10 airport hacks to keep you sane (besides having travel insurance)

By Evlin DuBose · · 4 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure
Collage of couple rushing to the airport.

International airports have two energies. It’s about the journey, not the destination and dear God, are we there yet? There is no in-between. 

Navigating through airports is just part and parcel of an overseas trip. But if you’ve already packed your bags and bought your travel insurance (it’s nice to have a backup plan if you lose your luggage), then all that’s left to do is ensure your sanity. 

Here are ten tips to make the airport bearable.

The night before your flight

Collage of a woman meditating by her luggage the night before her flight.

An ounce of prep is worth a gallon of tears at the airport. (Although if there are tears, it’s fine. You’ll be relaxing on the plane in no time). 

Hack 1: Download everything you need

Airport WiFi and mobile reception are dodgy – so don’t rely on having either. Download everything you need, from your boarding pass to any IDs and itineraries, well ahead of time. Take screenshots in case your apps crash. Speaking of which…

Hack 2: Charge your devices ahead of time

Most international airports will have free charging stations throughout the terminal. But unless you feel like fighting for a cord and socket with dozens of weary travellers, make sure you charge your devices at home. This includes your:

  • Phone
  • Tablet
  • Laptop
  • Wireless headphones
  • Emergency battery packs/chargers. 

Mozo recommends the Snap Wireless Charger . It can be adapted for overseas outlets and charge most devices simultaneously – an absolute travel hack and lifesaver. 

Hack 3: Pack a snack and other sanity-saving essentials

Main reasons airports suck? You feel hungry, thirsty, tired, unclean, and impatient. We can’t really control the latter (although have you tried meditation?), but the other four are easy to solve.

  • Hungry. Plan where you can eat at the airport (especially if you have dietary restrictions) and pack snacks. Focus on food groups that will fill you up, like protein, fibre, and fat. 
  • Thirsty. Bring an empty water bottle. Hit the free refill stations. Booyah. 
  • Tired. Pack a travel pillow and cosy blanket. If you’re conscious about space, use a thick or fluffy coat instead of a blanket and roll up one of your scarves for a pillow. 
  • Unclean. Stuff a packet of wet wipes and some empty plastic baggies in your carry-on. Getting airport grungy? Wipe yourself down and feel refreshed. 

If you experience flight anxiety or aviophobia, make sure you pack some comforting or distracting things, too, including any medications. 

Hack 4: Get clever about your carry-on

Pack your carry-on so that you can lose your luggage and survive a few days. This doesn’t mean you need a whole wardrobe or bathroom, just some simple toiletries, three outfits, one or two pairs of shoes, and all your essentials like travel money, electronics, and travel documents. 

One clever way to handle your carry-on luggage is to put all your important documents and devices in a smaller, thief-proof bag on your person, then everything else in a tidy suitcase, satchel, or backpack. This way, everything you need to whip out, like your ID, is accessible, while everything else fits snugly in the overhead compartment. 

Hack 5: Research the airport

Did you know that some airport lounges have showers? T’is true. If you want, pay for access to an airport lounge ahead of time and get some TLC in between flights. Plus, airports usually have accessible spaces to hang out if you have a disability. You never know unless you do your research.

The day of your flight

Collage of a woman happy with her luggage because she's at the airport.

Now it’s time to go with the flow. If you’re travelling with kids – Godspeed. 

Hack 6: Wear what makes you feel best

Feeling best is subjective. Would you like to be comfortable? Stylish? Warm? Cool? Layers are generally the best way to go, with shoes you can run in if you’re late to the gate, but generally speaking, let the wardrobe spirit move you. Dress to feel your best, not to impress anyone. (The flight attendants certainly don’t care).

Hack 7: Get a friend, taxi, or the free shuttle

Airport parking is so nightmarishly expensive it is almost literally never worth it. If you have to drive yourself, prepare space in your travel budget. Otherwise, source another (preferably free) way to get to the airport. 

Some ideas?

  • Family member or partner drives you.
  • Friend drives you.
  • Public transportation.
  • Free airport shuttle.

A taxi or rideshare service like Uber will do in a pinch. Aim to arrive 2-3 hours before your international flight and 1-2 hours before your domestic flight.

Hack 8: Check in fast

Depending on your airline and destination, you may be able to check in through the airline app. Otherwise, aim for a self-check-in kiosk when you arrive at the airport.

Alternatively, head for the check-in desk furthest to the left (humans have a right-side bias) and closest to the business check-in as possible. If the business line clears up, they may ask the next customer from economy to the front, so be ready to pounce.

Hack 9: Set your clocks to your new timezone

If you’re heading overseas, there’s a good chance your timezone is about to change. Get ahead of the jet lag by setting your clocks, watches, and devices to your new timezone so you can start nudging your circadian rhythm in the right direction. Try these travel apps to get started. 

Hack 10: Get your steps in

Finally, after checking your bags and making it through security, it’s time to find your gate, stretch your legs, and maybe indulge in a little retail therapy duty-free. Now is the time to let your body tell you what it wants. Hungry? Eat. Sleepy? Sleep. Stressed? Relax and meditate. A walk can clear your head in ten minutes or less. 

MOZO HOT TIP: Listen to Brian Eno’s “Ambient 1: Music for Airports”.

All set? Don’t forget the insurance! You can compare international travel insurance policies in the table below.

Compare travel insurance

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. Mozo does not compare the entire market.
Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.
Last updated 14 December 2024 Important disclosures
  • International Travel Insurance
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $5,000 limit per policy with option to increase limit

    Get protection in a few simple steps with Freely travel insurance all in the palm of your hand. Freely Travel offers 24/7 emergency and medical support, 24/7 customer service. Plus, you can tailor your policy so you only pay for what you need, and adapt your cover in near real time. Add-ons such as car rental excess, snow sports or other activities also available. Receive 10% off your travel insurance policy with promo code: MOZO10. T&Cs apply, go to site for full detail.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Enjoy unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get unlimited cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $5,000,000 personal liability cover.

    Go to site
    Details
  • International Comprehensive Single
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $2,500 to Unlimited

    Enjoy the security of single trip cover on your next holiday with Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Get 24 hour emergency assistance, cover for cancelling or changing your journey before you leave, protection for lost, stolen or damaged goods as well as cover to replace lost or stolen cash, banks or travel documents.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Top
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Be covered for international overseas and medical expenses. Emergency medical assistance 24 hours/365 days a year. Cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits. Cover for luggage and personal money. Dependents covered free of charge (conditions apply). Limited COVID cover available. Cancellation cover for COVID claims limited to $3,500.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Standard
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $25,000

    Get the security of unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $2,500,000 personal liability cover.

    Go to site
    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

Today's travel insurance deals