Which TikTok airport travel hacks work and which ones will just get you into trouble?
The heads of both Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Bristol Airport (BRS) in England have this week slammed travelers for copying a travel hack seen on TikTok, which involves passengers pretending to need a wheelchair to skip the line.
This trend isn’t just ridiculous, it’s dangerous: It leaves vulnerable flyers who actually require assistance at risk during a time of peak uncertainty and stretched ground staffing.
However, there are some other less detrimental travel hacks circulating on social media, and with millions of people looking to beat the crowds at airports this year, travel tips have never been handier. It’s just about knowing which ones to use — such as TPG UK's director of content Nicky Kelvin’s hack at Amsterdam Airport Schipol (AMS) that helped him avoid a six-hour wait — and, frankly, which ones to avoid.
Read on for our verdict on some of the most shared travel "hacks" doing the rounds in the United Kingdom and the U.S right now.
Beat the liquid restrictions
The hack: One TikTok user went viral after showing how she preorders her vacation cosmetics and toiletries online to be collected at in-airport branch of Boots before she flies. Why? So that she isn’t hampered by the 3.4-ounce limit placed on liquids at security. Plus, she can dodge airport prices on certain, costlier items.
Will it get you in trouble? No. This click-and-collect service has been available for ages but is still massively underused. Boots offers pickup at 14 U.K. airports (see the full list here). Warning: You will need to place the order at least 10 days before flying, and your bag of products will count toward your carry-on allowance in the eyes of most airlines. Additionally, if you don’t use up these items during your holiday and wish to bring them back, you'll have to pack them in a checked bag for your return flight or risk having to throw the items away at security.
Free seat upgrade
The hack: One passenger says he buys a cheaper economy ticket at the back of the plane for a flight. He patiently waits to be called, and when he’s sure he’s the last passenger entering the plane, he sees if there are any free rows at the front. Then, he sits in one accordingly.
Will it get you in trouble? Quite possibly. Let us level with you: This one is dishonest at best and borderline unlawful at worst. Some may call it a victimless crime since the seats are empty anyway, but under Civil Aviation Authority rules, you get the seat you pay for unless you are otherwise upgraded by the airline.
While there’s a chance the seats are simply empty and free, they could have also been left empty for a specific reason — such as to leave emergency exits clear, allow access for those with disabilities or provide somewhere for returning (and exhausted) cabin crew members to sit. If you do want to take your chances, why not try putting on a smile, greeting the cabin crew and just asking politely if they’re able to move you? You’d be surprised how far being polite and courteous can get you in these situations.
Related: How to upgrade to first class without using a ton of cash
Turn your carry-on pillow into free luggage
The hack: This is exactly what you think it is: Travelers stuff a pillow with clothes and belongings that didn’t fit into their basic carry-on bags, without exceeding limitations. This popular TikTok shows three women waltzing through a Spanish airport after shoving a bundle of summer clothing into cushions they carried on to a flight.
Will it get you in trouble? Frankly, it’s debatable. The likes of Ryanair and easyJet have been allowing people to bring pillows aboard for eons — not to mention teasing customers on social media over more inventive means of maximizing carry-on space. Given that clothing and pillows are effectively perfect for stashing extra items, it was only a matter of time before people looking to avoid steep luggage prices would try to push it. The TPG verdict? You might very well get away with this one as long as you’re not filling your pillow with anything that wouldn’t get through security anyway.
Would we recommend it? No. For one, all your clothes will be creased. Secondly, imagine this doesn’t work ... do you want to be the person at the airport standing with a pillow of belongings they can’t take with them? Lastly, actual pillows are far comfier than pillows you make out of your belongings. All this said, there are plenty of TikTok videos proving that it works, but with every view, there’s more heat; it wouldn’t be surprising if the airlines crack down on the hack at some point. Final verdict: Not worth it.
Pack a hammock for long delays
The hack: A group of U.S. travelers waiting out an overnight delay hung up their hammocks while waiting in departures and posted their efforts on TikTok.
Will it get you in trouble? The aforementioned trio’s terminal hijinks have led to 125,000 likes and counting, and could inspire other travelers to get inventive ahead of possible flight delays. Is it even allowed? A source at one leading U.K. airport told TPG it’s a firm no. “Why would a customer put up a hammock at an airport when the airline provides hotel accommodation or pay for transport to an alternative airport if a flight is canceled? If the flight is delayed the customer is already in the departure lounge with very limited amount of cabin baggage,” the source said. It’s an entirely fair point, to be honest.
Track your luggage using Apple AirTags
The hack: Simply pop an Apple AirTag into your suitcase to track it during your journey. If it’s still at the airport you took off from when you reach your final destination or it has somehow ended up elsewhere, you’ll know exactly where it is.
Will it get you in trouble? No. In fact, we’d go as far as to say it’s not even a hack — you’re simply using a piece of technology in the exact way it’s supposed to be used. Please note, however, that while an Apple AirTag might help you keep track of the location of your luggage, it doesn’t always mean you’re going to be able to get it back any faster. In most cases, you’ll still have to patiently wait (like this guy) for the airline to fish it out. If you do find yourself in the unfortunate position of losing your baggage, follow our guide to reimbursement and the airline’s tracking methods.
Related: 7 steps to take when an airline loses your luggage
Stuffing clothes into a duty-free bag
The hack: Buy a small item in the duty-free section (or reuse an old bag), and stuff it with items you can’t cram into your carry-on allowance.
Will it get you in trouble? This is another one of those travel tips which seems wrong but does fall into something of a gray area. After all, you’re usually allowed to waltz onto a flight with your body weight in giant Toblerone bars, provided they fit inside these sacred bags.
EasyJet, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are just a few of the carriers that allow an additional bag for duty-free goods purchased at the airport (minus booze in Ryanair’s case). Others, including Jet2, count a duty-free bag as a small piece of hand luggage. Earlier this year, Miguel Munoz, a flight attendant for an unnamed airline, told Express.co.uk about the dark arts. “I know the trick because I always do this when I fly as a passenger. ... But a lot of crew don’t know this and most won’t realise," Munoz said. "If you come on board with one piece of luggage, which you are allowed to, and a duty-free bag with some of your belongings, no one will say anything.” Attempt at your own risk, and at the very least, check that the airline you’re flying with does not count a duty-free bag as extra luggage.
Bottom line
Travel hacks are more useful than ever during a time of overcrowded airports and consistent flight delays and cancellations. However, some are more useful than others. Before trying one of the travel hacks you see on social media, do some additional research and make sure you're not hurting anyone in the process.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.