So you don’t want to pay thousands of additional dollars for a few extra hours of comfort on a travel day, but need an escape from the economy class experience at the airport? Thankfully, you can. During three years of full-time travel, I’ve adopted six non-negotiable airport hacks that make a frenzied travel day calm and luxurious, no matter what type of ticket I have in hand.
From effortlessly gliding through TSA-precheck to enjoying an in-airport shower, these clever upgrades not only soothe the nervous traveler’s nervous system, but make a visit to the airport something to look forward to.
Utilize TSA-Precheck and Global Entry
Nothing downgrades the airport experience like untying your shoes, pulling out your cord-tangled laptop, and separating your liquids as you’re passing through security. But with TSA-Precheck, the hassle is a thing of the past, and members can pass through without needing to remove any of these items. TSA-Precheck has its own dedicated line, which often moves more quickly, giving you more time to relax before your flight.
This handy membership only costs $76.75 for five years, which is less than $20 a year for the privilege of a streamlined airport experience. However, I recommend opting for Global Entry, a program that offers Pre-check privileges alongside expedited entry through U.S. customs, for $120 every five years. If you hold a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can reimburse the total cost of either Global Entry or TSA-Pre-Check, making it a no-brainer to sign up.
You can pair these services with a CLEAR+, a program that quickly clears you through security with biometric data, and even lets you step in front of the TSA-Precheck line if you have both memberships in hand. CLEAR+ is currently priced at $209, but there are plenty of credit cards, such as the American Express Platinum, that offer complimentary subscriptions to cardholders.
Take advantage of credit card boarding perks
One of the advantages of a first class ticket is priority boarding. And nothing feels better than sauntering to the front of the line, stepping onto the plane, and getting settled in before the crowds begin to bottleneck, and the overhead bin fills up. Luckily, if you have a mid-tier credit card in hand, you can get priority boarding as well.
This is one of the best airport hacks for those who favor a specific airline. For example, I hold the United Explorer credit card, which is free for the first year and costs $150 each renewal year. When I book United flights through the card, it automatically boosts your boarding group, often to the group right after first and business class flyers board.
In addition to boarding more quickly, airline-branded travel cards often offer many more perks, such as the ability to earn points and miles towards free travel, free checked bags, and trip delay and cancellation protections. If you fly with an airline at least twice a year, a branded credit card is likely worth it.
Skip the first class meal for an in-airport local gem
For first class flyers, it’s nice to settle into your plane seat and have a hot steaming meal placed down in front of you—but let’s be honest, they aren’t Michelin-quality meals, still reflecting the blandness of airport food. My advice is to grab your own meal in the airport and bring it on the plane instead.
Not only does this give you a ton of options beyond the three or four selections on a flight, but also lets you try local delicacies. For example, I’m partial to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s restaurants, which include mouthwatering local favorites like Salt Lick BBQ and Peached Tortilla.
Is the price of airport food inflated? Likely so. Is it hundreds, or thousands of dollars cheaper than a first class or business airline ticket? Absolutely. So I say be decadent here and try what you can – the airport can be a surprisingly great place to taste local flavors, especially during a layover where you don’t have time to peruse culinary delights in town.
Get a massage before boarding your flight
I have an endless list of things that make me uncomfortable in the airport. From lugging my carry-on around to dealing with varying air pressure to the general stiffness I feel from rushing to catch a flight at 6:00 in the morning, there are plenty of reasons for the body to revolt against travel.
So why not end the tension and invest in a massage? While this sounds like a large financial and time investment, it can be as simple as settling into one of the automated massage chairs common in airports, often near the boarding gates. I love to use these chairs when I have some time left before boarding and want to loosen up before buckling into the plane.
For a more luxurious experience, go for a chair massage provided by companies like XpresSpa and Be Relax. In larger airports, there are several massage service stations throughout different terminals, making it easy to find one near your departure gate.
This is my favorite way to use my time between a layover if I have more than an hour of spare time, and I opt for a back massage, but foot and hand massages are often available too. The price varies, but I’ve always found it to be reasonable, usually on par with or lower than a massage in my hometown.
Dip into a lounge for pre-flight amenities
In my opinion, the airport lounge is practically a first class experience on the ground. And just like a premium seat on a plane, quality and amenities may vary from lounge to lounge. However, stepping into one evokes a near-instant sense of calm and separation from the chaos of the crowds, no matter which one you choose.
You can expect complimentary beverages and spirits, snacks, and sometimes, full-blown meals within their walls. As a remote worker, I appreciate the dedicated Wi-Fi and mini office rooms that many lounges provide. My favorite amenity, when available, is an in-airport shower. I’ve done this to freshen up between connecting international flights, and nap rooms make it easy to get some shut-eye without sitting in a tight economy seat.
You can access airline-specific lounges like the Delta Sky Club, Admirals Club, or Alaska Lounge. High-tier credit cards, airline status, and day passes provide easy access to each, although each come with their own fees and requirements. You can also invest in a brand-agnostic lounge membership such as Priority Pass or Lounge Key, which let you enter hundreds of qualifying lounges worldwide.
Explore in-airport art and entertainment
A close friend always reminds me that “travel begins in the airport”, and carrying this mindset into the airport helps me notice the unique pockets free to explore, ranging from live music, to , to arcades, to outdoor zones for a bit of fresh air.
Singapore’s Changi Airport has two movie theaters, lavish gardens, and the tallest indoor waterfall in the world for visitors to enjoy. Seoul’s Incheon Airport has a museum and ice skating rink within its bounds. Travelers departing from the U.S. can enjoy the aviation museum in San Francisco’s airport or live music across several stages in the Nashville International Airport.
Airports regularly display local artists’ works, ranging from cleverly placed paintings along terminal walls to full-on sculptural displays. Instead of breezing past them, slow down and read about the artist and work, and you may learn a thing or two about the creative community in the region. It’s one of the easiest airport hacks available, as airports strive to create memorable architectural and artistic experiences for travelers.
