13 SECRET AIRPORT HACKS That Work in 2024 (NOBODY talks about these!)

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Airport Tips and Tricks that ACTUALLY work in 2024! Whether you are a frequent flier or it's your first time going through the airport, there's at least one hack on this list that will upgrade your travel experience. Learn how to maximize your packing space with a secret fanny pack hack and why you should always have a physical and mobile copy of your boarding pass. Speed up your security screening with trusted traveler programs and free fast pass services. Plus, learn how to make the most of your time at before a flight with sneaky hacks like getting into the Airpot Lounge at a discount!

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25 GENIUS TRAVEL HACKS (FREE eBook)

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Get the BEST price on a VPN (Under $3/month!)

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// ABOUT

Welcome to Portable Professional: your go-to resource for stress-free travel. I’m Megan, and I’m here to share my tips and tricks from 300+ flights to help you feel confident about your travels while making the most of every trip.

Join over 5,000 travelers diving into smart travel secrets, receiving personalized advice, and uncovering savvy hacks.

0:00 Airport Tips & Tricks
0:16 Hack #1: Drop off hack
0:45 Hack #2: Check-in hack 1
1:10 Hack #3 Check-in hack 2
1:44 Hack #4: Carry-on hack
2:20 Hack #5: Flight ticket hack
3:17 Hack #6: Restroom hack
3:33 Hack #7: Airport Security hack 1
3:57 Hack #8: Airport Security hack 2
4:45 Hack #9: Secret menu hack
5:04 Hack #10: Airport Lounge hack
6:32 Hack #11: Alarm hack
7:00 Hack #12: Flight gate hack
7:34 Hack #13: Delayed Flight hack

[charlab.]

One thing I do to avoid with my boarding pass on my phone is to take a screen shot of it. So, even if you can't access Wi-Fi you always have it!

[bobikdylan]

Want peace and quiet but don't want to pay for a lounge? Find the chapel. Tucked away down a corridor, these places are usually empty and blissfully quiet.

[jochen]

I was a customer service agent for American a few years back. And had a young lady came back to me in a panic after checking her bag. She dropped her phone before getting to TSA lines and it broke completely. So her mobile boarding pass could not show at all. So a paper boarding pass is a great backup.

[truckn]

For long flights I prefer to sit in the aisle seat, because I am amazed at how quickly people fall asleep and some sleep most of the flight. As a long haul trucker for my working life I've trained myself not to fall asleep sitting up. Flying from Canada to Thailand is brutal for me and sitting in the aisle seat allows me to get up and stretch without climbing over my seat partners.

[windsongdesigns]

Booked a flight from Toronto to Helsinki with Icelandair and took advantage of their 7 day layover in Iceland. On my return flight from Helsinki to Iceland the airline changed my departure time later by 7 hours. Basically lost a whole day of my trip. I contacted Icelandair to complain as NO notice was given and I only found out when I confirmed my flight (they never contacted passengers). I had to cancel my airport pickup, afternoon tour, etc. As compensation I received $900 Canadian - more than my whole flight cost. Good compensation rates with European airlines. Horrible with Air Canada.

[TomPauls]

best advice is driving up to airport - use arriving lanes for early AM! Awesome.

[margaretmathis]

Megan, I like the hack about setting an alarm an hour in advance…..but I would recommend setting it for an hour before the posted “boarding time, ” rather than departure time. Well, at least in larger or unfamiliar airports, anyway.

[jumemowery]

I spent a week in the Amazon jungle. Our return was delayed and and there was no time to shower before going to the airport. The longe shower was a life saver and I'm certain my fellow passangers appreciated it too.

[tanyacollier]

Hi Megan I'm from Australia I went to Vegas had 2 large suit cases so full I new coming home my cases were going to be over the limit . As I had been to Vegas previously I knew there was a curb side check in.
As soon as the shuttle bus dropped my mum and I at the United airlines I went straight to curbside gave him a nice smile and a $10 note and spoke politely he put my bags threw gave us our tickets with a smile I said thank you and have a lovely day. I think he knew they were over the limit but put them threw. I was so happy as I knew it would have cost me at the counter. God bless that gentlemen. Thank you Megan for your great videos.🇦🇺💞💞

[sunnyscott]

I fly AA regularly, and they're pretty strict about the one carry-on and one personal item rule. The only thing I notice is people who are carrying huge bags and stuffing them into the overhead bins.

[timothysuhr]

As for personal wear, consider using a Scotty vest, jacket or vest. They provide mini pockets in some of their models that can take many items. Then you just take the jacket off and have it scanned

[drphibesrises]

Great tips! You always have such useful and practical travel information. Thanks for sharing. How is that adorable pup of yours. You need to feature him more often as a co-host. 🐕‍🦺

[internationalsolartech]

Excellent tips Megan! At DFW I have enjoyed the American Airlines Admirals Lounge when traveling internationally so that I can relax, eat and take a another shower before the flight, however right next to that lounge is the Capital One Lounge which I consider to have better food and is nicer aesthetically... Love your videos...!

[mikeharrell]

all if your tips & tricks are great - thank you for your videos !!

[amstergal]

Flight Aware is so useful when expecting and or just tracking a loved ones flight. And yes, for sure, check the gate again close to expected boarding time.! I almost ended up in a line to a different continent when I arrived at gate and found it had changed then had to scramble like mad to find my gate!

[canadafree]

When I go I leave from home with the bare minimum of watch, keys, and wallet in my pockets. I check that all metal items, including belt, are in my carry on so I can quickly go through the scanners. I also only have clothes in the main compartment and all small items in the outside zippered compartment. Have your pocket items in your hand, five people in advance, so you can just drop it in when you get to the bins.

[leneaqgaming]

Glad to be watching your videos. I have a trip in a few months, visiting my brother. It’s been 7 years since I last got on an airplane, so any tips before my trip have been more than helpful, especially for a carry-on only flight.

[tapuwandudzo]

Always love your content Megan. Greetings from Zimbabwe!

[tiredoftrolls]

Our youngest splurged for a lounge pass for his father and me. The three of us relaxed and had a lovely soup and salad at DFW.

[deborahconkle]

This video is packed with great information! Thank you for posting! Downloaded ❤