air travel hacks report

Chuck Thackston , managing director of data science and research at ARC. "Air travel has proven resilient over the past few years, with travellers increasingly taking to the skies for both business and leisure."

2024 Air Travel Hacks Report

WHEN TO BOOK

• Book airfare on a Sunday to save up to 24%. 1 Travellers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 17% on domestic flights and 24% on international flights.
• Book domestic flights at least a month before to save 33% . 2 Travellers that booked 25 days prior to departure saved 33% on average compared to those who waited until the last minute. For international airfare, avoid booking too early as prices are comparatively high 106 days out. However, prices also tend to increase 20 days prior to departure. For optimal availability, selection and savings, book 30-37 days out.

WHEN TO TRAVEL

• Depart on a Thursday to save up to 13%. 3 Avoid departing on Sundays, which are the priciest days, on average, to start a trip.
• Depart before 3 p.m. to reduce chance of cancellations. 4 24% of Canadian air travellers try to avoid morning flights because getting up early on the day of travel gives them additional stress. However, year-to-date flight status data reveals flights that depart after 3 p.m. have an 18% higher chance, on average, of being cancelled than those that depart earlier in the day.

MONEY-SAVING TOOLS   

• Price Tracking: Take the guess work out of deciding when to book with the Price Tracking feature on the Expedia app, which notifies travellers when flight prices change, and uses exclusive data to pinpoint the best time to book.
• Bundling: With flights, car rentals, hotels and activities, Expedia offers a wide selection of customizable vacation packages in one place, allowing travellers to save hundreds of dollars on average when booking multiple items on Expedia. Whether booking items together in the same transaction or in steps, travellers also have their itinerary all in one place making it easier to keep track of their journey.

2024 AIR TRAVEL TRENDS

• The number of scheduled long haul flights is nearly at 2019 levels ( 5
• Toronto , Vancouver , and Calgary range among the most popular domestic destinations for Canadian flyers. The most popular international destinations are Las Vegas ( USA ), Cancun ( Mexico ) and New York City ( USA ). 6
• The fastest growing destination, according to Expedia flight demand data, is Beijing in China . 7

ABOUT THE DATA

Expedia's annual Air Travel Hacks Report is backed by an analysis of billions of data points and the most extensive air ticketing database in the world through collaboration with Airlines Reporting Corporation  (ARC) and OAG, the world's largest provider of flight information. Expedia has produced the Air Travel Hacks Report annually for more than a decade, making it the ultimate authority on air travel insights and data-driven travel tips.

About Expedia Expedia ®  is one of the world's leading full-service travel brands, with a mission of helping travellers get the most out of every trip they take by providing everything they need all in one place, ensuring they are getting the most out of every trip they take, and above all else, feel supported every step of the way.  

Our commitment to insights matched with our unprecedented scale allows us to understand our travellers better than anyone else, delivering exactly what they need, when they need it. Our personalized experiences ,  backed by incredible technology enable us to deliver the widest selection of product offerings across accommodations, transportation, activities and experiences that help you get the most out of your journey.  

Use our mobile app or visit www.expedia.ca to plan your journey with us.  

© 2023 Expedia, Inc. , an Expedia Group company.  All rights reserved.  Expedia and the Airplane logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CST# 2029030-50.

Follow Expedia on Instagram , TikTok , Pinterest , Twitter  and YouTube .

About Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) ARC accelerates the growth of global air travel by delivering forward-looking travel data, flexible distribution services and other innovative industry solutions. We are a leading travel intelligence company that possesses the world's largest, most comprehensive global airline ticket dataset, including more than 15 billion passenger flights representing 490 airlines and 230 countries and territories. Our solutions and expertise strengthen economies and enrich lives by connecting stakeholders across the travel ecosystem. For more information, visit www.arccorp.com.

About OAG OAG is the leading data platform for the global travel industry, powering the growth and innovation of the air travel ecosystem since 1929. It has the world's largest network of flight information, covering the whole journey from planning to customer experience. Customers include airlines, airports, travel technology players, aviation service providers, government agencies, financial institutions ,  and consultancies. Headquartered in the U.K. , OAG has operations in the U.S. , Singapore , Japan , China , and Lithuania . For more information, visit: www.oag.com and follow us on Twitter @OAG Aviation. Data sources: 1  Best day of the week to book recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for flights originating in Canada for January through August 2023, sourced from ARC's global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages. 2  Ideal booking window recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for flights originating in Canada for January through August for 2023, sourced from ARC's global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages. 3  Best day of the week to depart recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for flights originating in Canada for January through August for 2022, sourced from ARC's global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages. 4  How to avoid flight cancellations information is based on January through July 2023 flight status data for flights originating in Canada sourced from  OAG's  global flight data platform. Percentages noted are averages. 5  Capacity information is based on number of scheduled flights offered by airlines for January 2019 through December 2023 , sourced from ARC's global airline sales database. Price development information is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2023 and average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2022, sourced from ARC's global airline sales database. 6  Most popular destinations information is based on Expedia's 2023 flight demand to-date. 7  The fastest growing destination information is based on Expedia's 2023 flight demand to-date and flight demand in the same period last year.

* The survey about air travel stress was conducted online among 1,000 Canadian air travellers from August 23-September 24, 2023 , by OnePoll on behalf of Expedia.

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Explore > Inspiration > Travel Tips > Expedia’s 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report: Australian travellers should book on this day to save on airfares and minimise flight delays

Expedia’s 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report: Australian travellers should book on this day to save on airfares and minimise flight delays

As we head into the summer holidays and a brand-new year, many travellers have already expanded their travel plans and aspirations. But if we’ve learned anything from 2022, travelling isn’t always so simple, as travellers encounter unpredictable flight prices, delays and cancellations. Thankfully, Expedia has released its 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report, providing six proven tips to help save travellers time and money.

The main takeaway? Plan wisely by taking advantage of price alerts, as timing is KEY when it comes to hacking air travel.

Air travel is on the runway to recovery

Compared to 2019, domestic Australian capacity (airplane seats and flights available for a given route) is sitting at 116%, exceeding 2019 levels, while international capacity is sitting at 77% as airlines work to fully restore operations to pre-pandemic levels 1 .

Meanwhile, average ticket prices for domestic flights have remained stable over the last two years and are now tracking on par to 2019. As the industry continues to recover, average ticket prices for international flights are higher compared to 2019 but are expected to continue to level out driven by the rebound in demand and lowering of travel restrictions 2 .

From when to book to maximising loyalty perks, here’s Expedia’s guide to hacking travel in 2023.

Tips for when to book

Book on a Sunday to save up to 20% on average 3 Travellers who booked on Sundays instead of Fridays tended to save, on average, around 20% on domestic flights and international flights. The best day of the week to book has been Sunday, while the day to avoid has been Friday, for the past four years.

Book at least three months before domestic flights to save 30% on average 4 The sweet spot for snagging the best price on domestic flights falls between 70 – 100 days before departure (so about three months in advance of travel). Travellers who booked during that period saved 30% on average compared to those who waited until the last minute (0 – 30 days before travel). Book six months before international flights to save 25% on average 4 Travellers who booked around six months in advance of international travel saved an average of 25% compared to those who waited until three months or less to book. The key to booking international airfares is to book as soon as possible, with prices traditionally cheapest 160 days or earlier before departure.

How to avoid flight disruptions

Depart at midday to help reduce the chance of cancellations 5 Travellers who want the best chance for smooth travel should aim for daytime flights (9am – 3pm). Based on year-to-date flight-status data, flights that depart between 3pm – 9pm have the highest chance of being cancelled – a 30% higher chance, on average, than those that depart at midday.

Embrace shoulder season 6 Data shows that avoiding the peak travel periods can have more benefits than just cost-savings. Based on 2022 trends, cancellations are most likely to happen in January and least likely in February. Historically, flight delays were also shorter in February compared to June as the Northern Hemisphere summer rush begins. From there, delays begin to shorten in August, making spring an appealing time for air travel.

Overall, the data shows that airlines have steadily improved their services, with total cancellations dropping from more than 9% in July to around 3% in August. The trend is expected to continue in a positive direction for travellers, meaning 2023 should see a significantly reduced risk of flight disruptions. 

When to travel

Depart at the end of the week to save up to 20% on average 7 In general, travellers who started a trip on a Saturday, versus on a Monday, saved up to 20% on domestic flights. For international flights, travellers who departed on a Friday instead of a Sunday saved 10% on average.

How to save on every trip

When it just isn’t possible to follow every travel hack, there are still a few easy ways you can save money.

Book airfares, hotel and car at the same time on Expedia. Otherwise known as bundling, this can help you instantly unlock savings. 

Sign up for loyalty and frequent flyer programs or risk leaving money on the table. Expedia members  earn Rewards points on eligible bookings, which they can use to save on their next trip. *

Earn air miles on top of Expedia points by entering your Frequent Flyer details at checkout. It’s an easy way to double-dip and rack up travel rewards even faster.

Follow Expedia on Instagram , TikTok , Pinterest , Twitter and YouTube . To learn more about the Airlines Reporting Corporation and OAG, visit www.arccorp.com and www.oag.com . 

Data sources

1  Capacity-trend information is based on number of flights and seats offered by airlines domestically and internationally, originating in Australia, for January 2019 through December 2022, sourced from ARC’s global airline dales database.  

2 Price-development information is based is on average round-trip ticket prices for domestic Australian and international flights originating in Australia for January through August for 2022 and average round-trip ticket prices for flights originating in Australia for January through December for 2019, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database.   

3  Best day of the week to book recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for domestic Australian and international flights originating in Australia for January through August 2022, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database.  

4  Ideal booking window recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for domestic Australian and international flights originating in Australia for January through August for 2022, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database.  

5  Time of day to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2022 flight-status data for domestic Australian and international flights originating in Australia sourced from OAG ’s global flight data platform.  

6  Month to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2022 flight-status data for domestic Australian and international flights originating in Australia sourced from OAG’s global flight data platform.  

7  Best day of the week to depart recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for domestic Australian and international flights originating in Australia for January through August for 2022, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database.  

* Eligible bookings only. Rewards terms apply. See site for details .

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Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report unveils key insights for cost-efficient and stress-free flying

Expedia’s latest Air Travel Hacks Report offers invaluable strategies for travel and hospitality professionals to optimize airfare expenses and mitigate travel-related stress for their clients.

SINGAPORE – Expedia ’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report was released in Singapore, providing the latest essential tips to save travellers time and money on flights and make air travel less stressful, from when to book, how to avoid cancellations and the best day to depart on a trip.

The report comes at a time when travellers are beginning to plan their holiday getaways and feeling overwhelmed in the process. According to a survey* of 1,000 Singapore flyers, Expedia found that close to a third (32%) find air travel is more daunting than filing taxes (22%) or the dreaded dentist visit (27%). 22% of air travellers find the process of finding a good flight deal especially stressful. More than a quarter (26%) even checked back ticket prices after booking to see if they could have saved more.

“ In terms of stress levels, booking your next flight shouldn’t be in the same ballpark as getting a cavity filled ,” said James Marshall , vice president of Expedia Group global air account management. “ The good news is many of the things that contribute to travel stress are getting better, and Expedia is constantly releasing new tools like Price Tracking, that make the whole booking and flying journey smoother.”

“ Airlines are adding capacity and increasing service to meet the sustained air travel demand we’ve seen throughout 2023 ,” said Chuck Thackston , managing director of data science and research at ARC. “Air travel has proven resilient over the past few years, with travellers increasingly taking to the skies for both business and leisure. Fortunately for those travellers, the cost of airfare has been below 2022 levels for most of the year.”

2024 Air Travel Hacks Report

When to book

• Book airfare on a Sunday to save on average 27%.1 Travelers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 11% on economy flight bookings and 36% on premium bookings.
• Book flights 4 to 5 months ahead to save.2 Travelers that booked 128 to 142 days prior to departure saved 10% on average compared to those who waited until the last minute. International airfares tend to increase 9 weeks prior to departure.

When to travel

• Depart on a Thursday to save up to 30%.3 Avoid departing on Sundays, which are the priciest days, on average, to start a trip.
• Depart during the day to reduce chance of cancellations.4 Some travellers like to maximise their trip by flying out after work and taking a red eye flight. However, year-to-date flight status data reveals flights that depart after 9pm have a 74% higher chance, on average, of being cancelled than those that depart earlier in the day.

Money-Saving Tools

• Price Tracking: Take the guess work out of deciding when to book with the Price Tracking feature on the Expedia app, which notifies travellers when flight prices change and uses exclusive data to pinpoint the best time to book.
• Bundling: With flights, hotels and activities, Expedia offers a wide selection of customisable vacation packages in one place, allowing travellers to save when booking multiple items on Expedia. Whether booking items together in the same transaction or in steps, travellers also have their itinerary all in one place making it easier to keep track of their journey.

2024 Air Travel Trends

• Scheduled long-haul flights is at 93% of 2019-level while scheduled short-haul flights is at 79% and overall increasing. Average economy ticket prices have decreased by 9% compared to 2022.5
• Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang range among the most popular destinations of Singapore flyers.6
• The fastest growing destination, according to Expedia flight demand data, is Taipei.7

About the Data

Expedia’s annual Air Travel Hacks Report is backed by an analysis of billions of data points and the most extensive air ticketing database in the world through collaboration with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and OAG, the world’s largest provider of flight information. Expedia has produced the Air Travel Hacks Report annually for more than a decade, making it the ultimate authority on air travel insights and data-driven travel tips.

1 Best day of the week to book recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for flights originating in Singapore for January through August 2023, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages. 2 Ideal booking window recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for flights originating in Singapore for January through August for 2023, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages. 3 Best day of the week to depart recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for flights originating in Singapore for January through August for 2022, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages. 4 How to avoid flight cancellations information is based on January through July 2023 flight status data for flights originating in Singapore sourced from OAG’s global flight data platform. Percentages noted are averages. 5 Capacity information is based on number of scheduled flights offered by airlines for January 2019 through December 2023, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database. Price development information is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2023 and average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2022, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database. 6 Most popular destinations information is based on Expedia’s 2023 flight demand to-date. 7 The fastest growing destination information is based on Expedia’s 2023 flight demand to-date and flight demand in the same period last year. * The survey about air travel stress was conducted online among 1,000 Singapore air travellers from August 23-29, 2023, by OnePoll on behalf of Expedia.

Theodore Koumelis

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

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Expedia’s Annual Air Travel Hacks Report Provides Great Travel Tips

Book on Sunday. Fly on Thursday. And take morning flights if you don’t want to risk delays.

Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report was released today, providing the latest essential tips to save travellers time and money on flights, and make air travel less stressful, from when to book, how to avoid cancellations and the best day to depart on your trip.  

The report comes at a time when travellers are beginning to plan their holiday getaways and are feeling overwhelmed in the process. According to a survey of 1,000 Canadian flyers, Expedia found that 39% reported air travel to be stressful and more daunting than a flooded inbox or sleeping through an alarm. Almost half (43%) of air travellers find the process of securing a good flight deal especially stressful, and 17% even checked back on ticket prices after booking to see if they could have saved more.  

“In terms of stress levels, booking your next flight shouldn’t be in the same ballpark as getting a cavity filled,” said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations. “The good news is many of the things that contribute to travel stress are getting better, and Expedia is constantly releasing new tools like Price Tracking and Trip Planner, that make the whole booking and flying journey smoother.”    

“Airlines are adding capacity and increasing service to meet the sustained air travel demand we’ve seen throughout 2023,” said Chuck Thackston, managing director of data science and research at ARC. “Air travel has proven resilient over the past few years, with travellers increasingly taking to the skies for both business and leisure.”  

2024 Air Travel Hacks Report  

WHEN TO BOOK  

• Book airfare on a Sunday to save up to 24%.   Travellers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 17% on domestic flights and 24% on international flights.  
• Book domestic flights at least a month before to save 33% . 2  Travellers that booked 25 days prior to departure saved 33% on average compared to those who waited until the last minute. For international airfare, avoid booking too early as prices are comparatively high 106 days out. However, prices also tend to increase 20 days prior to departure. For optimal availability, selection and savings, book 30-37 days out.  

    WHEN TO TRAVEL  

• Depart on a Thursday to save up to 13%. Avoid departing on Sundays, which are the priciest days, on average, to start a trip.  
• Depart  before  3 p.m. to reduce chance of cancellations.  24% of Canadian air travellers try to avoid morning flights because getting up early on the day of travel gives them additional stress. However, year-to-date flight status data reveals flights that depart after 3 p.m. have an 18% higher chance, on average, of being cancelled than those that depart earlier in the day.  

Passenger information board at Toronto Pearson Airport. JIM BYERS PHOTO

MONEY-SAVING TOOLS      

• Price Tracking: Take the guess work out of deciding when to book with the Price Tracking feature on the Expedia app, which notifies travellers when flight prices change, and uses exclusive data to pinpoint the best time to book.    
• Bundling: With flights, car rentals, hotels and activities, Expedia offers a wide selection of customizable vacation packages in one place, allowing travellers to save hundreds of dollars on average when booking multiple items on Expedia. Whether booking items together in the same transaction or in steps, travellers also have their itinerary all in one place making it easier to keep track of their journey.  

2024 AIR TRAVEL TRENDS  

• The number of scheduled long haul flights is nearly at 2019 levels (<5% less versus 2019) and the number of scheduled short haul flights is at 74% compared to 2019, overall increasing. Average economy ticket prices have decreased by up to 3% compared to 2022 .  
• Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary range among the most popular domestic destinations for Canadian flyers. The most popular international destinations are Las Vegas, Cancun, and New York City.    
• The fastest growing destination, according to Expedia flight demand data, is Beijing in China.

Tagged as: how to save on airline tickets , how to save on travel , Travel advice , travel hacks , when to book airline tickets. Expedia

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46 Amazing Airplane Hacks To Boost Your Flight & Travel Experience

Katie Seemann

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1. Be Flexible To Save Money

2. stay alert, 3. use points to book your flight, 4. get help finding award availability, 5. don’t leave miles on the table, 6. choose your seat wisely, 7. book a flexible ticket, 8. keep your suitcase organized, 9. bring the ultimate travel accessory, 10. pack vacation essentials in your carry-on, 11. don’t dry out, 12. pay attention to your toiletries, 13. know where you’re going, 14. stay entertained, 15. charge up, 16. be ready to write, 17. think about meals ahead of time, 18. book a bassinet seat, 19. pack snacks, 20. bring lollipops to help pop ears, 21. keep them entertained, 22. use up energy before the flight, 23. remember where you park, 24. skip the long tsa security line, 25. a “touchless” and even faster way to skip long security lines, 26. go left, 27. be ready for the security line, 28. don’t pay for checked luggage, 29. don’t buy water, 30. stay active, 31. get the right size carry-on bag, 32. know how to access a lounge, 33. know your luggage, 34. put your bag in the right spot, 35. block everything out, 36. brush your teeth, 37. be nice, 38. clean your tray table, 39. choose your drink wisely, 40. sleep like a pro, 41. dress in layers, 42. bring socks, 43. find your luggage quickly, 44. late bags earn points, 45. speed through customs, 46. save money on transportation, final thoughts.

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Love it or hate it, flying on an airplane is a common part of travel. So, if you have to fly, you might as well make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

We’ve compiled this list of 46 of our best airplane and travel hacks to elevate your flight experience, including everything from flight booking hacks and packing hacks to airport hacks and inflight hacks.

We hope you’ll be able to use some of these flight tricks to make your next travel experience as awesome as possible.

Flight Booking Hacks

A great flight starts with a great booking experience. Try these tricks the next time you have to book a flight.

If you want to find cheap flights , it’s best to be flexible. When your dates aren’t set in stone, you can use the flexible date search option in Google Flights to see what dates offer the cheapest tickets. Just visit Google Flights , enter your origin and destination cities, then click on the travel dates.

You’ll see the prices for your flight every day on the calendar. Use the trip duration settings at the bottom to choose your desired trip length or play around to see if the trip length affects the ticket price. The lowest-priced tickets will be shown in green.

Another way to keep an eye out for the lowest price tickets is by signing up for flight deal alerts . Websites like Google Flights, Kayak , and Skyscanner allow you to sign up for fare alerts on your chosen route so you know if and when the price drops.

We couldn’t write a flight hack post without mentioning points and miles, could we? Of course not, since that’s our specialty! Using points to book your flight is an easy way to save on the out-of-pocket expense of travel. Plus, using points to book business and first class flights is a great way to make your entire flight experience so much more comfortable than flying in the back of the plane.

Hot Tip: If you’re brand new to the points and miles game, start with our beginner’s guide to bring you up to speed.

Using miles to book a flight is a great way to fly, but finding award availability can sometimes prove to be difficult. If you need help, look at a tool like ExpertFlyer , Award Nexus , or Seat Spy . These websites can help you find award seat availability without spending all day searching.

Whether or not this is your first trip on a specific airline or your fiftieth, sign up for the airline’s frequent flyer program and make sure your frequent flyer number is attached to your reservation. If you never plan on flying the airline again, you can credit the miles you’ll earn to a partner airline.

No one wants to get stuck in a middle seat in the back of the plane next to the bathroom, right? That one is obvious, but there are pros and cons to other seats as well.

• If you get motion sickness, choose a seat over the wing so you’ll feel less turbulence .
• Choose a seat in front of the plane if you’ve got a short connecting time.
• If you’re traveling with another person, choose a window and aisle seat toward the back of the plane. Unless the flight is sold out, you’ll have a decent chance that no one will choose the middle seat between you.
• If you want to sleep during your flight, go with a window seat.
• If you’re more comfortable having easy access to the bathroom, an aisle seat toward the back of the plane will be your best bet.
• If you definitely need a small bag with you during the flight, don’t choose a bulkhead seat because they don’t have anywhere to store a carry-on other than the overhead bins.

Use a tool like SeatGuru to find seat maps for your flight, along with notes about the pros and cons of every seat. This website is a must if you want to find the perfect seat on your next flight.

Thankfully, many airlines are offering flexible cancellation and change policies these days, but be sure to read the fine print. These policies often don’t apply to the cheapest basic economy fares. If you want flexibility, you might need to pay a little more upfront.

Packing Hacks

Packing a suitcase is an art, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. These easy packing hacks will help you save space and ensure that you’re prepared for anything.

A packing tip that many can agree on is that packing cubes are a must. These zippered bags come in lots of different sizes and colors to keep your clothes organized. When you arrive at your destination, just move the packing cubes to the drawers, unzip, and you’ve unpacked in an instant.

If you’re packing for multiple people in 1 bag, assign everyone a different color packing cube to keep everything organized.

A large scarf is a versatile item that is the perfect travel accessory. When you pack one in your carry-on bag, you can use it as a blanket to stay warm or for lumbar support to stay comfortable on the plane. Then use it as a scarf in cold weather destinations or as a beach cover-up for tropical vacations.

Picture this: your flight arrives at your vacation destination and you’re so excited to hit the pool at your resort — but your luggage didn’t make it yet! What could be a wasted vacation day for others is no big deal for you because you’re prepared. You packed an extra set of clothes in your carry-on , including important vacation items like a bathing suit, sunscreen, and flip-flops, so you can wait for your delayed luggage while sipping a tropical cocktail by the pool instead of being grumpy in your hotel room in the jeans and sneakers you wore on the plane.

Dry airplane air can easily dehydrate your body. In addition to drinking plenty of water on your flight, don’t forget to pack lip balm and hand lotion in your carry-on bag to combat uncomfortable dry skin. If you typically wear contact lenses, opt for glasses on your flight since the plane’s dry air can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.

Make sure your toiletries are in travel-sized containers if you’re planning on using carry-on luggage only. You can invest in a good travel toiletry bag to keep everything organized, or opt for the budget route and put travel-sized containers in a Ziploc bag to keep them from leaking on your clothes.

Pre-flight Hacks

These tricks of the trade are things to think about before you get on your flight.

If you’ll be traveling somewhere where Wi-Fi might be spotty or unavailable, it’s a good idea to download offline maps of the areas you’ll be visiting so you can access them even when you can’t access the internet.

To download a Google Map for use offline, just type in your destination. Then click on the destination name at the bottom of your screen.

Then click on the 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner and select Download offline map .

While many airlines offer inflight entertainment, there’s nothing better than knowing you’ve got plenty of your favorites ready to go. Download podcasts, music, audiobooks, or Netflix shows before you take off to ensure you have plenty to keep you occupied during your flight.

If you’re planning on watching movies or shows on your phone, bring a small stand or mount to set up on your tray table so you don’t have to hold your phone for the whole flight.

Be prepared. Charge all of your electronic devices the day before you leave so they are ready to go for your flight. Keep all of your charging cords handy in your carry-on bag in case you need to charge up at the airport, or bring a portable charger if you think you’ll need more battery power during your flight.

If you’ll be traveling internationally, bring a pen . This will save you from having to rely on your fellow passengers to borrow a pen on the flight to fill out customs forms.

If you’re on a long-haul flight that will be serving a meal and you’ve got dietary restrictions, be sure to order a special meal before your flight. If you wait until you’re on the plane, you’ll be stuck with the standard options.

Flying With Kids Hacks

Flying with kids can be an adventure, but with these pro tips, it will be as stress-free as possible.

Did you know that many airplanes (especially on long-haul international flights) have a few seats that can accommodate a bassinet on board (usually the bulkhead seats)? If you’re flying with a baby , book early and call the airline to reserve one of these seats.

If you’re a parent, you know that snacks are the answer to about 85% of your kids’ problems. This is no different on a flight. Pack snacks and everything will be okay.

Air pressure changes can affect kids’ ears more than adults’ ears. To help your little one pop their ears, give them a lollipop.

We aren’t saying you should always bribe your kids with new toys, but a long flight is a great time to go ahead and bribe your kids with a new toy ! Having something new will help keep them happy and entertained for longer.

If your child is sitting in the window seat, give them a package of gel window clings to play with, or try an airplane toy for a child’s first flight. The toy itself doesn’t matter as much as the novelty of having a new toy.

If all else fails, or even if you just want to keep things simple, bring a tablet with plenty of shows or games downloaded, along with child-friendly headphones . Most adults use screens for the whole flight, so why not let your kids do the same?

Kids have a ton of energy, and it’s a great idea to get rid of as much of it as possible before you board the plane. Many airports these days have specially designed kids’ play areas for this exact purpose.

If your airport doesn’t have a play area, take kids on a walk and let them ride the people movers (making sure they don’t get in the way of others trying to quickly make it to their gate, of course). When all else fails, try to find an empty area (the far end of the terminal is probably your best bet) and let them run wild.

Pre-flight Airport Hacks

You can make the time you spend in the airport before your flight as comfortable and stress-free as possible with these airport hacks.

While you think you’ll remember where you parked, it’s not quite so easy to remember after a week-long vacation. To help your memory out, take a picture of your parking space with any recognizable features and the parking row number so you can find your car easily when you return.

How would you like to breeze through the TSA security line — without taking your shoes off ? That can all be achieved when you have  TSA PreCheck . This program essentially gives you access to shorter security lines and the ability to pass through without taking your shoes and jacket off and without having to remove your laptop and toiletries from your bag. It’ll save time and hassle each time you fly.

According to the TSA , the majority of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 5 minutes in security lines.

Hot Tip: While TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a 5-year membership (and many would argue it’s absolutely worth that price), you can get it for free with many credit cards .

Breeze through the security lines without having to even take your ID out of your wallet. CLEAR is a program that allows you to do just that because it uses biometrics to verify your identity. After your identity is successfully confirmed (through an eye scan), you’ll be escorted to the front of the security line.

CLEAR costs $189 annually and is available in select airports across the country. Several credit cards include a discounted or complimentary CLEAR membership as part of their benefits.

If you have a choice, choose the security lines to the left — people tend to naturally go right more often than not, so the left lines may be shorter.

Regardless of whether or not you have TSA PreCheck, be ready to get through the security line quickly . Have your ID and boarding pass ready to go — do not wait until you’re at the front of the line to get these things out. If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, make sure you have your liquids and laptop easily accessible so you can remove them quickly without holding up the line.

Hot Tip: Be prepared before your flight. Know what you can and can’t bring through TSA security and check these TSA security FAQs for the answers to some common questions.

Checking your luggage can be expensive these days. While it might be easy to just bring a carry-on bag for some trips, many of us will still need to check a bag from time to time. You can avoid paying crazy baggage fees by choosing an airline that doesn’t charge for bags, like Southwest, by having airline elite status, or by having an airline credit card. Many airline credit cards come with free checked baggage , which can save you lots of money, even if you only fly a couple of times a year.

Buying water in an airport gift shop is expensive and isn’t great for the environment. Instead, bring an empty water bottle through security and then fill it at the filling station or drinking fountain after security. You’ll save money and reduce your plastic usage at the same time.

With many of us using fitness trackers and smartwatches these days, getting a recommended number of daily steps or movement time has become commonplace. To balance out sitting on an airplane for hours at a time, take the time before your flight to walk. Getting a few laps in around the terminal before you board your flight is a great way to stay active, even on travel days, and it provides great people-watching, too.

Before you attempt to pack for a week-long trip in 1 carry-on bag, make sure it’s the right size for a carry-on , and make sure you can lift it up to get it in the overhead bin. While other passengers will often offer to help lift heavy bags into the overhead bins, savvy travelers can manage their bags on their own.

Hot Tip: Need a new bag? Check out some of our favorite carry-on luggage bags for any traveler.

Airports are places we all spend a lot of time just waiting. So, next time you fly, plan to wait in style in an airport lounge . Lounges offer quieter places to get work done or to grab a snack and drink before your flight. Some even offer luxury amenities like showers and massages.

Having a Priority Pass membership allows you to access over 1,400 airport lounge locations in over 600 cities across the world. The best part is that there are many credit cards with Priority Pass access.

While it’s not inevitable, sometimes your luggage doesn’t make it onto the same flight as you. When this happens, you’ll most likely need to fill out lost/delayed luggage paperwork that will include an area for you to describe your luggage. A description of “black suitcase” isn’t going to cut it, so make sure you know exactly what your luggage looks like. When in doubt, take a photo of it before you fly, for reference.

Airplane Hacks

We love traveling here at Upgraded Points and have picked up lots of tricks along the way. These airplane hacks will help make your flight as comfortable and as fun as possible.

When choosing a spot for your carry-on bag in the overhead bin, go for the space on the opposite side of your seat, directly across from or slightly in front of your seat (never put your bag behind you). That way you can see your bag from your seat and you’ll easily be able to grab it after the flight without having to wait for the people behind you to deplane before you can grab your bag.

One of the keys to really relaxing and enjoying a flight is the ability to block out airplane noise to enjoy your podcast, music, or movie. Because of that, having noise-canceling headphones is a great way to make your flight more enjoyable.

No, we aren’t suggesting you need to brush your teeth on that quick flight from Chicago to New York City, but brushing your teeth on long-haul flights or flights where you’ll be sleeping can really make a difference in how refreshed you feel. Be sure to pack your toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste (or even a disposable product like Colgate Wisp ), and don’t forget to use bottled water.

While this should come easily to many people, it bears repeating. Be polite and respectful to the flight attendants. They are there to ensure your safety and to help you have a comfortable flight and they deserve your respect. If you’re having a bad flight or don’t like a policy, don’t take it out on them.

If you think you’ll need extra attention from the flight attendants during your trip, consider bringing a small, edible gift like a piece of chocolate or a cookie (prepackaged, store-bought) as a gesture of thanks.

While airplane cleaning standards have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began, things like tray tables are not necessarily cleaned between each flight. According to Forbes , airplane seatback tray tables are the dirtiest part of the airplane , so be sure to pack some disinfecting wipes and clean your tray table before using it.

Be sure to drink plenty of water during your flight to stay hydrated. While you might not like it, it’s best to avoid alcohol on planes, since it can speed up dehydration and could lead to a fuzzy start to your vacation. It’s also best to avoid carbonated drinks as the bubbles combined with changes in air pressure can cause discomfort for some people.

There’s a definite art to sleeping on a plane, and unless you’re one of those lucky people that can fall asleep anywhere, you’ll need all the help you can get. Use a  sleeping mask and earplugs to block out light and sound, and bring along a comfortable travel pillow to give your head and neck some support. Choosing a window seat can also make sleeping easier since you can lean up against the side of the plane.

Another trick to help you sleep on airplanes is to wear a jacket or sweatshirt with a hood . Putting up the hood will help keep you warm but will also cover your ears and part of your face, giving you more of a sense of comfort and privacy. Some hoods are big enough to pull down to cover your eyes, too.

Airplanes can often be freezing… unless they are way too hot. The problem is, you never know which temperature extreme your plane might suffer from until you are on it, so it’s best to dress in layers so that you’re prepared for anything. Always bring a jacket in the summer and wear a t-shirt under your sweater in the winter.

Hot Tip: If you bring a jacket but don’t need it on the plane, you can roll it up and use it as extra lumbar support.

If you’re wearing sandals on your travel day, bring a pair of socks to wear on the plane. Your feet will stay warm and your seatmate will appreciate not being up close and personal with your bare feet.

If your feet and legs have a tendency to swell, consider bringing compression socks onboard to wear during your flight. They will help reduce fluid retention and swelling, and may even reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Post-flight Airport Hacks

The travel hacks don’t stop when your flight lands. Use these tips to travel like a pro.

Many bags can look the same, so it’s smart to use a unique luggage tag or tie a brightly colored ribbon around your checked bags to make them easily identifiable in the baggage carousel. Alternatively, you can buy luggage in a variety of colors and patterns that are easy to pick out of a crowd.

Did you know that some airlines offer bonus points if your bags are late ?

Delta Air Lines offers the “Bags On Time” guarantee. If your bags take more than 20 minutes to reach the baggage carousel after any domestic flight, you’re eligible for 2,500 bonus miles by completing this form .

Alaska Airlines offers a $25 discount code for future travel or 2,500 bonus miles when your bags take more than 20 minutes to reach the baggage carousel. To make a claim , you need to visit the Alaska Airlines baggage desk at the airport within 2 hours of your flight’s arrival.

If you travel internationally even just once or twice a year, Global Entry can save you tons of time. This program allows members to speed through customs upon re-entry back into the U.S. Instead of waiting in the long customs lines, Global Entry members scan their passports and enter customs information at a kiosk before heading to baggage claim.

Bottom Line: Global Entry is a great program that will help you speed through the airport after international flights. It costs $100 to apply and the membership lasts 5 years. The great news is that many travel rewards credit cards come with a credit for the Global Entry application fee .

If you’ll be taking a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from the airport, make sure you download the app before you need to use it. It will be easier and quicker to get a ride if your account is already set up, and you’ll have time to see if any of your credit cards offer discounts or bonus points . Be sure to add your credit card to your account and activate any bonus offers, if needed.

We think flying is fun and we hope that by using some of these amazing plane and flight hacks, you will, too! Also, be sure to check out our best hotel hacks to get the most out of your next hotel stay. If you’ve got additional travel hacks ideas, share them in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best airplane hacks for sleeping.

If you want to sleep on your next flight, here are a few hacks that can help you out:

• Book a window seat so you can lean on the side of the plane
• Pack a neck pillow
• Bring earplugs and a sleeping mask to block out light and sound
• To stay warm, bring a jacket or large scarf that can be used as a blanket; wearing a hooded sweatshirt or jacket can also help cover your ears and eyes and keep you warm so you can catch some shut-eye

What are the best airplane hacks for toddlers?

If you’re traveling with a toddler, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and things to keep them entertained. A new toy is a great way to keep them occupied as are gel window clings if they’re sitting in the window seat. If all else fails, bring a tablet and kid-friendly headphones to keep them entertained and quiet for the trip.

What are the best airplane hacks for comfort?

There are a few things you can do to make your next airplane flight more comfortable. Wear comfortable clothes in layers so you can adjust based on the temperature of the plane. To help ease back pain, you can use a rolled-up jacket or scarf for extra lumbar support. If you’re wearing sandals, bring socks to keep your feet warm, and consider compression socks for long flights to help reduce swelling.

What are the best airplane hacks for long flights?

To make a long flight more comfortable, try these hacks on your next trip:

• Wear comfortable clothes that you can sleep in
• Dress in layers so you never get too cold or too hot
• Wear compression socks to help reduce swelling
• Brush your teeth before you go to sleep and once you wake up (but be sure to use bottled water)
• Download plenty of entertainment before the flight and bring a portable charger so your devices don’t run out of batteries
• Use airline miles to book a business or first class flight

What are the best packing hacks for flying?

To pack like a pro, you’ll want to follow these simple tips. Keep your luggage organized by using packing cubes. If you’re packing more than 1 person in a single suitcase, get a different color of packing cube for each person to keep everything separated. Use a toiletry bag or a simple Ziploc bag to pack your bathroom essentials. If your products leak, the spill will be confined to the small bag and won’t get all over your clothes. If you’re checking suitcases for vacation, always pack what you’ll need for the first day in your carry-on so you can start your vacation right away, even if your bags are late.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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