Top 10 Airport Mistakes Travelers Make and Tips to Avoid Them

10 Common Airport Mistakes and How to Avoid Them for a Stress-Free Travel Experience

Avoiding some common mistakes can make traveling a lot smoother, stress-free, and enjoyable. Here are the top 10 simple mistakes travelers forget, especially navigating through airports.

1. Arriving Late – Most of us are guilty of this. Always allow plenty of time for check-in, security checks, and finding your gate. My own golden rule is I always arrive at least 4 hours before takeoff. I adjust the commute time to maintain this depending on where I am at.

2. Not Using Travel- or Flight-Tracking Apps – Using travel- and flight-tracking apps can significantly enhance your travel experience. These apps provide real-time updates on check-in times, flight delays, gate changes, baggage carousels, and more. I rely on apps like Kayak and TripIt to keep my travel plans organized and stress-free. These tools notify me of any changes and help me stay on top of things.

3. Overpacking – Always travel light. Packing too much can lead to excess baggage fees and difficulty maneuvering through the airport and your entire trip. I have many tips on packing light on my channel.

4. Ignoring Security Regulations – Follow local security regulations to go through airport security smoothly.

5. Forgetting Travel Documents – Make a list of the documents you need to carry and triple check before leaving home.

6. Not Understanding Baggage Policies - Different airlines have different baggage policies, including your connecting flights. Ensure your luggage meets the requirements.

7. Ignoring Layover Time - Make sure you have enough time between flights. I recommend at least 2 hours.

8. Not Using Airport Lounges - Take advantage of lounges to make your wait more comfortable. Many credit cards offer free lounges. Some lounges offer day passes, which can be a worthwhile investment for long layovers.

9. Not Keeping Eye on Belongings - Always keep an eye on your belongings to avoid losing them or becoming a target for theft. Use a secure bag and keep your valuables close to you.

10. Forgetting to Enjoy Your Trip – Don’t stress too much over your trip. It is important to enjoy this unique experience, as it won’t happen every day. 

How to Access Airport Lounges for Free (The Easiest Way)

Travel Hacks | Tips to Access Airport Lounges for Free

There are several strategies you can apply to access airport lounges for free without flying business class. Some of these strategies require pro-grade knowledge on frequent flyer programs and a lot of research or hassle. I have a podcast outlining some of them here: Accessing Airport Lounges for Free

However, the easiest and possibly the best way to access airport lounges for free is by having a credit card that gives you free lounge access as a perk. These travel credit cards come with a plethora of other travel benefits and features that are worth a lot more than the annual fee you pay. For example, things like free travel insurance, free concierge service, zero foreign currency transaction fee, and many more are available.

Here are my top 4 Canadian travel credit cards that provide easy airport lounge access without you setting foot on a business-class flight. All these cards have an annual fee of less than $150.

Sure, there are many other cards that provide lounge access, but I set them aside because they tend to charge a lot more than $150 annually.

Canadian Credit Card Options (Annual Fee ≤ $150):

- BMO World Elite MasterCard: 4 free lounge visits via Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.

- CIBC Aventura Gold Visa & CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite: 4 free lounge visits via Visa Airport Companion - Program.

- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite: 6 free lounge visits via Visa Airport Companion Program and offers no foreign transaction fees.

If you are reading this article from other parts of the globe, look for a similar credit card in your country that fits your needs. It is highly likely that you will find travel credit cards that give you free lounge access in your own country as well.

The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Long Flights: Lessons Learned from YYZ-NRT-BKK

Long Flight Survival Tips

Pre-Flight Preparation

Currency Exchange - Exchanging currency at the airport is a big NO. You will end up paying more fees and charges. Change a little bit of currency at your home country to survive the first couple days. Exchange for the rest at your destination country.  

Strategic Seat Booking – If you are a couple, book 2 seats in a row where no one else will be sitting with you and you will have both the aisle and the window seat. For solo travelers, I recommend the aisle seat if your flight is over 6 hours, so you can easily get up and walk every 2 hours.

Smart Packing - Packing light with comfortable clothing and essentials is crucial for a pleasant journey.

Light Carry-On Only - We check a small luggage which is shared by both of us. Our carry-on is also small enough to be considered a personal item. Traveling with a light carry-on or personal item bag can streamline your journey through security and make navigating the airport easier.

Online Check-In - Checking in online 24 hours before your flight is a great way to save time at the airport. You will have dedicated lines with lesser volumes to get your boarding pass and luggage tags and drop off your luggage and head to the gate directly.

Early Arrival - Arriving at the airport early allows you to relax and explore the airport or lounges, reducing stress and improving your overall travel experience. We arrive 3 to 4 hours early. Even if we are stuck in traffic for an hour, we still won’t miss the flight.

Airport Lounges - If you have access to airport lounges, consider using them for relaxation, complimentary food and drinks, and a more comfortable environment.

Trip Tracking App & Flight Apps – Always use a trip-tracking app like Kayak or TripIt. These apps show your trip visually to give you a better understanding of your trip. Also, if you double booked the same night twice and or missed one night, you will be able to visualize it.

I was out one night in Bangkok and these apps saved my trip by showing me my mistake. On a long trip, missing one night could ruin your entire month-long trip like a chain reaction.

In-Flight Comfort

Movement and Hydration - Getting up and walking around regularly, along with staying hydrated, are essential for preventing discomfort and promoting circulation. This is the reason I recommended booking an aisle seat earlier.

Skin Care - Using a hand cream and lip balm can combat the drying effects of airplane air.

Noise Reduction - Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can create a more peaceful environment for relaxation or sleep.

In-Flight Entertainment - Take advantage of the in-flight entertainment options. Purchase a Bluetooth adapter for airplanes to connect your earbuds to the in-flight entertainment system.

I discuss these tips and more on this video here. Strategic planning and packing light and carrying essentials can make or break your long flight and the entire trip. Check out my Travel Hacks Video Playlist for more videos before your next trip.

Couple’s Travel Hack: How to Explore the World with Only a Carry-On

Couple’s One Bag Travel Hack: How to Travel with Only a Carry-On

When my travel companion and I embarked on a month-long adventure through Thailand and Dubai, we faced the challenge of packing light. Our goal was to travel with just one carry-on suitcase between us. Here’s how we did it:

Sharing Is Caring: The Half-and-Half Strategy

We opted for a 21-inch suitcase and we each claimed one side, which forced us to be selective about what we packed. This strategy not only saved space but also encouraged us to prioritize the essentials.

The Art of Minimalism: Less Is More

We brought only 3 pairs of socks, 3 t-shirts, 3 undergarments, etc. and kept washing them at the hotel each night. We only brought 1 pair of pants each. Our suitcase weighed in at a mere 12 kg, well below the 15 kg limit for short flights within Thailand.

Mastering the Personal Item: Navigating Budget Airlines

The 7-KG Challenge

Budget airlines impose strict weight limits on personal items. Our small backpacks couldn’t exceed 7 kg. Here’s how we tackled it:

Essentials Only: Our backpacks held the absolute essentials—cables, chargers, and a lightweight laptop. No unnecessary gadgets or heavy books.

Layering Clothing: We wore our bulkiest clothing items (like full pants, shoes, and light travel jackets) during flights. This not only kept us warm but also saved space in our bags.

Digital Nomad Gear: As digital nomads, we needed our laptops. We chose a mini laptop, 2 phones, and other small video recording equipment (GoPro, Pixel 8 Pro, DJI Pocket 2, audio mics, etc.) to record for our YouTube channels.

Airport Luck: When Rules Bend

At the airport, we braced ourselves for scrutiny. But to our surprise, the airline staff didn’t bother weighing our backpacks. We sailed through the airline desks and security with our backpacks clearly under 7 kg.

In summary, traveling light requires discipline, creativity, and a willingness to let go of non-essentials. By sharing a suitcase and mastering the art of packing, we enjoyed a hassle-free adventure—one that proved you don’t need a massive wardrobe to explore the world. So next time you’re packing for an extended trip, remember that less really can be more! 🌎✈️

Compression Socks: A Traveler's Must-Have

Compression Socks Basics: Travelon Compression Socks Review

Compression socks have gained popularity amongst travelers seeking relief from swollen ankles, leg cramps, and the potential risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long flights. Designed to apply graduated pressure to the legs, these socks promote better blood circulation, reducing discomfort and potential health risks.

I recently tested out a pair of Travelon compression socks. These socks come in two varieties: a standard version and a copper-infused option. While I only tried the standard pair, both types promise to improve blood flow and alleviate swelling.

The Travelon compression socks I tested offered a gentle to mild level of compression, making them suitable for most travelers. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using compression socks, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

One of the key benefits of compression socks is their potential to reduce the risk of DVT, a serious condition caused by blood clots. By improving blood circulation, these socks can help prevent blood from pooling in the legs. However, it's crucial to combine the use of compression socks with other preventive measures, such as regular movement, hydration, and loose-fitting clothing.

While I found my Travelon compression socks to be comfortable and effective, individual experiences may vary. It's essential to choose the right level of compression and ensure a proper fit for optimal results.

Ultimately, the decision to use compression socks is a personal one. If you're planning a long-haul flight and are concerned about leg discomfort or swelling, they may be worth considering. However, they should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures to maximize their benefits.

I will be using Travelon compression socks on my flight to Bangkok. Especially on the first flight from Toronto to Narita, which is 14+ hours. However, I also get out of my seat every couple of hours and walk for a few minutes throughout the flight whenever I am flying.