Here are 12 airport travel hacks to save time or money, or just make life a little easier, the next time you head to the airport.

1. Check in online 24 hours ahead.

This allows you to bypass lines and hassle at check-in counters, and it increases your chance of switching to a better seat on the plane.

2. Carry an empty plastic water bottle.

You can refill it post-security to save having to buy one before boarding the plane. If a bottle is too bulky, there are collapsible ones.

3. Use cable ties (a.k.a. zip ties) to fasten together the zipper pulls on luggage you check.

This prevents zipper pulls from getting broken off by conveyor belts and makes it less likely that an ill-intentioned baggage handler will filch valuables from your bag.

Check out the entire list of 12 airport travel hacks