts, and shoes that you have to take off in such a way that you can quickly put them in the security trays. Empty your pockets of coins, keys, and other metal objects and pack them in your carry-on bag. The better prepared you are, the faster you will get through security is truly one of the best travel hacks for flying when navigating busy airports.
7. Fast track: Get through security even faster
Security checks can be particularly stressful, especially when they are busy. To avoid long waiting times at the airport, you should reserve a “fast track” slot in advance. This is simply a reserved time slot that allows you to pass through security as quickly as possible.
This service is available at the following airports, among others:
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): “Book a timeslot”
Berlin Brandenburg (BER): “BER Runway”
Munich (MUC): “Express Queue” in Terminal 2
Düsseldorf (DUS): “Fast Track”
Frankfurt (FRA): “SmartWay”
London Heathrow (LHR): “Fast Track” in Terminal 3
London Stansted (STN): “Fast Track”
Rome Fiumicino (FCO): “QPass”
Milan Linate (LIN): “Fast Track”
Lisbon (LIS): “Fast Track”
Madrid Barajas (MAD): “Priority access”
Barcelona (BCN): “Fast Track”
Vienna (VIE): “VIENNA Timeslot”
Top tip “Reserve by Clear”: Available at around 20 international airports worldwide. Passengers book a 15-minute window and use a dedicated lane, often saving up to 30 minutes.
8. Observe the regulations for hand luggage
To avoid delays at security, familiarize yourself with the current regulations for carry-on luggage. The rules for liquids in carry-on luggage are well known: a maximum of 100 ml per container, and all containers must be carried in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter.
What is less well known is that creams, gels, and sprays are also subject to this regulation. Pack these items accordingly. Electronic devices such as laptops or tablets often have to be scanned separately. Keep these handy so you can quickly remove them from your luggage.
Understanding these carry-on rules is one of the most useful airplane hacks and airport travel hacks, as it helps you avoid delays and pass through security much faster.
9. Relax in the airport lounges
Lounge access can provide greater comfort and peace and quiet at the airport, especially during longer layovers or delays. For example, the Vienna Lounge at Vienna Airport is considered one of the best lounges in Europe, offering a buffet, drinks, private relaxation and shower areas, as well as seating and sleeping facilities – three hours’ use costs around €59 for adults and €31 for children (access via Priority Pass or as a day pass, for example).
At Dublin Airport, you can purchase lounge access from around €30–45 in lounges such as the East Lounge or 51st&Green Lounge, including a buffet, snacks, drinks, free Wi-Fi, and showers. In Berlin Brandenburg, the BER Lounges offer comfortable seating areas, Wi-Fi, snacks, hot and cold meals, showers, and relaxation areas; Larger meeting and conference rooms can also be booked (e.g., from around €119 per hour).
At many other airports, you can also use lounges for around €30–50, which is often cheaper than the price of food and drinks in the terminal and also offers access to quiet work areas, Wi-Fi, drinks, and snacks. Lounges are suitable for both business travelers and vacationers, transforming long waiting times into a relaxing experience with additional services such as showers, comfortable seating areas, and often better food and drink options than outside the lounge.
Good to know: You often get automatic access with a business or first-class ticket. Alternatively, programs such as the Plaza Premium Group’s “Smart Traveller” program offer the opportunity to collect points and redeem them later for lounge visits. Various premium credit cards, such as American Express or JCB Platinum, also include free or discounted lounge access, depending on the tariff.
10. Large airport – pay attention to long transfer times?
If you have a connecting flight, you should pay particular attention to sufficient transfer times. At large airports, the distances between gates can be very long. Allow at least one hour for the transfer, or two hours for international flights or if you have to change terminals.
Find out in advance where the gates for your connecting flight are located. Many airports offer detailed information about transfer routes and times on their websites. This allows you to realistically estimate how much time you will need and avoid unnecessary stress.
Bonus airport hack:
Always carry a charging cable with a USB-A connector in your carry-on bag: USB-A connectors are widely used and compatible with many devices and charging stations at the airport. This ensures that your electronic devices are always ready for use. Cables that are also suitable for different connections such as USB Type-C or Lightning are particularly practical. This allows you to exchange information with fellow travelers and help each other out if a cable has been forgotten or is not working. Keep in mind that it is often difficult to find available power outlets at the airport. An alternative is to charge via a USB port on a laptop or the in-flight entertainment system on the plane.
It is also practical to have a power bank with you: Power banks should also be included in your carry-on luggage so that you can charge your devices while on the go. A power bank allows you to charge your devices on the go, regardless of available power outlets. This is especially useful during long wait times or when you do not have access to a power source.
Don’t rely on airport Wi-Fi: Download your boarding pass as well as movies, music, podcasts, or books to your smartphone or tablet in advance. By downloading important documents and entertainment media beforehand, you can ensure that you have access to everything you need even without an internet connection and can make your waiting time enjoyable.
Conclusion: Stress-free at the airport
With these airport hacks, flight hacks, and practical travel hacks for flying, you’ll be well equipped to get through the airport stress-free and board your flight relaxed. From preparing at home to boarding at the gate, our tips will help you save time, avoid hassle, and navigate the often hectic airport routine with ease.
Remember that good preparation is the key to a smooth start to your journey. Take advantage of online check-in, allow plenty of time, and stay flexible. With the right attitude and our hacks in your luggage, your next visit to the airport will be a positive experience that will only increase your anticipation for your vacation.
How can Flightright help you?
Are you stuck at the airport due to a flight delay? Has your flight been canceled (cancelled) or have you been removed from the passenger list (denied boarding)?
In each of the situations described, you as a passenger are entitled to compensation.
According to the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation in the event of delays, cancellations, overbookings, and missed connecting flights. You can receive up to 600€ in compensation per person (minus the success fee). This compensation is independent of the ticket price. Flightright enforces your rights for you. If necessary, we will take your case to court.
Tip: Flightright helps you enforce your air passenger rights! With us, you can check your claims free of charge in two minutes. ✔️Simple, ✔️fast & ✔️risk-free
Flightright is the market-leading consumer portal for enforcing air passenger rights. We stand up for your rights in the event of flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding, based on the European Union’s Air Passenger Rights Regulation 261/2004. Flightright’s air passenger rights experts are also happy to help you with ticket refunds and refunds for canceled package tours.
As experts in air passenger rights, we enforce your right to compensation from the airline!
