10 Airport Secrets Never Told to Passengers (Avoid this SCAM!)

[@PortableProfessional]

*Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for weekly tips & hacks:* bit.ly/subscribe-travel-hacks

[@MatthewCrawford]

Might not want to recommend using unknown USB devices as that is a popular method of hacking phones and computers. Takes less than 1 second after connection to be hacked.

[@lukearts2954]

Delayed gate announcement is not a matter of commercial trap, but of security and safety. Also, 90 minutes in advance is NOT briefly before departure. Heck, in most European countries you can travel from a central city to a border by car in that amount of time. If people go hang around their gate longer in advance, they clog up the seating area for the flights that will depart from that gate before theirs, they mix in with people from other planes (which increases carry-on switch thefts or chances for terrorist attacks) and they just increase the general number of people in one spot that is usually smaller than the spread out shopping area, and by definition the presence of gates limits the options for evacuation while the shopping areas usually can evacuate in every direction. So no, it's NOT an "annoying" sneaky trick, but a deliberate safety measure for you as a passenger.

[@BusterTheCockatoo]

Idk why, but my cockatoo has great airport advice... Maybe we should chat, Lol

[@yspegel]

Lucky I'm used to regular fasting up to 4 days and see traveling by plane as a good moment to do so. Saves lots of money and preventing me to consume bad food.

[@dansin444]

What ! 4 days while traveling !?

[@bsteadfast]

Do you dry fast ?

[@justinparrtech]

The arrival vs. departure hack is 100%. I traveled extensively for about 10 years, and this was a MAJOR time saver! You get dropped off in arrivals, take an escalator, and BOOM, you're in departures. In many airports, the walk from arrivals is shorter, because they know they can't sell you anything.

[@jezrix]

Not globally. Only in the US. Fines apply in most countries.

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

this is not a 100 percent hack. while what you said in terms of being closer may be fact, but many airports will fine the driver for violating those rules. vegas is notorious for this against drivers, usually against the for hire drivers but if you are getting dropped off by a friend or family, they tend to take the "oh im sorry im an idiot and got lost" defense.

[@flowerpower8765]

I always go to departures and catch a taxi for less than half of the fe

[@mapamouse]

My wife and I use the arrive and picked up at departure, because when you land a 100 to 200 people from your plane will want to get picked up at the same time. Where at departure it would be very rare that everyone shows up at the same time at the airport to take off. I don’t understand the going to arrival to depart because you could show up when a plane just landed and everyone is coming out to get picked up.

[@carlosdevarona2018]

As I was waiting for my ride at arrivals LAX, a officer told the driver of a car that he would be ticketed if his passenger did not get back into the car , and take him to departures. Regular ding busses again at LAX, the bus drivers are asking if you are staying with them. I would not be surprised if they start asking for reservation confirmation

[@ulvesparker]

I spent a whole day in Schipol during Christmas time one year because of Schengen visa time limits (long story). I felt like that Tom Hanks character stuck in transit limbo. The thing is, I had a wonderful time! They had a free mini-Rijksmuseem with fine art, an indoor "park" with fake trees and chirping birds, a free e-library, a quiet meditation center, observation tower, great shopping and restaurants, a capsule hotel with showers, and a Dutch culture center. I explored every meter of that airport and discovered lots of free stuff. But now, I am hooked on airline lounges. I use miles, and I tend to get my full value. Food, drinks (incl. beer and wine), snacks, shower, free wifi, and sometimes a snooze on a comfortable lounge chair in the quiet area.

[@PortableProfessional]

You really made the best of what could have been along tedious wait! Happy travels!

[@ReyOfLight]

I've had transfer at Schiphol on my way to and from Asia, and I'd have to say it's the best airport I've ever been to! It's such a relaxing and homey atmosphere and it feels more like a relaxing mall than a massive travel hub. While sitting at Starbucks there to have a coffee and cake before my connection, I even forgot I was at an airport until hearing announcements over the speakers. It felt like I was sitting at a Starbucks along a shopping street or something, and I really enjoyed having a look at the souvenir shop across the path from the Starbucks. If getting stuck in an airport, Shiphol is probably the best one to get stuck in tbh.

[@ulvesparker]

Yeah, I agree. There are many beautiful, well managed, and welcoming airports, but Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Copenhagen are always in my top 3 for Europe. I look forward to them like mini vacations. SFO is my favorite in the US. And, when flying to LA area, l prefer Burbank to LAX or John Wayne. So much more relaxing. Kansai is my favorite airport in Japan.

[@razzle1964]

Sounds marvellous and I hope to pass through there soon. I spent last Christmas visiting a mate in Bulgaria, near the Black Sea. Whilst returning home, via Sofia airport, I thought I’d splash out €20 and avail myself of the ‘VIP lounge’ facilities. Top tip - don’t.

[@k.e.becquer4681]

@@ulvesparker Copenhagen is so beautiful!

[@Travelclosely]

TIP: For electronics like laptops Phones or cameras it is always better to send them last through the screening.. if you send them first before you clear the security.. you might give a chance to someone to pick your item and leave 😢

[@ABach-ld2oc]

put them at the bottom of your bag

[@Saroku1000]

Put your valuable electronics in the first trays and your bag onto the last

[@Sherlika_Gregori]

Someone stole my Magic Keyboard this way

[@stopreplyingtome]

@@Sherlika_Gregoriwhy did the airport not do anything. It’s such a bad procedure tbh

[@danielpilachowski2424]

Tsa can do anything they want. They have Unlimited power. I have mobility problems. Iask then to please scan my elastic belt that was on my trousers, i was forced to remove my belt, my pants almost fell down and it took me 15 min to put my belt back on. Tsa officials laughed at me. TSA is untouchable.

[@AnoJanJan]

That’s horrible! I’d definitely put in a complaint & ruffle some feathers.

[@PortableProfessional]

What a terrible experience for you! I would like to believe that TSA agent is an exception, not the rule🤔

[@claudiakarl7888]

Did you book mobility help? With them tsa was hassle free.

[@Reed-2big]

Not quite. They couldn’t refuse my batteries, they needed to call the airline! Yes, their, tsa, rules clearly said they were allowed! They have however drug things out longer than I thought I should be waiting.

[@kathryncashner3294]

TSA can be real ...ok, noun deleted. My adult daughter needs wheelchair assist to walk long distances. She no longer wears her braces to go to airports (packs them in luggage) because TSA sometimes makes her remove them. This is a pain, especially doing it "in public." Easier to put up with a few rude people commenting that "You look young and healthy. Why do you need a wheelchair?" Of course, packing them carried the risk of a very expensive, valuable item being lost.

[@peterwaugh9416]

I've taken over 80 international flights & have NEVER bought anything at duty free. You can check prices at your local outlets to compare while there. You see plenty of people buying, I guess they just want to be able to brag I bought it duty free on my last trip. I think one "hack" you should mention is to make sure you have the airlines app on you phone as they will send you a message in the app to announce gate changes, boarding & such if your not at the gate. Lets me sit somewhere quite while I wait.

[@anthonykeller5120]

I would recommend going into the Dubai Duty Free store. Things I bought there twenty years ago were definitely lower in price than anyplace else. Friends who have been there recently say the same thing.

[@vanessaleblanc2583]

I totally agree. Most people don't equate that *duty free* is actually a business name and does not always offer the lower prices one may think would be free of duties. It's a gamble and the house always wins.

[@festerofest4374]

@@vanessaleblanc2583 I watched a travel video recently (don't recall which channel) and they compared duty free prices on a bunch of items with local retail prices in in several cases the duty free price was HIGHER. Hardly a "bargain."

[@mimusic1853]

Who asked you ?

[@schex9]

In Norway and Iceland, alcohol was cheaper at the Duty Free. Ask travel groups ahead of time.

[@MarcPagan]

From a pilot - good stuff Especially if making a pick up after 6p or so, telling your friend or family that you'll be picking them up at Departures level, and if dropping prior to 8a, you'll be dropping them of at the Arrivals level. Food? Buy huge bags of nuts from Costco, then break down into desired travel sizes/baggies. Ah, and bring a refillable empty water bottle - plenty of places to fill up for free once past security.

[@مكافحةالاستبداد]

The arrival/departure trick works only at small airport! and I bring real food to the airport, something like eggs or steak.

[@philb4462]

It certainly isn't my experience that there are plenty of places to fill up my water bottle, but it doesn't stop me from trying.

[@Crusty_Camper]

A couple more tips from a retired Customs Officer. 1st, beware of zippered baggage that you are checking in. Unless it has a rigid frame, it can be opened even if the zipper tags are locked together. Thieves do this by pulling at the small section between the tags and opening it from there. 2nd, When travelling through any airport, keep yourself to yourself. Do not engage in casual talk with anyone who is not known to you. If that person is "of interest" to the authorities, you may be stopped and questioned if they think you are an associate. It happened to me once at Montreal. Another passenger asked me which carousel the bags from London would come on and I told him. The bags came up , he selected his and mine was close behind. As we walked away from the carousel, a loud voice called out, " Stand still, you two!". Two hours later, I was finally on my way, I have no idea what the interest was in the other guy. So seriously, don't talk to anyone unless you have to.

[@kovie9162]

The chances that another passenger is a "person of interest" is so low given the tight security in most airports these days that makes it much harder for such people to get past security, that I think it's silly to refuse to engage fellow passengers. Just use good judgement and if someone seems sketchy, keep a safe distance. But I doubt that a couple in their 60's or a young family is likely to be up to anything.

[@Crusty_Camper]

@@kovie9162 Honestly, you would be surprised what happens. It's up to you how much risk you want to take. What might be fairly safe in one place would be almost certain to cause problems in others. As to the type of people unlikely to be up to anything - sorry but that is what the drug cartels count on.

[@SargonofQueens]

Thanks for the tip. I will be careful

[@katyb2793]

Apparently they can get into the zip with a pen too. I've seen it done in videos. I've also seen the non zippered hard cases flexing when bumped around and their contents accessible or even falling out. I think the only good option really is getting your luggage wrapped. We found you can do it yourself with glad wrap and duct tape. Worked just as well if you cover it with duct tape all around (better actually) and a fraction of the cost.

[@paymans1153]

Great tips. Here’s some more to add to those: On the tray, put your valuables on the very last tray just as you are ready to go through the scanner. I’d even add to put your wallet, watch, any jewellery you may be weeks, your wallet, AirPods etc inside the pouch of your backpack or hand bag 💼 and close them. I also always keep my passport with my boarding pass on my hand as I go through the security screening. Only once or twice was I told I can’t take them and after I told them I will keep them with them with me, 70% of the time, they let me go through the scanning with my passport in my hand. Safe travels. ❤

[@nailsofinterest]

Good tip! Especially for solo travelres! I've always stayed in step with my stuff. If its going slow I go slow too watching. Never takimg my eyes off it unless it's actually going into the x-ray. I barely look at the TSA agents. Just enough to see them waving me to go through!!😂 Helps that im.never alone. My husband will watch items coming out while I watch the last item go in. But then we only have 1 carry-on max each plus my meds in an ugly small cooler bag. Personal item (no purse ever) A literal freebie from idk where, nothing anyone would like.

[@jfwfreo]

I am in Australia and the last few times I flew I flew Virgin Australia. I can tell you that the food at the airports I was flying through (Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide) was absolutely a better pick than paying the obscene buy-on-board prices on Virgin.

[@MrRezillo]

Yes, I've seen a vid showing the Aussie airport food to be much better than elsewhere.

[@davidconley6267]

I worked for PanAm in the 80's. If your bag opened while being tossed into the hold, it was ripe for picking by about 25% of ground crew. At JFK, your mail was more at risk by serial thieves until they are caught with no punishment, and have their cohorts start working in cargo/mail. I couldn't believe what I saw, and after secretly telling my supervisors, they said they were aware but had to catch them red-handed and even then, the unions would protect them.

[@653j521]

Stealing was NOT because of diversity hiring? There is always a white man posting that minorities and women are the trouble with the world these days. LOL

[@MaddogCapt11]

My wife’s wallet was stolen at ORD while she was receiving extra “scrutiny” due to her prosthetic hips activating the metal detector. Fortunately, her ID was not in her wallet, so the trip was not delayed. A police report was filed but the perp was never apprehended. Her stolen credit card was used within 30 minutes (to pay for gas near ORD) after it was discovered missing and before the police report was filed. That tells me that the thief’s shift ended shortly after the card was stolen.

[@PortableProfessional]

That is very unfortunate especially when you are in the middle of what is supposed to be a security area!

[@mademsoisellerhapsody]

@@PortableProfessional I put my ccs and ID in my bra.

[@elouise5593]

Buy one of those flat bags that you can hide under your shirt and put your cards there. If your wife has to get patted down each time, keep her cards in that under YOUR shirt.

[@MikeBrown-ex9nh]

Simply request that your belongings be brought to where they are in the line of sight during your screening.

[@killer2600]

@@elouise5593 You're required to empty everything out of your pockets and on your person before going through the body scanner or metal detector. The only thing your allowed to keep with you is your ID/Passport which you can have in your hand during the scan or pat down. If you try to hide or sneak something by this requirement you'll be treated as someone trying to hide or sneak something through security would be treated.

[@jimindetroit9461]

I have used the departure/arrival trick for years. It works. One other suggestion. Most big airports have 8 or 10 doors at drop off. Most of the traffic is jammed at the first few doors. Tell your pickup person to wait by the last door. Most time few people and traffic.

[@SybilKibble]

FYI: There is a free bus to LaGuardia airport in NYC. You take one subway train (E) from the stop next door to Penn Station, then get off at the Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av stop. Go up to street level and to the LaGuardia bus bay, ring the bell right before your terminal and it will drop you off right there.

[@lyfandeth]

That is not a free bus. The NYC MTA offers free transfers between stations, IIRC for a half hour or hour, for all subway and busses. This isn't really publicized, but if the are two lines at a connected station, and both go to your destination, you can get a round trip for just the price of one way-- if you use one line each way, and stay in the time window.

[@targetdecoy]

@@lyfandeth Q70 from Jackson Heights - Roosevelt Ave to LGA is free. you don't need OMNY or Metrocard to board also, the free transfer window between other buses and subway is 2 hours from the first tap/swipe, but again, Q70 is free so it doesn't matter

[@ivermectin1974]

You speak very well for someone who is hearing impaired. My sister was deaf and spoke similar. I still sign every time I’m speaking with someone.

[@djohnspangler]

Ohhhh…that’s the accent I’m hearing.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

@@djohnspanglerI was wondering the same thing.

[@wallykramer7566]

Alas, PDX (Portland, Oregon) is not widely used for connections. But food prices within the airport are constrained to be the same as in the city. Also, Oregon does _not_ have any sales tax. That is like a 7% to 10% discount compared to many other states! Another bit of useful knowledge is there are two entrances to TSA inspections at PDX. If one line (a.k.a. queue) is long, go to the other. There is a short route with no obstacles to the other set of gates.

[@MJSmithGroup]

Disclosure: I'm an uber/lyft driver, 5+ years. Yes, many airports have a surcharge added. But it's not a hidden secret. If you pay attention to the app it's clearly a disclosed line item. Also yes, dropping off at "arrivals" in the early AM is an easy hack that many frequent fliers already knjow, especially if you're not checking anything and only have carry on.

[@SloopADoopy]

Free shuttle to get off airport grounds is a game changer!! Perfect!!

[@radicalrick9587]

*They've always had this for many decades. It has always been a perk offered by nearly every hotel.*

[@ClaudiaDolfi]

Don't they wanna see a hotel reservation or something? How do you find out which area they go to and which one suits you best?

[@ZachComa]

Whenever I leave from O'Hare, I park my car at one of the many parking garages that are in surrounding towns around the airport. They have free shuttles to/from arrival and departure and it's about a 10-15m ride in. I've used a few different ones and they all are similarly priced. In 2017 they were around $10-13/day, now they're $20/day the last time I used one in 2023.

[@stan.rarick8556]

At LAX you take a free shuttle to a bus depot where you can get a Santa Monica bus for $1.25 to downtown Santa Monica and a free transfer to any other Santa Monica. I used to leave my car at work, walk one block to the bus stop at Bundy and Colorado and rode buses all the way to the terminal.

[@jtidema]

@@ClaudiaDolfi Well, I've never done this but I have very often hopped on my hotel shuttle and no one ever asked for anything. I guess you'd look at a map, see that there's a Hilton near your bus stop... or at least in a nice area that you can call an Uber to.

[@koenven7012]

The taxi surcharge is also applicable for rental cars. Last time I was in the US I was picked up by my uncle who lives there and I was able to rent a car about half an hour away from the airport. It was half the price for the exact same car (and the same went for the insurances) compared to renting at the airport.

[@Magdalenasfears]

Double check this before you rent. I found this is true most of the time, but not all the time. For example, I'm planning a trip from Detroit to Phoenix. In Phoenix, car rentals are way cheaper just a few blocks outside of the airport, but in Detroit, car rentals are a couple hundred less at the airport. I live about 30 mins away from dtw and for a 9 day rental at any enterprise in my area is $900, where if i pick it up from the airport is $700.

[@moabfool]

If a city has more than one airport, like NYC, check if renting at one airport and returning at another will save money. Renting in Manhattan was right out, $100 overnight. JFK and LGA were both $60 overnight. Renting at LGA and returning at JFK was $30. They needed cars moved from one to the other and were willing to seriously discount. We had a great day on Long Island and returning the car wasn't that bad. Of course we didn't need a car for the start of our trip because it's NYC.

[@elouise5593]

​@@Magdalenasfears In Phx, you have to be a resident if you are paying via a bank debit card, but not if you use a credit card.

[@Magdalenasfears]

@elouise5593 I always use credit instead of debit when renting cars. At Detroit you either have to show a return ticket or they charge you double (which is refunded when you return the car) if you use your bank card. I think they still charge like $300 if you don't show a return ticket even if you use credit. Luckily I'm flying back from Phoenix, so I've got a return ticket. I'm getting the car in Detroit and dropping it off at sky harbor. It was cheaper to rent a car for 10 days and pay for gas and drop it in Phoenix than it was to rent in Phoenix and return there. They must really need cars.

[@AnneCaulder]

@@MagdalenasfearsI’m flying into DTW in a couple weeks. I was going to get a rental car just to get me to Ohio where my elderly mother will pick me up, then rent a car again for two days at the end of my trip. For those

[@cpgravenor]

My best friend now ships her bags, and presents by UPS or FEDEX before hand, as she is tired of items going missing, bags opened, and all the fees.

[@TrueNomadSkies]

I've done this before. Bought some things while visiting my hometown. It was easier and cheaper to ship them back home than to send them ad checked baggage.

[@dzeo7569]

I have been doing the same for quite some time now when visiting family and friends abroad. Massive savings. I resent paying more for the luggage than for the actual flight.

[@nailsofinterest]

Yeah that works great!! Especially with unlimited weight boxes!!😅

[@BH6242KCh]

I've done the airport shuttle before. I had a return flight from Las Vegas McCarran cancelled and rescheduled for the next afternoon, so I booked a hotel within walking distance of the rental car garage and took the rental car shuttle.

[@halk3]

The most important secret is that if you don't pay extra for priority-boarding then you won't be able to bring your carry-on suitcase onto the plane with you. The people who pay for upgrades get first dibs on the overhead compartments, meaning that there will be no room for your carry-on suitcase. Instead, you will have to check your suitcase and then pick it up after the flight. These days, people have carry-on suitcases that go right up to the size limits for carry-ons. With the wheels, they actually exceed the limits. These suitcases have hard exteriors, meaning that they will not compress at all, meaning less room for someone else's bags. Often, these people have trouble fitting their large carry-ons into the overhead compartments, delaying the boarding process for other people.

[@MrRezillo]

The first tip: walk "a block" out of the airport to call in a cheaper Uber. Good luck with that; I've never seen "a block" anywhere near the airports I've been too. You'd have to walk quite a ways - with your luggage - to get off of airport property for a cheaper Uber rate. Did I miss something here?

[@dttttt]

You could take a free hotel shuttle to a nearby hotel and get a taxi from there. But the time spent doing that, I don't know. I'd just rather pay and move on.

[@MrRezillo]

@@dttttt Yeah, I agree; it's not something I'd want to be hassling with, whether it's a vacation or business. Pay, move on and forget about it.

[@PragueImport]

That is my issue here, too. I cannot travel with just a carry-on. I am a 100-pound person. How could I drag my luggage a few blocks to catch a cheaper ride? It's not worth the savings. A hotel shuttle has a schedule; you must walk to and from its stop. Again, this and other suggestions are great for people who can travel light. I am yet to read a tip about how to deal with two suitcases and a laptop bag.

[@stephendenagy3396]

No way one can “walk a block.” Right. Lonely, isolated, sketchy. Right. Does this lady actually travel? Especially some “safe” airports, like…JFK, Philly, Detroit, etc. You first.

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

las vegas airport is not a large footprint, but its still at least 1.5 miles to be "off airport property". do you really want to walk thru a confusing area that you dont know just to save 10 bucks, especially if its summer time? get real. seems like a dumb hack idea. the free shuttle idea sounds better, however they may require a reservation to get on if you are seriously trying to save a few bucks when travelling, you shouldnt be travelling you have bigger financial problems to worry about.

[@kathydurow6814]

I used to do some accounting work for a chain of airport souvenir shops. Their lease charged about 25 - 30% of gross sales with a fairly large fixed minimum amount. So increasing prices/sales simply meant paying even more rent if the store earned enough to pay above minimum. And one of the requirements was to fully refurbish every 3 - 5 years adding a cost of 6 digits plus every time. These costs were much higher than normal commercial costs outside an airport.

[@skipgonsalves81]

One additional point about the European group waiting areas where they post your flight gate is that if the flight is international you will still have to go through a customs check before you get to your gate. I've seen too many people running to, or missing their flight because after going through the security screening they plop down in the group waiting area for their gate to get posted only to discover there is another long customs line they have to go through.

[@LGnLA]

All heroes don't wear capes, thank you so much for your comment!! Traveling to Heathrow soon and 'won't get comfi,' until I get on my connecting flight!!❤☺️

[@NanetteWoolston]

This same process is in place in other countries like Panama, so I just set the expectation that I need more time to go thru the customs processes before boarding.

[@schex9]

Yep, it was like that leaving Iceland. We made it bc we planned for the line, but others were running!

[@dang8352]

I just experienced the delayed boarding announcement situation at London Luton on my way to Dublin. I got to the airport two hours ahead of flight time then the screen said RyanAir Flight X will be announced at 1455. The joke was that my boarding pass said the “gate closes at 1510”! 😳 It’s not a big airport but it was my first time there and I was concerned. In the end it turned out that the walk was not that far AND the boarding was delayed by 20 minutes. Oh well!

[@k.e.becquer4681]

That happens when you have to get out or in of Schengen, i.e. within most of the EU you do not have to go through any passport controls etc., but for example going through the UK to and from most EU countries (including Ireland), you'll have to go through passport control. Brexit was a great thing for travellers...

[@Albanwinter]

I had a TSA person almost yell at me because I wouldn't let my tray go through the x-ray until I was ready to go through the body scanner. "Ma'am, quit pulling your tray back." "I'm not ready to go through the body scanner yet." "Ma'am that doesn't matter." And for the only time in my life I retorted back to a TSA officer. "I am not... getting anything... stolen. That tray is not going through until I do. I am not an idiot." (I said something to that effect.) Some people actually chuckled and a few nodded knowingly. I watched a theft happen right in front of me once. Right in front of the person being stolen from even. Why? Because they had insisted that the person let the tray go through before the person was ready to go through the body scanner. Since then I have never allowed them to pressure me to put my tray through until I'm ready to head through the scanner.

[@garyjarvis2730]

When TSA starts barking at you bark right back and demand a supervisor. Remember TSA is not law enforcement and contrary to popular opinion they do not have unregulated power to deny boarding. TSA barks because they often get no pushback and are poorly supervised. They have to actually call the local police to do any form of enforcement.

[@larrykiehl2457]

@@garyjarvis2730 Right, most people think TSA is govt, but they're actually private companies contracted by govt for that function. Big difference.

[@guntherstangl3036]

it was stolen mostly turns into oh I was not patient enough to get all my stuff together....

[@rileydj8764]

I alway do that. My tray goes when I do.

[@denakelley4363]

It always makes me extremely uncomfortable for my bags to go out of my view. The last airport I was in, the TSA agent insisted I'd messed up by not taking my tablet out of my bag (there are signs that say tablets don't have to come out) and took my bag away from me, then he split up my tablet from my bag for re-screening, all out of my view. It took me a while to even find my tablet. I carefully checked my bag to see if anything was missing even, because the entire thing was so sketchy.

[@wolffhenry5751]

I recently flew from Zurich Airport and was bemused by the lack of seating after clearing security. After walking around for ages, past all the shops, I finally decided to walk out of the area and found somewhere to sit. It was obvious that it was the airport authority's strategy to keep passengers actively standing for as long as they could!

[@islandquay]

Except in coffee shops of course!

[@653j521]

Didn't your mother ever tell you it is good exercise and you will be sitting a long time on the airplane?

[@letterbox203]

Happy Easter, Megan! Thanks for looking out for us and giving us these insider tips and valuable advice. It is comforting to know you are on our side.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks you for the Easter wishes and all your support! Have a great day!

[@AlexejSvirid]

A women say "the Husband has no name". Another ones say "the Husband has many names". Some of women "love the Husband in all his manifestations" like: neighbour, taxi driver, coworker... But, all of those prostitutes say "the Husband is the only". Then they even talk about "trinity of the Husband"... In the same way religious prostitutes try to hide their disgusting fornication with different gods. Here is the God's word spoken through Moses, Deuteronomy 11: 16-17: "Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; And then the LORD's wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you." So, the God says there are other gods, but blind leaders of blind lead people into trap. "Jesus" means "Jehovah is salvation". This is the name of Christ real christians are hated for. "HalleluJah" means "Praze Jah" (Jehovah). Psalm 83: 18: "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth." The problem is Devil runs the world. He is lier and murderer. This is the reason why liers feel so good. That's why we've got the Gospel about the God's kingdom. Jehovah would put everything in order. The dead will be resurected and we'll meet our beloved ones again! :-)

[@kathrynblack9152]

I've been taking my own food for quite some time. I get something I like when I want it and don't have to break the bank. I've also discovered that if you put it in one of those small paper bags with a handle, it can be carried right onto the plane and doesn't count as a carry on/personal item. In the matter of an airport lounge, it costs my husband $40-50 to bring me in as a guest. But it's worth it for the food, a comfy place to sit, free wifi and decent bathrooms. They can be a hike from the gate, so check the gate first and then go to the lounge (this will also tell you how long before boarding you should be leaving the lounge).

[@bjo004]

In the UK, you get fined picking up someone at the departures. Also, once you enter into the airport zone your license plate is scanned and you're going to pay a fine (whether you like it or not). To park just for 1hr at the airport just to wait on someone is ridiculously expensive. I don't know about other aiports but I'm specifically speaking from the UK. The best way to the airport is to use the train especially if the airport is in London.

[@PhotoTrekr]

The only item I've ever had TSA take was a bottle of water I'd just purchased. I'd gone through the checkpoint, looked over and there was a little store selling bottled water less than ten feet away. So I bought a bottle of expensive water. When I walked by the TSA checkpoint I was told that I would have to go through security again. What? I was never out of their sight for a moment. I had to throw the full bottle away that hadn't even been opened. It was the most screwed up thing I've ever seen in an airport.

[@junior29557]

i had security take away my empty bottle which i had brought from home. no idea why

[@theboingster6947]

Brisbane, Australia’s airport is aggressive on making you buy something as you have to go through a huge store before & after security to get to your gate or out of the airport 😂

[@stevenperri9506]

What happened to "do not sit here?"

[@Fallen_Angel17]

Someone has sit over there so not a big deal to explain it to you.

[@VeronikaCC]

Indeed --THAT WAS SOOO MISLEADING!

[@HxTurtle]

​@@Fallen_Angel17what are you talking about?! are you able to explain the missing thumbnail allusion, hmm?

[@ronbianco5919]

Yup, misleading thumbnail…moving on

[@connoro9945]

​@davidpawson9047I am doing the same. This is my first and last video from this channel.

[@CCP_Xyed]

Borrowing a cable is such a BAD IDEA... There are cables out there specially created to be "found" or "borrowed". Why ? Because they have memory and small processor and are made to inject code, install malware into devices you connect to it. And ohh man, did this so wide spread that some companies have issued Notices to employees not to use any cables and / or USB sticks ( they found or receive from anyone else ) at work.

[@PragueImport]

Very good point!

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

yea i agree...never use someones stuff if you dont know them personally. or maybe someone left it behind because it was shorting out or broken too. or its some cheap garbage cable that may not be of quality and could damage your device, or not compatible etc.

[@DougPaulley]

Like Stuxnet...

[@CCP_Xyed]

@@R.G.0. Spot on. But the biggest issue with those ports is the fact that you have no idea if it's even operating correctly. I saw a passengers phone literally EXPLODE after he plugged it into one of those ports @ Fiumicino Airport in Rome. The guy had second degree burns on his left hand and was rushed to the hospital.

[@Nikishma]

Not only they can be a hack tool, but also just a "usb-killer" / "usb-nuke". Just pair of capacitors who will discharge as plugged in and brick your phone instantly. Imho these are even easier to make.

[@michaelzumpano7318]

First time I’ve gotten a KZbin recommendation on your channel. Excellent! I like the pace, the production value and the information. Great job!

[@justadbeer]

The food rip off never ceases to amaze me. My wife went to use the airport restroom and came back with two small bags of M&M's. She told me "enjoy them, I paid $12 for them!"

[@annaqsmith]

Your wife needs to bring snacks/ candy from home if she doesn’t want to pay exorbitant prices.

[@Graygeezer]

Overseas, passengers are sometimes routed from security right through duty free shops. I remember one where you have to wind your way through to get to the gates.

[@birdee18]

Yes! It’s always so tempting! Last year during a layover in Frankfurt, though, I was able to buy something for my dad that you can only get in Germany. It wasn’t very expensive, and he was quite happy.

[@lawrencelewis2592]

London Gatwick and Heathrow are like that. You can't avoid the duty free shopping areas. I don't buy anything except maybe a magazine for the flight.

[@karaitskara]

Experienced this recently in Cancun and Punta Cana - had to try and hold my breath as long as possible since the air was overwhelming with duty free perfume.

[@stephancox9105]

At LAX, the hotels, rental car agencies, offsite parking garages, and other companies that provide a free shuttle got wise to the shuttle hack for getting cheaper Uber rides. Their vans are now marked "FOR CUSTOMERS ONLY".

[@kenbrien4978]

Heathrow is an airport that does not announce the gates for flights until a set period prior to departure. That means you have to wait in a general area with a variety of food services and other shops.

[@schex9]

Also, allows each gate to be used for more flights per day. I'm surprised more airports don't do this. I sat in a general waiting area and didn't even notice the shops and food.

[@IrishAnnie]

And, I almost missed a flight home because I was shopping at Harrods!!!

[@cookygo4808]

I experienced this flying out of Madrid recently. One of the reasons to have the airline app on your phone - notifications on gate changes and flight updates.

[@jaym9846]

And even the cheapest cheese sandwich was an arm and a leg.

[@AnteroSports]

Ouch... Over 5 Million Miles flown... 61 countries visited... I appreciate (and acknowledge) all of your points and observations...GREAT point by you about the Departures & Arrivals traffic jams. Funny how people just get funneled without thinking about options... However... Kinda wish you had kept one of these points "our little secret"... And while it is a little bit "manipulative", it can work (if someone wants to save some money, if not time)... Yes, there is very often a cost surcharge as airports charge a fee for transportation (taxis in particular) to get into or away from the terminal(s)... However, hop on a free hotel shuttle and, voila, you're out-of-the-airport, and then summon an Uber or taxi from the hotel... I'm not endorsing this, I'm simply mentioning this... BTW... If you offer travel tips, here's (one of) mine... If someone is flying on a longhaul overnight flight and has booked a window seat in the hope of possibly getting a bit of sleep... BRING AN EMPTY PILLOWCASE... And then take your jacket (a down parka is perfect if you're heading somewhere where the weather might require a warmer jacket) and stuff your jacket into your pillowcase to use as a pillow as you rest your head against the hard plastic fuselage... I'm of the opinion that this is much more comfortable than one of these yoke contraptions... You sleep with a pillow at home, why not on a plane? I have a few others but I don't wish to expropriate your website... Well done, enjoyed your suggestions (FYI, I've worked in the media for 40 years, hence all this travel...)...

[@schex9]

My head is too high and rests on the upward curve of that airplane wall, so leaning on the wall doesn't work, and certainly not with an added pillow. I use my jacket as a lap blanket. Warmer and stays in place better than a blanket.

[@elouise5593]

In Orlando, most hotels there don't offer airport shuttles. I don't know why that is.

[@helgardhossain9038]

PLEASE expropriate this media - I love your hack ... !

[@dnsgilbert09]

Are there any shuttles from the airport to anything else?​@@elouise5593

[@starhawke380]

I talked to a taxi driver in Las Vegas, and was surprised to hear him say that any trip TO the airport from the Vegas Strip is set at $25. I found this out after walking all the way to the south end of the strip to make the drive shorter...

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

walking to the other end of the strip with luggage to make a 4 mile ride a 3 mile ride to save $5 makes total sense....its amazing the lengths people will go to be a total cheapskate.

[@starhawke380]

@@baldisaerodynamic9692 Yeah, the things we do to get by after being robbed in Vegas and having to get home on just the cash in my wifes purse... Thanks for the reminder that people do indeed, suck.

[@653j521]

@@starhawke380 Won't be going back? Probably wise. You needed the video on Vegas tips.

[@SD45-ET44AC]

We went through TSA in Basel, Amsterdam and Atlanta & found the most pleasant TSA Employees. At one point, despite the number of people in the line, I found it very nice that one TSA person was holding up my bins/bags so I got all 3 at one time. We followed what appeared to be a singe line that bypassed the merchandise by cutting through specific stores. We were fortunate to have missed all the negatives both in Amsterdam and at Atlanta where we had 3+ hour layovers.

[@littlebluefish6606]

The lost luggage store is one reason exactly why I will not check a bag. I swear they lose a percentage of luggage on purpose just for that reason.

[@jamesbinns8528]

I recently spent 4 weeks travelling in Greece and Bulgaria. The luggage handlers had ropes to tie luggage down to the carts, but threw luggage on top of the ropes. The first cart of luggage was piled far above the top of the cart that was being pulled. There were three more carts being pulled, and only one cart had some luggage----only one layer and not near the top. The other two were were empty. I said to my travelling partner, "Do you think that is why luggage is lost?" A couple flights later, while on a transit bus at an airport, the bus driver stopped to push to the side two big boxes that had apparently fallen off of a cart.

[@SuzanneU]

They'd be wasting their time with mine! I always fly as light as possible and I don't bring home piles of stuff as souvenirs or gifts.

[@Gasp7000]

@@jamesbinns8528 ...I had to sceenshot this thread--it sure sounds negligent, even devious.

[@richwhippersnapper]

I never rent a car from the Denver airport. I always take an Uber ride to Budget in town 10mi from the airport. This saves me $ hundreds and I always get a cheap or free upgrade to a more expensive vehicle.

[@TheOriginalCoolDad]

Living in Asia, it's a whole different ballgame. The security is just as good, but sooooo much more efficient than the bloated stateside TSA

[@schex9]

For years, Disneyworld in Orlando offered a free bus to and from airport if staying at a Disney hotel. On my last day, I left my luggage with the bellhop, had a day in the parks, picked up luggage and rode the free bus ALL ALONE to Orlando airport. Then hopped on the hotel's shuttle for my last night in Orlando. Early flight out the next day, as I recall.

[@vrenak]

The white zone is for immediate loading and unloading of passengers only. There is no stopping in the red zone.

[@tammyc4798]

🤣

[@NYcDcG]

I understood that reference 😂

[@casjean8904]

lolololol!!

[@jdotoz]

The red zone has always been for loading and unloading of passengers. There's never stopping in a white zone.

[@PC2011HK]

Interesting that you mention theft by airport personnel. On my way through TSA check-in at San Francisco, I mistakenly placed my wallet in the bin instead of in my carry-on. It wasn't there after I got through scanning. Luckily, I noticed it and alerted a TSA once I passed the checkpoint. They said it had dropped onto the floor during X Ray. How convenient! It is possible. But it is also possible someone helped himself to it when it was on top of the bin. Lesson: Never leave valuables outside of carry-ons.

[@653j521]

Was anything missing to indicate theft?

[@djm5687]

I honestly wonder: Do airlines encourage you to arrive at the airport 2 or 3 hours early for "security" reasons...or to *_encourage shopping?_*

[@PortableProfessional]

Hmmm! A little of both I would think.

[@biblicalgodisonlytruegod]

Huh! Never thought of that.

[@Katy32344]

Ooooo 😮

[@rickarcher6976]

The airlines encourage 2-3 hours for a variety of resaons, shopping is NOT one of them. The main reasons are: Possible long lines at the ticket counter. Also possible long lines at TSA. Any mistake on your reservation or on your boarding pass (ticket) could cause you to miss your flight. Why? Because if your reservation is made through a third party outlet (e.g. Expedia) there is only so much the airlines can do for you. IF the name on your ticket doesn't match your ID. The TSA can send you back to ticket counter to have it fixed (yes even for an incorrect birthday).

[@marcynoona]

It's because of lines. If you're not early enough, you could miss your flight

[@dcarbs2979]

In my experience as an aircraft loader at a London airport, short gate announcements of flights are because the plane is physically not there before the announcement! Even to the point it is still in the air from it's inbound flight. Airport operations may require a change of scheduled stand as short notice as after it has landed and is taxiiing to the stand for arrivals. I've waited for several flights at the announced stand to unload it only for it to be at a different one. It's not always deliberate to keep the passengers guessing and spending, although a happy consequence for the airport. A typical narrowbody takes an hour from engines off at stand to pushback for the outbound. What we called a 'spin' (both unload followed by immediate load). Sometimes one team would only one part of the operation each (one unload team, another load team).

[@janvanhaaster2093]

At most airports in Europe where LCC's fly the turnaround time is 20-30 minutes

[@653j521]

That's typical in the US, too. A person can get a lot of walking in on a stormy day with a lot of cancellations, delays, etc.

[@dcarbs2979]

@@janvanhaaster2093 Personally, I didn't do EasyJet. they had their own dedicated handler and terminal. I did do RyanAir, and yes they did have a half hour spin. As did the local flights (Guernsey, Newquay, Edinburgh etc.) They were also much lighter than the typical flights (40-50 bags at most compared to a minimum 150 up to 250 on 319s-320s/737s.) Everything else was an hour for narrowbodies. Widebodies were containerised and were usually a 90 minute spin but was quite rare that one team did the full spin - that was usually a split load/unload team.

[@kiyoshitakeda452]

Take snacks with me for airport waits and flights. Buy beforehand and have in carry-on. Things like crackers, nuts, granola, apples and bananas. Also as you said lounges. Always take couple of bottles of water and store in bag for the flight. You've already gone through security. Thanks for tips.

[@PortableProfessional]

Sounds like you are well prepared for your flight! Thanks for watching!

[@francinef9884]

I brought trail mix with me as a snack for the plan3 and then as we boarded an announcement came on asking us to refrain from eating nuts since a passenger was highly allergic.

[@libbylandscape3560]

They won’t let us bring our own water thru TSA, we need to dump it & buy it afterwords.

[@francinef9884]

@libbylandscape3560 most airports now have the filtered water machines so that you can fill your water bottle

[@jamesbinns8528]

I carry a military canteen (plastic) and fill it after security. On international flights, I can rarely get enough water from the airline.

[@andykeith1]

Great tip about picking people up from departures and vice-versa. Why didn’t I think of that!

[@PortableProfessional]

Now you know! Thanks for watching, Andy!

[@cyndiebirkner704]

We've used that at LAX, it really works!

[@roberthowell7095]

Have done it for years. Great tip

[@moonlanding-69]

shhhh dont you dare tell anyone!

[@katie6096]

I’ve been doing this foryears

[@billify23455]

I live in Porto Portugal and travel to Madrid occasionally. I always experience the delayed departure gate assignment that I used to attribute to the smaller European carriers, Thanks for the info.

[@TheLikeys]

Oh yeah, I can really recommend looking out for those free amenities. Recently I was at Ankara Airport for a layover and they had a public library tucked away in the terminal. I was about to pay somewhere to get some work done on the laptop but then figured I can do that for free at the library. Was one of my biggest surprise and best air travel memories ;)

[@seen48]

Some really good tips with the arrivals and departures for drop offs or pick ups being a really good one along with snacks. You can really help yourself by having a travel “must have or don’t forget” checklist. Also, bring an empty reusable water bottle, then you can fill it up on the other side of security.

[@ramkumarsanthanam4880]

In Frankfort airport free drinking water outlets are not provided; passengers with empty water bottles roam and finally pay 4 euros for 450 ML of water/ soft drinks.

[@finalascent]

JFK-specific tips: Midtown Manhattan to JFK has been easier since Jan, 2023 when LIRR was added to Grand Central. Just take a 21 min commuter rail trip (always choose the $5 "City Ticket" option at the kiosk), and then hop on AirTrain once at Jamaica Station. Also - the driveway of the TWA Hotel is an underrated place to get picked up and dropped off. It's far less frenetic than terminal curbside, and it's way easier for the driver to spot you. Just remember that it's directly in front of T5, so you'll have to use the AirTrain for other terminals (cost-free to use within the airport). Also - as far as the destination - I agree about the free shuttles, but I've gone further and found hotels that are an easy walk to/from the airport. I was recently at a Hyatt Place in Aruba - it was amazing to just walk there after going through the immigration e-gates. And no stress about missing the return flight - just 30 seconds of foot power to get to the departure hall.

[@annemarieclarke9893]

LIRR “city tickets” are only good on Saturday or Sunday.

[@schex9]

European airports do not announce the gate for flights until 30 to 60 minutes before a flight simply FREES UP the seats at the gate. As soon as a gate is announced, people move to that gate and occupy all of the seats. Frankly, I don't go to the gate for my flight any earlier than I absolutely have to. Normally, I sit at an empty gate 3 or 4 gates away or in a more "general" waiting area. It's easier to charge my phone or just relax without the hordes of people all around.

[@finalascent]

Good point - I get it that people might have anxiety about missing their flight, but all they have to do to avoid being "gate lice" is to sit a few gates away and monitor the one they'll eventually depart from. An alternative is to find the nearest restaurant with seating, and just plant oneself there until it's time to go.

[@malk6277]

@@finalascentGate lice, hey? LOL, first time I see the term. Wild!

[@finalascent]

@@malk6277 I'm a tad surprised. "Gate Lice" appears in a lot of travel media. I used it as a term of convenience, but sadly it is kind of pejorative. I think it has two main meanings: people who line up to board ahead of when they're supposed to, and people who just arrive at the gate and sit there, occupying seats for hours. (shrugs) I personally don't care about all of that - if it relieves anxiety to station oneself at the gate well before departure - sure, have at it. And if someone jumps their boarding group - again, it's not my job to enforce that, and as long as they don't try to occupy my assigned seat, it's no biggie.

[@malk6277]

@@finalascent Well in some ways, I live under a rock now (remote area), and I don't pay as much attention as I used to. Thanks for educating me. Travel also isn't what it used to be, sadly. For part of my life I was a bit of a gate louse because I had equipment I didn't want to end up not fitting in the overhead bins, so I couldn't be the last to board. Now, when I do travel, I prefer travelling light to make up for those past times, but the old habit of wanting to be at the gate early... dies hard.

[@finalascent]

@@malk6277 You're welcome! Here is what I do: get to the terminal very early (lightweight carryons only). Find my gate. Wander around, people-watch, eat, etc. Check departure boards periodically for gate changes. Find a comfy place to sit, usually close enough to the gate so I can monitor it. When boarding actually begins, I queue up. We all have our individual travel styles and ways of dealing with being in the terminal.

[@markomarten]

Buy nothing at the airport as in the majority of cases it’s not worth the money, the exception might be to use the lounge. Airport lounges can give you a bit of sanity and a chance to relax a bit. Some have free drink but you have to be careful, get drunk and you might get refused on the plane. A nice drink to stay hydrated is not bad. The food is often good and the WiFi is usually decent too. If you’re on a budget then make a picnic in a bag, do a few sandwiches, a bottle of water and some crisps or fruit and that will probably keep you going until you get on the plane. Remember what you get on the plane you eat on the plane, you might find the bit of fruit costs you more than expected.

[@erikajasinski4633]

You can also can pick up a taxi at a departure area for cheap price . I did that in Europe - learned that from Europeans journalists . The guy that drops someone off and you ask him to drive to town will give a good rate .

[@2000konnie]

The airports that withhold the gate numbers until a certain time before boarding do it to prevent overcrowding at the gates. I don't have a problem with it.

[@midnightteapot5633]

There used to be a scam running in Manila whereby an airport employee would offer to sell you an impressive Security Officers badge in between you leaving the check in luggage line and the customs/security check. Security would detect the badge and confiscate it as being prohibited to take out of the country. They must have sold those badges hundreds of times over.

[@socpancake]

the lost luggage auction is despicable. at least if our lost clothes and toiletries were donated to a charitable organisation, we’d feel better knowing they went to someone in need. but the airport industry leeches making extra money off our stuff (that’s often lost in the first place because of their own f*ck-ups), that’s just… heinous.

[@williamwebb7917]

I think it’s terrible too, that they are allowed to do that instead of finding the rightful owner.

[@653j521]

@@williamwebb7917 They didn't just steal it.

[@MoonbeameSmith]

If you are going to charge your phone at one of the kiosks near a food service area, it pays to have a data blocker adapter on your cable. It lets power through but not data so "bad guys" can't sneak into your phone through the cable. Cost about a buck and it worth a lot more

[@dcassus]

When I want to know which gate my flight is gonna depart from, I check the previous history of that same flight on flightradar or other flight tracking site. Even if they are not the same in the past 2 or 3 days, they tend to be in the same area. Eg.: My exact same flight yesterday and the day before departed from gates A1 and A3 respectively. It's going to be near those 2 (could be A2, A4 or A5...). So obviously don't go wandering into B253 and stick with the first As. You may want to analyse the bathroom and charging station situation near your gate before other passengers find out which gate it is.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I never thought about taking an airport shuttle before hailing my Uber. Great tips, Megan!

[@bforshay]

A much bigger issue about airport food is that too often a majority of the food locations are owned by one firm dramatically inceasing the pricing for total lack of competition.

[@desumon]

‘Departure and arrival lanes are just a suggestion’ is true in many airports but not in Singapore Changi Airport. There are enforcers around to make sure you are not driving to departure floor to pick someone up.

[@RaineWilder]

I would be spending money at the airport between flights if only airports had arcade rooms, but they never do

[@pmshah1946]

That is what we do in Mumbai, India. Catching a transport at the arrival gate is too involved and too expensive AND too time consuming. So we simply take an elevator from ground level arrival to upper level departure gates where a lot of taxis are dropping off departing passengers. Just catch one of them and you got it made.

[@ggarciacota]

Great video. Thank you very much for sharing it! Safe travels

[@frankb518]

Thank you for all the Advices Megan! We Live In upstate N.Y. Only Travel Once in A while. Cruise here and there and Fly to Colorado. Our Daughter and Son n' law live out there. We have tickets with S.W. to fly In May...... can't Wait.... HEY, Maybe you can do one On Car Rentals? If you haven't already! Thanks Again.

[@PortableProfessional]

You’re welcome! Have fun on your trip!

[@MultiShahina]

Megan I have actually been to the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, AL. Mind 🤯 you can not even take it all in… and the bizarre items people travel with and don’t claim are insane! It was a fun adventure and I kinda felt guilty for buying a couple of items. Happy Easter!

[@postal_the_clown]

Concerning tip 4 it's not just airports. Back in the day when every phone maker had proprietary chargers and cords, I worked in L&F at a casino and we had a shelf of boxes for each brand and were more than happy to give them away. Aside from that, I know some casinos that had employee sales of unclaimed L&F every quarter.

[@StrikeEagle15E]

Quality tips and tricks; as always. Megan, your style and content have made you one of my favorite and most recommended travel Vloggers. Oh, and I like the sassy new hair cut. 😃

[@dcarbs2979]

While theft does happen I'm sure. It is so rare because as a loader, there simply isn't time to open a bag to nick anything from it in most cases. Bags are loaded at about 1 a second from the belt. Maybe 5 for the bloke stacking in the hold. It would usually take you that long to find the zip!

[@shonen84]

These are super helpful! I’ll do the arrivals/departures swap for sure and I’ll keep my eye out for all those airport shopping tricks..it’s so true. I always end up with duty free bags with stuff I don’t really need…

[@LadyStacyY.L.CouthXO]

Yo! I totally figured that out on my own and felt like a genius. Now I see I’m not the only one! But yes, I highly recommend doing less as a San Franciscan even getting off of work in downtown San Francisco you face search charges so we’ve always gone a few blocks away from Mission Street or market Street or Gary one of the main streets and then it’s always cheaper and especially when taking the Uber or Lyft from the airport I get on the sky tram whatever it’s called ride it to the hotels, then I order the Uber. I just wait outside of the hotel, best part is some of the hotels have restaurants. Nice way to collect yourself before you go to your destination.

[@AngelicaLopez-yi6oy]

Thanks for always having great travel trips! Your hair looks super cute, too! 😊

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks! Great to know you find the videos helpful!

[@jasminerice00]

Thanks for the info. Hope to use ❤

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks for watching anyways.

[@malk6277]

Bringing your own food is so underrated. The pleasure I get from eating my own, healthy food on a plane is to me on par with flying business, and a hell of a lot cheaper.

[@ruthconcepcion7369]

Can I really bring my own food like muffin, cookies, etc. how about the water. Can I just bring with me my empty water bottle, cause the cup they use in the plane is so small😊

[@andrewp7689]

At Boston, there are car rentals at 30 Park plaza that are much cheaper than the airport. Also a Sixt rental at a hotel offsite, also much cheaper. Both locations are accessible by public transport.

[@razzle1964]

I once had my ‘jelly mould’ confiscated (a small silicon container that holds a variety of drill bits, approx 1” in length) at London Stansted Airport. I didn’t even have a drill with me. I was told I could collect it upon my return. I said they could keep it. It only cost about 10 bucks & I wasn’t returning home via Stansted anyway … then added, sarcastically, “do you honestly believe I’m gonna undo screws from INSIDE the plane, using a 1” drill attachment, with my bare hands”? I could probably have done more damage with a hairpin or tweezers.

[@kerriganm]

I went through LAX security once with a tiny little nail trimmer, maybe two inches long. The security person painstakingly ripped out the teeny part for cleaning under your nails. It’s not sharp in any way (for obvious reasons); it’s got a smooth rounded tip. Maybe an inch and a half long. They bent that thing back and forth and back and forth and back and forth so they could weaken the metal to rip it out. Why they did this I have never had any idea. Trying to please the boss by annoying their quota of passengers? Amusing themselves by filling up their day doing weird random stuff? A result of childhood trauma centered around grooming apparatuses? This has stuck in my head for decades. Anyone have a guess or insight?

[@653j521]

@@kerriganm That used to be on the "don't" list online when they were pointy. A number of years ago it moved to the "ok" list under 3 inches long although still pointy, but apparently everyone didn't get the memo. I had mine ripped out at Manchester, UK, going back to the US, although I had specifically checked before I left home. Perhaps it was still forbidden on a UK list. I didn't try to discuss the issue, not knowing UK rules, anyway. Was that a US employee or a UK employee? I didn't ask. I wanted to go home, then, not some other day, so I didn't say a word.

[@ntt2232]

Board a block away? What cropduster airports do you use? Have rideshare pick you up at a hotel and use their courtesy shuttle? This one is very old. FYI… Most hotels are onto this and will confirm your reservation before you get on the shuttle.

[@gabrielaluporini2640]

I am a very proficient traveler. However, I had my passport lost/stolen on my last trip. I’ve noticed a long line at the embassy realizing how common it is. You could talk about it and how to solve it.

[@OregonBacon]

When traveling from Oregon to Puerto Rico each Dec, I keep shorts and flip flops in my backpack and change 30 minutes before arrival. I also love my puffer jacket because it takes almost no room in my backpack and makes a nice pillow. I love the United Lounges and Houston's even has showers.which is nice for feeling refreshed between flights.

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Good video. I particularly liked that arrivals/departures lane tip.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thank you very much!

[@onik7000]

In Russian we have like +200% prices on food in airports. So it's much better to get some delivery to airport or to pay for vip-lounge with unlimited food.

[@aminor7476]

Last minute gate assignment announcement is very frustrating, especially when I have airport lounge access. 😫

[@sunnyscott4876]

The only time that TSA took something from me was a knife that I had been looking for ages. The TSA agent was really nice and showed me the kiosk where I could mail my knife back to myself for a nominal fee. When I got home from my trip, my knife was there waiting for me.

[@xrr654]

About the complimentary hotel airport shuttles: don't the shuttle drivers ask passengers to show before they board any documentation that they actually have a reservation at their hotel?

[@mrs.rubytang9183]

Never

[@SVEVelsen]

0:40 Not at Taipei apparently. The taxi meter started at the same price of 50 NT$ same as everywhere. The ride from airport to our hotel was some 1200 NT$, or € 35, which isn't a lot given how much time and effort you save. If I remember right public transport would've cost us roughly € 12 for the same trip, carrying everything ourselves. Taipei also had baggage handlers at the taxi spot, which is great given as we had a 23,5 kg suitcase, a 22 kg suitcase, a 19 kg suitcase, our toddler daughter... Way more stuff than hands really. No additional fee to have them load it, and the taxi driver unloads for you as well. I'd warn travelers for Dutch taxis though. That same € 35 would've gotten us a taxi ride of Schiphol arrivals roughly to the on-ramp of the motorway a couple hundred meters in Netherlands before they'd have dumped us in the street. The government deciding one (mafia-like) company per city gets a monopoly and all taxi drivers must be licensed by those mafias because they were so terrified of privatisation, really was a bigbrain move.

[@janvanhaaster2093]

Bullsh*t Taxi's in Holland are privatised, you can use Uber, and in each city there are many taxi companies... Only at the airport they use 1 company to prevent scumbags and bad quality; for €43 you have a ride to Amsterdam Centre (bu why not take the cheap train anyway?)

[@luismonzon4301]

Many airports will give you a citation if you drop off in wrong points. So be careful with that, Being picked up a block away from the airport, some airports are over 3 miles long. ??

[@CountryFenderBass]

We fly to Greece every year from Newark and we always fly on Emirates. It’s a fantastic airline with great lounges and staff

[@Reed-2big]

When I bought food for the airplane I asked that most of the sauces that make sandwiches soggy be left off. I was given packs of mayo etc to carry in my 311 bag!

[@nwalker8866]

Love these hacks! Lots of PDX footage there... my home town. I often pick up taxis in the departures area when I arrive in a city. The taxi drivers don't have to pay the pickup fee this way and most taxi drivers will take a passenger to the airport but very few will sit in the silly long line to take a fare out so they don't care if they get fined or blocked from airport pickups.

[@TheSavvySelf]

Hotel shuttles ask if you are a guest and often check the guest list. You can't just hop on them.

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

I hope not - nobody other than the woke liberal lunatics expects that everything is free since the world should be blessed to have them to help us spend our money. And don't you ever expect a thank you They will accuse you of not having received the service they deserve and it would be unreasonable for you to expect a thank you for something that was not worth mentioning it. .

[@garyrowan7198]

I have never been asked if I am staying at a hotel when taking a shuttle bus! Great tip

[@Ikller-xh7qq]

Nothing new for me, but have to note two things: 1: Not all airports have departure and arrival one over the other. Some have them beside each other or even further apart. 2) In Europe, you can look up the current status of your flight, including the gate on several screens around the Terminal. You can also sometimes already have the planned gate on your boarding pass, but should check on the screens for changes...That way, you can already go to your gate...

[@boomerau]

Arrivals and departures hack doesn't work in Australia as there are charges on these things now. Long gone are the days of walking up and jumping in a taxi dropping off someone to leave.

[@etheral9027]

the taxis and uber drivers have to pay to get access, this is how airports maintain income

[@joannharrington2279]

Thank you for always giving tips on flying. I appreciate them and they help with traveling solo.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks, Joann! Travelling solo has its challenges but benefits too! Enjoy!