Planning a vacation can be an exciting affair. However, the start to your adventure – the airport – can be an equally daunting one. The ques at check-in and the battle-ground at the boarding gate make the airport less likable every time you’re there. So, we’ve made the humble attempt to ease your ‘airport-anxiety’ with these 15 tried-and-tested travel hacks:

1. Your search history can be monitored by airlines and travel booking sites to hike up ticket costs. Use your browser’s ‘Incognito Mode’ to avail cheaper airfares.
2. Always check your flight’s status before heading to the airport – in the case of a delay or cancellation, you won’t be caught off-guard.
3. If your flight is delayed or canceled, rather than queuing up with everyone else at the service counter, call the airline and speak with someone. This will save you a lot of time and hassle.
4. If you’re traveling on a budget, opt for evening or night flights – the tickets tend to be cheaper, and the airport, less crowded.
5. If you don’t like turbulence, request for a seat in the middle of the aircraft (near the wing) since this region experiences the least amount of movement.
6. Pack a light cardigan or thick scarf to keep you warm at the airport. Fold and/roll the same to use it as a pillow while you sleep on-board.
7. When going through airport security, you’ll have to take out your laptop. Store it in an easy to access place in your carry-on so you won’t have to scramble to find it in the security line.
8. Fill in your immigration form while waiting in line at the checkpoint. Since the line tends to run long, it’ll give you something to do while you que up.
9. Cross-check your gate number at the flight information screens around the airport to ensure you’re sitting at the right gate. Last-minute changes are bound to happen.
10. Tag your luggage with stickers, bright colored ribbons or colorful luggage tags to make it easy to identify them at crowded baggage claims.
11. Always pack a pair of spare clothes and undergarments in your carry-on for emergencies, and ensure that your mini case of toiletries comply with airline regulations.
12. Large ziplock bags are a great way to organize and pack undergarments to save space – and if the fellows over at customs ever decide to go rummaging through your luggage, you’ll be rest assured that your underwear won’t be on obvious display for everyone to see.
13. It’s always a good idea to eat something before you board the flight. If take-off is turbulent, flight attendants may wait a while to serve you your food and drinks – a quick snack at the food court will keep hunger pangs away.
14. If you’re a nervous flyer or prone to motion-sickness, eat mints, chew gum or sip a citrus flavored drink (such as Sprite or 7Up) to relieve nausea.
15. Wear clothing that does not restrict movement and which will keep you comfortable for the next 12 hours.

Also read: Your guide to a stress-free vacation

Written by Lynn Verghese for JenJon Retail & Services Pvt. Ltd. Images used in this post are taken under the Creative Commons Licenses.