Do airports stress you out? You are not alone! Trust us, even the most seasoned travelers find airports hectic. But it doesn't have to be this way. We've put together some tips and tricks to make your next airport experience a breeze. Read on for our top airport tips to make traveling easier.

Check in online

Skip the line by checking in for your flight online. Most airlines allow you to check in 24 hours before departure. If you only have hand luggage, you can download your boarding pass and go straight to security.

Some budget airlines charge fees if you don't check in online. Make sure you check in before closing time (usually four hours before your flight departure). This is one of many airport tips that can save you time and money when you fly.

Download the airplane app

If you haven't downloaded your airline's app yet, now is the time to do it. Most airline apps give you a digital boarding pass (some even let you download it to your digital wallet), so you don't have to worry about a paper ticket.

Some airline apps also give you real-time updates on your boarding gate and flight status, eliminating the need to pay attention to flight connection screens.

Pro airport tip: If you can't download your boarding pass to your digital wallet, take a screenshot of it. That way, you don't have to worry about spotty Wi-Fi when it's time to show your boarding pass at security or at your gate.

Install a Smissey eSIM

Have you purchased a Smissey eSIM for your destination? Bravo! You've ticked off one of our best airport tips. Make sure you install your eSIM before you go so you can connect to a mobile network when you land (and avoid high roaming charges when you return).

We recommend installing it at home or somewhere with a stable internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi) — the whole process only takes a few minutes. Read here how to install an eSIM.

Here are a few ways that having a Smissey eSIM makes getting to the airport easier:

• Connect to a mobile network within minutes of arriving.
• Avoid high roaming charges while you're away.
• Avoid spotty (and unsafe) Wi-Fi at the airport.
• Skip the SIM vendor queue at the airport.
• Use a taxi app to get to your accommodation.

Bring a power bank

Not all airports have easily accessible sockets and charging stations. One of the best airport tips to keep in mind is to carry a power bank in your carry-on luggage. With power banks you can charge your device anywhere without having to connect your phone, tablet or laptop to a wall socket.

Power banks are also very useful if you are on a long-haul flight and need to charge your battery during the flight. Just make sure you charge your power bank before you leave home so you don't run out of power!

Keep your travel documents at hand

One of the best airport tips is to make sure your travel documents are easily accessible. Make sure you have met all visa and/or eKYC requirements for your destination and that you have physical or digital copies of your documents. Always keep your passport and boarding pass in a safe place (not in your back pocket!) to keep your airport travel stress-free.

Wear comfortable clothes

We've all been there - you go to a tropical destination and you step into an airport that feels like the North Pole. Skip the flip-flops and board shorts and opt for loose, comfortable layers that you can add or remove depending on the temperature.

One of the airport tips that frequent flyers follow is dressing for airport security. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to take off and put on, and avoid items with metal buckles or buttons that set off security detectors.

Go left at security

Fun fact: Studies show that most people naturally turn right when choosing a direction. When you reach the security checkpoint, go to the leftmost row - chances are it will be the shortest. This is one of the easiest airport tips and will help you get through security quickly and get to your gate in plenty of time.

Keep your electronics and liquids handy

A good airport tip is to have your electronics and liquids on hand. You may be asked to remove them from your bag when you go through customs. A good rule of thumb is to keep them near the top of your carry-on for easy access.

Electronics refers to laptops and devices larger than a cell phone (for example, tablets, e-readers, and portable gaming consoles). Another tip: if you often travel for business, a carry-on luggage with a laptop compartment can save you a lot of time.

Be alert when using Wi-Fi at the airport

Most airports have Wi-Fi, but it's not the most secure. If you need to connect to a mobile network, try your phone's data plan. Do you want to use your laptop? Use your device as a hotspot. It's more secure and reliable than an airport Wi-Fi connection.

Let's say you're between destinations and you're using a Smissey eSIM. Then you can set up an eSIM hotspot to connect to the internet. Remember, you can only use as much data as your eSIM plan, but don't worry. You can top up your eSIM data if you have almost used up your bundle.

Stay close to your gate

Most flights start boarding 30-50 minutes before departure. If your flight leaves soon, it's best to find your gate and stay put. If you have time to spare, stay close to your gate and keep an eye on flight information screens. Follow this airport tip to stay informed about flight changes as you relax and wait to board.

Ready to leave? We hope these airport tips make your travels easier!

Follow our top airport tips and stay connected with a Smissey eSIM. You can browse eSIM plans for hundreds of destinations around the world here in the Smisey store .