Queenie Tran’s in-flight movie hack will change the way you travel

Flying on an aircraft without in-flight entertainment can be annoying – but an influencer has revealed a simple way around this.

Finance guru Queenie Tan, who is known for her money-saving tips and traveling advice, said all you need is your phone and a napkin.

The 26-year-old from Sydney shared a TikTok explaining how it changed her flying experience, adding how she was able to watch movies and TV shows.

“So [they] took off the case of their phone and they basically put a napkin in between the case and the phone,” she said.

“Then you just get the napkin and wedge it in between the tray holder … and it’s basically the same thing,” she said, comparing it to an in-flight-entertainment screen.

Tan said she saw the trick on TikTok and it saved her spending money on gadgets for her phone on Amazon.

Many were impressed by the hack with one saying, “I do this all the time.”

Some said the sick bags that come in the seat pocket work just as well as a napkin.

“Good to know since I’m about to head on a long trip soon!” one woman said.

“Why bother buying a standing case that I bought from eBay?’ a second person said, while a third added: “Stop with the napkin. I’m totally trying this out.”

Tan, a frequent traveler who boasts more than three million ‘likes’ on her TikTok, is known for sharing money-saving tips and tricks.

In a recent video, she revealed how you can get 10 to 20 percent off your shopping in Europe through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS).

“When you are a tourist from a non-European country, all you need to do is show your passport when you buy something and tell them you’d like to apply for the tourist tax refund scheme,” Tan said.

“Then you will be able to get the sales tax back at the airport when you leave.

Generally, this is from 10 to 20 percent depending on the country.

“Just remember to bring your receipt with you to the airport and your items in your carry-on.”

Angus Kidman, travel expert at Finder, told news.com.au the refund scheme potentially lets you claim back GST [goods and service tax] on expensive items, but there are a lot of hoops to jump through.

“Consumers are hit with VAT (value added tax) or GST in many countries, and these tend to be very high in Europe,” he said.

Kidman said the rate typically ranges from 5 to 25 percent, depending on the country.

“As a visitor to the EU who is returning home, you may be eligible to buy goods free of VAT in certain shops,” he said.

“[But] keep in mind there are a few hoops to jump through first – miss just one step and you’ll lose out on the refund,” he said.

He said you’ll have to pay the full, tax-inclusive price for the goods in the shop.

“You’ll get the VAT refunded on departure,” he said.

“There isn’t one standard procedure for the entire European Union.

Generally, you’ll need to fill out some paperwork, then bring your receipts/forms to a VAT office at the airport or border crossing and finally show the item at the customs office.”

“If you request a cash refund at the airport, you should get it immediately. But it can take up to three weeks for a bank transfer.”

Kidman also said the rules vary depending on where you are in Europe.

“Each country has its own tax regimen and there’s often a minimum amount you need to spend to qualify for a refund.”