The one travel hack you really need this year

We promise this is not an ad - but you need an AirTag.

We promise this is not an ad - but you need an AirTag.

Travelling through Europe is hellish right now, with huge queues at airport security only to get to baggage claim to find your bag is not there at all. Thats only if your flight wasn't cancelled.

Welcome to 'Airmageddon'. Here are some tips so everything runs smoother.

Luggage chaos at Heathrow Airport late last month.

Get yourself an AirTag

This is not an ad. But airports cannot be trusted with your luggage right now.

Our top travel tip for the summer is to get yourself an AirTag (or some kind of location tracking device) and put it in your luggage. That way, if your bag gets lost, you can tell the airport where it is.

Apple AirTag.

Write your name on the bag

You can see in the picture above how many suitcases there are, so a tiny red ribbon is going to be used by quite a few people. Write your name on a label, even the paper ones handed out at the airport, to make retrieving your bags easier.

Beware the smaller carriers

We're not going to tell you not to go with Ryanair, because we have had some very special €12 moments together. However, you might face less chaos if you're travelling on legacy airlines like Air Europa rather than budget airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet.

That's because the budget airline business-model maximises returns by flying around-the-clock (6pm to 5am). This means your flights are cheaper. But it also means if there's a cancellation, it's harder to make up time. 

Fly into smaller airports

Experts say you might avoid queues, waiting times and delays if you visit "less popular" destinations. Instead of heading to big global cities like Paris and London, you might travel to a smaller destination like Croatia or Slovenia. 

Check on worker strikes

Covid wiped out a lot of airline staff, many of whom retrained or got jobs in other industries. As the travel industry tries to get back on its feet, those workers who remain are looking to renegotiate pay and conditions.

Workers at Scandinavian airline SAS walked out this week, Ryanair cabin crew are set to strike throughout July (12-15, 18-21 and 25-28 July) at ten airports across Spain, and around 450 workers at Easyjet will reportedly strike between 15-17 and 29-31 July at Barcelona, Malaga and Palma airports. British Airlines staff at Heathrow have also threatened action, but are yet to set dates.

Carry undies in your carry-on 

The cardinal rule of European Summer 2022ⓒ is always carry a spare pair of undies. If your luggage goes to airport purgatory, you will need a change of clothes, a phone charger, sunscreen, facewash, and a toothbrush. Keep them in your carry-on.

Use a pillow as extra storage 

Travel MacGyvers are filling pillowcases with extra clothing to avoid checking-in luggage.