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Tips on booking cheap flights.

Looking for the best time to buy airline tickets to get a cheap flight to everywhere? We’ve got you covered anytime, anywhere. Here’s how to find the best deal for flight booking no matter where you want to go in the world.

Which day of the week is the best day to buy cheap airline tickets?

For both U.S. domestic and international travel, Sundays can be cheaper for airline ticket purchases. Fridays tend to be the most expensive day to book a flight. Booking on the right day of the week could save you up to 6% on your airfare, according to historical data*.

When is the best time to buy airline tickets?

Based on 2020 And 2021 global flight data for Economy tickets, prices usually start to increase 56 days before departure for domestic flights. When traveling internationally, prices usually start to increase 21 days before departure*. Keep in mind that this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule; keeping an eye on prices is a good idea when trying to find the best airfare deals. Compare fares across different airlines, and set up a price alert for your preferred route.

Which are the cheapest days to fly?

Analysis of domestic and international airfare prices shows that flying out on Fridays can be cheaper. Many travelers start their trips on Sundays, so your chances of a lower price are better when departing early in the week instead. Starting your trip on a Friday could be almost 11% cheaper than air travel on Sundays, so book flights online wisely*!

Which is the cheapest month to fly?

The cheapest month to fly can vary depending on where you’re going, so finding the best rates largely comes down to avoiding peak travel times for your destination. If you’re looking for cheap international flights , the most expensive month tends to be February, while the cheapest is November with cheap flights in November offering potential savings of up to 34.6% relative to February. Cheap domestic flights work a bit differently, with March being the most expensive and August being the least expensive with cheap flights in August offering savings of up to 35%*.

How can I find the cheapest flights on Expedia?

Compare cheap airline ticket prices at a glance from a large inventory of carriers on Expedia. You can get cheap flights by staying flexible with travel dates, carriers, and nonstop/layover flights to get the best price. Insider tip: Become a member (it’s free!) to earn rewards back on every booking. We make your travel stress-free and source incredible airfare deals so you can sit back, relax, and start your vacation or business trip.

How can I save money on flights?

Mixing and matching airline tickets and fare types could help save money on airfare to your destination. Easily compare prices for carriers, arrival and departure dates, airplane cabin class, and more when you book with Expedia. Booking your plane ticket on a Sunday, and departing on Friday, could possibly save you money* based on historical data. You can also filter for flights based on your budget, such as looking for cheap flights under $200 specifically.

How can I get cheap last-minute flight deals?

The historical data analysis of flight pricing patterns shows that you can still find amazing airfare deals 3 weeks prior to departure* when traveling domestically. International last-minute flights offer great deals 2 weeks prior to departure if you’re flying premium, but economy travelers may want to strive for no less than 4 weeks out*. Try to stay flexible with travel dates, airports, and nonstop/layover flights to find the cheapest flights on Expedia. Whether you’re planning a quick business trip or a spontaneous holiday with friends, you’ll have your choice of last-minute flights, roundtrip, or multicity flights on Expedia. You’ll find everything you need for your travels all in one place — and all at the right price.

How do I book with Expedia?

Booking your flight with Expedia is easy, as all you have to do is implement your travel dates, departure destination, like flights from Atlanta or flights from Hartsfield-Jackson , and arrival destination into the search. Then, all the available flights for those dates and destinations will appear. You can use search filters to narrow down the results as well based on a variety of factors like the airline, number of stops, departure time, and policies like seat choice and refundable bookings. Additionally, travelers may alter their search for round-trip flights, one-way flights, and multicity flights.

What should I look out for when booking flights?

Several factors go into any flight booking, and you’ll need to keep an eye out for them all to ensure that you get the travel time, luggage policy, airline, and class you want. Consider which airport is closest to your ultimate destination (travelers to Los Angeles may prefer flights to LAX over flights to PSP , and make sure that the flight will accommodate all the luggage you plan on bringing. Additionally, consider the different flight classes including economy flights for functionality and premium flights if you want to enjoy a more relaxing experience.

Where’s the cheapest place to travel?

The cheapest place to travel can be in the same country, like Chicago. Flights to Chicago are fairly affordable no matter where you’re coming from in the continental United States. Flights to Las Vegas tend to be pretty affordable as well. While the Vegas airport isn’t a hub for any major airline, it does have plenty of competition to keep prices relatively low.

Where can I fly for cheap?

Staying within a strict budget still allows you to find plenty of cheap flights, even to destinations like Puerto Rico. In fact, flights to Puerto Rico don’t even require U.S. citizens to have a passport. Flights to Alberta and other destinations in Canada can be fairly affordable as well.

Is it cheaper to buy flights last minute?

Flight tickets can be cheaper at the last minute depending on how late you’re actually booking, where you’re going, and the kind of flight you opt for. For domestic flights with Economy tickets, prices usually start to increase 3 weeks before departure, and 4 weeks for international flights, according to historical data*.

Are fully refundable flights available?

Yes, several fully refundable flights are available and will be labeled as such right on your search results page in green text. You may also filter for fully refundable flights specifically to eliminate all flights from your results that don’t qualify. Just make sure to check the specific policy for each flight before booking.

Why should I book my flight with Expedia?

Booking with Expedia makes finding a flight easy, but that’s just the beginning of everything you can take advantage of. We also offer hotels, car rentals, and even activities that you can purchase with package deals available for travelers planning more than one aspect of their trip at a time. Plus, Expedia offers stunning cheap flight deals that can help you save with ease. As a One Key member, you will earn OneKeyCashTM for every eligible booking that you can use to save on future bookings. Plus, OneKeyCash can be earned on top of airline miles.

*Data specialists from both ARC and Expedia Group analyzed ARC’s global flight data to distil actionable information to help people save money on travel. While it’s impossible to guarantee when to find the lowest prices, after examining the variables, we were able to observe trends. Best day of the week to book and best day of the week to depart is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2021, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database. Best month to depart recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through December for 2020, sourced from ARC's global airline sales database. Best time to book recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2021 & average round-trip ticket prices for January through December for 2020, sourced from ARC's global airline sales database. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

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How to Prepare for a Flight for New Travelers

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I don’t know about you, but air travel stresses me out. For real!

As much as I have and will continue to travel, I do not look forward to the travel process. If only they could get teleportation working, I’d be in my glory!

Flying, to me, is a necessary evil. Though you have to deal with it, there are ways to make it easier to take.

Here are my top tips for air travel to make it a little easier, which I’ve learned from decades of travel. Pick and choose what will work best for you.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the  full disclosure  for more information.

1. Check-In Before You Head to the Airport

The best tips for air travel start well before you’re on the plane. Maybe it’s just me, but I get really impatient waiting in lines. And I’ll do what I can to avoid them when possible.

So, for me, it’s a no-brainer to check in online before I head to the airport. It’s really easy to do. Each airline has its own process. So, you just need your confirmation number with most airlines and can check in.

This is a big help to avoid the often long line to check in at the airport. Also, another bonus is if you end up hitting traffic on your way to the airport, it saves you time so you can go directly to the gate. A great thing, in my opinion.

Even if you check a bag, this is still helpful. You can check in online regardless of whether you are checking a bag or not. Most airlines have a separate line for people who are already checked in and simply need to drop off their bag(s). So, either way, you save time.

And if you’re flying Southwest or an airline that does “cattle call” where they don’t assign seats but assign a place in line, it’s essential. At least, it is if you care about the seat you get, unless you don’t mind a middle seat at the back of the bus!

One of the best ways to stay healthy while traveling is to start on the right foot. And that includes getting to the airport (of course, if you’re flying!) and when you’re traveling.

2. Choose Your Seat

As I just mentioned, certain airlines, like Southwest Airlines, don’t assign seats. Instead, they assigned you a place in the boarding line. In that case, you just want to check in as early as you can to make sure you get as high a number in line as possible.

You can generally choose your seat for other airlines when you check in. It’s a good idea to do this unless you don’t care where you are sitting for your flight.

For a short flight, it may not matter, but for longer ones, it sure does. If you prefer a window or an aisle, you’ll want to check in before you get to the airport to get what you want.

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Some airlines offer discounted fares where you either choose a seat closer to the flight. Or, you can’t choose until you get to the airport. I have seen Delta and American Airlines do this, though I’m sure there are others.

It’s something for you to consider if the money off the ticket is worth it to you.

Also, take a look at apps like Seatguru . They go way beyond what the airlines offer by including the seat size, whether it has power available, and more. It also has comparison charts.

This added information can not only help you book your flight but can also make your trip easier.

Why This Matters

Maybe you don’t care about your seat on the flight, and if that’s the case, that’s great! But most people, I think, have a preference. And generally, it’s not a “dreaded middle” seat, which is just no fun, particularly for a really long flight.

And for people who are nervous flyers (can you see my hand raised?!), this is pretty important. I personally prefer an aisle seat as I feel a bit confined in the middle seat or at the window. Though, I’ll admit I love looking out the window.

For me, it depends on the airplane’s configuration. (Sometimes you’ll see three seats or two, which you’ll see on small planes and large, transcontinental flights). Here are some other great tips for flight anxiety .

It may not matter for those airlines that don’t assign seats. But, when you are able to select your seat when you book, it’s a great thing. Other airlines allow you to select your seat closer to the flight.

And sometimes they charge extra for the benefit of a seat selection. In that case, you need to consider if the additional cost is more or less important than your seat selection.

3. Pack a Carry-on Bag

I’m a huge fan of minimalist travel, and it’s one of my favorite tips for air travel that I use every time. It’s a learned thing, as I laugh when I think of my first trip to Europe. I lugged around two of the hugest bags EVER, which I could barely carry.

And the killer part of that is that I didn’t touch most of the clothes I had brought. But I brought them just in case I might need them. Sound familiar?

Packing Hacks

One trick I have done for a while now is to lay out what I’m thinking about packing and then spend some time going through it. I have found that when I think through my upcoming trip and lay everything out before packing, I don’t need as much as I originally thought.

Since then, things have improved a lot, and I have taken this to the next level! Seeing how few things I can bring is now a fun challenge. Now, I use compression packing cubes and reduce what I bring as much as possible.

I have gone on several trips of around two weeks each and brought an international-sized travel bag. (Hint: even smaller than a regular carry-on sized bag) along with a small backpack.

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Another thing I often do is plan to do laundry while I’m traveling. For a low cost, it really helped me to reduce the number of things I’m carting around while I travel. Try it! You can pack for two weeks in a carry-on bag.

4. Bring a Snack

Being on a plane can be stressful enough, but it’s compounded when you’re hangry. When you think about different tips for air travel, of course, you think about your time on the plane. You want to make sure it’s comfortable.

It’s a good idea to bring snacks when you fly. You can’t always count on the flight having enough food for sale for everyone, and sometimes they run out. Or you may not like what they are offering or have left.

Another good idea is to bring a water bottle. You can fill it at the airport, and many airports now offer filtered water systems. Make sure it’s empty on your way to the airport, of course, then fill it up before you get on the plane.

If there’s turbulence or if you snooze when the flight attendant comes through, you may be out of luck. Even a short one-hour flight can feel long when you’re parched.

It’s also a good idea to ensure you’re well-hydrated before traveling. I don’t mean downing a gallon of water right before getting on the flight, but drink some extra the day before you travel and that morning in preparation.

5. Leave Enough Time

I used to be the Queen of cutting it close when it came to flights. Thankfully (knocking on wood), I have never missed a flight, but I have sure come close. And nothing says, “Please flag me for a search,” like anxiously running through an airport.

Having said that, I do feel the 2-hour arrival recommendation before domestic flights is a bit more than necessary for most people, especially if you don’t check a bag. However, it’s a good idea to make sure you have more than enough time and not to cut it too short.

And that time is up to your discretion and what you feel comfortable with.

Sometimes, Things Are Outside of Your Control

A number of years ago, I was traveling across the country for Thanksgiving. Then I had a long bus ride ahead of me. I allowed plenty of time, knowing the airport was busy during the holidays.

Well, there was construction on the highway leading to the airport, and traffic was re-routed through the city of Boston. Traffic there is hideous in the best of circumstances.

It was bumper-to-bumper, and we were going surface streets through a congested city, as if that wasn’t enough fun, BAM! We got rear-ended. And not just that, by an 18-wheeler truck. Luckily, no one was going fast, and we were able to drive away after we exchanged paperwork.

I thought the fun was behind us until we got to the airport and tried to open the trunk. You’ve got it! It wouldn’t open. We tried everything we could think of and had no luck—we just couldn’t get the trunk open.

I lucked out that the folks at the check-in desk were willing and empowered to work with me, and one even came out to help. I’m not sure how he managed, but he got the trunk open, and I raced through security with minutes to spare.

I was grateful I had left a little extra time that day.

6. Have Your Identification Handy

There’s nothing worse than standing in a long line to check in, and the person in front of you starts frantically fumbling to find their driver’s license or passport. It was as if they weren’t waiting in the same long line all that time, right?

Keep your identification handy; the same goes for a paper boarding pass. If it’s electronic, consider taking a screenshot as a backup in case you lose internet access.

True story! For some reason, I can’t figure out how to get internet access on my phone at my local airport. The first time I used a mobile boarding pass, I realized when I got to the check-in that I could not access the internet.

I had to run to the desk to get a paper copy and lost my place in line. On a Southwest flight that is done by number and not seat assignment, that s*cks.

7. Prepare for Security

Ok, you know the drill if you have flown in the last year or two once you get to security. You will be asked to remove everything from your pockets, dump all liquids, and take off your shoes.

Remove your belt and pull your laptop and toiletries out of your bag. Do yourself a favor and plan for it before you get to the belt.

Ideally, wear shoes that are easy to slip off and on so you’re not fumbling with them. Make sure if you are carrying a water bottle that it’s empty. And make sure your laptop and toiletries are reasonably accessible.

Planning before you get there can go a long way to reducing your stress when traveling. It will also keep you from being that person that annoys everyone behind you. (You know who I mean!)

If you have TSA Precheck or Global Entry (which comes with TSA Precheck), you don’t have to worry about some of these things. However, getting your license and boarding pass ready is still a good idea.

Don’t know about TSA Precheck or Global Entry and want to learn all about the programs? Read more about these helpful and time-saving programs in my detailed articles by clicking the links!

8. Consider the Trusted Traveler Programs (U.S.-based Travelers)

I mentioned that I am super impatient waiting in lines, right? Well, one great way to reduce your wait at airport security and immigration returning to the United States is to join one of the Trusted Traveler Programs .

These are designed for United States citizens. However, depending on the program, some other countries’ citizens may be eligible. There are several to choose from, and you can select which makes the most sense for you based on your typical travel.

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The benefit of the Trusted Traveler Programs is that you get expedited times at the airports or for border crossings.

Trusted Traveler Programs Available

There are four Trusted Traveler Programs that are currently available in the United States:

• TSA PreCheck —Expedites security screening in United States airports for domestic or international travel.
• Global Entry —Offers expedited passport control so you can shorten your time going through immigration and customs upon entering the United States.
• NEXUS —Provides expedited border clearance between the United States and Canada when crossing by land, air, and marine ports of entry.
• SENTRI — Allows expedited entrance to the United States from southern land border ports.

The programs have certain eligibility requirements, require an application and an interview, and are subject to availability. They are a great idea to save time and reduce stress.

There is a cost to these programs, and they take time to get approved. However, if you’re looking for tips for making your air travel more convenient, this is a good one to consider.

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9. Pack Necessary Items for Convenience

If it’s something you may want or need while on the flight, pack it in the bag you stow under your seat. And make sure it’s easily accessible. There’s no point packing it in your under-the-seat bag if it’s at the bottom and you can’t easily reach it!

Also, that way, you don’t have to go rummaging through your bag in the overhead. Or worse, you need to take it down and open it up trying to find what it is you’re looking for. And if you’re “height challenged” like me, this can be tough!

If you can’t fit all that you need in your smaller bag, try to put it in an outer zipper or at the top so it’s easy to access. And don’t forget, use jacket pockets if you need to.

10. Bring a Jacket

If you’re the type of person who tends to get cold easily, grab a jacket or a sweater to wear on the plane. There’s nothing worse than shivering through your entire flight (who, me?) because either you didn’t think of it or you were too stubborn to pack an extra item.

It’s a good idea to have something in case you need it, even if it’s just a long-sleeved shirt you can put over your top.

Since I’m now so into minimalist packing , I am very careful with packing just the minimum amount that I need for my trips. But, even if I’m going to a hot-weather destination, having something for the flight or even air-conditioned restaurants is a good idea.

I pack a light wrap if I don’t want a jacket or a sweater.

The Top Tips for Air Travel for New Flyers

These are the tips for air travel that I consider when planning every trip. They have been beneficial to me, and I hope they are helpful to you as well.

What do you suggest for top tips for air travel, given what you do to prepare? I’d love to hear!

You Might Also Like

• 11 of the Best Tips for Travel: What I Wish I Knew Earlier
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• Benefits of TSA PreCheck & Why You Should Get It
• How to Handle Flying Anxiety: 11 Ways to Help You Cope
• Is Global Entry Worth It? Here’s How to Decide

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Photos sourced from Unsplash and Pixabay.

Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover on a quest to create a life of travel with her dog. She loves learning new things, snuggling a dog, architecture, hiking, and bold red wine. Join her in creating a life to dream about!

Wow, it really helped when you talked about avoiding long waiting lines when traveling by airplane. My wife and I want to travel for our anniversary, so we think it’d be beneficial if we bought plane tickets instead of driving. We think your tips will help us have a pleasant flight, so we’ll read them carefully. Thanks for the advice on how we could check-in online before we arrive at an airport.

So glad this will be helpful for you. Enjoy your coming trip!

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8 Ways to Make Your Flight Better

From scoring the best seat assignment to zipping past security lines: how to make air travel more tolerable.

By Stephanie Rosenbloom

The beauty of flying — of seeing lakes and mountain ranges from thousands of feet in the air; of nodding off to sleep in Boston and waking up a few hours later in London or Rome — can occasionally be forgotten amid long airport lines, cramped plane seats and baggage fees .

Whether traveling with a spouse or partner, children or solo, the most frequent of fliers know how to ease the pain points and maximize the joys. Below, a primer on how to make air travel more affordable, fun and comfortable so you can once again marvel at being able to soar.

1. Getting Better, Even Free, Seats Faster

As many travelers know, one of the smartest ways to rack up miles is with a credit card that earns you points for the things you spend money on every day.

Summer Hull, the founder of the travel blog Mommy Points (its new home is at The Points Guy ) said the best deal in family travel nowadays is the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass . It allows someone to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) when you purchase or redeem points for a flight. If you earn the pass early in a given year, Ms. Hull explained, you can use it for the rest of that year — as well as the entire following calendar year. To get the pass, you must fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 110,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. The points from Southwest’s Rapid Rewards credit card s count toward that, making it achievable even for travelers who don’t have a lot of paid trips on Southwest.

For those who want a credit card rich with travel benefits, there’s the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the best travel rewards card according to Wirecutter , the New York Times company that reviews products. The fee is a hefty $450 a year, though the card earns three times the points per $1 spent on travel and restaurant dining (and one point per dollar spent on other purchases).

Among the card’s other advantages are a $300 annual statement credit as reimbursement for travel purchases like baggage fees; free airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select (more on that below); reimbursement for the application fee for expedited security programs such as Global Entry and T.S.A. PreCheck; reimbursement for trip delays and lost luggage; and the ability to transfer points to hotel and airline loyalty programs like United MileagePlus , British Airways Executive Club , Marriott Rewards and World of Hyatt .

Members can also use their card, points, or both, to book trips — airfare, hotels, rental cars — through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards online portal. In August, Chase said it was improving Ultimate Rewards by partnering with Expedia, allowing card holders to use Expedia’s inventory of flights, hotels and vacation rentals, car rentals, and experiences and activities. The new Ultimate Rewards has been rolled out to members of some Chase cards and will be available to Chase Sapphire users in the coming months.

When it comes to using points you accrue, some of the biggest wins can be had by booking business or first class award tickets, often through international rather than United States carriers. You will need to find out which international airlines have relationships with your domestic carrier, sign up for the international carriers’ frequent flier programs, and then get your ticket through whichever partner charges the fewest miles.

For example, explained Gary Leff, the founder of the miles and points blog, View from the Wing , a domestic first class ticket to Hawaii on United Airlines costs 80,000 miles if purchased through United’s MileagePlus. If you were to buy that same first class seat through KrisFlyer , the frequent flier program of United’s partner Singapore Airlines , it would cost only 60,000 miles.

To find these sorts of deals, familiarize yourself with award charts (available on airline websites) and alliances. For instance, airlines such as Delta , Korean Air and Hawaiian Airlines are in the same alliance. If you were to join Korean Air’s loyalty program, you could search its website for awards that Mr. Leff said would allow you to get a Hawaii first class award ticket on Delta, Hawaiian, or Alaska Airlines using Korean Air’s miles for about the same miles that each of those programs would charge you for coach.

On some airlines, upgrading an award ticket to the next class of service doesn’t cost many more miles. Edward Pizzarello, the founder of the travel blog Pizza in Motion and the podcast Miles to Go , said that a business class award ticket on Lufthansa (a United Airlines partner) requires 70,000 United MileagePlus miles one-way, but for an additional 40,000 miles, you can have a first class seat on Lufthansa, which he described as “a truly unbelievable experience.”

2. Scoring Free or Discounted Fares for Children

Flying as a family can be cost prohibitive, but there are occasional deals, so keep your eyes peeled. For instance, Ms. Hull said that Scandinavian Airlines has typically offered an annual deal where children fly free (not including taxes and fees) to certain Nordic countries with just one paid adult ticket.

Traveling internationally with an infant? Flying with a “lap infant” (usually defined as under 2 years old), can still cost hundreds of dollars, even if you don’t buy a seat for your baby, Ms. Hull said, because you are typically required to pay 10 to 25 percent of the adult fare. But some loyalty programs allow you to use miles for your infant’s fare if the adult is also using miles for the trip. British Airways, for example, charges 10 percent of the miles that the adult award ticket costs, she said.

In general, remember that children can earn frequent flier miles, so you may want to register them for your preferred program. Some airlines (including JetBlue , Lufthansa, and Etihad ) allow families to pool their miles and score award tickets faster.

3. Fool-proofing Your Itinerary

Many credit cards with annual fees come with trip delay coverage — reimbursement for hotel rooms, meals and misplaced bags — that people often don’t realize they have.

If your flight is delayed a certain number of hours, or overnight, the issuers of these cards will provide several hundred dollars in expenses (for things like lodging and toiletries) for each purchased ticket. Such cards typically pay you for lost baggage as well.

Airlines will rarely put you up in a hotel room, and even if they do, Mr. Leff said, “I don’t want to stay in the hotels they’re offering.” He goes online and books himself a hotel room instead, then sends the receipt, along with receipts for meals, taxis or ride-sharing, to his credit card company.

A number of things are excluded from coverage, though, so read the fine print. In order to be reimbursed, you typically have to provide proof of your delay, along with receipts for related expenses. The process isn’t always smooth. In some ways, it’s “no different than dealing with the cable company,” said Mr. Leff.

When delayed at the airport, he tries to look up flight alternatives himself because the agent at the gate or on the phone may suggest only itineraries that the average traveler would want. Sometimes , Mr. Leff said, when a phone agent says “We have nothing available,” what he or she really means is “nothing a sane person would want is available.”

As a rule of thumb, if he doesn’t get the answer he’s looking for, his maxim is “Hang up; call back.” He says it’s the frequent flier’s version of “If Mom says no, ask Dad.” You can also talk to an agent at the gate, at a check-in counter, at a kiosk, or in a lounge.

“So often people feel powerless in travel,” Mr. Leff said. “Having a few of these tactics just changes that mind-set.”

4. Ordering Airport Meals, Snacks and Sundries

Hungry, but short on time before your flight? At some airports, food apps allow you to order a meal, snack or coffee and have it delivered to your departure gate, or elsewhere in the terminal.

American Airlines , for one, has an option integrated into its own app that allows users to pre-order food from airport restaurants so they can skip the lines. And AtYourGate and Airport Sherpa are apps that enable passengers at a few participating airports to request food — even souvenirs and sundries they may have forgotten (phone chargers, flip flops) — through their smartphones and have it delivered to their gate.

5. Bypassing Lines with Expedited Security Programs

“If you travel with a family and don’t yet have PreCheck,” said Ms. Hull, “you just like being miserable.”

T.S.A. PreCheck is the Transportation Security Administration’s expedited screening program that allows members to use designated airport lanes where they are not required to take off shoes and belts, or remove things like liquids and laptops from their carry-on bags. Often, you receive PreCheck after applying and being approved for Global Entry , the security program that allows members to scan their fingerprints and passports at automatic kiosks instead of waiting in lines. A background check with fingerprinting is required for enrollment.

A number of rewards cards — Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige and certain American Express cards, among them — offer statement credits to customers who charge the application fee ($100 for Global Entry; $85 for PreCheck, each for five years). Yet even if your card doesn’t cover such fees, Ms. Hull said, it’s less than $20 a year to avoid a longer, slower, domestic security line. “Kids 12 and under can piggyback with approved adults in the PreCheck line,” she said (though they do need to get approved for Global Entry if traveling internationally).

You may also want to sign up for a free program called Mobile Passport Control, which saves users the time it takes to fill out a paper declaration form. Rather, they use a free app that works at more than two dozen airports, as well as a couple of cruise ports. No background check is required.

Clear is yet another expedited security program ($179 a year for individuals). It’s not a government-run program, though it allows you to skip the identification checkpoint. Instead, you go directly to a kiosk where your iris or fingerprints are scanned, after which you’re led to a physical screening line.

6. Flying Early, Yet Fare-Shopping Until the Last Minute

Flight delays and cancellations build up throughout the day, and as things get pushed back there’s a risk flight crews will run out of allowable work hours. Want the best chance of taking off? Leave early.

Booking early may also be a good idea. Mr. Pizzarello’s strategy is to make an initial reservation that works, yet may not be ideal. Then he refines it later. For example, travelers can use miles to initially book an economy ticket when there’s no availability in business class. Then it’s simply a matter of checking back to see if business class inventory becomes available. Lufthansa, for instance, often opens up its premium seats a week or two before departure, Mr. Pizzarello said. You may have to pay a change fee and some additional miles — but maybe not if you have elite status, the agent agrees to waive the fee, or there’s been a schedule change. So ask.

To find out when better seats become available, you may want to consider signing up for ExpertFlyer . The paid “pro” versions (from $4.99 a month for the Basic plan) give users detailed information like flight awards and upgrades, flight availability and seats. You can try the seat alert feature for free, receiving a notification when a preferable option turns up.

7. Scoring Lounge Access

Given that some airports are outfitting their common spaces with pretty eateries, power outlets, table top tablets and children’s play areas, hanging out in communal spaces can be more relaxing than a crowded domestic lounge with busted power outlets. Still, what you often get with an airline’s domestic lounge is slightly better customer service, roomier bathrooms and free snacks.

If your plane ticket doesn’t allow you access, and you don’t want to pay an annual membership fee, you can opt for a credit card that includes lounge membership as a benefit. American Express Platinum card holders, for example, can use the American Express Global Lounge Collection , which includes the brand’s popular Centurion lounges, among others. And Chase Sapphire Reserve card holders receive Priority Pass Select lounge membership, which, in some places, also includes meals or discounts at airport restaurants, as well as discounts on stays with partners like IHG hotels (owner of such brands as Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts). Frequent fliers of certain carriers may also get access with airline-branded credit cards like the United MileagePlus Club Card .

8. Keeping the Kids Entertained

Unless you’re flying an airline with individual entertainment screens throughout coach, Ms. Hull recommends having a tablet for the kids with entertainment options downloaded. They need not be iPads, she said; Amazon Fire Tablets are less costly.

She also likes children’s headphones with volume limiters, like Kidz Gear KidzControl Volume Limit Wired Headphones (about $18). For more options, check out this guide from Wirecutter .

Grown-ups with a bigger allowance may want to try Mr. Pizzarello’s pick: Bose QuietComfort20 Acoustic Noise Canceling headphones (about $250), which are also Wirecutter’s favorite noise canceling headphones . He said they can go for 16 hours before needing a charge. And, perhaps more important to some travelers, “they shut out the entire world.”

Stephanie Rosenbloom is the author of “Alone Time: Four Seasons, Four Cities, and the Pleasures of Solitude” (Viking).

The Best New Ways to Travel This Year: 2023 Hot List

By CNT Editors

Nothing makes us more excited to get up and go than putting together our annual Hot List, now in its 27th year. This curated collection of the world’s best new hotels, cruises, restaurants, cultural destinations, and transportation projects is a labor of love for our global team, which spends the year researching, visiting, and vetting the entries to bring you a definitive directory of new standards for hospitality. Think a new state-of-the-art cruise terminal welcoming over 10,000 passengers per day, and the new air and train routes exciting Americans from coast to coast. These are the best new ways to travel this year.

Click here to see the   entire Hot List for 2023 .  

Doha's new Grand Cruise Terminal

Qatar’s art-filled Hamad International Airport is regularly voted among the world’s best by air travelers, and now passengers arriving by sea will be greeted in similar style at the just-launched Doha Grand Cruise Terminal. Opened just before the FIFA World Cup, the new facility sprawls along the water’s edge near the city center. It is able to host two mega-ships simultaneously, with a capacity to welcome 12,000 passengers per day. In a nod to traditional Arabian architecture, the building’s sand-colored façade features rows of repeated arches, creating dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. There’s an art gallery, a large open-air rooftop terrace, and, perhaps most thrillingly, an escalator for arriving passengers that passes through a vast aquarium before emerging into the bright Doha sunshine. 

New and revamped airlines and airports, from Doha to Honolulu

Ask and you shall receive. Pent-up demand for flights to Australia and New Zealand (two of the last countries to lift COVID-related travel restrictions) has sparked a handful of new direct airline routes, including Air New Zealand’s game-changing nonstop from JFK to Auckland (lie-flat beds in economy!), as well as San Francisco to Brisbane on United and Dallas to Melbourne aboard Australia’s own, Qantas. New direct flights are also making previously tricky-to-reach places much more accessible. Take the first nonstop US-to-Cook Islands flight on Hawaiian Airlines. Travelers no longer need to fly from the States to New Zealand and then backtrack to the Cook Islands, but instead can get there directly from Honolulu, saving hours. The new Washington Dulles-to-Amman flight on United ups the options for getting to Jordan, and the Azores, Portugal’s increasingly popular island chain, is now reachable from JFK on Azores Airlines and from Newark on United.

Increasingly, airport terminals are feeling more like high-end malls with luxury boutiques, million-dollar art installations, and outposts of celebrity-chef restaurants than utilitarian passageways to departure gates. These creature comforts are becoming the new norm for New Yorkers, with two of the area’s major hubs competing for the most bells and whistles: LaGuardia’s Terminal C and Newark’s Terminal A have been completely reimagined. LaGuardia’s C, a Delta hub, is now home to the brand’s largest sky club, while Newark’s A is doubling down on Jersey pride, commissioning the state’s arts community for installations as well as bringing in a number of locally loved restaurants and shops (including a Jersey Mike’s Subs stop). 

On the other coast, at Los Angeles International, Delta’s first phase of a $2.3 billion investment premiered last year at Terminal 3 with a video-gaming area and access to a new Sky Club with rare outdoor space. Farther afield, airports are creating large green spaces, only indoors—like the Orchard, a 60,000-square-foot atrium garden with 300 trees and 25,000 plants at the newly expanded Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar.

New trains that are right on track

It was a banner year for trains—but not of the gilded, romantically throwback sort that wanderlusters find themselves swooning over. More accurately, this was a big year for train nerds, with enormous rail projects coming to fruition in the unlikeliest of places. South Florida’s ambitious Brightline between Miami and West Palm Beach added two new stations, in Boca Raton and Aventura, and is slated to extend all the way to Orlando later this year. Across the country in Los Angeles, the K Line light rail connecting Jefferson Park and Westchester opened its first phase in late 2022 and is set to connect to LAX next year, theoretically making it possible to—gasp!—get around LA without a car. Just in time for summer, Amtrak adjusted its northeast Empire Service route to offer a dedicated Berkshire Flyer service on weekends between Manhattan’s Moynihan Train Hall and Pittsfield, Massachusetts. 

In Switzerland, the TikTok set are devouring the new Golden Pass Express for its scenic Bernese Oberland views—but real train connoisseurs are lauding this train’s unique ability to change both wheel gauge and coach height to accommodate changes in rails and platforms along the route. And a bit north from there, Swedish train operator SJ launched daily overnight service between Stockholm and Hamburg, with seasonal extensions on to Berlin. All in all, it feels like slow travel has never grown so quickly.

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler 's Hot List issue. Never miss out when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler .

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The Most—and Least—Ecofriendly Ways to Travel

What type of transportation should you take if you want to leave the smallest carbon footprint the answer is not that simple..

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Being a greener traveler isn’t as simple as swapping one mode of transport for another.

Photo by misign/Shutterstock

The flight shame movement has taken off on the basis that flying is terrible for the environment. But for those who want to do better by planet Earth and reduce their climate change–inducing carbon footprint, simply reducing their reliance on air travel will only address one small slice of the problem.

In the United States, the overall transportation sector is the biggest producer of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) . In 2017 (the most recent year for which data is currently available), transportation accounted for 29 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, followed by electricity at 28 percent, and industry at 22 percent.

Within the transportation sector, road vehicles are actually the biggest culprit, accounting for a whopping 82 percent of those emissions, with aircraft accounting for 9 percent, and rail for 2 percent (ships, boats, and other forms of transportation account for 7 percent combined), according to the EPA.

It’s a similar story on the global front. In the European Union, road transport accounted for 72 percent of transportation-related CO 2 emissions in 2016, according to a report released by the European Parliament this year. The next largest contributor was water transport (boats and ships), at 13.6 percent, followed by air travel at 13.4 percent. Rail only contributed 0.5 percent.

When in doubt, take a train

So, why does air travel get such a bad rap? Well, that’s because when you look at the emissions attributable to an individual passenger traveling by car versus rail versus air, air travel does pretty miserably. For instance, according to the site EcoPassenger , which calculates per-passenger carbon emissions between destinations in Europe, for a person traveling from London to Paris during a popular travel time (so when trains and planes are likely to be more full and thus more efficient), the CO 2 output would be 122 kilograms if that person flew, versus 48 kilograms if he or she drove or 15 kilograms by train.

And if you’re wondering where cruise ships fall into the lineup, they don’t have a strong track record either. The International Council on Clean Transportation recently concluded that even the most efficient cruise ships emit between three and four times more CO 2 per passenger, per kilometer than an airplane.

Rail travel, however, is consistently one of the lowest emitters. It’s not surprising that the flygskam or “flight shame” movement inspired by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has put the emphasis on converting air travel to much less impactful rail journeys.

National rail operator Amtrak reports that one of its electric trains emits .074 kilograms of greenhouse gases (CO 2 ) per passenger mile, compared with .227 kilograms of greenhouse gases per passenger mile for short-haul flights (flights less than 300 miles), and .137 kilograms of greenhouse gases per passenger mile for longer flights (flights between 300 and 2,300 miles). That translates into 70 percent fewer emissions for a rail journey when compared to a short-haul flight and about half the emissions for a rail journey when compared to a long-haul flight.

In short, if you opt to take a train versus a plane, your carbon output for that journey will likely be quite a bit lower. But that’s definitely not as easily done in the United States, which as the fourth largest country in the world has huge expanses to cross, and where the rail system is notoriously behind in sophistication and scope compared to its international counterparts, including the high-speed rail networks of Europe.

The environmental cost of driving

So, what if you opt to drive instead of fly? Well, that’s where the issue becomes more complicated. For one, depending on the distance and the passenger load, driving may not result in a considerably lower emissions output. A recent BBC article citing U.K. government energy data noted that CO 2 emissions per passenger, per kilometer traveled were .171 kilograms for a passenger car with one person in it, versus .102 kilograms for a long-haul flight, and .133 kilograms for a shorter-haul domestic flight within the United Kingdom.

Sure enough, the more people in the road-based vehicle, the lower the per-passenger emissions, with CO 2 emissions per passenger, per kilometer traveled being .043 for a bus, and .041 for each person in a car with four people traveling in it (versus only one, cited above). The lowest emitter (once again) was high-speed rail, at .006 kilograms, according to the U.K. government data.

Additionally, if you opt out of a flight and choose to drive instead, you are joining the masses on the road to be part of what is in fact the biggest overall contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. A lot more people drive in this world than fly. The aviation industry accounts for about 2 percent of global carbon emissions, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. So that means that if everyone were to stop flying, just 2 percent of the problem would be solved.

Focus on greener vehicles

While some people might be craving a simple, impactful solution to reducing their travel carbon footprint—and sure, making a statement by not flying, for instance, is certainly significant—the reality is that for those who want to make a lasting and longer-term difference, a more thoughtful approach to transportation decisions will be needed.

According to David Reichmuth, Ph.D., a senior engineer with the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Clean Vehicles Program, for travelers looking to reduce their impact, they should be thinking about several factors.

“There’s a lot we can do to make [transportation] cleaner and have fewer emissions. So, for passenger vehicles, having both more efficient gasoline vehicles but then also switching entirely from petroleum to electricity allows for reducing both tailpipe emissions and climate-changing emissions,” said Reichmuth.

Reichmuth added that concerned travelers should be thinking about greener vehicles, whether that is their own cars (which he argues is where the biggest impact could be made within a given household) or by being more informed about how efficient their aircraft, bus, or train is. Even within rail travel, for instance, there is a wide range of emissions output depending on the types of trains—diesel trains are typically more polluting than electric trains, and some electric trains are less efficient than others. He also said travelers should think about avoiding vehicle use when possible by walking or biking and should consider taking greater advantage of public transit opportunities and carpooling.

One way to be more informed about each mode of travel is to calculate and compare the carbon emissions output of a given trip. Thankfully, there are numerous, free, online calculators that help travelers do this now. The International Civil Aviation Organization, which is part of the United Nations, has a version for air travel that is intended for use in buying carbon offsets. The site offCents , meanwhile, allows users to calculate emissions for their rail, car, or airplane travel, with the aim of recommending corresponding offset programs, which users can contribute toward to offset their journeys.

Flex those influence muscles

Ultimately, the biggest factors impacting emissions related to travel are decisions that are made at the policy level—regulations that dictate what kind of emissions standards manufacturers must abide by.

Travelers who want to see their journey truly become greener should speak up. The airline industry is beginning to take notice of growing concerns about climate change and has begun to make some serious strides when it comes to scaling back on emissions, as well as offsetting them (they are also being required to do so by national and international regulations that have been put into place).

“To the extent that you can, take an active role in advocating for these policy actions. That can be at the local level,” said Reichmuth, noting that many municipalities have their own individual climate goals and action plans that citizens can get involved in. At the state and federal level, people can also advocate for and support clean vehicle policies that could ultimately result in travelers having a larger, and ideally greener, range of vehicles and modes of transportation to choose from.

>> Next: These Are the World’s Most Environmentally Friendly Countries

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Air Travel Is Hell. Here Are 25 Little Ways to Make It Easier on Your Body

By Katie Way

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

It’s not a skill I brag about a lot, but I’m good at going to the airport and getting on a plane. I’ve flown multiple times a year ever since I moved from the East Coast to the Midwest for college in 2013, and in my not-so-humble opinion, I have it down to a bit of a science. I’m not saying I look forward to air travel, which has only gotten more fraught since 2020 , but I do have a grip on making the whole ordeal as painless as possible, even on eye-wateringly long, cramped international flights.

This isn’t to say that flying is easy on the brain and body. Quite the opposite! A plane ride is a gauntlet of punishing seating, loud strangers, gross toilets, timing that feels both extremely urgent and totally out of your control, and weird snack options. The experience can leave you sore, stressed out, and exhausted.

While so many aspects are out of your control when it comes to the actual flight itself, there are simple ways to make the whole thing more comfortable, dignified, and even…a teeny bit more fun. Here are some easy adjustments that, individually and cumulatively, can make traveling on a plane as breezy as possible.

1. Do your best to get a good night’s sleep the night before your flight—that means at least seven hours—even if you plan to doze on the plane, which can be a gamble. That bedrock of rest will help you deal with whatever curveballs are thrown at you: delayed flights, snoring aisle mates, wild turbulence—whatever. Every inconvenience will be more bearable if you’re not rolling up to the airport exhausted.

2. There are a few things you can pack that will make flying more physically comfortable. I preach the gospel of those foam pillows—I grabbed this compactible Cabeau pillow from a Hudson News a few years ago, and it’s been my constant companion ever since. Wearing mine makes me feel like a dog in a cone, but I never fail to throw it in my backpack anyway because it makes napping way easier on my neck. If you’re a light sleeper, pack an eye mask to block out the ever-shifting plane lighting.

3. While you’re at it: Don’t forget a pair of earplugs or noise-canceling headphones , so you can feel empathy instead of vitriol for parents flying with antsy, vocal kids. (And if you’re the person with those antsy, vocal kids? Here’s a Condé Nast Traveler guide to help.)

4. Store anything you can’t go a day without in your “personal item,” just in case you have to check your carry-on at the gate: Think medication, a toothbrush/toothpaste/floss kit, and the book you’re using to look mysterious at the airport Starbucks. Worried about whether your medicine is okay to bring aboard? Per TSA , you’re allowed to carry on more than 3.4 ounces of liquid medications, and unused syringes are fine if they accompany injectable meds—just know that, in both cases, you might have to go through additional screenings. All of this preparation downgrades a luggage-related mishap from a potentially trip-altering emergency to a big annoyance.

5. We’re so lucky to be alive during the golden age of athleisure . My tried and true uniform: A sweater or sweatshirt that can double as a blanket or pillow, slip-on shoes with gym socks so I can glide through TSA without bare feet touching the airport floor, leggings , and breathable cotton underwear . We’re going for function over form, but looking a little schlubby in public also makes me feel like I’m a celebrity hiding from the paparazzi. Delusional? Maybe. Comfortable? Absolutely.

6. Prep your body for hours of sitting with a gentle workout routine. Personal trainers shared 18 different moves with SELF to help minimize the aches and pains that come with sitting in the same place for hours at a time, including banded squats, glute bridges, a calf stretch, and a classic child’s pose. And if you’re feeling shoulder , back , and neck pain mid-flight? Stretch it all out. You might look a little goofy doing a quick spinal decompression thousands of feet up in the air, but that’s a small price to pay for comfort—and you’re probably never going to see these people again anyways!

7. Wear a pair of compression socks . If you’re flying for more than six hours, they can help reduce the risk of blood clots that comes with sitting for long periods of time for some folks. Though this risk is minimal for people who don’t have certain health conditions, it’s increased by high altitudes. Compression socks can also help combat any related swelling and discomfort—your ankles and calves will seriously thank you.

8. On the plane make an effort to get up from your seat and take a stroll down the aisle, especially if you have a higher risk of developing a blood clot. A little movement can also help ease any travel-induced bloating . A quick jaunt every two to three hours you’re in the air should do the trick—and if you’re drinking water and snacking away, that’s probably how often you’ll need to make a pit stop to the bathroom anyway.

9. If you have a disability, you probably know that airlines legally have to accommodate you in the US—but that doesn’t mean they’re good at it. To ensure your needs are met as best as possible, try to get to your gate at least 90 minutes before your flight is set to take off. That way you have time to request what you need before the airline staff has to deal with an entire flight’s worth of people boarding the plane. Arriving early also gives you time to call the airline’s complaints resolution official , the legally mandated expert on accessibility-related travel issues, if you run into any problems—their number should be available on your airline’s website, and it’s worth looking up and saving in your phone ahead of time just in case you need it.

By Jenna Ryu

By Audrey Bruno

10. If you’re traveling with a mobility device like a manual wheelchair or power chair, things can get extra complicated. This is a great multipart guide to traveling with a wheelchair, and this is a really helpful Reddit thread about taking your manual wheelchair on a plane—or, if absolutely necessary, checking it at the gate. One user suggested bookmarking this page , which outlines the federal regulation that states airlines have to at least try and store your collapsible wheelchair in the plane’s cabin.

11. As unfair as it is, flying comfortably while fat requires some extra preparation. Some airlines have gotten with the times and established specific policies for “customers of size,” which is the terminology carriers typically use. Southwest, for example, offers complimentary additional seats if a passenger can’t fit into a single one, including by reimbursing extra seats bought in advance.

12. When you can’t book ahead of time but think you’ll need more space, you should ask the staff at the gate whether it’s possible for you to switch to a part of the plane with an extra empty seat or even to an entire free row if your flight isn’t full, as Katie, a Delta Airlines flight attendant, tells SELF. (Katie requested that SELF omit her last name for professional reasons.) “Try just going to the gate agent and saying, ‘Hey, if there’s anywhere with a middle seat open, I’d love to be there,’” she says.

13. Request a seatbelt extender as you board the plane—according to Katie, that’s the easiest time for flight attendants to accommodate your request. “We have all different planes, the seats are made differently sometimes,” she says, so even if you don’t always need an extender, it’s worth asking if you think there’s any chance you could be uncomfortable. (You can check SeatGuru to find the width of the seats on your plane.) Also, it might seem like a timesaver to bring your own extender from home, but you’ll need to ask the flight attendants in order to ensure the one you’re using is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)–compliant, because not every at-home model conforms to the aviation safety administration’s safety regulations.

14. Mask up. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommend that you wear high-quality masks or respirators while traveling, especially in “crowded or tight spaces with poor ventilation like airport jetways,” on planes where the ventilation system is switched off, and on trains and buses—a.k.a. the way many airports require travelers to hop from terminal to terminal. For the best protection, grab a pack of disposable N95, KN95, or KF94 masks . Keep a few on you at all times so you can put on a new one if long-term wear is making the one you came to the airport with feel stale.

15. While you don’t need to use a Clorox wipe on every inch of your seat to protect yourself from germs, it’s good to be cautious about touching shared surfaces on the plane, especially if you’re immunocompromised or traveling to visit someone who is. One thing you do need to thoroughly sanitize: your hands! Make sure you wash them after using the bathroom, and don’t be afraid to get liberal with the hand sanitizer too. “Hand sanitizer is going to be a better investment than bringing a whole tub of wipes,” Peter Chin-Hong, MD , a medical professor who specializes in infectious diseases at University of California, San Francisco tells SELF. “And washing [or disinfecting] your hands before touching your face—that’s probably the most important thing.” Dr. Chin-Hong also says that because bathroom door handles tend to be particularly germy, it’s worth finding an alternate way to open the door after you’re done, like with a napkin or your elbow.

16. According to the World Health Organization , the low humidity levels on a plane that do a number on your skin, eyes, and lips don’t actually dehydrate you internally—but it’s still important to drink enough water to stay adequately hydrated and comfortable during your flight. Bring an empty reusable water bottle in your carry-on and fill it up before you get on the plane. You might need to have a few plastic cups of water on an especially long flight too—but avoid refilling your water bottle in the airplane bathroom, because studies have shown it can be particularly germy.

17. Because plane travel is notorious for giving you that gross chapped feeling, nasal spray, eye drops, lip balm, and moisturizing lotion can also help if you’re otherwise feeling parched.

18. If you have lots of flying-related anxiety, especially during takeoff and landing, you could find relief from deep breathing exercises or other quick physical destressors , like activating your “dive reflex” by placing a cold can of soda against your cheek or forehead or manually relaxing your muscles one by one. It’s also a good idea to download a meditation app if you think you might need a little extra guidance.

19. Take it easy if you’re drinking alcohol while flying . Booze is notoriously dehydrating and can lead to big sleep disruptions—the latter of which is not the vibe if you want to arrive at your destination well-rested or need to make a tight connecting flight. Still, as long as you’re drinking plenty of water, a glass of wine or a beer probably won’t hurt anything other than your wallet.

20. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan accordingly. From there, stay hydrated, eat small amounts of food throughout your trip, and suck on hard candies or ginger lozenges for a little extra digestive help. (Skip the ginger ale—the sugar content could actually make you feel worse.)

21. If you end up hurling midair, either in a barf bag or the bathroom, try not to rinse your mouth out with water from the airplane sink—a 2019 study found that most running water on planes is unsanitary. Take your water bottle to the bathroom, or ask the flight attendants for a cup of water. On your way back to your seat, ask for a cup of ginger tea or club soda to ease any further stomach upset. Drink more water, too, since vomiting dehydrates you.

22. Airplane food… famously not the best , if it’s even on offer! If you want to feel satiated for the duration of your flight, prep an arsenal of snacks (so you don’t wind up paying $30 for a bag of Craisins and some red pepper hummus). Ideally you’d have something that’s easy to carry and eat, protein-forward to keep you full, and doesn’t generate a ton of trash. (Here are the official guidelines about specific foods you can bring on planes in the US.) Think mixed nuts, protein bars, or a banana. You can always just copy what a registered dietitian packs to eat on trips , including her signature “airport sandwich.”

23. Be lightly friendly to your neighbors. That doesn’t mean you have to listen to anyone’s life story, but a simple “hello” and a smile as you prepare for takeoff can go a long way. Don’t you want to be on good terms with the person whose lap you’re climbing across because you have to get to the bathroom? (Being cordial might also make it way easier to find common ground if someone is being really loud when you’re trying to sleep or otherwise encroaching on your already-spartan personal space.)

24. Do yourself a profound favor and let go of the illusion that you might “get some work done” during your flight. Why the charade? Save yourself the additional stress of forced productivity—the middle seat of a flight probably isn’t going to be the site of your finest work ever.

25. When you’ve safely landed, stretch and move your body again once you reach your destination for maximum cramp-banishing effect. Then put the tiny indignities of flying in your rearview mirror, where they belong—at least, until your flight home.

• Traveling Abroad This Summer? You May Need One of These Vaccines First
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• The Best Car-Camping Gear for Your Next Road Trip

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Protect Your Trip »

12 Unconventional Ways to Save on Travel

Points and miles are major, but there are other cheap ways to travel too.

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Consider setting up airfare alerts, housesitting and traveling midweek to help stay in budget.

Traveling can be expensive, and even when you rely on widely known savings tactics – such as traveling in off-peak seasons or staying at a hostel or a rental with a kitchen – the costs inevitably add up. If you're looking for ways to save on your next trip, add these unconventional tips provided by travel industry experts to your hat of travel tricks.

Get a set of packing cubes

Traveling with just a carry-on bag is a cost-effective option since it's typically free on most major airlines, but it's often easier said than done. That's why packing cubes are a good investment. They don't cost much – you can get a quality set like this one by Bagail for less than $25 – and they inevitably allow you to save space and fit more in your carry-on (or checked luggage ).

[Read: Guide: Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline .]

Choose the flight, then the destination

Scott Keyes, flight expert and founder of Scott's Cheap Flights , recommends changing the way you search for flights to save on airfare . Instead of looking for flights to a specific destination, use a flight comparison tool like Google Flights , Momondo or Skyscanner to browse a variety of airfares from your preferred airport(s). Maybe a trip to Barcelona wasn't what you originally had in mind, but if the price is right, why not head there instead?

Consider alternate airports

While flying from the airport closest to home is always the most convenient option, Keyes also suggests comparing fares from other airports, even those that are a few hours away. You may find prices are hundreds of dollars less to get to the same location, making the combined cost of gas, parking and driving time an excellent investment.

If you can drive a few hours to a larger airport with more flight options in general, that may be even better. Not only do you have the potential to save money, but you're more likely to find a direct flight or a route with fewer layovers.

[Read: What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled or Delayed .]

Set up airfare alerts

If you're eager to travel far and want to save big on airfare, keep an eye out for short-term airfare offers on websites like Hopper and Trip.com . These sites offer deals that usually last a short time, meaning you have to strike while the iron is hot. "I do this every time I book a flight and I usually save at least 10%, but sometimes up to 75%," says Josh Band of A Backpacker's World . "I once got a flight that should have been $200-plus for just over $50 by setting up an alert."

Go to Europe for Thanksgiving

Many Americans opt to head to Grandma's house or another domestic destination for turkey dinner. However, not as many escape to the Caribbean and Mexico, and even less go to Europe – which means you're more likely to find flight deals to Paris , London and other European vacations you've been wanting to cross off your bucket list.

Travel midweek

There's no set day of the week to book the cheapest airfare, but there are less expensive days to travel, says Keyes. He recommends flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays since most business travelers fly on Sundays and Mondays (and consequently drive up the cost of airfare on those days).

Consider a 'bleisure' trip

If you have an upcoming business trip in a unique or new-to-you destination, consider tacking on a few personal days to the journey. This way, you can enjoy a mini-vacation sans airfare (assuming your company will cover that portion).

[Read: The Best Garment Bags for Travel, According to Reviews .]

Buy travel insurance

It may sound counterintuitive, but purchasing travel insurance can save your bank account (and your sanity) in the event that you or a family member falls ill or has another emergency that forces you to change your vacation plans before or during the trip. A basic and cheap travel insurance policy will suffice, though there are coverage options for a wide variety of needs – including cancel for any reason travel insurance (which is exactly what it sounds like).

Housesit for free accommodations

Did you know you can enjoy free accommodations in exchange for housesitting? Sites like House Sitters America and Mind My House offer housesitting opportunities for a small annual fee (less than $50). Many of the homeowners have pets who need TLC while they're gone, too, making this a fun and budget-friendly alternative to traditional rentals like Airbnb. No matter where you travel, it doesn't get much better than living like a local and playing with pups.

Similarly, you can try couch surfing, which allows you to stay with a local for free. Services like the site Couchsurfing charge a negligible monthly or annual fee to sign up and get verified for safety purposes, while others such as BeWelcome are free. These services also provide exclusive meetups with other travelers.

Read: The Best Vacation Rental Travel Insurance Plans

Sign up for a family loyalty program

Did you know there are loyalty programs that allow family members or groups to pool rewards or freely transfer rewards to others?

"This can be a great option for infrequent travelers who may not rack up enough points or miles for a free flight or hotel room individually – but can reach those rewards when combined," says Nick Ewen, director of content for The Points Guy . "In some cases, it's a single, pooled account that automatically combines points (like JetBlue). In other cases, you can simply transfer points from one account to another (like Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, or Marriott Bonvoy)." He recommends reading the full terms and conditions of these programs, as some impose time limits, maximum transfer amounts and other restrictions.

Use travel rewards on experiences

Don't forget that both airline credit cards and airline rewards programs can be used to cover more than flights and hotels. Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards make it easy to redeem points for sporting events, dining (including reservations, exclusive culinary experiences and takeout orders) and more.

You can also use points earned on hotel credit cards as well as hotel rewards programs to pay for fun experiences in hundreds of destinations around the world. Options range from cooking classes and concerts to outdoor activities and spa experiences .

Book a refundable car rental

While some companies offer discounts for prepaid car rentals, many travelers say they've had better luck with booking refundable car rentals , allowing them to secure a reasonable rate while keeping a watchful eye for price drops. If a better price pops up, simply cancel your original reservation and book at the lower rate. Frequent traveler Pamela Howard, who writes about her experiences on Our Adventure Is Everywhere , says she's consistently able to save anywhere from $25 to $100 using this tactic on Costco Travel car rentals. "It's simple and that little bit of time rechecking rates pays substantially in savings."

Ewen says you can do the same when you book a flight or hotel using points since many loyalty programs have flexible cancellation policies. "If you lock in a flight at 35,000 miles and see that your same ticket is 30,000 miles just a week later, you should be able to rebook and get those 5,000 miles back into your account," he explains.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• The Top Cheap All-Inclusive Resorts
• The Top Cheap Weekend Getaways in the U.S.
• The Top All-Inclusive Resorts Where Kids Stay Free
• Cruise Lines That Let Kids Sail Free

Tags: Travel , Budget Travel , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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5 hacks to make air travel easier

Editor's Note

Since joining TPG last June, I've traveled to a variety of destinations, including New York City , London , Paris and most recently Charlotte for an editorial trip at the headquarters of Red Ventures, our parent company.

I've learned a lot about points and miles in the past year , but I've also developed some new habits that have become essential to my travel routine.

For example, enrolling in Clear (the expedited security program) has completely changed the amount of time it takes for me to get through security and my mindset as a result.

I used to be an anxious traveler, but because of the lack of lines I've experienced thus far with Clear, I no longer feel the need to arrive two hours in advance of my flight.

Many of the inconveniences we experience during travel are sometimes due to luck. However, there are a few things you can do to facilitate a better travel experience overall and change the outcome of your travels — from one based on luck — to one based on strategy.

Here are five travel hacks my fellow TPG colleagues and I suggest for your next flight.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Enroll in TSA PreCheck and Clear

Investing $179 in a yearly Clear membership ( which now costs $189 to join ) has changed the way I travel.

I've long had TSA PreCheck — which rarely requires waiting more than five minutes to pass through security, according to data from the Transportation Security Administration . However, I decided to finally get Clear last year and have since enjoyed even shorter wait times of one to two minutes.

When I say it's the No. 1 thing that has single-handedly elevated my travel experience, I'm not exaggerating.

TSA PreCheck allows preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited entry through airport security. TSA PreCheck users pass through a special line for TSA PreCheck only, in which you do not have to remove your shoes, belt, light jacket, liquids or electronics to be scanned.

Clear users are biometrically identified via fingerprint or iris scans, eliminating the need to show their ID anytime during security screening. Once a Clear representative verifies their identity, users are escorted to the front of the TSA PreCheck line for security screening machines — if they're enrolled in both programs.

This last detail is key. If you have Clear but do not have TSA PreCheck, they'll bring you to the front of the standard security line, meaning you'll still need to take off your shoes and pull out your electronics. Because of this, I strongly suggest enrolling in both .

Related: 7 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear

With my Clear membership, I don't need to get to the airport more than an hour in advance, which is quite a departure from how I used to travel. In fact, now I often go out of my way to use Clear, especially at my home airport of O'Hare International Airport (ORD) .

Because American Airlines is the only airline I hold status on , I regularly prioritize flying the carrier or a Oneworld partner airline . While this is generally not an issue, American operates out of Terminal 3 at O'Hare, which does not offer Clear.

Using Clear to cut down my time passing through security is more important to me than visiting the closest TSA security screening area to my gate. So, instead of waiting in the TSA PreCheck line by Terminal 3, I use Clear to go through security at Terminal 2 and then walk the 15 or so minutes to Terminal 3.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, determine if your terminal is airside (the area between the boarding gates and airspace) and therefore walkable.

"Know which terminals are connected airside," said TPG executive editor Scott Mayerowitz. "If one is a complete mess, it might make sense to go to the next security checkpoint and then walk airside to your gate."

Related: Lost vs. delayed baggage: How are they different and how do you protect yourself?

Note that Clear and TSA PreCheck are not offered at every airport and only certain airlines participate .

For example, when I flew home last week from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) , Clear was not available, so I had to opt for TSA PreCheck in Terminal A. Even so, it only took five minutes.

The only long wait I've experienced thus far was at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) when I flew to Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) in April to review the inaugural route launch of the low-cost airline French Bee . Unfortunately, French Bee does not participate in TSA PreCheck, nor was Clear available at Tom Bradley International Terminal, so it took 45 minutes to get through security at the terminal.

"If you're traveling late in the evening, allow some extra time to get through security because you'll likely have to go through general security," TPG director Katherine Leitch said of her experience on a Sunday night at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) . "It took me 45 minutes to get through security."

Do not check a bag, but do this if you must

While trying to cram everything you need into one carry-on bag and a personal item may seem like a challenge, I can't stress enough how important it is to do whatever it takes to not check a bag.

Even if your fare type includes one or more free checked bags, the amount of lost bags this summer should be reason enough to avoid checking one.

Related: Why do flight cancellations and delays keep happening?

I loathe checking a bag for a few reasons. To start, I'm usually ready to get off the plane upon arrival, which is also why I like to sit as close to the front of the plane in an aisle seat as possible and will pay to do so if needed.

"Book for seat assignments at the front of the aircraft and pay for a better assignment if you have to," said TPG content director Andrea Rotondo. "With a tight connection and summertime delays, it's more important than ever to disembark ASAP."

TPG credit cards writer Ryan Smith seconded Andrea's advice.

"If you have a short connection, get yourself into the front of the aircraft as much as possible," he said. "And don't be afraid to say 'My flight is boarding, can I go in front of you in line?' or ask flight attendants if they'll let you sit in a front seat just in time for landing."

In addition to minimizing my time on the plane, I also strive to limit my time in the airport, which is another reason why I'd rather not check a bag. The last thing I want to do after a flight is be forced to wait for an airline to unload my checked baggage onto the carousel.

Also, I'll never forget the bad experience I had the last time I checked a bag.

While on my way to Cuba in 2018, I had an incredibly frustrating experience with American thanks to my checked bag.

After missing my connection at Miami International Airport (MIA) due to a blizzard in Chicago , American sent my luggage from O'Hare to Havana's José Martí International Airport (HAV) without me. This resulted in me paying $50 to Uber from my airport hotel to Target, where I spent even more money on a new outfit (and snacks) to hold me over.

Related: Everything's backordered: Supply chain delays hinder hotel openings

Since then, I've never traveled without an extra shirt and socks in my backpack, along with other essentials like medication, in the off chance that my carry-on needs to be gate-checked .

"If you check a bag, make sure you have these items in your carry-on: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, clean socks, clean underwear, a clean shirt," Ryan said. "If your suitcase is lost or delayed, you'll be glad you did this."

And if you're wondering how I successfully manage to travel with just a backpack and a carry-on , know that it's fairly simple. I roll my clothes sideways, a military technique that allows me to fit more items than if I folded them, and I use packing cubes to organize my items.

Book a backup flight

If you're concerned about your flight being delayed or canceled , consider booking a backup flight.

When my TPG colleagues first shared this advice with me, I thought it seemed a bit extreme. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it's better to have a plan B than stick to one option and miss your trip.

For example, Scott is flying back to New York in August with JetBlue Airways . He used miles to book three separate backup tickets on a Delta Air Lines flight an hour later, just in case anything goes awry with JetBlue.

"The following day, we start a weeklong beach house rental with some friends. In other words, we don't have any flexibility if our flight gets canceled and the airline doesn't have a good solution readily available," he said. "This might seem like an unusual step, but given how full airplanes are and how limited rebooking options can be when an entire plane full of people is scrambling for a new flight, it somehow seems prudent."

If you don't want to go that far, TPG senior SEO associate Hannah Streck says you should at least be aware of the next flight to your destination in case your flight gets disrupted and you need to rebook.

"Have a backup flight in mind and know when the next flight to your destination is," she shared. "This is much better than scrambling in the moment to see what's available according to the gate agent."

Pack a (cheap) reusable water bottle

As someone who has a minimum of three beverages at all times, it's very important that I remain hydrated while traveling.

Although you can't bring water through TSA security, you can pack an empty reusable bottle and fill it up at water bottle filling stations, which are available at most airports after you pass through security.

Just remember to take your water bottle with you off the plane, unlike me, who has lost two Hydro Flasks (and counting) by leaving them on board. Because of this, I now travel with a cheaper reusable bottle on the off chance that I lose it again.

"Hydrate — it certainly helps upon landing after a long flight," said TPG senior director Taylor Jenkins.

Related: Mad about delays? Blame air traffic control, United says

A reusable bottle can come in handy once you step out of the airport, too. I've appreciated having mine at hotels , where you'll usually be charged for bottled water, unless you have elite status with a brand that provides it for free.

To get around this, see if there are water stations throughout the hotel, such as in the gym.

"If a hotel doesn't have free bottled water for guests, many hotel gyms have water bottle filling stations," said credit cards editor Senitra Horbrook.

Along the same lines, pack snacks, especially if you are like me and have dietary restrictions. In my case, there's usually no food I can eat at a given airport or on board the flight. I fit as many snacks as possible into a reusable bag in my backpack.

"Eat beforehand and/or pack snacks," said Taylor. "Nobody wants to pay $9 for a bag of almonds at Hudson News."

Map out your transportation to and from the airport

This month alone, I spent 20 minutes on two separate occasions attempting to find a cab on very busy downtown Chicago streets, likely due to the recent shortage of drivers .

Rather than risk missing my flight because I was unable to find a cab or an available vehicle via a ride-hailing service, I've begun scheduling my rides to and from the airport ahead of time. I either call the cab company in advance or reserve an Uber or Lyft before my trip, the latter of which you can do via their respective apps .

"If you live in the suburbs, use a scheduled car service or transfer versus Uber/Lyft to get to the airport," said TPG travel editor Erica Silverstein. "[It's] waaaaay less stressful."

An alternative (albeit more expensive) option is Blacklane , a private chauffeur service.

"I've started using Blacklane for key rides," said Scott. "It is pricey but worth avoiding the early morning stress of wondering whether I will be able to get an Uber."

If you are staying at an airport hotel and plan on relying on the property's shuttle, Senitra has some advice.

"Call the hotel in advance and confirm the shuttle is running and also confirm the hours of operation," she said. "If the shuttle only runs until 10 p.m. but you're arriving at 11 p.m., you'll have to make other arrangements. Also, if you need a hotel shuttle to the airport for departure, find out how frequent the shuttle runs and if you need to put your name on a list in advance for a ride."

Keep in mind that there may be times when ride-hailing services won't be readily available. For example, if you are traveling to a smaller airport, such as Westchester County Airport (HPN), you may find that there are no rides available when you arrive.

If that's the case, "know the transportation options other than Uber/Lyft," TPG copy editor Liz Steinke said. She also suggests considering "ponying up for airport parking if it's your home destination" to get around this challenge.

Related: 10 ways to save on airport parking

Bottom line

As is the case with many things in life, travel comes with unexpected challenges and frustrations. Odds are that at least one part of your trip will not go according to plan, so it's best to mentally prepare.

Fortunately, there are several hacks that can help keep your stress in check. By implementing some (if not all) of these tips from TPG staffers, you're bound to feel more confident (and calm) as you go knowing that you'll understand what to do when that frustrating travel headache appears.

11 Must Have Items to Make Air Travel Easy

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Planning

Updated On: February 28, 2023

Let’s face it. In today’s world, air travel is not fun. Remember the days when you used to love being at the airport or on the plane just as much as the trip itself?

Well, they are long gone my friend, with confusing security checks that seem to change rules from airport to airport to seats getting smaller with each trip, flying can sometimes be a downright miserable experience. However, there are ways to make air travel more comfortable and it all starts with having the right gear.

Table of Contents

Air Travel Made Easy

Having the right gear makes air travel much easier. When you are rummaging around through your bags looking for things, it can be frustrating, so stay organized. Traveling to Europe soon? Enjoy reading our Packing Tips for European Travel

Turn Your Air Travel Into Easy Travel

Keep must-have items on hand and make sure to put together a small bag with everything you need for when you are on the plane. There’s nothing worse than reaching over people’s heads to get things out of the luggage compartment. Keep everything on hand with a little tote and you are good to go.

We always set aside a little care package with everything we could possibly need for a flight. See 7 Steps to Stress-Free Travel to see what we put in it.

Must-Have Travel Gear for Your Flight

1. gotoob bottles.

GoToob Bottles I am surprised at the number of people that still carry liquids larger than 100 ml, but it happens nearly every time we fly. I have to admit, I haven’t found 100ml bottles that work well or are reusable until we found the GoToob Bottles.

The multipack contains three bottles perfect for shampoo, conditioner, and sunscreen. I like the no-drip, leakproof valves, and large opening making it easy to fill. I didn’t bother to use the integrated label feature as it’s very small to read, I just go by the colour of the bottle instead.

Keep these bottles separate in a plastic bag and you’ll whiz through security. Buy GoToob Bottles on Amazon

2. Trackable Luggage Tags

Trackable Luggage Tags Have you ever lost your luggage never to be found again? I’m not going to lie, most airlines are not that helpful these days when it comes to helping you locate your valuables.

I’ve watched many a friend get nowhere fast as they have online discussions with airlines asking them for help finding their bags. To make sure we have an extra leg up in case we lose our bags, we registered our trackable luggage tag’s serial number online giving us extra security when it comes to our travels. You can order luggage tags on Amazon

3. Luggage Hugger

Luggage Hugger – Okay, how many of you have a black generic suitcase? Be honest. We’re guilty of it too, but with the luggage hugger, we can now locate our bag easily.

We thought we were safe with a duffel bag, but sure enough, when flying to Maui a couple of months ago, somebody grabbed our duffel bag thinking it was theirs. Luckily we were there to correct the mistake. Now, that we have the luggage holder, our bags stand out when they fall onto the conveyor belt. Make your generic bag stand out.  Order it on Amazon now. 

4. Luggage Handle Wraps

Luggage Handle Wraps – We’ve been using luggage handle wraps for years and this is the next best thing to the luggage hugger. As a matter a fact, we use both the hugger and the handle wraps because you can never be too safe.

We even put the handle wraps on our carry-on bags because sometimes we have to stow them when boarding a small plane. Do you know how many small black carry on rollers there are out there? Our handle wraps set them apart. Luggage Tags are  sold on Amazon

5. Eye Mask

Eye Mask  – When flying, I always wear an eye mask. I can sleep anywhere and there’s something about air travel that knocks me right out. A good eye mask is a must. I’ve been woken up by someone opening up their blind and unexpectedly blasting me with sunlight. I only made that mistake once.

The minute I’m tired, I put on my mask. The difference between 40 Blinks and other eye masks is that it is contoured out of molded foam so it doesn’t put pressure on your eyelids. It blocks the same light with twice the comfort. When you buy your eye mask, make sure you  order the 40 Blinks. 

6. EarPlanes

EarPlanes – As much as we hate to travel with a cold it is bound to happen. We find that our allergies are acting up more and more as we get older as well. Have you ever flown with an earache? It is completely unbearable.

I keep a pair handy to relieve pressure in the ears for take off and landings. You may not always be affected by pressure, but when you are, you’ll be glad you have your EarPlanes. Check out more Air Travel Tips

7. No Jet Lag Pills

No Jet Lag Pills – The more we travel, the more we seem to suffer from  jet lag . We do everything right. We usually avoid alcohol, we drink plenty of water and we avoid caffeine, but we still suffer.

No Jet Lag pills have natural remedies such as Arnica Montana and Chamomilla to help ease the symptoms.

We used them on our flight to Austin Texas and while it was only a two-hour time change, I felt great. Normally I even suffer through daylight savings and it’s only an hour’s difference. So this must have done something. Plus it tastes good too. Buy them on Amazon

8. Compression Socks

Compression Socks   I never took Deep Vein Thrombosis seriously until a friend’s sister got it after a flight.

Compression socks help with circulation and leg exhaustion. Compression socks have come a long way. Dave now wears them ever since breaking his back in the Amazon as he suffers from nerve damage and the sock help to quell his leg cramps when we arrive at our destination.

I tried them once a few years ago and they felt like they were squeezing my legs, my latest pair are so cushiony and cozy. The merino wool keeps odour away and they feel comfortable on a flight.

9. Ballet Flats

Acorn Via Cap-Toe Ballet Flats – Speaking of feet. I know that nobody likes to look at people’s bare feet when traveling. I was guilty of this in my backpacking days. I used to always travel in flip-flops. I would never dream of doing that now!

Now, I care about the people around me and slip into my ballet flats on the flight. They are comfortable and stylish and I’ve even worn them out of the airport too. Why didn’t I start wearing ballet flats in my travels earlier?

10. Noise Cancelling AirPods or Earbuds

Air pods or Noise Cancelling Ear Buds – I am a big fan of earbuds. Dave wears earphones. But we both make sure to pack noise-canceling headphones to block out the noise.

We always hear of people complaining about crying babies or loud talkers, but with our noise-canceling headphones, we don’t hear a thing except for the soothing music we have on our playlist or the movie that we are watching. I like earbuds because I keep them in when I’m sleeping and they don’t press on my head. Order them now

11. CoolMax Travel Blanket

CoolMax Travel Blanket – So, we’ve flown in the middle of summer from one hot destination to another and seriously, who want to carry a sweater with you when you’re going to the tropics?

This is where a travel blanket comes in handy. I never trust that the blankets on an airplane are washed properly and I often think of all the germs that collect on flights, so having my own travel blanket is a must. It’s lightweight and takes up very little space.

With these products in hand, we have comfortable flights. Air travel is stressful, but if you are armed with some useful gadgets and information, it can be painless and fun!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the above links and buy a product, we will receive a commission. We only recommend products that we have used ourselves and adds value to out readers.

• The Most Complete Travel Packing List You’ll Ever See!
• 11 Easy Air Travel Tips to Make for a Happier Flight
• 9 Anti Theft Accessories for Safe and Secure Travel
• Packing for Travel – 6 Tips to Make Your Trip a Breeze
• Our 27 Best Travel Tips from 20 Years Traveling the World
• 44 Best Gifts for Travelers

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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9 thoughts on “11 Must Have Items to Make Air Travel Easy”

What a great list!! As frequent travellers, we at Travel-Gentlemen are always looking for the right carry on water bottles. Great to find this on here. Well done!!!

Very informative and useful tips and gadgets for air travellers

Thanks for sharing this post. It helps me a lot……..

I also have. Boss noise cancelling ear buds—. Very small and compact to carry and its much quieter in flight—. They are one of the first things that come out of my bag when I board the plane

I find that the floor of airplanes are cold and my feet would swell and be uncomfortabl in my shoes I bought a pair of Muclocks— with soft leather soles—. My feet and ankles stay warmer and they wick away any sweat.. and I can get up and walk around in them— even into the plane restrooms I love these and would never travel without them

Great and helpful post. Thank you sharing

Thanks very much for sharing! Even though I have been raised in foreign countries and started to use airlines when I was six weeks old, I have not had the truly marvelous idea to recommand 10 must have items to make air travel easy to the readers of my blog yet. Shame on me – and thanks for the initiative!

Good ideas. Thanks!

Air travel should be easy! I’d like to suggest to use packing cubes when travelling. It helps organize your stuff so you don’t have to unpack everything when unpacking one item from your luggage. Awesome right? It really revolutionize the way I pack and travel. Joche – http://goo.gl/wMzHza

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The 5 Best Ways To Find Cheap Flights in 2023 [Detailed Guide]

Senior Content Contributor

486 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 24 U.S. States Visited: 22

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3120 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

What People Get Wrong About Finding Cheap Flights

1. use flexible date searches on google flights, 2. book refundable tickets and track prices on non-refundable tickets, 3. change your country/payment currency on metasearch engines/otas, 4. use ita matrix to leverage point-of-sale, 5. subscribe to websites that provide cheap fare alerts, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Finding cheap flights is the ultimate goal of travel. One of the most prohibitive reasons against traveling is finances. For the newbie, travel is expensive . The average domestic plane ticket is around $328 , while an international plane ticket can be anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 (based on our Google Flights research), depending on your destination.

With so many different ways to search for and book flights, planning travel can seem overwhelming. There are so many different factors you can play with, including your travel date, route, fare class , and even point-of-sale!

Here are the most consistent ways to shave some costs off of your airplane ticket. Just keep in mind that these will not always work, especially if your ticket is already the cheapest it will go.

When you go to Google and search “how to find cheap flights,” you probably see a lot of statistical guidelines. Some examples of statistical guidelines are “book your flight on a Monday” or “fly out on a Tuesday.”

While these rules of thumb work on an aggregate basis after a sample size of millions of searches, there’s no way for these rules to hold up. Figuring out how to book the cheapest flights requires an analysis of the flight route itself. For example, the cheapest dates to book a flight from New York to Europe will look a lot different than the cheapest dates to book a flight from San Francisco to Vancouver.

The 5 Best Ways To Find Cheap Flights

Let’s dissect the lesser-known ways to find cheap flights. Your chances of finding a super-cheap flight increase dramatically if you are a completely flexible traveler . Once you’ve broadened your travel dates and cities, you’ll have the best chance of finding cheaper flights.

Google Flights is a metasearch engine, not an online travel agency, or OTA. The biggest distinction between a metasearch engine and OTA is that metasearch engines don’t sell tickets ; instead, they only combine searches from other websites into a centralized place. Metasearch engines will usually send you to another website to book the ticket, such as United Airlines’ online website.

On the other hand, online travel agencies act like travel brokers. They are sold tickets from the airline itself and make a percentage cut off the ticket itself. The key difference is in the monetization . Metasearch engines usually make money off of data, while online travel agencies make money through a commission on ticket sales.

Because OTAs need to sell tickets at a higher price than they purchased them for, OTAs typically show more expensive prices than metasearch engines like Google Flights.

Hot Tip: Our guide to the best websites for booking flights at the cheapest prices reviews several popular OTAs and metasearch engines like Kayak , Expedia , and Priceline to show you the benefits and drawbacks of each site and how to compare prices.

Google Flights is an extremely powerful tool because it has best-in-class filter capabilities that enable travelers to look for cheap tickets, as long as they know how to use it. Specifically, we’re talking about the  Flexible Dates option.

Let’s take an example ticket: a round-trip flight between New York City (JFK) and London-Heathrow (LHR) for a trip that is 14 days long. You can go into Google Flights and figure out the cheapest dates in the entire calendar by following these steps.

• Visit Google Flights.
• Enter New York City (JFK) as the origin city and London-Heathrow (LHR) as the destination city.
• Choose Round trip  as your trip type.
• Open up the calendar and toggle the trip duration on the bottom-left of the calendar to 14 days.
• Scroll through the calendar and choose the cheapest tickets (shown in green).

If you search the entire calendar (available in this search through February 2022), you’ll find that there is 1 date available at the cheapest price from New York to London in economy ($414 round-trip):

• October 23, 2021

Effectively, we’ve filtered down the entire calendar into the cheapest date to fly from New York to London. But what if you didn’t care about which city you flew to and when you traveled, as long as you can find a great deal? Here’s where Google Flights’ More destinations  function is so powerful.

First, instead of typing a destination city, simply click on the search box and click  More destinations at the bottom.

The resulting page will be a flight map with destination cities on the left-hand side and a search box on the top-left, as shown below.

After you click More destinations , simply drag the map to the area you’re thinking of traveling to.

This tool is super-powerful because it allows you to look geographically at flight prices anywhere within the map. However, the best part of this tool is  Flexible dates . You can use Flexible dates by clicking on the departure date box and clicking the button above the calendar view that says  Flexible dates .

After that, you’ll need to select your Flexible dates criteria.

Then the magic happens! You will see the absolute cheapest tickets from your origin city to anywhere in the world! Best of all, this search goes for 6 months in the future to show you the cheapest flights within a 6-month window from the selected airport.

Based on these results, we can fly from San Francisco to Fiji’s capital, Nadi (NAN), for $691 round-trip!

You’ll want to click  View flights to see the final flight details:

Bottom Line: Coupling Flexible dates and More destinations  is an ultra-powerful way to find cheap flights from any airport to anywhere in the world within the next 6 months! Best of all, you can use the map function to get inspired with some cheap airfare. This method works identically for business and first class tickets, so premium cabin travelers can find great deals, too. 

Another great (but not guaranteed!) way to find cheaper tickets is to book refundable tickets first while tracking flight prices. When the flight prices drop, you can cancel your refundable ticket and book the now cheaper tickets.

One of the best ways to do this is also with Google Flights, though there are other websites that help track flight prices. Let’s take the example flight found on Google Flights: a round-trip ticket between San Francisco (SFO) and Nadi (NAN) departing on January 29, 2022, and returning on February 12, 2022.

When initially searched, this ticket cost $926 in economy round-trip. Google Flights can help you track prices and notify you via email when prices change. You’ll need to log into your Google account before searching for flights to use this.

You’ll get notified via email whenever the flight prices change for your given itinerary. This is a great way to monitor flight prices as time goes on without having to commit to a non-refundable ticket.

Usually, airlines have different websites for use in different countries. These airlines will use geolocation data to figure out where you’re visiting the website from. You can often manually change this by simply visiting the foreign domain extension (e.g. co.uk) or by changing it from the U.S. website.

For example, let’s look at Kayak. Kayak is a metasearch engine website that aggregates many sources to pool results into 1 location. If we look at a round-trip flight on Kayak’s U.S. website  from Charleston, SC (CHS) to London-Heathrow (LHR) in British Airways economy, we’ll see that the cheapest fare is $764 as shown below:

If, however, you search on Kayak’s U.K. website , you can find tickets as cheap as £610, which is equivalent to around ~$702.10:

This represents a savings of around 9%! Usually, the savings will be pretty minimal because the fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates is small. However, you can sometimes strike gold and cut off 10% from your plane ticket, just by changing the country/currency.

Hot Tip: Smart travelers can take advantage of purchasing in other currencies by using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees !

ITA Matrix is a tool developed in the 1990s by MIT alumni, designed to be a comprehensive tool to find the cheapest flights. ITA Matrix was acquired by Google, but it still functions separately from Google Flights.

ITA Matrix offers a simple value proposition: if you take the time to learn how to use it, you’ll be able to get some discounts that nobody else would .

Here’s what the ITA Matrix looks like:

As you can see, the interface looks much clunkier and unattractive compared to other options like Google Flights. The most important box to pay attention to is the  Sales city box at the bottom of the search area. By entering different airport codes into this box, you can often find prices that are much cheaper than what is publicly available on Google Flights, for instance.

Let’s take an example of an international round-trip flight from Buenos Aires (EZE) to Lima (LIM) departing on December 4, 2021, and returning on December 15, 2021. If you perform this search on Google Flights, you’ll get this result:

The cheapest available ticket is $577 according to Google Flights. Let’s talk about how we’re going to change the Sales city to drop our ticket price. If you go to ITA Matrix and enter “ jnb ” under Sales city , you’ll be prompted to auto-populate the field with Johannesburg, South Africa. Do not do this if you want the search to work. You must leave the airport code as-is and perform the search as shown below.

After your search completes, you’ll be able to see the new prices. In this case, the same ticket will only cost R7,406, which is equal to $510! This represents a big savings of ~12%.

If you repeat the same exercise for different cities, you’ll find different amounts. For example, changing your sales city to “EZE” will actually increase your ticket price by 36%, while changing your sales city to “LHR” will drop your ticket by $70, representing a 13% discount.

Although there’s no magic rule that tells you which exact country to search on all flights, here’s a good rule of thumb you can start with: to maximize point-of-sale discounts using ITA Matrix, begin your search by using sales cities from capital cities of countries that have experienced  weakened currency (countries such as Argentina and South Africa qualify).

Remember, in this example, Argentina actually was significantly more expensive, so this is by far from a rule set in stone.

We repeated the same exercise for a round-trip flight between New York City (JFK) and Buenos Aires (EZE) from December 4, 2021, to December 15, 2021. We compared 3 sales cities:

• Los Angeles (LAX) — $1,196
• Hong Kong (HKG) — HK$9,305 (~$1,197)
• Johannesburg (JNB) — R17,481 (~$1,205)
• Buenos Aires (EZE) — AR$184,338 (~$1,991)

As you can see, there was an instance where changing the sales city resulted in a  more expensive ticket ! This is to illustrate that you need to test different sales cities before accepting the cost of a ticket to make sure you’re getting a great deal.

Once you’ve found a deal you’re happy with, you’re going to want to book it. ITA Matrix doesn’t allow you to book tickets directly. Instead, you can visit BookWithMatrix and follow these instructions to book your ticket.

• Visit BookWithMatrix’s homepage.
• On ITA Matrix, select the ticket you want to book. You need to highlight the entire page. For Windows users, press Ctrl + A . For Mac users, click Cmd ⌘ + A . The result should look like this.

• Paste that information into the BookWithMatrix box.

• You’ll be redirected to the appropriate website. Simply book the ticket, and you’ve saved a bunch of money on plane tickets!

Bottom Line: Sales cities (i.e. point-of-sale) can be instrumental in lowering your plane ticket’s price. By properly using Google’s ITA Matrix and coupling it with BookWithMatrix, you can end up saving tons of money! 

One of the best ways to find cheap flights is to get alerted whenever there are cheap flights available. We’ve put together a guide on the best websites for flight deal alerts , so don’t miss out!

Simply put, some websites offer the ability to choose your home airport and get notified via email when great flight deals come up. This is a great way to minimize the amount of time you spend looking for flights.

Overall, there are tons of different ways to find cheap flights. The first method we discussed uses Google Flights’ powerful intra-tool functions. These functions include More destinations and  Flexible dates , which essentially empowers you to choose your starting airport and see all the cheapest flights anywhere in the world on any set of dates (up to 6 months into the future). This is a great way to get inspired if you’re flexible on destination and travel dates.

You can also track prices on tickets before committing using tools like Google Flights. This way, you’ll get notified via email whenever your ticket prices change. In the meantime, you can book a 100% refundable ticket just to have a backup.

Next, we went through some advanced techniques, such as changing currencies, countries, and point-of-sale. Depending on how you use this tool, you can get massive savings! We found savings opportunities of up to 25% in the route examples above.

Lastly, you can subscribe to websites (that typically charge money) for flight alerts. Usually, these websites ask you to select some criteria, such as your home airport, so that you get more personalized results.

We hope you found this list of best practices more useful than the generic advice out there!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to do last minute flights.

Generally, no. Plane tickets are placed into buckets, and the cheapest tickets always get booked first. Generally, the longer you wait, the more you’ll pay.

Do flight prices go down on Tuesday?

Statistically, yes. However, there’s so much more to getting cheap flights than booking on a Tuesday. You need to do lots of research on the exact flight you want to take and use some of the techniques to make sure you come out ahead of everybody else.

How many days before a flight is the best price?

Again, there’s no rule of thumb, except some statistics that are of limited use. When you analyze millions of searches, you’ll find that there might be a date range to book your flight such that your ticket is, on average, cheaper.

Still, it’s so much more important to do research on your flight route and use the powerful tools at your disposal, such as ITA Matrix and Google Flights.

Do flight prices go up the more you search?

Usually, websites will store cookies in your browser, which tells companies that you’re looking for airfare. Sometimes, flight prices will go up if you search more. However, if you perform 500 searches versus 3 searches, the change in price usually won’t go up.

You can avoid this by using a private browser like Google Chrome’s incognito mode.

What is the best way to get the cheapest flights?

The best way to get the cheapest flights is to have a deep understanding of how airlines price tickets and the different levers you can pull to see different ticket prices.

These levers include point of sale, travel dates, route, and more.

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About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

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The World's 30 Most Impressive Ways to Travel

Getting from place to place in style.

Once there was only walking—and the occasional running—to get us from place to place. But we've come a long way since then, haven't we? From super-fast elevators to gigantic cruise ships and from cable cars to ferries, let's explore the most amazing, most wondrous ways to get from point A to point B.

Each of these ways to travel is accessible without special certification (no military, no NASA, no special training) but that doesn't mean you don't have to have mountains of cash to make them happen.

Atlantis Submarines

Located in some of the most beautiful ocean-focused tourist destinations, such as Hawaii, Guam, Cozumel, Aruba and the Grand Caymans, the Atlantis Submarines take visitors in a “real submarine” that dives more than 100 feet below the surface. Designed to carry 48 passengers, the submarine opens up the marine environment to a new set of tourists in the comfort of a submarine.

Horse Caravan, Ireland

Go a bit old-school with a horse caravan in Ireland. While riding a horse may not offer much in the way of impressiveness, how about learning to harness and yoke a horse to a four-berth carriage that includes cooking and sleeping areas? That sounds a bit more remarkable. Plus, the horse-drawn carriages allow a fresh perspective on the countryside and beaches.

SpaceShipTwo, California

It hasn’t arrived just yet, but thinking about Virgin Galactic’s plans for both space travel and then sped-up point-to-point space flights has the opportunity to change the way some folks—we’re talking the super-rich—travel. Flying anywhere from Mach 3 up to Mach 5, the space plane plans to enter suborbital space, which gives passengers the weightlessness experiences and a view of the curvature of Earth, and then head to a destination for a runway landing.

Extreme First Class

Maybe you aren’t chartering your own private jet, but when it comes to traveling in luxury just sign on for the most extreme first-class experiences around, whether the Emirates Boeing 777 40-square-feet of personal space designed by a Mercedes-Benz team for a full enclosure or the Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 that includes a private suite with a leather reclining swivel chair and a double bed. Either sounds extraordinary.

Terra Bus, Canada

Made in Calgary, only roughly 20 of these Terra Bus Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicles exist and they almost all serve the Icefields Parkway and the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper, Canada. Designed specifically for glacier travel, the six-wheel, 49-foot-long vehicle looks like the most robust tour bus on the plant. And it is. At about 13-feet tall and with Goodyear Terra tires five feet in diameter, the Terra Bus Ice Explorer can handle 56 passengers and nearly any sort of ice, mud, sand, snow and rock the Canadian Rocky Mountains have to offer.

The Tünel, Turkey

Opened in 1875 as the second-oldest underground urban rail line in the world, the Tünel in Istanbul, Turkey, still contains a funicular section, basically an inclined cable railway. The stretch of this brick-lined tunnel is 1,820 feet long with the upper station 202 feet higher than the one below it thanks to a slope that reaches 15 percent in places. This historical trip—now with updated rolling stock—takes under two minutes.

Shinkansen, Japan

The original high-speed bullet trains, the Shinkansen can reach over 200 mph as they send visitors to Japan from Tokyo to throughout the country. Now with over 1,700 miles of track since first opening in 1964, the most popular lines ferry users to and from Tokyo to Osaka and to and from Tokyo to Nagano. The busiest high-speed line in the world can run more than a dozen trainer per hour and seat over 1,300 passengers per train in the highest-speed train efficiency in the world.

Umeda Sky Building escalator, Japan

The two 40-story skyscrapers that make up the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka, Japan, contain the world’s highest escalators. Suspended 550 feet in the air, a pair of escalators cuts through the open space between the buildings and brings visitors to the top of the structure in an escalator experience unlike any other.

Ice Angel, Wisconsin

When the waters of Lake Superior freeze completely, the residents of Wisconsin’s Madeline Island can take an ice road to Bayfield. And when the waters remain clear of ice, a typical ferry offers transportation. But for those in between months when the ice can’t quite support a vehicle and ferries can’t run, the Ice Angel steps into action. These ice boats with a pair of air propellers can run on thin ice across the 2.5-mile stretch that turns from water to slush to ice in one trip. With three different styles of these wind sleds, one features room for six passengers and plenty of cargo, while another can carry up to 22 passengers.

Freighter Cruise

You don’t need to captain a freighter—or stowaway—for a chance to get a new sailing experience. Whether the U.S.-based Maris or others from across the globe, expect to ride in impressive size, yet without the style. With limited passengers, often as few as a handful, freighter cruises can take months of your time with no special amenities (don’t even expect Internet), but they do offer an industrial-sized experience and ports you may not otherwise frequent.

Alaskan Hovercraft

We can't pick out just one hovercraft, but we can pick our favorite state where civilians use them: Alaska. In 1998 the United States Postal Services brought in hovercraft to start handling mail. But mail isn't the only thing getting hauled around by hovercraft in Alaska, where multiple hovercrafts—from the British built Hoverwork AP1-88 from the USPS to the Hoverwork BHT130—also work as a ferry service for freight and passengers, although the high cost to operate the machines have led to their demise in some places (i.e. King Cove, Alaska). Either way, the unique way of handling transportation offers up a variety of impressive hovering.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Canada

With the longest free span between ropeway towers in the world, and the highest point above ground of any cable car in the world, this British Columbia cable car takes visitors across a 2.7-mile journey from the peak of Whistler to the peak of Blackcomb. Dubbed B.C.'s "rooftop," the Peak 2 Peak Gondola on Whistler Blackcomb Mountain includes 360-degree views of the mountain terrain below, used for snow sports in the winter and hiking and biking in the summer.

World is Not Enough

Symphony of the seas.

At 1,181 feet in length and a gross tonnage of 228,000, the Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world. The steel ship features seven distinct on-board neighborhoods, surfing, ziplining, ice-skating, 3D movies and pools. Symphony also has a 21,500-square-foot solar array to power all these amenities while cruising throughout the Caribbean.

The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, Hong Kong

If this Colossal Hong Kong escalator system didn't exist, you'd have all sorts of stairs to deal with to climb between the western and central Hong Kong districts. This system of 20 escalators, built in 1993, combines to become the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world, running a total length of 2,624 feet and rising 442 feet in the process. From end to end it's a ride lasting 20 minutes. That's a hearty "no thank you" on the stair option.

The London Eye, London

The world's largest cantilevered observation wheel won't take you to a new city, but it will offer you a new perspective. The 443-foot-tall London Eye, designed by Marks Barfield Architects, opened in 2000 as a temporary structure meant for a five-year run on the River Thames. The wheel's popularity skyrocketed, though, and it became a permanent, unique icon and an unmistakable piece of the London skyline.

Shanghai Maglev, China

The fastest train in the world travels whisks travelers between Pudong International Airport and Shanghai in a cool eight minutes. The magnetic levitation (Maglev) train, also know as the Shanghai Transrapid, has a maximum operational speed of 223 miles per hour. Manufactured by CSR Qingdao Sifang Locomotive & Rolling Stock in 2004, the rapid train system has taken modern train travel to new speeds.

Airlander 10

The world's largest aircraft prepares for a return to flight after a few trial flight mishaps. It first flew in 2012 as part of a U.S. Army contract, but was returned to Britain in 2013. The Hybrid Air Vehicles Airlander 10, a helium-filled craft powered by turbocharged diesel engines, went through a series of test flights from 2016 and 2017, which included a couple minor mishaps that will require repairs. Once airbone, it can fly for five days non-stop. The four engines include vectored thrusts for takeoff and landing, and the makeup of the 301-foot airship allows it to land in a variety of locations, such as the tops of buildings.

Icy Strait Point Zipline, Alaska

Traveling at an average speed of 60 miles per hour, people flying down the mile-long Icy Strait Point Zipline in Alaska finish the course in just 90 seconds. This isn't the longest zipline in the world, but if you find yourself zooming down its 1,300-foot, 24-degree vertical drop, you'll have a hard time saying it's not impressive. One fun thing to do while you're here: Six riders can strap in and take off simultaneously on parallel lines, allowing for a race to the bottom against five of your friends. The longest ride in North America offers views of the mountains, trees, and ocean—if you can see all that scenery while you're moving so fast, that is.

Stanserhorn Cabrio, Switzerland

Stanserhorn Cabrio can carry 60 people at a time near the top of Switzerland's 6,233-foot-tall Mount Stanserhorn. But what really gives visitors the "wow" factor is that this is world's first cable car with a roofless upper deck (it moves on side-mounted support cables), letting people on the top of the double-decker cable car bask in 360-degree panorama views. The lower level has wall-to-wall windows, but a staircase leads to the sun deck, with room for an additional 30 visitors.

Tim Newcomb is a journalist based in the Pacific Northwest. He covers stadiums, sneakers, gear, infrastructure, and more for a variety of publications, including Popular Mechanics. His favorite interviews have included sit-downs with Roger Federer in Switzerland, Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, and Tinker Hatfield in Portland. 

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Find cheap flights to Moscow

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Flights to Moscow - Travel Insights & Trends

Get data-powered insights and trends for flights to moscow to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., how many airports are there in moscow, there are 4 airports in moscow: moscow sheremetyevo airport (svo), moscow vnukovo airport (vko), moscow domodedovo airport (dme) and moscow zhukovsky airport (zia). the busiest airport is moscow sheremetyevo airport (svo), with 48% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to moscow, the duration of your flight to moscow depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to moscow on kayak are from boston , which takes 11h 50m, san francisco , which takes 19h 20m, los angeles , which takes 20h 30m, and new york , which takes 22h 15m., when to book flights to moscow, faqs - booking moscow flights, what are the stopover options for the us to moscow flights.

The stopover options for the US flights to Moscow depend on your airline, departure city, and arrival airport. If you're flying with Turkish Airlines from New York, expect layovers in Istanbul, Bodrum, and Antalya. United Airlines, British Airways, EI AI, Azerbaijan Airlines, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and Emirates offer flights from New York to DME with common layovers in Tel Aviv-Yafo, London, Baku, Vienna, Zurich, and Amsterdam respectively. Flights from Los Angeles have common layovers in New York, Frankfurt, Dubai, Stockholm, Amsterdam, and Vienna.

Which US airports offer flights from the US to Moscow?

If you’re looking to fly to Moscow from the US, you will be happy to know that several US airports offer these flights. You can get flights from the US to Moscow from Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD), and Atlanta (ATL) among others.

Does Sheremetyevo International Airport offer accessible services?

Yes. SVO is an accessible airport with management that strives to ensure that all passengers traveling through the airport get full access to its programs and services. The airport’s terminals are well configured to provide easy access for passengers with reduced mobility. SVO also offers accessible restrooms throughout its terminals. Disabled travelers are welcome to use Saturn Lounge in Terminal D or Sirius Lounge for passengers flying from Terminals D, E, and F.

How can I access the lounges at Moscow Vnukovo International Airport?

Art Lounge is near Gate 23 on the Second Floor of Terminal A. The lounge admits passengers on in-transit or international flights only and remains open for 24 hours. You can access the lounge through a pass or membership programs. Fountain Lounge is in the food court area on the Second Floor of Terminal A and admits passengers on membership programs. You can access Top Lounge through membership programs. The lounge is near Gate 21 on the Third Floor of Terminal A. Prokofiev Premier and Tchaikovsky Lounge admit travelers through membership programs. Prokofiev is near Gate 13 in Terminal A while the latter is on the International Airside of the same terminal.

What shopping options are available at the Moscow airports?

Travelers looking to shop while in Moscow need not go any further than the airports, as both airports have a wide range of options from fashion to jewelry and souvenirs. Popular shops in Sheremetyevo International Airport include Red Machine, Yarmarka, and Swarovski. For Domodedovo International Airport, Natura Siberica, Consul, and Frey Wille are all great stores to take a peek at.

What restaurant options are there at the Moscow airports?

Just as the shopping options were extensive at both airports, the dining is the same. For Sheremetyevo International Airport, consider paying a visit to Kolbasny Tsekh and Mama Russia. If you are flying into Domodedovo International Airport, Uzbechka and Edim Letim are sure to satisfy.

What facilities are available for children and families at Moscow’s airports?

In Sheremetyevo International Airport, travelers will be happy to note that there is a children’s play area in Terminal D. There are also mother-and-child rooms that feature play areas, showers, and couches for young children and their mothers. As for Domodedovo International Airport, there are two children’s play areas located at the International and Domestic Terminals.

How do I get from Domodedovo International Airport to downtown Moscow?

Fortunately for travelers, Domodedovo International Airport is very well-connected to downtown Moscow. If you are just in town for a visit, likely the cheapest and most convenient way to get into town is the Aeroexpress. Aside from the Aeroexpress, however, there are also bus, shuttle and taxi options available.

Which Moscow airport is closest to central Moscow?

There are 4 major airports in Moscow. The nearest airport from Moscow city center is Moscow Vnukovo (17 miles), followed by Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (18 miles), Moscow Zhukovsky (25 miles), and Moscow Domodedovo Airport (25 miles).

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Moscow?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Moscow.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Moscow?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Moscow is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Moscow?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Moscow with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Moscow?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Moscow up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Which airline offers the most flights to Moscow?

Of the 18 airlines that fly to Moscow, Aeroflot offers the most flights, with around 1,664 per week, followed by Pobeda with 452 flights per week.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Moscow

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Moscow flight deals.
• Moscow Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) consists of two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal D. The former is the main terminal that serves most international and domestic flights. Terminal D mostly serves flights arriving from North Caucasus. The terminals are a short walk from each other as they are adjacent and are connected by walkways.
• Passengers arriving at Moscow Domodedovo International Airport (MDE) can utilize the airport’s shower facilities to freshen up before leaving the airport. Showers are available in the Left Wing of the International Arrivals Area.
• Passengers looking to explore MDE luggage-free are welcome to leave their luggage at the airport’s storage lockers. You can find the lockers Landslide of the International Arrivals Area and on the Ground Floor of the Domestic Arrivals.
• Gadget-totting travelers can charge their devices at MDE. The airport offers stand-alone charging stations in every waiting lounge. You can also rent battery chargers from the Left Luggage room.
• Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is completely smoke-free in the terminals. However, the airport offers designated smoking pavilions to accommodate smoking passengers. The smoking pavilions are outside at the terminals’ entrances.
• For flights to Moscow, travelers have four different airports to choose from: Domodedovo International Airport (DME), Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), and Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA). However, most travelers will be flying into either Domodedovo International Airport or Sheremetyevo International Airport, as they are by far the most popular of the four airports.
• Getting from Sheremetyevo International Airport to downtown Moscow is simple, thanks to the Aeroexpress, which connects directly to both Belorussky Railway Terminal and Okruzhnaya station. From either station, you can head to a number of locations across Moscow in no time.
• Looking to head straight to the hotel after your flight to Moscow? If you are landing at Sheremetyevo International Airport, the Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Hotel is within walking distance of the airport’s terminals. For Domodedovo International Airport, on the other hand, there is the Domodedovo AirHotel, which is located just half a mile away from the airport and offers free transfers to and from the airport.
• If you need to get between Domodedovo International Airport and Sheremetyevo International Airport, your best bet is to take a combination of the Aeroexpress and the Moscow Metro. There is even a special “Between Airports” ticket available for purchase at the Aeroexpress ticket office.
• Got a few hours to spare at Sheremetyevo International Airport? Why not stop off at the Aero-beauty hair salon for a cut, trim, or maybe even a dye? Another option is to spend some time at the History Museum of Sheremetyevo, which has several unique exhibitions on the history of the airport.

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The travel season is upon us, which means you might just be getting ready to hit the road…..or the skies!

Of course vacationing with the whole family can be a challenge, especially when it comes to air travel. While one ticket might seem affordable, that same price multiplied by four or more gets very expensive, very quickly.

A few years ago, my husband and I booked tickets to fly my entire family to Australia, where I was going to be speaking at a conference. At that point it was by far the biggest trip (and most expensive) trip we’d ever taken. And even though a portion of our travel was covered by the conference, I have to admit that I took a mighty big gulp when I pressed that “purchase” button! International airfare for four is no joke!

Luckily for us, these days I fly pretty frequently for work, which means I’ve accrued lots of SkyMiles and frequent flier status on Delta. I’ve also learned that there are a number of ways for savvy travelers to save on the cost of air travel. From saving on tickets to keeping your extraneous expenses to a minimum, here are 12 smart ways to save on air travel for your next trip:

Smart Ways to Save on Air Travel

1. Shop smart online

Shop discount airfare sites.   Sites like  Expedia   (my personal favorite),  Orbitz and Priceline are online travel agencies, meaning they have access to deals and create discount packages to lure travelers. Kayak plugs your preferred dates into its search engine that looks at airline sites and agency sites to show you the price and options available. CarryOn uses crowd-sourcing to save members on airfare and hotels using group rates. As an added bonus, both Expedia and CarryOn will send you price alerts.

Once you’ve found the best deal, get cash back on your purchase and save even more by shopping through a cash back site such as Inbox Dollars .  Ebates, for instance will give you up to 4% cash back on all purchases made through Expedia, plus you can also accrue Expedia rewards points AND get air miles on the airline you are traveling with–a great way to triple dip!

2. Cash in those credit card airline points and miles

I know, I know. Credit cards are dangerous and we should all use cash only, ever.

As a big a fan as my husband and I are of Dave Ramsey’s principles (we have made it to Baby Step #7–woot!), I am not afraid to say that we do use credit cards. That said, we are also extremely diligent about paying off our balances each month. This is key!  If you can be just as diligent, then consider earning airline points through smart use of a credit card.

As a small business owner, I have found this particularly useful. There are a LOT of necessary expenses that come with running a business, everything from ordering supplies to paying for services and subscriptions. Per my accountant’s recommendation, I use my Delta SkyMiles credit card for every expense I possibly can, therefore earning as many SkyMiles as possible, which we can then use to pay for travel. This helps a lot!

These days many, many credit card companies offer mileage and points for every dollar that you spend. Not only that, but the dates are much less restrictive, and you don’t have to be a trained travel agent to figure out how to cash them in and use them for your travel. Many mileage points are transferable, so you and your spouse can use them interchangeably. Not only that, but they’re often accompanied by free baggage check-in and ticket insurance, preferred check-in status and even seat upgrades. (We’ll talk about some of the other benefits later on.)

3. Become a frequent flier with one airline

If you fly a lot, your loyalty to one airline can really pay off–more than you would save by always trying to get the very lowest fare. Frequent flier status is much more achievable these days, especially if you are smart about which credit card you use, as the right card can help you achieve preferred status much quicker. As a preferred frequent flier, you have access to discounts, special deals, better service, free upgrades and other great perks.

Here in Southwest Florida, where I live, the closest major airline hub is Atlanta. Thus, I chose Delta as my preferred airline of choice. Nearly every time I fly, I fly with Delta, and whenever I purchase airline tickets, I use my Delta card to get double miles. But that card is not just any card–for my business, I use a Delta Reserve card, which, in addition to regular air miles, awards bonus MQM’s (MQM’s are the special travel miles you have to accrue to attain frequent flier status.)

Those bonus MQMs help me earn higher status much faster than I normally would. The higher your status (Silver vs. Gold vs. Platinum vs. Diamond on Delta), the better your perks. And let me tell you….the only thing better than flying first class is being able to fly first class on a coach-priced ticket! (It’s living well & spending less at it’s best!)

Even if you don’t qualify for “preferred” status, you can still sign up with airlines that you frequent or that have a hub in your home state. For example, Frontier and Southwest offer great deals to the western US and Jet Blue has unbeatable prices if you live in New York; Delta has a hub in Atlanta, so you can find direct flights for a good price. Sign up for these alerts and you’ll get offers and sales right in your inbox.

4. Check with the airline directly

In the same vein of signing up for price alerts through your preferred airline, also check the airline’s site directly before you book through any other vender or agency. Sometimes airlines offer the best deals right on their website and you’ll find prices and time selection narrowed down. Not only that, but the airline sites are sometimes easier to work with, more simple and offer easier options if you have to change or cancel a trip.

5. Travel smart with insurance

Emergencies happen. Even if you think there’s absolutely no way you will cancel a trip, we all know sickness and other issues can come up out of nowhere. Before you pay the $50-$100 fee to insure your tickets through the airline, contact your credit card company. Even if you didn’t purchase the tickets using points or miles, some credit card companies will insure your purchase and save you the penalty and cancellation fees. See if your credit card provider offers trip protection before you buy tickets.

6. Be flexible and prepared

If you’re not picky about travel times or even dates, you can score the best deals of all. Obviously we can’t all spontaneously pack up and fly off to Cancun every time there’s an airline special, but having your passport ready and a few travel ideas in mind helps that weekend anniversary trip away seem more doable.

This flexibility can also pay off once you are at the airport. Airlines will frequently overbook flights and then ask for volunteers to be bumped. The less eager people are to change their plans, the bigger the incentives that get offered. If you’re not in a hurry to make it to your destination, you can score free tickets, upgrades, and sometimes even cash rewards.

7. Book one leg at a time

If you’re traveling alone or if you have really easy-going kids and you’re comfortable with flexible traveling, consider booking your trip one leg at a time. You may find a cheaper flight to Denver on one airline and make a connection to California on another. You may return home on a completely different airline or have an out-of-the-way layover, but you can save a ton of money in the long run. Before you hit “purchase” on the tickets, do the math, check nearby airports and get creative with deals.

This can be especially helpful when you are flying through lesser known, budget airlines such as Allegiant, Jet Blue, or Spirit.

8. Take a longer flight or schedule a longer layover

If you insist on always taking a direct flight (which yes, I know with kids can be a must), you’ll probably pay more. If you can work from the airport or don’t mind a little time in between flights or even taking a longer flight, you may save on your tickets.

An eight-hour layover can seem ridiculous to some people but many airports offer quiet workspaces, cafes, restaurants and reading material that can make your layover environment a decent place to spend some time. I’ve heard of more than one business executive that hold meetings right at the airport café and saves money on taxi fare, train travel and ground transportation (not to mention the time they save not having to travel to client offices). If you’re traveling alone or if you have a job that’s mobile, you might not mind a longer layover now and again.

The added benefit of longer flights and extra legs is that you can accrue more frequent flyer miles for the same trip and achieve status even faster.

9. Travel on holidays and less popular days

The day before Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial and Labor Day weekends are real travel nightmares. Expect long lines, delays, expensive tickets and other hassles if you travel on these days. Booking your flight instead on the holiday itself can make the experience less expensive and save you money. Tickets are frequently priced a little lower on holidays.

It’s also cheaper to fly on days that are less popular (Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday). The most expensive days to travel are Fridays and Sundays.

10. Book your flight on a Tuesday, 54 days ahead

Airlines launch sales on Mondays or early Tuesdays. As each airline lists their updated sales and prices, other airlines scramble to meet them to get your business. This exchange is usually completed by Tuesday afternoon. Obviously there are some airlines that offer other sales at hot times like before holidays and on special days (if business is slow, etc), so it’s not a hard and fast rule.

According to a study by CheapAir , 54 days before travel is the optimal time to book. (Seriously, they did a study of 4 million trips!) Obviously, that’s not going to be the same for every trip, but booking 8 weeks in advance is a good guide.

11. Avoid additional fees

If you can pack smart and bring only one carry-on bag per traveler, you’ll save on the customary $50/bag charge that nearly every airline has nowadays. Additionally, some airline credit cards will also give you one free bag per flight.

Avoid other fees for things such as seat upgrades, on-board Wi-Fi, movies, entertainment and snacks by planning smart and simple. Download your entertainment before your trip and watch from your laptop or access from your tablet. Come prepared with as many small comforts as you can. (Pack a neck pillow, bring a wrap or scarf to stay warm, and book an aisle seat for more legroom.) If you travel simply and smartly, you can forgo many of the little fees that quickly add up over the course of your journey.

12. Don’t pay for food

Jerry Seinfeld had a stand up bit about airports and food prices and how they seem to subscribe to a market price that none of us would ever consider in the “real world.” It is so true. Airline food is notoriously expensive, stale and unhealthy. Even soda, bottled water and fresh fruit can be pricey and less than ideal.

Bring an empty bottle through security and fill up when you get to your gate or waiting area. Dry snacks are easy to bring on and packing a few granola bars and other items can help save you from making an impulse purchase at a time of desperation. Even on the flight, the most you’ll get for free is a half-can of soda and miniature pretzels. Keep yourself and your kids happy with a few little treats so you can avoid splurging on the $10 worse-than-lean-cuisine-meal offered on the flight.

Another option, if you fly frequently, is to consider a club or lounge access membership. Some credit cards, such as the Delta Reserve, United Plus, or American Express Platinum, include membership to the Delta Sky Club or equivalent. The annual fee for these cards can be pricey–anywhere from $350-450 a year–but the benefits (beyond the bonus MQMs, which I mentioned above) can make it worth the fee. I estimate that having access to “free” food, beverages, and WiFi in the Sky Club probably saves me at least $30-50 on food and drinks per trip, which adds up to well over $1,000 a year for the amount I travel. It also gives me access to clean bathrooms, free wifi, and a quiet place to work, which makes traveling so often a lot more bearable! The Delta Reserve card also gives me one free companion ticket per year, & that perk alone pays for the fee.

Whatever your destination and whenever you decide to travel, planning ahead and doing your research can really help you save, plus, when you save on air travel, you’ll have more money to spend when you get there! If you decide flying is out of your price range and you simply want to get away, consider a road trip to save money and promote family bonding. Don’t shy away from the staycation either. And, if you do decide to brave air travel with kids, some careful planning and smart strategies can help ease the stress on yourself (and other passengers).

Happy flying!

Other  travel tips:

• 20 Smart Ways to Save on a Disney Vacation
• 8 Simple Ways to Save On Your Next Family Vacation
• How to Plan a Debt Free Vacation

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21 comments.

I travel about 75% of the time and always use cubes, so am happy to find a new resource.A comment on EZ Packing. They don’t allow you to apply more than 1 discount code. I went to their website and they were offering free shipping, which was a greater discount than the 10% off. I am sorry if you don’t receive a commission, but you should, as that is how I went to their website. off beaten track hiking routes

Thanks for sharing the great post and sharing great options to save on the air travel. I have been looking for blogs that helps me in offering the things that suit my budget.

Great tips!!

Thank you so much for sharing awesome tips while traveling in Airways

Thank you so much for sharing great tips to save more on Air travel

Useful and geniune tips for air travel money saving. I keep traveling for business trips. Airport Taxi Worthing

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6 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe

Traveling around Europe can be expensive. Airfare, high-speed and overnight trains, ferries — they all eat into your limited (and precious) travel budget.

Fortunately, there are alot of ways to get around Europe on a budget. The sharing economy , new bus options, discounted train passes , and lots of budget airlines all help you navigate Europe without breaking the bank.

I’ve been traveling Europe since 2006 and have seen so many things change over that time period. While COVID has impacted things, I can honestly say that it’s never been easier to get around Europe because there are so many new cheap ways to travel the continent.

Here are the best ways to travel around Europe on a budget:  

1. Travel by Bus

Flixbus is usually the cheapest bus option, with prices starting as low as 5 EUR. Their buses include Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, free baggage (one carry-on and one stored under the bus), and comfy seats. (Megabus still runs in the UK.)

FlixBus quickly became my favorite non-train way to get across Europe cheaply. It’s not fancy by any means but it’s the cheapest way to get around. They most of Europe. Here’s a map of their routes to help you plan your trip!

However, there are plenty of other regionally-specific bus companies that will get you elsewhere. For example, Alsa is the main provider in Spain and its neighboring countries.

You can use BusRadar or Get By Bus to find the cheapest and fastest option on your desired route.

2. Travel by Budget Airline

Just remember that budget airlines make most of their money through fees. They are very strict about baggage limits or and many will ding you if you forget to print your boarding pass. Don’t expect any complimentary drinks or meals either. But if you follow the rules and know what to expect you can save a ton of money!

For more information, here is a complete guide to finding cheap flights.  

3. Travel by Eurail Pass

If you’re going to travel by train, it’s hard to beat them on price and convenience for short city-to-city travel. For longer journeys (overnight journeys, between countries, or rides that require a high-speed line, like Paris to Bordeaux or Berlin to Munich ), trains can get very expensive.

If you plan to travel around Europe and don’t want to fly, getting a rail pass is your best money-saving travel option. Your cost per trip will be a lot lower than if you were to buy these tickets separately.

Not sure if the Eurail pass is for you? Here is a complete breakdown of Eurail passes and when they should be used to save money .  

4. Travel by BlaBlaCar

This is the BEST paid way to get around Europe because you get to meet a local, have a friendly conversation, save money, and get to where you’re going faster. It’s available in close to 20 countries in Europe.

While BlaBlaCar may not always be cheaper than the bus (FlixBus can be super cheap!) it’s usually way faster and way more interesting!  

5. Travel by Rental Car/Campervan

Campervans are particularly popular in countries like Iceland , Scotland , and Norway since those destinations offer a lot of hiking and camping opportunities. You can find campervans for as little as 60 EUR a day — super affordable when split with a travel partner and when considering that this also includes accommodation! Use the app “park4night” to find free (and cheap) overnight parking all around Europe.   Note : Many countries in Europe require foreign drivers to have an International Driving Permit. You can get one in your home country before you arrive for around 20 EUR. (It’s essentially just a copy of your license in other languages). Also keep in mind that renting an automatic vs standard transmission will usually cost around twice as much.  

6. Travel by Hitchhiking

Just keep in mind that it’s important to use your head when hitchhiking. Always trust your instinct and use common sense. Keep your valuables on you in case you forget your bag in the car and never hesitate to text a friend or family member with the license plate before you get in. Write your destination on a sign and look presentable. That will help you find a ride faster.

Use the website Hitchwiki for tips to help ensure you have a fun and safe experience.  

The BEST and CHEAPEST Way to Travel Europe? Mix and Match Your Transportation

As you can see, there are a lot of ways to get around Europe on a budget. But the best way is to mix and match your transportation depending on where you are going and for how long. For short trips, I like trains and BlaBlaCar. For medium-length trips (i.e. half a day), I’ll take a bus, BlaBlaBla car, or train. For long distances, I fly or take a high-speed train or an overnight bus.

Too many travelers think it’s an all-or-nothing thing. Like one way is always better than the other. That’s not true. There’s no one way to travel around Europe. There are a ton — and you need to know when to use which method.

If you have more time, take the slower, cheaper routes.

If you have more money and a shorter trip, fly and take the train.

If you have no preference on how you travel — and you just want the cheapest option (which is usually what I do) — use a website like Rome2Rio or Omio . All you have to do is enter where you are going and these sites will mix and match the various ways to get around the continent for the least amount of money. They will string together buses and trains and planes to construct the quickest trip for the least amount of money.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight using Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

For suggestions on where to stay during your trip, here are my favorite hostels in Europe !

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Want More Information on Europe? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Europe for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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8 Proven Ways to Pay Less For Your Airline Tickets

Posted: March 21, 2024 | Last updated: March 21, 2024

Hopping online to purchase airline tickets can cause quite a shock due to their high prices. 

Thanks to the cost of gas, staffing issues, and pilot shortages, it’s not cheap to travel by plane. That’s why we’re here to help you get the best deals on airline tickets so you can start traveling more . 

Here are the best tips to help you find the most affordable airplane tickets for the times you just need to get away.

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Use a travel or airline credit card

One easy way to save on airline tickets is to purchase them with the best travel credit cards, which give you points for each dollar you spend. 

The best airline credit cards offer similar rewards programs, allowing you to acquire miles that you can save up and redeem for discounted or even free flights.

Some credit cards will also offer free companion tickets. Just be sure that you don’t carry a balance on either type of credit card, as interest rates and annual fees can negate any benefits you rack up if you let debt build up without paying it off in a timely manner.

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Plan your trip far in advance

You may have heard that there are magical times when you can book a flight to snag the best possible price on airline tickets.

However, that might not always be the case, especially considering the fluctuating price of oil and general market uncertainty.

To that end, it’s best to book your flight as soon as you know you will be taking one. Travel experts suggest booking your summer trip in winter, and vice versa. Think of it like buying a bathing suit when it’s chilly or a parka when it’s beach weather.

Book on certain days and fly at unpopular times

You’d be hard-pressed to find a person who delights at getting up at 3 a.m. for an early flight or boarding at 11 p.m. for a red-eye flight. However, the discomfort and exhaustion of traveling at the crack of dawn or the dead of night might translate into some serious savings for you.

Also, purchasing your airline tickets on certain days of the week, like Thursdays, and planning to depart on a Wednesday can chip away at the cost as well.

Although the savings may not be huge, any savings helps. So yes, the days and times you both book and fly can spare your wallet.

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Add a connecting flight

Let’s face it, booking a direct flight is certainly the easiest and most hassle-free way to go about air travel. Your bag travels with you in one plane, you don’t have to run through the airport to catch a connection and delays will stress you out far less this way.

However, you’re likely to pay more for a direct route. If you want to save some cash, then book a connecting flight.

You do run the risk of arriving at your connecting flight a sweaty mess and will have to add extra time to your overall travel schedule, but you’re going to the same place in the end.

Book with a budget airline

We’ve all heard the horror stories of flying on a budget airline, but take those with a grain of salt. The reason? These airlines have grown significantly in recent years, and have quadrupled in size since the last time oil prices were soaring into oblivion.

Additionally, more people are turning to budget airlines to book their flights, from a mere 4% of travelers in 2008 to 15%, and growing today.

You do have to be mindful of hidden fees on budget airlines, including for carry-ons and such, but in the end, you can wind up with serious savings.

Sign up for sites like Travelzoo

If you have flexibility about when and where you want to travel, you can find some of the best airline tickets and travel packages around on sites like Travelzoo.

This company has an entire staff of experts who spend their time scouring the web to find the best deals on a wide variety of trips, from quick beach getaways in Mexico to bucket list trips like African safaris, eco getaways to the Galapagos Islands, and more.

All you need to do to access these deals is sign up with your email address, and each week you will get a list of their top 20 picks, with cheap airfare included in many of them.

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Book with a site like Expedia

Another way you can save money on plane tickets is by booking your flight on sites like Expedia. For one, you can often (but not always) find cheaper flights on Expedia as opposed to booking them directly with a carrier.

Additionally, if you’re willing to bundle your flight, hotel, and car rental, you’ll often find that doing so comes out cheaper than the sum of its parts.

Expedia also offers last-minute deals similar to Travelzoo if you’re up for a spontaneous adventure. Just be sure to compare shops and read the cancellation policies very carefully. Finally, Expedia also offers reward programs, but airline and credit card reward programs tend to be more lucrative.

Use a travel agency

This last bit of advice might sound like a relic from a time gone by, but booking with a travel agency can still save you money, even in the era of oodles of travel websites.

For one reason, they have expertise that can be exceptionally valuable, especially if you are planning a complicated trip to a place you’ve never been, like South Asia or the Middle East.

Additionally, you often don’t have to pay extra to utilize an agent, as their compensation comes from the hotels and services they work with. Just inquire about fees up front, and prepare to save.

Bottom line

While flying in general is more expensive lately, especially if you have to book at the last minute, it’s not impossible to score some savings. This is especially true if you do a little recognizance beforehand.

If possible, consider saving money on travel by taking the train if you can reach your destination, as those fares can be far cheaper. You can see more of the country, too. 

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• 7 things to do if you're scraping by financially.
• 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
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The world's first doggy jet service will cost you $6K for a one-way ticket

Dogs will soon be able to experience their own “ fur st” class flight with the launch of the world’s first jet charter company specifically designed for man’s best friend. 

BARK, the dog toy company that coordinates the popular treat subscription BarkBox, is partnering with a jet charter service to take away the challenges of long-distance traveling with dogs, according to a press release. BARK Air, as the company calls it, offers the “white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches.”

Taking dogs on airplanes is, typically, a stressful endeavor with different airlines having different policies for pet travel. For example, American Airlines allows small dogs in a carrier to be placed under the seat in front, but larger dogs are put in the cargo space, which has been found to be stressful for the pet. For United Airlines , pets can fly in the cabin if there’s enough space, but they must fit in a carrier under the seat in front.

“We are excited to take the insights we’ve learned over years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies,” said Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at BARK, in a statement. 

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However, you’ll need to pay a hefty fee for the dog-friendly flight. For now, a ticket for just one dog and one human will run you at least $6,000 one way. 

The first BARK Air flights will take off on May 23, and so far, there are only two flight routes available, both from New York’s Westchester County Airport. From New York to London’s Stansted Airport, it’ll cost $8,000 one-way and to Los Angeles’s Van Nuys Airport will cost $6,000 one-way. Tickets are available for purchase on April 11.

Not only does BARK Air allow dogs, it also focuses on the furry friends by treating them like VIPs, the press release said. BARK Air passengers can skip TSA checkpoints and screenings and instead experience a simple check-in process where they can meet the other dogs on the flight and the humans are served a meal cooked by on-site chefs. 

When boarding, a BARK Air concierge is on-hand to ensure the dogs are socializing and adjusting to the environment well. 

Each flight will undergo “Dogs Fly First” flight prep that includes “calming pheromones, music, and colors that pups prefer.” To make the flying experience easier and more enjoyable, dogs have access to various aids such as calming treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, and calming jackets.

During takeoff and descent, dogs are given a beverage of their choice to help their ears adjust to cabin pressurization. Of course, there will be plenty of treats on the flight.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

America’s most loathed airport is cool now

New york city’s laguardia airport went from punchline to a flier favorite.

NEW YORK — From an arriving plane, taxiing up to a gate in the new Terminal B at New York’s LaGuardia Airport is like approaching a steel-and-glass fortress. Flat gray walls at ground level immediately meet the eye. The building’s notable touches — its floor-to-ceiling windows, pedestrian bridges and other architectural flourishes — all rise above you.

After that fortress-like approach, deplaning into the building is a pleasant departure from its dreary reputation . The concourse is light and airy with a rising roofline that visually guides travelers to the bridge to the terminal and the city beyond.

Concessions, including local favorites like Irving Farm coffee roasters and national chains like Wendy’s, beckon with dining options. Forget a book? Grab one at beloved New York bookstore Strand . Need a gift for the kids? The Lego store has you covered.

Or just want to relax away from the traveling masses? Credit card provider Chase recently opened a gleaming new lounge, joining ones managed by Air Canada, American Airlines, United Airlines and American Express.

This isn’t the LaGuardia of “ airport sushi ” infamy anymore.

The airport has come a long way since Vice President Joe Biden described it as “third world” in 2014. Gone is the 1960s-era Central Terminal Building with its leaky roofs , lack of food options and nowhere to sit. Terminal B replaced it in 2020. And Terminal C, which is still under construction, will replace Terminals C and D when it is completed later this year.

“This is gorgeous,” one female traveler stopped to tell Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton, the man who oversaw the transformation of LaGuardia, as he watched a water feature falling from the ceiling in the middle of Terminal B.

“I feel like I’m not at home,” she added before disappearing to catch a flight as “New York, New York” played in the background.

Reactions like these are common, Cotton said on a walk through Terminal B last month. The Port Authority, which operates LaGuardia, receives similar feedback from travelers.

“This is civic architecture,” he said while looking out one of those walls of glass you can see from taxiing planes. “It should be inspiring and appealing.”

And an inspiring and appealing edifice is what the Port Authority and its private partners have achieved: a pleasant, art-filled, Instagrammable place — and this time in a good way.

From last to first place

There are many problems with LaGuardia. For one, in a world of large, mega-airports like Dallas-Fort Worth, it’s minuscule. The airport, with just 680 acres, is smaller than Central Park.

On top of that, LaGuardia was built without a master plan, Cotton said. The original terminal — Terminal A, later known as the Marine Air Terminal — opened in 1940 and Terminal B was completed in 1964. Later came Terminals C and D in the 1980s and 1990s.

“It was ‘we’ll just build this one new terminal building,’ and it was how the Port Authority had approached the airport as a whole … No plan. Piecemeal,” Cotton said.

Then came former New York governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Cuomo, in January 2015, announced an “aggressive infrastructure redesign” of New York’s John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports after years of inaction. Cotton noted that, among other reasons, rebuilding the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks took “an enormous amount of the resources of the agency.”

By summer 2015, New York State had selected private partners to redevelop Terminals B, C and D at LaGuardia, including LaGuardia Gateway Partners for Terminal B and Delta Air Lines for Terminal C. Construction began on Terminal B in 2016 and Terminal C a year later.

“There was a real continuity of top leadership support,” Cotton said. He cited Cuomo and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for their support.

“You need that in terms of committing the funding, and you need that in terms of a thousand different problems that come into play,” Cotton added, who was named Port Authority executive director in 2017.

What the Port Authority and its private partners did was no small feat. “You have a fully operational airport with passengers and you’re fully reconstructing that facility,” said TJ Schulz, president of the trade group Airports Consultants Council.

He likened the reconstruction of LaGuardia to “changing a tire on a car that’s moving on the interstate.”

It paid off: the trade group Airports Council International World recently named LaGuardia as having the best customer experience for airports its size in North America, which is a dramatic turnaround from its historical last or near-last place standing. Skytrax , the publisher of global airline and airport quality rankings, lists LaGuardia Terminal B as one of just three facilities in North America with the top five-star rating. LaGuardia Airport as a whole is rated four stars.

A work in progress

The design of the new Terminal B, which was completed in 2022, aims to reduce stress and create a “calm, frictionless experience” for travelers, as LaGuardia Gateway Partners CEO Suzette Noble put it.

“Once you’re through security, this great window looks out on the airfield. You can see the two bridges, [and] you can see the airplanes,” said Peter Ruggiero, a design principal at architecture firm HOK that designed Terminal B, in a 2020 talk. “You know where you’re going; you have a sense of those distances.”

When asked about all of the vertical movements travelers must make — at least three from curb to gate — Noble said it was solely the result of the terminal site’s small size. It’s not something LaGuardia Gateway Partners has, at least not publicly, received many complaints about. She said complaints are typically about WiFi and flight delays.

In addition to improving the inside, the Port Authority, along with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and city officials, is working to improve the journey to LaGuardia with bus upgrades. A new direct shuttle service is planned from the end of a nearby subway line. A controversial AirTrain to the subway, like the one at JFK, was canceled in early 2023 due to spiraling costs.

The new Terminal C, which is home to Delta Air Lines, is still under construction with two-and-a-half of the four new concourses open. The rest is expected to open this summer.

Construction on the building is still very obvious. Look out the panoramic windows after security, and you see half of the former Terminal D amid arriving and departing planes with an old Delta sign — “NEW YORK’S #1 AIRLINE” — still hanging above the former curbside drop-off area.

Travelers, though, already like what they see.

“How did LaGuardia went from being a joke to this,” X user umichvoter posted in September , along with an image of one of the new multilevel atriums in Terminal C.

How did LaGuardia went from being a joke to this pic.twitter.com/kLMDDWOfSs — umichvoter 🏳️‍🌈 (@umichvoter) September 8, 2023

Like Terminal B, Terminal C goes up where most airport spaces go out. There’s no great hall welcoming travelers when they enter from departures; instead ticketing is on one level and security a level above connected by two three-story atriums filled with public art. A massive, digital screen spanning the space above the security queues shows changing images that reflect the destination of a soon-to-depart flight.

“New York City is such a vertical city,” said Jay Liese, the project principal on Terminal C at architecture firm Corgan. “In some ways we see the three-level [terminal] as being a little bit of a metaphor for New York.”

One thing Corgan and architectural partner Gensler did after security was create soaring atriums at the entrance to the concourses in Terminal C. That makes the place where travelers wait to board their flights feel much larger, and significantly increases the space for restaurants , restrooms and kid play areas.

The concourse atriums are the concessions space in Terminal C, a more dispersed approach than the central hub in Terminal B.

“It becomes a more organic part of the customer’s journey to their gate,” Liese said of the decision to spread out amenities across the terminal.

You can eat a sandwich or pizza at Sunday Supper looking out a floor-to-ceiling window on the ramp where planes are coming and going, or down on the travelers milling about as they wait for their flights. From there, it’s a quick escalator ride down to the concourse floor and walk to the gate for your flight out.

“It has exceeded, frankly, my highest hopes and expectations,” Cotton said of the new LaGuardia while sitting in Terminal B. “The combination of the architecture — light and airy, and you compare that to the old, dark, undersized LaGuardia. [It’s] night and day.”

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Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

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Rail spikes hammered, bullet train being built from Las Vegas to Los Angeles

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A $12 billion passenger bullet train linking Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area was dubbed the first true high-speed rail line in the nation on Monday, with the private company building it predicting millions of ticket-buyers will be boarding trains by 2028.

“People have been dreaming of high-speed rail in America for decades,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg before taking a stage with union representatives and company officials at the future site of a terminal to be built just south of the Las Vegas Strip. “It’s really happening this time.”

Buttigieg cited Biden administration support for the project that he said will bring thousands of union jobs, boost local economies and cut traffic and air pollution.

Brightline West, whose sister company  already operates a fast train  between Miami and Orlando in Florida, aims to lay 218 miles (351 kilometers) of new track almost all in the median of Interstate 15 between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga, California. It would link there with a commuter rail connection to downtown Los Angeles. A station also is planned in San Bernardino County’s Victorville area.

Company officials say the goal is to have trains exceeding speeds of 186 mph (300 kph) — comparable to  Japan’s Shinkansen  bullet trains — operating in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

“I believe we’ll look back at today and say, ‘This was the birth of an industry of high-speed rail,’” Brightline Holdings founder Wes Edens said Monday.

The company aims to link U.S. cities that are too near each other for air travel to make sense and too far for people to drive.

Las Vegas has no Amtrak service. The idea of a bullet train to Los Angeles dates back decades under various names including DesertXpress. Brightline West acquired the project in 2019, and company and public officials say it has all required right-of-way and environmental approvals, along with labor agreements.

Brightline received Biden administration backing including a  $3 billion grant  from federal infrastructure funds and recent  approval to sell  another $2.5 billion in tax-exempt bonds. The company won federal authorization in 2020 to sell $1 billion in similar bonds.

Brightline West says electric-powered trains will cut the four-hour trip across the Mojave Desert to a little more than two hours. It projects 11 million one-way passengers per year, with fares that Edens said will be comparable to airline ticket costs. The trains will offer rest rooms, Wi-Fi, food and beverage sales and the option to check luggage.

Officials hope the train line will relieve congestion on I-15, where drivers often sit in miles of crawling traffic while returning home to Southern California from a Las Vegas weekend. An average of more than  44,000 automobiles per day  crossed the California-Nevada state line on I-15 in 2023, according to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority data.

Florida-based Brightline Holdings’  Miami-line debuted  in 2018 and expanded service to Orlando International Airport last September with trains reaching speeds up to 125 mph (200 kph). It offers 16 round-trips per day with one-way tickets for the 235-mile (378-kilometer) distance costing about $80.

Other fast trains in the U.S. include Amtrak’s Acela, which can top 150 mph (241 kph) between Boston and Washington, D.C. But fast train connections for other U.S. cities have been floated, including  Dallas to Houston ;  Atlanta to Charlotte, North Carolina ;  Chicago to St. Louis ; and  Seattle to Portland, Oregon.  Most have faced delays.

In California, a proposed 500-mile (805-kilometer) rail line linking Los Angeles and San Francisco was approved by voters in 2008, but has been beset by  rising costs and routing disputes . A 2022 business plan by the California High-Speed Rail Authority projected the  cost had more than tripled  to $105 billion.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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