50 Airport TRAVEL HACKS for 2025 ✈️ (MUST-KNOW Flying Tips)

[@ProjectUntethered]

✈ Join my free weekly newsletter for my best travel tips I don’t share anywhere else: bit.ly/3bquA1B And leave a comment with your best airport tip! 👇

[@PHGUY2024]

The empty checked bag thing is genius man!! 🍻

[@jbowerdel]

quick hack after traveling and sharing an apartment w friends-do something like colored duct tape, stickers, tags etc to mark your charging bricks and cables as yours! everyones stuff looks alike and like suitcases, its too easy to grab someone else's stuff. I used florescent green duct tape to stripe my stuff and it also helped me to see it and not forget it on plane and in hotels/apartment. great video, lots of useful info!

[@ProjectUntethered]

That is genius!

[@JimGDMAC]

If you need to charge your phone then just make sure the cable is for charging only and not a data cable. A charging cable only connects the power so the phone can't be hacked.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That's a great tip! I'm kinda weird and I try to carry the least number of cables possible, so I prefer to just use my powerbank with normal cable. But the data only cables are definitely a solid option!

[@markylon]

This is a load of nonsense. There is NO HISTORY RECORDED EVER of people WIRING INTO the terminals at airports and sitting there all day to bug a random persons phone, this is total fear mongering and all CYBER EXPERTS say this is total nonsense. ALL MODERN PHONES now BLOCK DATA by default and you have to GRANT PERMISSION. There is SO MUCH SECURITY and CCTV at airports there is NO WAY anyone would risk rewiring the ports for a random person's data. Don't even worry about this.

[@sarahwebber7384]

How can I tell the difference?

[@markylon]

@@sarahwebber7384 you don't need to worry. Your phone protects you when you plug it into a usb device it will always ask for data permission just press no and your phone is safe..

[@JimGDMAC]

@@sarahwebber7384 Either buy one described as charging only or try connecting youir phone to a computer with it. If there is a connection it is a data cable, a charge cable will have the phone show as charging but with no connection to the computer. It is possible to buy a data stop connector to go between the cable and the USB socket, this only allows power to go through it and stops any data connection.

[@jahstah]

Always go the gate BEFORE you go into the lounge. That way you know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there.

[@ProjectUntethered]

This is a wise move

[@BRO-HI808]

I do the same.👍😀

[@chrisrobinson3980]

So much great info, Mitch! I usually watch KZbin at 1.25 speed but I had to slow this one down so I wouldn't miss anything. I watch a LOT of travel hack videos, and you gave a lot that I had never heard before. Thanks for another winner!

[@ProjectUntethered]

That makes me smile! That video took a lot of work so I'm glad you found it helpful!! 😇

[@chrisrobinson5263]

@@ProjectUntethered before I retired I made instructional videos. I can TELL you obviously do a lot of work! Great job!

[@cynthiashearer-ec6gl]

These hacks have given me so much confidence, I'm traveling to Europe next year....solo

[@ProjectUntethered]

That means a lot to me - thank you for the kind words!

[@ProjectUntethered]

You're going to have a blast!

[@jayl549]

I’m always distracted by his eyes and love his voice! 😊

[@ProjectUntethered]

You just made my day! 😇

[@TinaLee2042]

We always tell friends and family that it’s fine to charge your backup battery at the airport or on the plane, but then use the backup to recharge your phone. We bought those USB data blockers a few years ago and use those in hotels - although forgetting you used one the next morning and leaving it stuck in the outlet is a real possibility 😳

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yup I definitely recommend charing the backup powerbank and then using that powerbank to charge your devices (or the data blockers, like you mentioned!)

[@markylon]

Or just use a wall socket with you OWN POWER ADAPTOR. no need for unnecessary paranoia

[@nerobruno]

In some countries.... your own charger Does Not Fit. And even if you have an adapter... in some countries I simply don't trust the network to plug in my expensive device. Call me paranoid but I'd rather risk my backup battery and I'd rather connect my backup battery. I'll be paranoid. 😊

[@spokesdog9958]

By far the best travel hacks I have seen to date. Very thorough, thank you

[@ProjectUntethered]

I'm glad you found them helpful! Which was your favorite?

[@markomarten]

Buy a cheap USB power bank and charge it up wherever you go, small ones are usually allowed anywhere and won’t cause an issue. When you need to charge your iPhone or other devices use the power-bank and it will be charged without issue. Some people get scammed at airports and it can be very expensive lesson.

[@C1-vv5wh]

If were going by weight then the total weight of the passenger should be considered. Some people weigh 50kg more than others yet everyones only allowed the same weight of luggage.

[@Qibbles]

Bring a power bank, charge the power bank and then charge your phone with your powerbank. Better yet if your power bank allows passthrough

[@BobI-jb4rk]

I’m going to check out the tip on taking a hotel shuttle and grabbing an Uber from there. My last Uber with surge pricing was a total kick in the balls.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah in some countries it's not bad, but others it's definitely a ball-dinger

[@monikaliebold4225]

Note: Meanwhile airlines know the hack of a stuffable neckholder pillow and count it as personal item. As well a fanny pack (even it's just a small one) is counted as personal item. Most airlines allow only 1 carry-on and 1 personal item and are really strict with their rules. So, be prepared to stuff your neck pillow/fanny pack in your carry-on/personal item.

[@Cryptana0]

terrible tip

[@MikeSchumak]

You are totally right with your lounge tip: You want to be at the airport earlier to enjoy lounge access, this removes a lot of stress of the unpredictability of security

[@ProjectUntethered]

Definitely! It's a weird side benefit I wasn't expecting...just feeling less anxious overall because you know you have plenty of time :)

[@TerezTravels]

Although sometimes they won't let you check in (if you have checked luggage to drop off) until two hours before as just happened to us in Dubrovnik. So we sat outside for an hour (with smokers 😑) until the counter finally opened. By the time we were through we had 20 minutes before boarding started 😒.

[@wahmomma1351]

Your content is golden‼️

[@joyful610]

I am so glad i found you. I love all your hacks!

[@Nathanwyn266]

For smokers: always ask if there is a smoking area after security, most airports there is not. So time your last cigarette accordingly.. because you wont be able to have one after you go through security.

[@jamesballard6564]

It's been several years, but CVG had/has this option near the food court.

[@jstanovic]

I aways download area Google Maps and Translate with the local language. Saves data usage when abroad. I always prepurchase esims. Noise canceling headphones, eyeshades, inflatable neck pillows and a couple Benidryls have served me well on my long distance flights, Last year, one 15.5 hours and another 14.5 hours, both within 10 days.

[@kayandmarcos3271]

heads up: charles schwab doesn't work on all ATMs. I had trouble accessing money in Vietnam (Ha Giang Vietnam), Philippines and more recently, Indonesia (West Java and parts of Bali) which wasn't a problem before.

[@osamabuabbas7144]

Thank you so much for these and always precious tips that encourage me to travel more and more. Regards from Kuwait

[@ProjectUntethered]

You're very welcome!

[@Jjrmtv]

dude- you are brilliant! thank you for posting, and thank you for sharing

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you found it helpful!!

[@kiyoshitakeda452]

Excellent tips. Thanks.

[@brianjarvis3367]

Please correct me if I am wrong as I would love to know. But I believe that the Charles Schwab card does NOT reimburse the ATM owners fee. All the other fees yes, but not the ATM owners fee which can be huge!

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you. Going to Vietnam in three weeks to see if I want to retire there. :)

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow that's so exciting! Let me know how it goes and drink some egg coffee for me!

[@Mr.DJones]

@@ProjectUntethered But... But... But I don't drink coffee. 😩From what I have gathered though, I will be trying lots of coffee drinks in VN. Thanks again for the great information.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Haha it's worth a try - so unique!

[@MichaelMiller-fq9xg]

Thank you for your valuable travel information! I'm moving to Costa Rica and taking gear with me. 5-27 gallon shipping containers. 1-surfboard bag. 2-bodyboard bags. 1-large suitcase and 2 cats in TSA carriers. Do you have any videos or information about getting all of my gear safely to my destination??? Any travel tips or logistics would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you for your informative content

[@charbrooks-mitchell8530]

Wonderful info! Getting ready to travel and learned lots!! Sure appreciate it. Will watch more videos of yours before we leave!!

[@ProjectUntethered]

I hope you find some good tips in my other videos and that you have an awesome trip!

[@cdnsilverdaddy]

just pack light and airlines should be superstrict with carry on... most should be checked in... thus the delay and lack of room

[@jouwenlee7829]

Good advice overall. Thanks and happy weekend

[@benevolentthai6919]

Best tip video I’ve seen

[@selinasnowdon2834]

Useful thank you. Airport lounges good luck with that at Ottawa “international” airport (that hardly flies anywhere), they have 1 lounge open 0500 to 2000 (Ottawa shuts down early, the train station good luck on finding coffee on a Sunday night when you arrive from Montreal). As for the transit (that doesn’t go to the airport) good luck with that working, worst transit in the world. Useful video so thank you,

[@ProjectUntethered]

Awww man that sucks about the lounge!

[@commonsensecorner7275]

That, “So Noticeable!” was hilarious as you whispered moving towards the camera!!! 😝🤣🤣🤣 I’m still learning, but my guess with the MPC app, you don’t need that when you have Global Entry correct? Anyone can feel free to answer if you know. 👍🏽

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahaha it's because I get so many comments saying you're not allowed to use fanny packs and I'm always like....Nobody has to see it!!! That's actually a good question. I don't use Global Entry since my wife is Colombian and can't use it, and it doesn't make sense for us to separate. Maybe someone else knows!

[@TUH]

Great videos. Is there any video for layover flights?

[@ProjectUntethered]

Do you mean like a video on like tips for surviving layovers? I haven't made one specifically on that yet - but if you want it, let me know!

[@sedricj5345]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@elnamayberry]

Thanks for the tips, but I'm pretty sure claiming a lost empty suitcase had contents is insurance fraud, so not just unethical but illegal.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah that's for sure illegal - I was talking about baggage delay though where they give you money for an outfit/personal products to hold you over until your bag arrives, not claiming that you lost a suitcase full of stuff.

[@frenchriver9878]

@@ProjectUntethered That's still unethical.

[@jstanovic]

Is that a ScotteVest? I have been using mine for 20 years and it looks great. It has been around the world several times.

[@ProjectUntethered]

It sure is a SCOTTeVEST! They sent me a sample and now I'm obsessed. I'm gonna try to get a partnership with them because I love it so much.

[@seancatacombs]

Re: weighing carry ons, I've literally pulled a laptop and and shoes out of a bag while in line and held them in my hand just out of view and no one called me out on it, even when I blatantly stuffed them back into the bag right after weighing it lol

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahahaha that's what I'm talking about!

[@debmitch1781]

Great tips!! Thanks!

[@mollymcdonald1854]

Great tips! I spy a Tom Bihn bag, will there be a review soon?

[@33piolin]

At 8:11 . . . are those airport carts readily available for handicapped people, or do you have to request in each airport in advance❓❓

[@ProjectUntethered]

It depends on the airport, but to be safe, it's best to arrange ahead of time. In some cases you might be able to get one after you arrive, but there's no guarantees

[@julieb7882]

Not all airports have them. You can ask for assistance/ wheelchair in advance, and at least some airlines have it available at layovers and final destination.

[@33piolin]

I didnʼt understand the bit a out shorter TSA line and another terminal - what does TSA line have to do with which terminal you go to⁉️

[@ProjectUntethered]

So in some airports, the terminals are connected (after you pass through TSA), so you can choose which terminal you want to pass through TSA and wait in line. If the TSA line for your terminal is super long, but a different terminal has a short line, you could go through the line of a different terminal, then walk to your terminal after you pass TSA (if that makes sense). This only works in certain airports and certain circumstances, but it's worth giving the app a quick check!

[@shelaghjackson9577]

Thanks!

[@borg386]

How can they search your bag "after" your flight. I can see "before", because they can simply deny you to board. But if you have already flown,then they should have no right to search your belongings. That's a violation of the 4th amendment. Of course, this doesn't apply in countries that don't have those same rights.

[@tripswithgreg5189]

What is the brand of pants that you wear for traveling? Thanks.

[@ProjectUntethered]

The ones I'm wearing are Unbound Merino: bit.ly/3vLp3jm But if we're being honest, I prefer these ones better: bit.ly/4eTqAFR (affiliate links)

[@fenderbend3r]

New here. Great info. Thank you

[@lesleyrafuse9088]

If you have to do all these things becayse your bag weighs too much, you may be packing too much. Either learn hie to pack light or bite the bullet Please check the bag. Those budget flights have crazy restrictions for a reason - they want you to check your bag. That's how they get extra money.

[@lynneuribeross2695]

Weigh your bag yourself at the airport again and take photo and show at check in if the say it is over weight.

[@nnajj01]

Did that recently and they stressed me out so bad couldn’t find my luggage stub. My sister had it. I had to fight and eventually my luggage made it back to the USA and to my home. It was a three week fight.

[@edaytrade2157]

At around clip 4:12 about gears. Did I hear it right that Mexico is applying taxes on personal items you have with you and use like laptop and tablets (iPad)?

[@ProjectUntethered]

They have pretty strict limits about what you can take in tax free. You'd have to look it up to double check, but I know you can only have one "computing device" - which apparently is up to their discretion how to define that. I got charged tax because I had a laptop that broke, and I bought a new one in the US to replace it. I kept the old broken one with me to see if I'd be able to fix it and sell later. So I was technically traveling with two laptops. Seems like it'd be pretty common for someone to have a work and personal computer though, so this limit seemed overly strict to me. I also read stories of them counting an iPad as a computer, and the person got taxed for having a laptop and an iPad. All that said, when I arrived in CDMX, they didn't even check my bags. My issue was when I flew into Oaxaca.

[@cobevizio6228]

Where are your links?

[@lynneuribeross2695]

You better be ready to open that door in an emergency dude!!!

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you.

[@gabofutoi]

instructions unclear, flirted with the self check-in kiosk

[@xMoniNeechan]

If some random person flirted with me to get something out of it that would have an adverse effect on me tbh

[@bhuddy246]

Was this filmed while you were in DFW airport?

[@Infarlock]

Counted 49 tips

[@Michail-z7p]

SORRY, I AM VERY CURIOUS DO WE HAVE TO TAKE OUR SHOES OFF IN TSA?

[@lindaward5376]

You may want to hold the onions on that pre-flight taco because they're high in sulfurous compounds that are broken down into hydrogen sulfide with that familiar rotten egg smell; foods like garlic, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower fall into the same category.

[@Tommy90]

1) remember where you parked your car 😂

[@johndeparare3028]

I spent 14 hrs in Nairobi airport and no access to lounge

[@ProjectUntethered]

That sounds most unpleasant 😮‍💨

[@TLhike]

Nothing like being in Nairobi airport w sign saying “we cannot guarantee your safety” ooof

[@spokesdog9958]

and it is hot in that airport as well

[@brucelitwack4264]

Just an FYI, your hints about Fanny packs and neck pillows are no longer current. Gate staff make a 5 minute announcement concerning what is and what is not considered “an extra bag”. Included in the “it counts as an additional personal item”, is Fanny packs, neck pillows, waist packs, and many times, food and store bags. They inform you that you will be pulled off the line and unless you can combine your “extra items “ into your approved two bags, something will have to be checked.

[@ProjectUntethered]

It's super annoying and frustrating that they do that, but I just make sure it's not visible (ex. flip your fanny pack to the back and cover with your jacket). Pillows are trickier to hide, but it's possible to get creative if necessary!

[@iamceceanderson]

Brilliant as always 😁✌🏾💚🇬🇧

[@christinedegrazio7730]

I flew on a Frontier flight 2 weeks ago with a personal item only. Someone at the gate was checking to make sure your personal item actually fit in one of those metal boxes. They never said anything about my neck pillow (which was stuffed with clothing.)

[@Nathanwyn266]

No problem with my fanny pack at Gatwick London, Doha Qatar or Bangkok airports in September.

[@nnajj01]

Qatar looked nothing like the app.!😊

[@HR-wd6cw]

The ladies at the desk likely don't care about the emergency exit thing anyway. I actually don't like sitting next to these in most flights because on many planes I've been on, there can be more noise just because it's a door and not a regular window (even though it's sealed), and those seats generally don't recline and/or don't have a tray table or it's smaller than the usual tray table so I try to sit near the exists, but not in the exit row personally. One thing that sort of annoys me with most hard-shelled luggage I've found is that they have the built-in TSA locks, which is almost like just not locking your bag, but when you get to your hotel, it would be nice if you could use your own non-TSA lock and they just have a clasp on the bag but no built-in lock. This I find annoying and why I almost am going to just keep using my side sided bag anyway because I can put whateverl ock on it, even though it's probably easier to get into. The only solution I found that is hardshelled and doesn't include a lock is a Pelican case so far. Or even if they could have a model of hard shelled case where only one of the two latches has a TSA lock (the other maybe has a loop so you can put another lock on it -- then you just lock the one clasp wit hthe TSA lock and then use the other one when you're on location -- someting like that could work too, but the fact that these bags have built-in TSA locks is a bit pointless since you can buy those keys online.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah I think the emergency exit row appeals more to tall people that don't like their knees banged up against the seat in front of them. And I agree, TSA locks can sometimes backfire, but in certain cases, it prevents opportunity theft. I also carry a few just in case because they can come in handy.

[@jeansmith3367]

I don't think anything is unethical here - the airlines/airports on the other hand........

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah I'm totally with you on the airline's shady practices. The thing I'm on the fence about is checking an empty bag for the sole purpose of hoping that it gets delayed so you can go shopping haha.

[@waynewes9466]

Your advice regarding Airport exchange is NOT true in Manila Philippines I've made this trip 30 plus times the best exchange rate is at the bank exchange inside the airport hands down.

[@lynneuribeross2695]

If you pack only pack 45 pounds total, you will never get overage charge.

[@rodneywalden3995]

Which Tom Bihn backpack is that at kzbin.info/www/bejne/imWZnmegYsZjgtUsi=WHBvZq7d-ZEtOXuo&t=812?

[@ProjectUntethered]

It's the Synik :) bit.ly/4fv3yVQ (affiliate)

[@avon1243]

How do you get Google maps offline?

[@SuperM00b]

You can download maps for offline use within google maps, see offline maps, your phone uses GPS to determine your location. GPS is free and not what you pay your phone bill for.

[@terryschima4964]

Checking an empty bag to try and get one over on the airline is at minimum impolite. Remember, what goes around comes around.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah I agree, it's definitely in the gray area

[@ericaschaller5564]

Shush troll!

[@acbc3543]

I think it’s unethical hiding weight from checked luggage . Can you imagine if each and every passenger did that? A plane and fuel depend on the weight they carry . It’s like cheating death up in the sky .Just pay for the extra luggage . It’s fair and square.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That's a fair opinion! But to play devil's advocate, do you really think a plane would not lean on the side of caution and be carrying plenty of extra fuel in case they happened to have a larger percentage of hefty passengers that day?

[@acbc3543]

@@ProjectUntethered when there’s an accident, sometimes you can’t blame the pilot . Greed sometimes isn’t good . I usually ship whatever I buy abroad to my place .

[@YouTuberMe68]

Its Not Twitter Anymore.....It X lol

[@jdtravels5140]

Good luck talking to a real person if you fly Frontier. It turned into a nightmare when they lost my luggage.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Were you able to get it back or get reimbursed?

[@jdtravels5140]

@@ProjectUntethered - Took them two days to find it in Denver and forward it to Nashville. Got my suit three hours before my dad’s funeral.

[@etherdog]

I am surprised and disappointed in you that you suggest scamming by checking an empty bag. Even if some airlines are douchy that doesn't make it right.

[@ProjectUntethered]

It doesn't sit quite well with me either, but I just wanted to mention it because I know it's something people do (and I also wanted to hear what everyone thought about it here in the comments). To be clear, I'm not recommending claiming for lost items that you didn't actually lose (if your luggage gets lost). I was talking about getting yourself an outfit to hold you over if your luggage gets delayed. When your luggage is delayed, the airlines will normally pay for some clothes and personal hygeine items to hold you over until you bags arrive. In this case, you technically wouldn't need those items to hold yourself over, which is why I wouldn't be comfortable doing it personally. All that said, let me ask you this - let's say you checked a bag FULL of clothes like a normal person, but you had one extra outfit in your carry-on just in case. If you knew you were entitled to get a new outfit (even though you had one spare change of clothes with you), would you do it? I still think it's a gray area, but what I do know for sure is that these rules seem to favor people who don't plan ahead and didn't bother to pack that spare change of clothes. The people who thought ahead and planned properly don't get anything, even though they had to lug more weight through the airports 🤔

[@etherdog]

@@ProjectUntethered I haven't checked a bag since 1984, but in your scenario I would ask for compensation for the disruption of my itinerary. Otherwise it just isn't worth bothering about.

[@MoreChannelNoise]

NO, please so so many videos reccommend paying for an e-sim WITHOUT advising to check whether your phone supports e-sims first !! I paid for one and I can't use it.

[@TheSurfrio]

Saved over $10K in medical bills? What the heck happened to you while traveling? Scooter accident?

[@MiaHessMusic]

Thank you!!!