A British seasoned flyer, who has travelled to more than 100 countries, has shared his go-to airport hacks that guarantee a smooth experience at the airport.
Lee Thompson, co-founder of group solo travel company Flash Pack, has taken over 1,000 flights and navigated hundreds of airports around the world.
And while major hubs are usually designed for efficient movement, the frequent flyer believes travellers unintentionally make their journeys more difficult.
He said: ‘Airports work best when you understand the rhythm. Once you do, the whole experience becomes calmer and in some cases, surprisingly enjoyable.’
After years of experience – and plenty of trial and error – Lee reveals the airport hacks he swears by for a stress-free experience.
His first tip is to arrive early – earlier than what most would consider necessary.
According to the avid traveller, two hours before a flight often coincides with peak queues, while arriving three hours early removes pressure and leaves time to eat, shop and reset.
Lee adds that preparation should happen in the security queue, not at the scanner.
Lee Thompson, co-founder of group solo travel company Flash Pack, believes travellers unintentionally make their journeys more difficult at the airport
Liquids, belts and emptied pockets should be ready before reaching the trays, with coat pockets or a backpack used to hold everything temporarily.
Choosing the right lane also helps, as newer scanners move faster and queues of solo travellers tend to flow more quickly than those with families and heavy hand luggage.
As for travelling smoothly with luggage, Lee warns against cling-wrapping, padlocking or using flashy luggage, as this attracts attention rather than protecting bags.
He said: ‘I’ve seen cling film sliced open, padlocks ripped off and bags slashed with knives. It doesn’t protect your bag – it advertises it.
‘A flashy suitcase is basically a giant pound sign. The safest luggage is boring luggage.’
He also advises keeping children’s food light and familiar on flights, as too much sugar mixed with altitude and turbulence can end in ‘chaos’.
Lee explained: ‘I once watched two children projectile-vomit across entire rows after being fed sweets throughout the flight. It was like a horror film.
If you find yourself queueing for airport toilets, you might just be in the wrong part of the terminal
According to Lee, liquids, belts and emptied pockets should be organised before reaching the trays
Lee warns against cling-wrapping, padlocking or using flashy luggage, as this attracts attention
‘What feels kind in the moment can turn chaotic at 35,000 feet.’
And if there’s a queue for airport toilets, Lee says you’re most likely in the wrong part of the terminal.
According to the flyer, toilets are usually quieter if passengers walk five minutes towards the gates, and the same applies to seating, where later departure gates often have empty rows ideal for stretching out and relaxing.
Lee always travels with an empty one-litre water bottle to fill after security and brings light, nutritious food and snacks too.
He notes: ‘Plane food timings rarely match hunger, so being prepared makes the whole flight far more comfortable’.
He also assumes seatback screens may not work, and so downloading films and podcasts in advance is a must to help the journey go by quicker.
But rather than diving straight into entertainment, Lee suggests enjoying a digital detox by listening to music or looking out of the window.
At check in, he often asks for a seat with an empty space next to it, and if he is in a rush, may politely request a priority luggage tag.
Above all, Lee says kindness goes a long way, and that being ‘calm and polite’ can quickly turn a stressful arrival into a calm
On arrival, he avoids crowding the baggage carousel – a term also known as ‘luggage lounging’ – and waits calmly until his bag appears.
He said: ‘It’s one of my biggest airport hates. I actually find baggage reclaim relaxing. I sit back, check emails and wait until I see my bag.’
Above all, Lee says kindness is key, adding: ‘I’ve skipped queues and been helped countless times just by being calm and polite.
‘For five dollars, an airport porter will lift your bag and carry it to your car. It turns a stressful arrival into a calm one.’
He concluded: ‘Once you stop fighting the system and start working with it, airports become a lot less stressful and occasionally, even enjoyable.’
