Airport Hacks
A flight attendant reveals her 9 tricks for the airport
© Ekaterina Pokrovsky / Shutterstock
Delia is a flight attendant – and of course she knows which airport hacks are really good. Here she reveals her tips for a relaxed and frugal time at the airport.
1. Allow more than enough time
It’s actually logical and well known, but it’s rarely heeded: the advice to get to the airport early. If time is tight, the start of the holiday quickly degenerates into stress and hectic – especially when you know that passengers miss their flights more and more often because the rush at the security checks can no longer be adequately managed.
If you have time, you stay relaxed, even if the traffic jam on the way to the airport and the queue at security are long. If you still have time before boarding, you can spend it at the airport with pleasure – strolling, browsing, drinking coffee or just looking.
2. Line up left
There are usually several queues at check-in and at security. Since almost all people are right-handed, they unconsciously line up on the right. Do it differently than the majority and stand in line on the left if possible. You can often save time this way.
3. Free parking
If you leave your car at the airport while on vacation, the cost of parking can be almost as expensive as the plane ticket. If you can’t use public transport, you should try to get a free parking space near the airport and walk, take the bus or take a taxi for the last part. sites like gratisparken.de list such parking lots.
4. Use the luggage trolley free of charge
Many passengers purchase a luggage trolley at the airport, which is subject to a fee, and then leave it there instead of bringing it back. Good for you: now it’s yours!
5. Pack snacks
Pack a few snacks in your hand luggage, because it can be a few hours since the last meal before the in-flight service begins. And the prices at the airport are known to be steep. You can refill your bottle behind the security check at the water dispenser or at the toilet sink.
6. Check gate
The departure gate is usually noted on your boarding pass, but that doesn’t change very often. So that you don’t have to run to another gate in panic at the end, you should definitely check yours again on the scoreboards. And even if you are already at the gate, you should keep checking the display. And listen to the announcements – they also give advice on gate changes.
7. Be well informed
It is best to find out about the airport at your destination before you leave. To get to the bus or rental car station faster, you can take screenshots of the airport map. You can also find information online about the transfer options and which ones are the cheapest.
8. Exchange money cheaply
Exchange offices make their money by paying out local currencies. It is therefore often much cheaper to simply use the ATM at the destination airport. Many credit cards offer free worldwide withdrawals and some banks have partner banks where you can withdraw money with your credit card for free. Check with your bank beforehand, it can be worth it!
9. Be fast
Many airports offer a “Fast Track Service”. This allows you to bypass the lines at the security checkpoint for a fee. Usually you then use the security check for crews, diplomats and status customers. This is especially worthwhile for people with a fear of flying because it reduces stress.
Tip: The airport hacks are from Delia. she is sflight attendant for a major airline for several years. On her blog Delia Wings the young mother gives valuable tips on flying and traveling.