This past weekend, I went to Dallas for a mini vacation with a good friend. We went sight seeing, did yoga, ate some good really sushi, and had a blast! Going on a cheap vacation just to get away can be a great way to improve your life. Throughout the year, I probably fly a little more than a dozen times to visit family/friends or for work. Because of this, I wanted to share some tips about how to save time and money at the airport.

1. Pack your own food

Airport food can be very expensive depending on where you are. I have noticed prices come down over the years, but they are still 10%+ more expensive than what you would get outside. Airport retailers and restaurants are smart. They know you’re a captive, hungry customer waiting for a 2 hour layover. That’s why they get away with such crazy prices!

I like to pack a sandwich when I go to the airport. It holds up well and doesn’t need to be heated. And most importantly, it saves a ton of money. I can get a great handmade turkey sandwich at my local grocery store for $6 – $8. It would cost $10+ for a comparable sandwich at the airport.

2. Get TSA PreCheck!

Hate long lines at the airport? Ever wonder HOW it can possibly take 40 minutes for people to go through a freaking security checkpoint? Well, TSA PreCheck is the best solution for you!

TSA PreCheck allows for “low-risk” travelers to get expedited (faster) screening for domestic flights at the airport.

TSA PreCheck is great, because you get through the security checkpoint without removing your shoes, laptop, belt, jackets, and liquids. Most importantly, there is a special line at most airports for PreCheck members!

I got my TSA PreCheck a year ago and it completely changed my life! These days, I can literally roll up 30 – 35 minutes before the flight departure and still make my flight on time! Over the last holiday season, the regular security line at the airport in Seattle was about 1 hr at 7:00 in the morning. I got through the PreCheck line within 5 minutes 🙂

TSA PreCheck costs $85 and your membership lasts 5 years (so really it comes down to $17/year). If you fly half a dozen times or more in a year, I would highly recommend getting it.

Signing up for the TSA PreCheck program is easy. First, you need to fill out a quick online application and schedule an appointment (takes about 5 – 10 minutes). Then you need to go to a center for a quick background interview check and get your fingerprints taken. It was a fast process; I got in and out within 10 minutes.

Once you get accepted into the program (typically takes less than 2 weeks) you will get a Known Traveler Number (KTN). You must add this number whenever you book a ticket to get expedited screening.

Make sure when you get your boarding pass that it says  “TSA PreCheck” on it otherwise you won’t get faster screening (sometimes the airline’s computer misses it).

If this happens, just contact your airline and give them your KTN and have them send over a new boarding pass.

Click here to sign up now (not an affiliate link).

3. Buy a portable charger

Doesn’t it always seem like there aren’t enough power outlets at the airport? I mean there are usually only two or three outlets for any particular gate. If you’re not one of the first ones there, say goodbye to your battery (and for a very boring flight).

What’s worse is some airlines are still using older planes that haven’t been upgraded with seat outlets! Try going through a 6+ hour flight without being able to use your phone!

Buying a portable charger is a great way to overcome this obstacle. You can get many great chargers for less than $15. Here is the Anker portable charger that I use:

It’s a great charger because:

• It’s cheap (less than $13)
• Small (it’s the size of a bottle of lipstick)
• Can last for a full 6 hour flight

4. Use your app to pick a better seat

Have you ever noticed how much it costs to sit near the front of the plane (let alone first class)? I fly on Alaska a lot and it usually costs $20+ to sit in the first 3 – 4 rows behind first class. In fact, because I usually pick the cheapest seats, I’m near the back of the plane.

The wonderful thing is you can check in to the airline 24 hours before the flight through their website/app and get your boarding pass. This is great because you don’t have to waste precious time waiting in line to print it off when you finally get to the airport.

It’s also amazing because when you check-in early, you can actually pick your seat! During this 24 hour window, you can get seats with some airlines within the first 3 – 4 rows with no extra charge! Usually only the aisle or middle seats are available, but I don’t mind them. Sitting closer to the front of the plane allows you to get out faster!

If this trick doesn’t work try nicely asking a representative at the gate to give you a better seat before the plane takes off. I’ve had connecting flights that take off less than 30 minutes after the first flight lands and the representative usually gives me a new seat near the front at no extra charge!

5. Get a ride to/from the airport

Whenever possible I like to avoid paying to get to the airport. This includes Uber, Lyft, and even Shuttle Services (which are surprisingly price competitive). A good friend and I like to give each other rides to the airport. That saves a ton of money. From where I live, it costs $12 – $18 to get a ride to/from the airport.

6. Access FREE in-flight wifi

Wifi on planes is great…but it usually costs $7+ for a flight. That’s crazy! I’m no socialist, but I think wifi should be free on flights given how much airlines try to price gouge customers.

I’ve only done this twice before and they were both on Delta flights, but here’s a neat trick you can try to get FREE wifi for your phone/tablet. Delta planes are equipped with GoGo internet service. Once you connect to Gogo wifi when the plane takes off follow these steps:

1. Go to the GoGo website (you should be redirected there automatically) and pick a free movie from their library.

2. Once you pick a movie, you should be prompted to download GoGo from the App store. Download the app.

3. When you download the GoGo app, you will be given temporary internet access. Pause the app download mid-way through. This will provide you 15 – 20 minutes of FREE internet service. When your internet cuts out, just repeat these steps again!

I tried this trick on a Delta flight to Toronto about 5 months ago and it worked fine. I’m not sure if they closed the loophole, but it is sure worth the try!

Conclusion

Flying can be a very time consuming, stressful, and frankly costly endeavor. Hopefully these tips will help you!

Readers, are any of you seasoned travel warriors with other great tips to save time and money at the airport? Let me know in the comments!