Wearing a fanny pack to the airport has changed the way I travel and helps me pack more without paying baggage fees

• I've started wearing a fanny pack to the airport.
• It's easy to grab my wallet and boarding pass for security, and I love being hands-free.
• Plus, it actually allows me to pack more than I could without it. 

I pride myself on being "good" at the airport.

As a somewhat frequent flyer, I'm efficient when I go through security, an expert at finding my gate, and a pro at not creating trouble for flight attendants.

I've also found a secret weapon to help make my time in the airport even smoother: a fanny pack. 

I started bringing a fanny pack to the airport about a year ago

I've had fanny packs for a few years, but I started using one from Herschel more regularly when I got a dog in June 2022. 

I wear mine as a cross-body bag, so it's easy to grab dog treats or my keys while holding a leash in my other hand.

As the fanny pack became part of my daily routine, I realized that being hands-free at the airport could be hugely helpful.

Digging through a tote bag or backpack for my wallet always slowed me down at the airport, and I often struggled to carry my items all the way to my gate if I stopped for food or wanted to have my water bottle in hand. I also prefer to wear leggings or sweatpants when I travel, so I typically don't have pockets. A bag that sat on my chest seemed like the perfect solution. 

So I brought my pack with me on a trip last year, hoping it would make the airport as simple as my walks with my dog. 

Within 10 minutes of arriving at the airport, I knew my fanny pack was my new favorite travel accessory. 

A fanny pack makes every part of the airport easier

When I first brought the accessory to the airport, I kept my wallet, keys, and phone — which had my boarding pass on it — in my fanny pack.

Having those items within arm's reach made security simple, as I didn't have to sift through a giant purse for my ID. It was also easy to pop my headphones out and place them in the fanny pack when I needed to speak to a TSA agent, and I didn't have to frantically shove my phone into a random pocket of my bag before going through the security monitor.

Plus, I always get nervous I'm going to lose something important at the airport, so having all of my items in a bag that wouldn't leave my sight put me at ease. 

I found I could also fit my Kindle or a small water bottle in my bag, making it easy to pull out my latest read and stay hydrated on my travels.

And for longer trips, I've discovered my fanny pack has actually enabled me to bring more with me, which has been a huge benefit as a chronic overpacker. 

I can bring a carry-on bag, a larger purse for my personal item, and a fanny pack, which I put into my purse once it's time to board because most airlines only allow you to bring two items onto a flight. Thanks to my fanny pack, I've been able to fit an extra sweatshirt, medication, and more toiletries — without paying extra for checked luggage.

It's by far the most useful piece of luggage I've had, and I can't wait to bring it on many trips to come.