Airline Travel Hacks

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1. Always get a frequent flyer / rewards account with the airline.  Yes, even if you don't fly frequently.

        Why it helps:

                a. Get your boarding pass on your phone.

                b. Miles can be used for other things (more on that later)

                c. Easily get on standby

                d. Get updates regarding your flight

                e.  Most likely more...please email me with yours!  connect@aprilcarnahan.info

2. Use miles to upgrade your seats.  My husband doesn't travel much so we will use his miles for upgrades.

            Example:  On Delta upgrade to Comfort Plus and enjoy a complimentary alcoholic beverage.  And on some flights the better snacks!

3.  Most major airlines have agreements so if you get delayed or cancelled there is a chance you can get booked on another airline.

            I experienced it not knowing it was a thing.  My original flight on American Airlines was delayed due to mechanical issues.  I put in for standby on the app for a different flight.  Sadly, I was the next inline & didn't make that.  However, the gate attendant was very nice & got me booked on a flight with United.  Ended up arriving home within minutes of when I was originally scheduled for.

            Note:  at the time of writing this Southwest Airlines does not have any agreements!

4.  Save on a checked bag fee.  Now this one does require a bit of planning & may not always work.  You would still need to use a carry on bag & follow those rules.  However, the majority of the time at the gate they will ask for volunteers to check a bag.  This does save you on carrying/toting around a bag if you have any long layovers during your trip.

            On certain airlines they will allow you to board earlier if you are one of those volunteers.

            If you need more than a quart size bag of your 3oz or less toiletries.  Put one quart size bag in your carry on suitcase and one quart size bag in your backpack/purse.  It's a risky chance to take but most likely they don't know who's bag is whose as they go thru security.  

5.  Save on food & beverage.  Pack snacks such as granola bars, pretzels, trail mix, etc.  Yes, you can carry snacks thru TSA as long as they are "dry" snacks.  Then pack an empty water bottle (Yeti, Stanley, etc) and once thru TSA checkpoint find a water fill station or a restaurant to fill it up for free.

            Another hack if you want to treat yourself to say Starbucks.  Ask them for a grande ice water, it will fill up about 20oz water bottle, then you have ice too!  Plus they don't charge you for it when you are ordering another drink.

6.  Check out the extra offers which the airline's mileage club offers.

            Example:  with Delta if you link to Starbucks Rewards, gain airline miles & other perks.

7. Time Zone Change Travel Hacks

• Example going from Central Time Zone to Eastern Time Zone, a few days before traveling go to bed earlier and wake up earlier.  
•  Example traveling from Central Time Zone to Mountain Time Zone, a few days before traveling stay up an hour later.
• Once you have arrived at your destination, go barefoot to get grounded in the Time Zone you are located in.               

Consider these additional health benefits when planning your next getaway:

• Travel more often. People who travel at least once per year have better cardiovascular health, less heart disease, and fewer heart attacks than in those who travel infrequently. Mental health benefits increase as well with regular travel too. Employers have shown that employees who take advantage of paid time off to travel are more rested and productive upon returning to work. 
• Travel for wellness. Plan your next vacation around an activity. You can enjoy many health benefits from getting outside and exploring the natural beauty of the world. Skiing, hiking, biking, surfing, or a 10K road race are just a few types of destination activities that can bring up your mood and heart rate when you’re traveling for your next getaway.
• Travel abroad. When you immerse yourself in a local foreign culture, it can help to expand your brainpower. Studies show a boost in creativity and cognitive flexibility in international travelers.
• Travel smarter. Budgeting for your next vacation can be the most important stress reducer of all. Determining a reasonable vacation budget, and more importantly following it closely, will help you afford to travel more often. Plus, the last thing you want to do is cancel out those health benefits with the financial stress of a blown budget.  Since much of the cost of travel comes from transportation, lodging, and entertainment, those are also the expenses with the biggest savings potential when you book with a discount travel provider. Also, check with your credit card, insurance provider, or if you have a membership to Costco/Sams/etc.

If you found any of these tips helpful, hit that share button in the top left and tell some friends!  

Where will your next adventure take you?

Perhaps this previous blog post will be helpful as well, click to read.

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