I used to be that person. The one who reached the airport three hours early “just in case,” only to spend most of that time either aimlessly walking around duty-free or paying way too much for a bottle of water. I’ve also exchanged currency at the airport (big mistake), bought perfume at full price (bigger mistake), and once paid extra for baggage that could’ve easily fit into a free carry-on. Over the years (and many flights later) I’ve learned that international travel doesn’t have to mean spending more, waiting longer, or missing out on perks you didn’t know you had. Today’s Indian flyers are savvier than ever, and with just a few clever tricks, you can skip the queues, grab lounge access, save on shopping, and even sneak in a mini-vacation during a layover. How To Get Free Lounge Access In Indian AirportsIf you think airport lounge access is reserved for business-class flyers, think again. Many Indian credit cards offer free lounge access, and you might already have one in your wallet. Some of the best credit cards for lounge access in India include: Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card, American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card, Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card and Ixigo AU Credit Card. You can enjoy free meals, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and even showers at lounges in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, and more. Tip: Use apps like Dreamfolks, Priority Pass, to check if your card is eligible and locate lounges at your airport. Smart Duty-Free Shopping Tips For IndiansYou’ve cleared security and immigration and it is time to hit the duty-free. However, instead of just buying whisky, look for high-value items like perfumes, luxury skincare, chocolates, or tech accessories. Airports like Changi (Singapore), Hamad (Doha), Heathrow (London), and Dubai International are known for: Buy 2, get 1 free perfume dealsDiscounted high-end skincare brands like La Mer, Kiehl’s, Estée LauderInternational chocolate bundles perfect for giftingThese duty-free shopping tips for Indians can help you grab premium items for less. Just remember to compare prices online or check the airport’s website. Skip Airport Forex Counters—Use a Forex Travel Card InsteadChanging money at the airport? That’s often where you’ll get the worst rates. Instead, get a forex travel card in India before you leave. Best forex cards in India include Niyo Global Card, BookMyForex-Yes Bank True Zero Markup Forex Card, State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card and IndusInd Multi-Currency Travel Card. These cards offer zero markup on foreign currency transactions and better exchange rates than airports. Also, for countries like UAE, Thailand, Bhutan, Singapore, many merchants now accept UPI payments from Indian apps like PhonePe and BHIM. However, always carry some local currency in small bills for cab rides, street food, and tipping. Save On Airline Baggage Fees With These Packing Hacks Cheap international travel tips often start with smart packing. Here’s how Indian travellers can dodge airline baggage fees: Use compression packing cubes to fit more in less space.Wear your heaviest shoes and jackets on the flight.Carry essentials in a duty-free shopping bag—airlines usually won’t count this as an extra carry-on.Credit card perk: Some premium Indian cards offer extra baggage allowances when you book flights through their portals. Use Your Layover To Explore A New Country One of the best airport hacks for Indian travellers? Turn your layover into a mini vacation! Many international airports now offer free city tours or transit visas, such as Singapore's Changi Airport, which has the Free Singapore Tour, a collaboration between Singapore Airlines, the Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group, that offers transit passengers with layovers of 5.5 to 24 hours a chance to explore the city. Transit passengers at South Korea's Incheon International Airport can also explore the Seoul metropolitan area, including Seoul, Gyeonggi-do and Incheon, with tour options lasting up to five hours. AlwayssSearch “layover city tour options” + your destination before flying. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.