Travel is an essential part of dancing competitively. This means you’re probably spending a fair amount of time in airports. Here are our top airport tips to make your trip more efficient and less stressful.
Tie a Colorful Ribbon to Your Luggage
This simple tip has multiple benefits. Firstly, spotting your luggage while waiting for your checked bag is easier. On the off chance that the airline loses your luggage, it also gives them a unique characteristic to watch for, which increases their chance of finding it.
It also looks super cute. You could even coordinate with your friends or dance team!
Avoid Airport Prices
Airports are obscenely expensive. While it’s OK to spend some money to make your flight a little better, you don’t want to have to do so. Here are some ways to avoid the trap.
Pack Your Own Snacks
Snacks are something you can buy in advance. Airport convenience store snacks are often two or three times the usual price. Instead, swing by your local grocery store and hit the snack aisle before leaving for your trip.
Protein bars, beef jerky, and nuts are all good options for snacks with some protein. For something sweet, grab fruit leather, chocolate, or a bag of your favorite candy. You can pack a mix of both kinds of snacks to give yourself options.
Bring an Empty Water Bottle
Packing a reusable water bottle is a great way to make sure you drink enough water during your flight. Make sure it’s empty to get through security, then hit the bottle filling station.
Bringing a reusable bottle saves you money at the airport, reduces plastic waste, and gives you a bottle you can use all through your trip!
Buy What You Need
Saving money on the little things means you can spend in other areas. Buy a hot meal while you’re in the airport—fast food chains usually have similar prices to their regular locations. Or grab yourself a coffee from that Starbucks kiosk.
Saving money is great, but it isn’t everything. It’s important to take care of your physical and mental health too!
Use the Airport Amenities
Airports have a fair number of amenities that go unused. Before you get to the airport, check if you get free checked bags—some credit cards or flier privileges offer this as a perk. If it’s free, you may as well spare yourself from hauling your bag around the airport.
If changing terminals, use the train or conveyor systems. Conveyor systems are important at airports and are a great way to make your trip more efficient.
Another airport tip is to check out the lounges. Many airports have lounges available to all passengers as long as you pay the fee. If you have a long layover, having a more comfortable place to chill may be worth it.
Many airports offer unique spaces, such as art galleries or yoga rooms. Look into the airports you’ll be visiting, and see if there’s anything that sparks your interest. It may be a great way to kill some time while stretching your legs.
