Frantically running through the airport, getting to grips with luggage allowance or worrying about your suitcase getting lost.
Sound familiar?
If the very thought of heading to the airport stresses you out, then we've got some handy tips to make it as hassle-free as possible.
From pre-ordering baby food, to money-saving tips, and useful apps to track your flights, here's everything you need to know.
1. Check your luggage allowance
Check, double check and check again how much luggage allowance you have. If you think you're over the allowance see if it can be shared out among the people you're going away with.
You can pre-book extra luggage which will save you money in the long run. It varies from airline to airline but you can get the information on their website.
2. Make your suitcase easily identifiable
Not everyone wants to own a brightly coloured suitcase, so if you're someone who prefers to travel with black luggage, make sure it's easy to recognise on the conveyor belt.
Tie a brightly coloured scarf around the handle of yours so you can spot it amid all the other luggage.
3. Take your own snacks
Buying food at an airport can be expensive so to avoid the hefty price tags buy food beforehand. You can take fruit, vegetables and solid food in your hand luggage, but foods in sauces or with a high liquid content are prohibited.
Pre-buying your snacks is ideal if you are travelling with children who might get hungry whilst waiting for your flight.
4. Pick the left-hand security lane
More people are right-handed, with the impulse to turn right. So pick the left-hand security lanes as the queues are likely to be shorter.
5. Sleep at the airport
Airports like London's Heathrow and Gatwick offer sleeping pods where you can rest between long flight transfer. You can pay between £30-£40 for 4 hours - which is the minimum time - pods also come with showers.
These are especially great for people who struggle to sleep on planes.
6. Pre-order your baby milk
The thought of travelling with a baby can be stressful enough without having to worry about if you have bought enough formula.
Pre-order formula, milk, baby food and nappies and pick them up at a Boots collection point at the airport.
7. Pre-book your seats
Whether you're travelling as a family, in a big group or as a couple, the chances are you'll want to sit together. Check if you can pre-book your seats with your package. This service usually becomes available 12 weeks before you travel.
If you haven't got this service included in your holiday package, it is worth paying for, unless you're willing to queue at the gate in the airport in order to be the first person on the plane, and get the best pick of the seats.
8. Take baby wipes or hand sanitiser
Planes are one of the easiest places to pick up germs and cold. To avoid this, pack some wet wipes or hand sanitiser in your hand luggage to use during your flight and at the airport. They'll keep your hands feeling fresh and clean.
If you're on a long haul flight you can use the wet wipes to keep your face refreshed while you're on the place and when you reach your destination.
9. Check airport conditions before you leave your house
Find out what's happening at your airport beforehand - find out if there are delays, long lines or any other issues.
You can track your flight on flightaware.com , enter the name of your airline and the flight number which you can find on your ticket.
10. Book express check-in or fast track passes
No one enjoys waiting in long queues at check-in desks, especially if you've been up from 3am and have children using the terminal as an adventure playground. But you can take the express check-in option. Some airports now have express check-in kiosks which you can operate yourself by following simple on-screen instructions.
Other airports have fast track tickets you can buy for around £4 per person, which puts you in the fast lane through check-in and security.
11. Find out what time you need to be at the airport
Sounds quite obvious, but you'd be amazed at the number of people who cut it so fine they have to beg people to let them queue jump at security, dash through the airport and almost miss their flight.
Each airport may have varying times, but generally you are advised to get to the airport three hours before your flight time for long-haul flights, two hours before if you're travelling within Europe, and one hour before if you're flying within the UK and Ireland.
12. Pre-order toiletries from Boots
One of the typical stresses when packing for holidays is remembering what toiletries you need and more importantly, how they're going to fit in your luggage allowance along with all of your clothes.
Instead, pre-order everything you need and get them delivered to an airport store where you can pick them up. Check how many days in advance that you need to order for your desired airport store at boots.com .
13. If you park at the airport take a picture...
You'll thank yourself for doing so. Airport car parks can be huge and it is easy to forget where you've left your car - especially after two weeks lounging about in the sunshine.
Take a picture of your parking space and you'll be able to locate your vehicle in no time.
14. ... and pre-book airport parking
At most airports you can book your parking in advance.
If you just turn up and pay you could be hit with charges of as much as double what you'd have paid if you pre-booked.
15. Buy a portable battery charger
Instead of fighting off the crowds for the nearest plug socket when you're at the airport invest in a portable battery charger.
Charge the battery a few hours before you leave the house so you can use it at the airport.
16. Choose an overnight flight
Otherwise known as choosing to go red-eye, catching an overnight plane ensures you will avoid the hassle of getting through the hustle and bustle of the airport. Travelling experts advise you pick a flight that leaves after 10pm to avoid rush hour traffic, this is incredibly useful if you're going on a long-haul journey. The lines at check-in will be considerably smaller, security checks will take a fraction of the time and once you get into the plane you can simply go to sleep and wake up at your destination.
17. Or book a morning flight to avoid turbulence
Apparently factors that cause turbulence usually occur in the afternoon, so if you get sick easily or you're scared of turbulence opt for a morning flight.
18. Fly from a smaller airport
If you are willing to fly to and fro a smaller airport - even if it's a little further out - then you can save yourself some cash. These types of airports are usually home to budget airlines, which offer cheaper tickets.
19. Book a return flight with a different airline to cut costs
While we're on the topic of saving money, this is a handy hack for holiday-goers on a budget.
You can book your return flight with a different airline and save as much as 20 per cent, according to money-saving experts Revolut.
Join Quidco to get £15 cashback on your Airport Parking when you book with Purple Parking:
- Sign-up here today
- Then click 'Redeem Offer'
- Quidco will then direct you to Purple Parking, using the tracked links to ensure you receive your cashback
- Book your parking through Purple Parking
- Quidco will add £15 to your new account within two weeks
- Withdraw from your bank account, PayPal account or as gift voucher
