Traveling, especially for frequent flyers, often means navigating airports, booking flights, and managing a multitude of logistics with efficiency. While seasoned travelers have learned many tricks to make their journeys smoother and more enjoyable, most of these hacks remain a well-kept secret. From scoring unbeatable airfare deals to upgrading your flight experience without breaking the bank, here are the best insider tips from frequent flyers that will transform the way you travel.
1. Use Fare Comparison Tools Wisely
Finding the best airfare deal can feel like a game of chance, but frequent flyers have a few tricks up their sleeves. One of the most effective methods is using fare comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak. These sites scan a wide range of airlines and booking platforms to help you find the best prices. But here’s the insider hack:
- Set Fare Alerts: Set price alerts on multiple sites for flexibility and track price drops.
- Search in Incognito Mode: Some travel websites track your searches and may raise prices based on your browsing history. Use your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode to avoid this.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Prices vary significantly depending on the day of the week, season, or time of day. If you can adjust your travel dates by a day or two, you can save a lot.
Tip: The cheapest days to fly are typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Avoid peak travel seasons like holidays and summer months to get the best deals.
2. Join Airline Loyalty Programs and Use Frequent Flyer Miles
One of the best-kept secrets to frequent flying is joining loyalty programs offered by airlines. Even if you don’t fly often, accumulating miles with each trip can lead to future perks such as upgrades, priority boarding, and free checked bags. Frequent flyers also know how to make the most out of their loyalty miles:
- Sign up for multiple programs: You don’t need to stick to one airline. Many airlines are part of global alliances like Star Alliance, Oneworld, or SkyTeam, meaning your miles accumulate across several airlines.
- Use Miles for Upgrades: If you’re flying economy, you can use miles to bid for upgrades to business or first class. It’s often cheaper than booking directly, and your chances of upgrading are better if you request early.
- Don’t Let Miles Expire: Frequent flyers know that miles can expire, so they often use credit card purchases, stay at partner hotels, or book rental cars through airline partners to keep their accounts active.
Tip: Look for credit cards that offer airline miles, allowing you to earn points even when you’re not flying.
3. Avoid Long Lines with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Nothing eats into your travel time more than waiting in long security lines. Frequent flyers swear by TSA PreCheck (in the U.S.) or Global Entry for international travelers. These programs allow you to bypass long lines and speed through security with minimal hassle.
- TSA PreCheck: For a fee of $85, you can enjoy expedited security for five years, including benefits like not having to remove your shoes or laptop.
- Global Entry: This is especially useful for international travel and includes all TSA PreCheck benefits, plus quicker U.S. Customs screening when you return from abroad. The fee is $100 for five years, but it can be waived for certain credit card holders.
Tip: Global Entry is often quicker to obtain than you might think. Applying for the program is a great investment if you travel internationally often.
4. Use Airline Credit Cards to Earn Perks
Airline-branded credit cards are a travel hacker’s best friend, offering valuable perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and early seat selection. Some even come with significant sign-up bonuses and rewards that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or car rentals.
- Sign-Up Bonuses: Many airline credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that can add up to hundreds of dollars in free travel credit after meeting minimum spending thresholds. These can often be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or partner rewards.
- Use the Perks: Get a free checked bag, priority boarding, and sometimes even lounge access with these cards, which can help you bypass common travel hassles.
Tip: Make sure to pay off the balance each month to avoid high interest rates, as the rewards often don’t outweigh the costs if you carry a balance.
5. Book Flights with Layovers for Lower Prices
One simple way to save money on flights is by choosing an itinerary with a layover instead of a direct flight. Many frequent flyers intentionally choose flights with longer layovers, especially on long-haul flights, as they can significantly cut the cost of the ticket.
- Look for Stopovers in Major Hubs: Flights that include a layover in large international hubs (like Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul) often come at a lower price than direct flights.
- Consider Multi-City Flights: If you’re traveling to multiple destinations, consider booking multi-city flights rather than separate one-way tickets. This can save both time and money.
Tip: Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to search for “multi-city” or “stopover” flights. Many airlines even offer free stopover programs, allowing you to explore an extra city for a few days without additional cost.
6. Travel During Off-Peak Hours for Quieter Airports
Traveling early in the morning or late at night not only helps avoid crowds but can also save you money on flights. Most frequent flyers know that flying during off-peak hours (like early morning or mid-week) offers less congestion at the airport and shorter lines at security.
- Avoid Weekend Crowds: Friday and Sunday are usually the busiest travel days. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often quieter, making your airport experience much more pleasant.
- Book Red-Eye Flights: If you’re willing to endure a bit of inconvenience, red-eye flights (those that depart late at night) tend to be cheaper and less crowded.
Tip: If you’re flying internationally, consider booking flights that depart late at night so you can sleep through a portion of your flight and arrive well-rested.
7. Use Airport Lounge Access Wisely
Airport lounges offer a great way to escape crowded terminals, enjoy free food and drinks, and relax before your flight. Frequent flyers know that lounge access doesn’t have to be reserved for first-class passengers or those with elite status:
- Use Lounge Passes: Many credit cards (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Platinum Card from American Express) offer free lounge access as part of their benefits. You can also buy day passes for lounges like Priority Pass or LoungeKey.
- Take Advantage of Long Layovers: If you have a long layover, use lounge access to get some peace and quiet, grab a snack, and freshen up with a shower.
Tip: Even if you don’t have a credit card with lounge access, some airports allow you to purchase one-time passes directly at the lounge.
8. Pack Smart to Avoid Extra Fees
Packing efficiently can save you both time and money. Frequent flyers often pack light and smart to avoid costly checked bag fees and the hassle of waiting for luggage at the carousel. Here’s how to streamline your packing:
- Use a Carry-On: If possible, avoid checking bags entirely by packing only a carry-on. This not only saves you money but also lets you skip the baggage claim.
- Wear Your Bulkiest Items: To save space in your bag, wear your heaviest clothes (like jackets or boots) on the plane.
- Pack Efficiently: Roll clothes instead of folding them to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.
Tip: If you need to check a bag, consider using a luggage-forwarding service or pay for the service online in advance to save time and money.
9. Consider Alternative Airports for Cheaper Flights
Airports in larger cities can be expensive, especially for major airlines. Frequent travelers often use alternative, smaller airports to find better flight deals or avoid crowded terminals.
- Look for Nearby Airports: In cities like New York, London, and Paris, you can often fly into a smaller airport (e.g., LaGuardia instead of JFK, Gatwick instead of Heathrow, or Orly instead of Charles de Gaulle) for a lower price.
- Use Airport Transfer Services: If you need to use a smaller airport, be sure to plan your transportation from the airport to your accommodation.
Tip: Use a flight comparison tool to check all nearby airports to find the best deals.
By using these insider travel hacks from frequent flyers, you can make your trips more efficient, enjoyable, and affordable. From scoring cheaper flights to maximizing comfort with lounge access and loyalty programs, these expert tips will help you travel like a pro and make the most of every journey. Happy travels!