6 Airport Hacks to Make Your Journey Smoother SimCorner® Australia

With most people determined to put their covid quarantine years behind them, airports the world over are as crowded as ever with travellers. This means that it can be quite a nightmare to navigate the tedious security checks, crazy queues, and potential delays.

That doesn’t always have to be the case! Make your next trip less rage-inducing with these 6 practical tips:

1. 🍔 Bring your own food and snacks

We all know it: the prices of airport food are pretty much highway robbery. Also keep in mind that airports can be tricky places for vegetarians/vegans or anyone with dietary restrictions (like gluten intolerance).

While it may seem like an obvious thing to do, buying your favourite snacks before leaving for the airport can help you to save money and stave off hunger pangs when you’re waiting to board your flight. Just head to your local grocery store and grab foods that are easy on the go and won’t get crushed in your bag.

2. 👮 Prep for the security check

Don’t be that person that has to unpack and re-pack their whole bag at the security check.

Get efficient at the security check process by preparing the following:

Have your laptop, other devices, flight ticket, and ID easily accessible rather than buried at the bottom of your bag
Wear shoes that are easy to slip off or untie in case you need to take off your shoes
Learn the rules on water and toiletries, especially for international flights
Minimise wearing things that will set off the metal detector (e.g. jewelry, belt, keys)

Keep these in mind and you’ll be getting through the security checkpoint in record time!

3. ⌨️ Check in online and plan ahead

Does anyone still head to the airport to check into their flights? Most flights allow you to check in online around 24-48 hours before your flight. We recommend doing so, especially if you have seat preferences.

Secondly, get to the airport early, around 3-4 hours before your flight. Sure, it’s kinda boring to have to wait a few hours before boarding time, but do you really want to hear your name being called on the intercom as you sprint through the airport trying to catch your flight?

Leaving for the airport early also gives you enough time for you to be unfazed by unexpected problems that pop up, for example bad traffic and long queues.

4. ✈️ Have a checklist of travel essentials

To ensure you have everything you need for your journey, we recommend making a checklist of travel essentials and ticking things off as you pack. This way you won’t be worrying about having left your wallet at home while enroute to the airport. Besides the basic items like your passport and keys, here are a couple more useful items to have when travelling:

Noise-cancelling earphones: If you’re sensitive to crowded places or just want to drown out the sound of snores and baby cries on the plane.
Phone charger: Self-explanatory!
Multi-plug travel adapter: For when you’re travelling internationally and have multiple devices to charge.
Travel pillow: Get a compact one, ideally with a clip or pouch so it will be convenient to carry or pack.
Books, movies, and music: If you’re not a fan of airplane entertainment.
Extra socks: If you need to get comfy on the plane.

5. 👚 Wear comfortable clothes

The last thing you want to do is be uncomfortable on what could potentially be a long journey. We’re not asking you to just roll up in your pj’s (though we won’t judge). But maybe skip the skinny jeans and high heels and choose soft cotton material, athleisure, and sneakers/sandals.

Consider wearing layers that can easily come off and be thrown into your bag. Layering allows you more flexibility with temperature changes throughout your journey.

If you are planning on packing a bulky coat/jacket, wear that as a layer instead, so that you can save space in your check-in luggage or carry on by. In a pinch, they can also serve as a pillow or blanket on the plane.

6. ⏰ Expect delays

These days we’re hearing all sorts of stories about flights being delayed or even cancelled. While that can be frustrating for anyone to experience, you can minimise the stress by just expecting that things may not go as planned. So that if a few hiccups do happen, you’re not completely blindsided.

Be flexible, remind yourself to take deep breaths, and maybe stock up on snacks and books for when you’re stuck waiting at the airport longer than expected. Remind yourself that eventually, you’ll get to your destination in one piece!

Conclusion

So next time you're headed to the airport, keep these hacks in mind and you'll be on your way in no time. And remember, life is short. So don't worry about having everything perfect - enjoy yourself along the way.

✈️ Want to make your journey even smoother? Shop our travel SIM cards here and we’ll have them delivered to you even before you fly!

✈️ Share your travels with us! Be sure to tag us #simcorner #StayConnected | Follow us on IG: @simcornertravel