With the holiday season coming up, a lifestyle expert has shared six unusual travel tips that will make your trip that much easier – including a very unique hack for avoiding lengthy lines at airport security.
Nicole Jaques, who is from Oregon and boasts more than 90,000 followers on TikTok, recently took to the video-sharing platform to detail her best airport hacks.
With the number of passengers on US flights predicted to either hit or surpass 2019 levels (a period that saw 93 million people fly according to Bloomberg) this year, we could all use the help to avoid any nightmares.
Among her more unusual tips, Jaques reveals why you should always go left when you reach security in order to avoid long lines – and shares why packing an extra pair of socks in your carry-on is a must for any airport.
Lifestyle expert Nicole Jaques shared her top six travel tips to make your holidays easier
She advises people to go left at security as most people are right-handed and naturally go in that direction
Make your holiday travel easier than ever with Jaques’ top tips
- Always turn left when you reach security
- Carry extra socks with you in the airport
- Use an upright roller carry-on to get an extra bag checked for free at the gate
- Never buy snacks in the airport
- Pack a refillable water bottle
- Invest in a battery pack for your phone
1. Always go left at security
The cleaning guru and mother of two advises people to turn left when they hit security line – revealing why it will help you to avoid crowds of people and make it through the TSA checks quickly and easily.
‘Most people are right handed and naturally go to right lanes,’ she says.
‘[Nine times out of ten] if I go to the farthest left lane no one is there or fewer people are at least for customs and security.’
2. Pack an extra pair of socks in your carry-on
Jaques points out the floor at security are ‘one of the dirtiest and highly trafficked areas in an airport’.
‘Keep an extra pair of socks on or in your bag to go through security,’ she said.
The risk of infection is relatively low for most people, but it’s good to take precautions especially those who have weaker immunity or have open wounds on their feet.
‘Just about every floor surface—at shopping centers, gyms, airports, and other places—is coated in bacteria like E. coli and Staph as well as other pathogens,’ George Mason University professor of epidemiology Kathryn H. Jacobsen previously told Conde Nast Traveler.
The mother of two says people should bring an extra pair of socks to wear through security
3. Switch your roller bag to an upright one
For those who are prone to shoulder and back pain, Jaques has a helpful tip, change up your carry-on baggage choice.
‘Instead of a roller bag that you roll and pull from behind, get one that sits upright to alleviate shoulder and back pain,’ she said.
The Centre, which specializes in orthopedic and neurosurgical care and research, recommends investing in a lightweight suitcase with wheels and a handle to help travelers avoid lifting.
‘Attempt to pack as lightly as possible for your trip, or opt to divide your belongings into several smaller bags instead of one large, heavy bag,’ their website said.
Jaques prefers an upright roller suitcase as it puts less strain on your shoulders and back
As a bonus tip, she reveals how to get an extra bag checked in for free without extra cost.
‘Carry-on sized bags can be gate checked for free, right there, easy peasy,’ she said in the video.
The Points Guy reports while this is true, it depends on a passenger’s fare type as some tickets don’t allow full-sized carry-on items.
4. Bring a refillable water bottle
To save money, Jaques recommends packing a refillable water bottle that you can fill up after going through airport security.
Staying hydrated is important on a flight as cabin humidity drops to about 20 per cent and can cause discomfort, such as dry skin or eye irritation.
A refillable water bottle is handy to have as cabin humidity drops to about 20 per cent and can cause discomfort, such as dry skin or eye irritation
To combat this, the Aerospace Medical Association advises people to drink eight ounces of water every hour and use a hydrating nasal spray.
They also recommend limiting consumption of tea, coffee and alcohol, which can cause loss of fluids.
For people who wear contacts, opt for glasses.
5. Don’t buy snacks at the airport
The prices of food are notoriously higher at airports, so Jaques recommends to planning ahead and packing snacks in your carry-on to save cash.
And no, you’re not alone in thinking airport food prices are too steep.
The prices of food are notoriously higher at airports, so Jaques recommends to planning ahead and packing snacks
Earlier this year, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey brought in a new rule saying vendors shouldn’t be marking up prices by more than 10 per cent compared to “street prices” for the same goods, Thrillist reported.
The guidelines were introduced after a Twitter user complained about paying almost $30 for a beer at LaGuardia Airport.
But Jaques warns to consider your snack selection carefully and pick ‘ones that will fuel you and sustain your energy through the flight’.
Instead of bringing separate chargers for your electronics, invest in a portable battery pack
6. Invest in a portable battery pack
As someone who has spent the last four months traveling Europe, I can say following this tip can come in clutch.
Instead of bringing your separate phone, laptop or iPad chargers, invest in a portable battery pack.
‘You can charge your iPad, laptop and phone all in flight in one,’ Jaques said.
