Newer iPhones (the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15) have an Emergency SOS via Satellite feature built-in, which allows you to contact emergency services via satellite, even if no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage is available. If your attempts to call or text emergency services fail due to a lack of traditional connectivity, your device will automatically try to connect you through a satellite.

How to Use the iPhone Satellite SOS

The satellite SOS feature is only to be used in an emergency. Use it in scenarios where you would call 911, like a car crash or getting injured while hiking. 

To utilize the Satellite SOS service, you must be outside and have a clear view of the sky and horizon. Trees, mountains, and buildings can all block the connection. 

First, try calling the local emergency number to reach emergency services. Even if your normal cellular carrier network isn’t available, you might be able to make the call.

After an emergency call fails, an option will pop up where you can tap “emergency text via satellite.” Then follow these steps:

1. Tap “report emergency.”
2. Choose from the following prompts to describe your situation: Car or vehicle issue, sickness or injury, crime, lost or trapped, fire.
3. The iPhone will then ask you a series of questions based on your response, that can be answered using simple taps. You will be given the option to share your location and nature of your emergency with your emergency contacts. 
4. Follow onscreen directions to connect to a satellite. You’ll need to manually position your phone to help it lock on to a satellite.
5. Stay connected as emergency services asks you further questions over text.

Once you’re connected, your iPhone will start a text with emergency responders that shares any information you have provided (such as your medical ID), your location (including elevation), and how much battery life you have left. 

How to Use the iPhone’s My Location via Satellite Feature

For non-emergency situations, where you simply want to share your location with your contacts, you can use the My Location via Satellite feature on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. This feature is available in the Find My App. Tap the “me” tab and navigate to My Location via Satellite. Tap “send my location” and follow the steps to connect to a satellite and send your location. 

Before You Travel

Apple recommends watching the Emergency SOS Satellite demo at home in order to familiarize yourself with the process in case you ever need it. 

Make sure you have the most recent version of iOS installed on your phone. iOS 16.4 or later may be required to use the feature. 

Set up your iPhone’s Medical ID and emergency contacts, which the satellite feature can transmit to emergency services. You need to set up this information before going somewhere with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

How Much Does the iPhone Satellite Connection Cost?

The iPhone Satellite Connection is currently free. Apple has indicated that this will be a feature it may charge for in the future, but has not disclosed when that will start or how much it will cost.

Where Can You Use the iPhone Satellite SOS?

The iPhone satellite feature is currently available in: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.

The post How to Use the iPhone’s Satellite SOS When Traveling appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If you want to avoid flying on a Boeing aircraft, there are a few ways to check which type of plane you’ll be traveling on before booking.

1. When searching for a plane ticket, look for the aircraft type used for the flight. This is generally displayed right below the flight details for almost every airline. If you search on Google Flights, you can see the aircraft type right below the flight times.

2. To make it easier to find a flight on a non-Boeing plane, you can search on Kayak. Kayak has an aircraft filter that allows you to exclude certain aircraft models, such as the Boeing 737-8 Max.

If you’ve already booked your flight, you can find out what type of aircraft you’ll be flying on by logging into your reservation. Most airlines will display the aircraft model under your flight information.

If you can’t find this information on your reservation, you can go to SeatGuru and input your flight number to see what aircraft you’re flying on, along with a plane seat map. 

However, a schedule change, mechanical issue, or weather delay could all cause an airline to swap the plane that was originally scheduled to be used for a flight. This could result in a different type of aircraft being used than was listed when you booked your flight. 

Which Airlines Use the Boeing 737 Max 8 and Max 9?

Although there have been significant concerns around the entire Boeing brand lately, the two aircraft that have garnered the most bad press are the 737 Max 8 and the 737 Max 9.

The 737 Max 9 was recently grounded following the Alaska Air doorplug incident but is now back in service. The 737 Max 8 was grounded by the FAA a few years ago after it was involved in two fatal crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia. However, it was recertified and returned to the air in November 2020. 

The airlines that use the 737 Max 8 and 737 Max 9 are:

• United Airlines
• Alaska Air
• Copa Airlines
• Aeromexico
• Turkish Airlines
• Icelandair
• Lion Air
• Flydubai
• SCAT Airlines

What Can You Do If You’re Already Booked on a Boeing Plane?

Contact your airline directly if you have concerns about the type of aircraft that will be used for your flight. If you’re booked on a Boeing 737 Max 9 and don’t want to fly on that aircraft, the airline may work with you to change your flight, even if you’re booked on a non-refundable ticket. A spokesperson for United Airlines told SmarterTravel, “We’ll work with customers directly to ensure they feel comfortable flying. If they wish to change their flight, we’ll move them onto the next available flight.”

Alaska Air has a similar policy, telling SmarterTravel that although they have “complete confidence in the safety of all our aircraft,” guests who are uncomfortable flying on a Max 9 can call the airline and be rebooked on a different flight without an additional charge. This policy applies even to Saver tickets. Alaska Air says they will not charge a difference in fare for the tickets.

The post How to Check if You’re Flying on a Boeing Plane appeared first on SmarterTravel.

New York hosts millions of tourists every year, and each visitor has their own set of interests and desires when they visit. Because of this, the need for a variety of tours evolved, and now you can find a tour for almost every interest, and by any type of transport as well. From first time visitors to natives, guided tours will shed new light on the city, all led by expert tour guides who can answer your every question. 

Types of NYC Tours

There is a wide variety of types of tours you can take during your NYC vacation. Walking tours, bus tours, and even helicopter tours. Once you decide what type of tour you want, you can narrow it down to what topic you’d like to learn more about. 

Different types of tours include: 

• Bus Tours: Great for getting an overview of the city’s major attractions with the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Walking Tours: Great for seeing specific city neighborhoods; if you visit for several days, you can schedule one for each neighborhood you’re interested in seeing. Walking tours are also fantastic for specific topics: food, ghosts, history- whatever NYC topic you’re interested in; there likely is a walking tour. 
• Bike Tours: Great for active tourists looking for a way to see the city and get some exercise simultaneously. 
• Helicopter tours: For those with extra cash wanting a birdseye view of the city and to see the city from a different perspective. 
• Boat Tours: See the city from the water on a boat tour, where you will see what 

NYC Tour Topics

Once you decide what type of tour you want (walking, bus, bike, helicopter), now you have to decide the kind of tour you want to go on. Here are some examples of tours available in the city: 

• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: Great for getting an overview of the city’s major attractions with the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: Explore these iconic landmarks, learn about immigration history, and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline.
• Walking Food Tours: Dive into NYC’s diverse culinary scene with guided tours through neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, or Greenwich Village.
• Central Park Bike Tours: Discover the beauty and history of Central Park while biking through its scenic paths and famous landmarks.
• Broadway Walking Tour: Get an insider’s look at the world-famous Broadway theater district, learn about its history, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a rehearsal or backstage activity.
• Neighborhood Walking Tours: Explore specific neighborhoods like Harlem, SoHo, or the Lower East Side with knowledgeable guides who can provide insight into their culture, history, and architecture.
• Architecture Tours: Delve into NYC’s architectural wonders with tours focusing on iconic buildings like the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, or the High Line.
• Street Art Tours: Discover the vibrant street art scene in neighborhoods like Bushwick in Brooklyn or the Lower East Side in Manhattan.
• Gangster Tours: Explore the city’s notorious past with tours highlighting locations associated with famous mobsters and historic crime scenes.

The Best Tours in New York City

Whether you want a broad look at the city as a whole, are looking to get some exercise while getting educated, or what a tour on a specific topic, there is a tour for you. Here are some of the best tours in NYC. 

Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Tour

Prices From: $54.00

Duration: 1.5 hours

When you’d like to see the whole city but not waste time taking a tour and trying to figure out when to see your favorite spots, or if you aren’t exactly sure where you want to visit, a hop-on, hop-off tour is probably for you. These bus tours are exactly as they sound: you can get off one bus, check out a museum, then hop on another one that stops there later on and continue the tour. Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off is a double-decker bus with an open-top deck for spectacular viewing. 

The tour allows you to hop on and hop off at five stops, including Battery Park, the Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center. There is an Uptown and Downtown route; it has audio guides in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and German, and even includes live bus tracking through their app, so when you hop off, you’ll be able to see when another bus will be coming. 

Small Bus Tours Sightseeing Bus Tour

Prices From: $197.00

Duration: 6 hours

This six-hour bus and boat tour is perfect for anyone visiting the city for a short time but wants to see all the important sights. See the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and 9/11 Memorial, and pass through SoHo, Chinatown, and Central Park. It includes a boat ride around the Statue of Liberty and Governor’s Island, as well as walks on the Brooklyn Bridge and around Grand Central Station. 

“Hamilton” Walking Tour 

Prices From: $63.00

Duration: 3 hours

Dive into the history of Alexander Hamilton’s life and New York City during the Revolutionary War era during the Hamilton Walking Tour. Visit significant sites related to Hamilton’s life, such as Trinity Church, Fraunces Tavern, and the site of the Hamilton-Burr duel. This tour syncs its stops to the music from the musical for a truly unique experience. 

Not only will you see the spots highlighted in the musical, but you will also get background information on the history that is not included in the musical. It’s a three-hour tour and requires good weather. In the case of bad weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Harlem Gospel Tour

Prices From: $80.00

Duration: 4 hours

A Harlem Gospel Tour allows you to experience the soulful sounds of gospel music with a guided tour of Harlem’s historic venues. This four-hour tour on Sunday morning brings you to the top spots in one of NYC’s most culturally rich neighborhoods.

This tour includes a tour of the Apollo Theater, walking by the oldest house in Manhattan, and stopping at a church for a traditional Sunday morning service. Upgrade your tour for a soul food brunch at a local-favorite restaurant for a truly immersive experience. 

NYC TV & Movie Tour

Prices From: $61.00

Duration: 3 hours

Let’s be honest: most people’s ideas of what NYC is like are thanks to the countless TV shows and movies that take place there. If you’ve always wanted to visit filming locations from popular TV shows and movies while cruising through NYC’s streets in a comfortable bus, this is the tour for you. See iconic sites from Friends, Sex and the City, Seinfeld, and more, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from your guide. 

Watch clips from the movies and TV shows as you wind your way through the city, visiting some of the most famous landmarks from the big and small screens. Get your picture in front of the Friends building, see the Ghostbusters headquarters and more. 

Secret Food Tour

Prices From: $85.00

Duration: 2.5 hours

Embark on a culinary adventure through NYC’s hidden gems with a secret food tour. Sample delicious dishes from local Greenwich Village or Chinatown/Little Italy eateries while learning about the area’s history and culture. 

This is a walking tour- and for good reason! With each stop, you’ll sample delicious food, which is included in the price of the tour. Past samplings have included handmade dumplings, fresh mozzarella, and, of course, bagels. 

Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

Prices From: $36.00

Duration: 2 hours

Delve into NYC’s supernatural side with a walking ghost tour of Greenwich Village. Explore the neighborhood’s haunted history, hear spine-chilling ghost stories, and visit notorious sites rumored to be haunted. This two-hour tour takes place at night, so make sure you dress appropriately. 

You’ll visit Poe House, where horror writer Edgar Allen Poe lived, see where the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory burned down, visit Washington Square Park, one of the city’s most haunted places, see an old speakeasy and other spooky spots. 

Central Park Photography Tour

Prices From: $100.00

Duration: 2.5 hours

For any photographer wishing to capture some of the most iconic spots in Central Park, but don’t want to waste time trying to find them yourself, the Central Park Photography Tour is for you. Capture stunning photos of Central Park’s picturesque landscapes and landmarks with the guidance of a professional photographer. 

Your guide will show you photography techniques and composition tips while exploring one of NYC’s most beloved green spaces. This two-and-a-half-hour tour only allows a few participants to guarantee a hands-on experience with your guide, making it a truly unique experience.

Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour

Prices From: $48.00

Duration: 2 hours

If you’ve always wanted to cross the historic Brooklyn Bridge, and enjoy a bike ride, this two-hour tour is the one for you. Get some exercise while viewing familiar landmarks, getting insight to the rich history of the city from your tour guide. 

Get stunning panoramic views of the city from Brooklyn, spot the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and cycle through Brooklyn Heights- not to mention riding over one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. 

NYC Helicopter Tour

Prices From: $235.00

Duration: 15 minutes

Looking for an experience of a lifetime? A Helicopter tour of New York City will awe and inspire anyone on board. See Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and more landmarks during this twenty-minute ride above the city. For stunning nighttime views of the city skyline, book the night tour. 

Helicopters seat up to six passengers, and any passenger over the age of two must sit in their own seat. Only cameras, cell phones, and sunglasses are allowed on the flight- no bags, so plan accordingly for your arrival at the heliport. Flights will be canceled in case of inclement weather. 

New York Media Boat Tour

Prices From: $99.00

Duration: 1 Hour

Want to see the city from a different perspective but aren’t a fan of flying? Try this media boat tour. See the city from a boat traditionally used by news photographers, guided by a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain. A bumpier ride, it is not recommended for pregnant people or those with back problems. 

This one-hour tour gives you close-up views of the Brooklyn Bridge (which you will ride underneath), the Statue of Liberty, and breathtaking panoramic views of the city from New Jersey. Capture stunning photos of the Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge, and ride by Governors Island, where you’ll hear tales of the old Army base. 

On-Location Tours – “Sex and the City” Hotspots Tour

Prices From: $66.00

Duration: 3.5 hours

Sex and the City has stood the test of time, and the tours are as popular as ever. Cruise around the city and see familiar sites from the series: Carrie’s brownstone, bars the ladies visited, the shops they visited, and more. This three and a half hour tour covers spots seen in both the show and movies. 

Try a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery, made famous thanks to the show. The tour’s final stop is at Onieal’s, used in the show as SCOUT, the bar Aiden owned, where you can pay homage to the show by relaxing with a cosmo (not included in the price of the tour).  

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise – Landmarks

Prices From: $44.00

Duration: 1.5 hours

Circle Line tours take you to similar spots as the media boat tour, in a bigger, calmer boat. The leisurely pace of the cruise allows ample time for photography and appreciation of the city’s famous landmarks from different angles. 

As one of the most iconic sightseeing cruises, it circumnavigates Manhattan Island, providing breathtaking views of renowned attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Empire State Building. With knowledgeable guides providing informative commentary throughout the journey, passengers gain insight into the rich history, architecture, and culture of New York City.

Intrepid Urban Adventures – New York Tenements, Tales, and Tastes Discovery

Prices From: $79.00

Duration: 3 hours

With this tour, you’ll get a look at the beginnings of what makes New York such a fascinating city: through the food of the immigrants that settled there. Included in the price of your tour are four tastings at four different spots along the way. Try knishes, dumplings and other ethnic foods that were brought to the city from the first immigrants who settled in the Lower East side. 

Your tour begins at the African Burial Ground, and stops along the way at the Tenement Museum, 100-year-old bakeries, Little Italy, Chinatown and more; with your guide giving fascinating insight on the history of each neighborhood and the people who lived there. 

Gangsters and Ghosts Tour

PricesFrom: $35.00

Duration: 2 hours

Godfather fans, rejoice! Take a tour of the neighborhoods once riddled with gangsters and speakeasies with this Gangsters and Ghosts Tour. Stroll along Five Points, where the Irish gang made famous in Gangs of New York  lived and operated. Walk the streets that Charlie Luciano, Mayer Lansky and others walked (and committed crimes) on. 

During this two-hour tour, your guide will fill you in on tales of the old mobs, as well as spooky tales of the buildings you pass. Your tour ends at Washington Square Park, which is not without it’s own history and ghost stories.

The post Discover New York City: The Best Tours to Explore the Big Apple appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Some in-flight etiquette violations are worse than others, so you’ll want to make sure you avoid these behaviors next time you fly to prevent drawing the ire of everyone else in your row. 

The flight deal site Going surveyed thousands of its members to determine the most annoying things you can do on a plane. Keep this list handy for your next trip so you know what not to do.

Not Wearing a Mask While Sick

If you’re coughing or visibly sick, your seatmates would appreciate that you keep your germs to yourself. Twenty-seven percent of respondents said that not wearing a mask while sick is the “worst offense you can commit in air travel right now.”

Not Using Headphones

No one wants to hear your music, show or sounds from a video game. Not wearing headphones was voted as the second worst etiquette violation flyers commit. 

Kicking/Pulling the Back of the Seat in Front of You

Follow these two simple rules the next time you fly: 

1. If your kid is kicking the seat in front of them, make them stop that rude behavior immediately. 
2. When you stand up, don’t yank down on the seat in front of you to help you get up. Lift yourself using the armrests of your own seat instead.

Reclining Without Consideration

We won’t get into the reclining on a plane debate, but most flyers can agree on one thing—if you’re going to put your seat back, quickly look behind you and make sure you won’t be smashing into someone’s laptop or disturbing their meal before you recline. 

Standing Up as Soon as the Flight Lands

We know you’re dying to get off the plane as fast as possible, but seven percent of flyers surveyed think it’s rude to stand up and rush into the aisle as soon as the plane lands and before the door opens. 

Taking off Your Shoes

Six percent of passengers surveyed implore everyone on the plane to keep their shoes on (and any feet odors to themselves). 

Hogging the Middle Armrest

The aisle seat passenger gets easy access in and out of the row, the window seat passenger gets a view and a place to lean their head, so it’s only fair that the middle seat passenger gets access to both armrests. 

Gate Licing

The act of crowding the gate before it’s your turn to board is so prevalent that people in the airline industry have a nickname for it—gate licing. We get that you want to be first in your group to board, but don’t block others from getting through while you wait. 

Wearing Strong Fragrance 

For flyers who are sensitive to scents, being stuck next to someone who has liberally applied perfume or cologne can be a nightmare. Skip the fragrance next time you fly (or at least go significantly lighter than you normally would). 

Talking 

If someone has their headphones in or an eyemask on, it’s a pretty clear cue that they’re not looking to engage in friendly conversation. Pay attention to verbal hints (like giving short replies and not asking questions) and non-verbal cues (reading a book) before trying to engage your seatmate in conversation—or just err on the side of caution and let them fly in silence.

The post The Most Offensive Things You Can Do on a Plane appeared first on SmarterTravel.

While this sounds like a nightmare scenario, there are measures in place to help you get your documents replaced even when you’re far from home. 

How to Report a Lost or Stolen Passport Abroad

The first step is to report your lost or stolen passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Ask to speak with the Consular Section—they will be able to take your report and guide you through the process of obtaining a new passport.

Locating The Nearest Embassy or Consulate

The State Department hosts a directory of U.S. embassies and consulates. Take a screenshot of the address of the embassy closest to your accommodations before your trip in case WiFi is spotty. In a pinch, ask the front desk at your hotel for directions.

What Documents Do You Need to Replace Your Passport?

To replace a lost passport, applicants must fill out a form explaining the loss or theft of the passport (Form DS-64) along with the standard U.S. passport application form (Form DS-11).

Beyond that, the process is the same as a typical renewal application, requiring travelers to submit evidence of U.S. citizenship (and a photocopy), a photo I.D. (and a photocopy), an eligible passport photo, and the required fees.

When Will I Receive My Replacement Passport?

With expedited service (and the accompanying $60 fee), travelers can expect to receive their new passports in two to three weeks. Otherwise, expect a six to eight week wait.

Since most travelers aren’t prepared to add an extra month to their travel plans, embassies and consulates can issue emergency passports——”limited-validity” passports that can be issued as quickly as same-day. Once home, travelers can exchange their emergency passport for a full-validity replacement. 

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport?

The standard $130 renewal fee applies when replacing a lost or stolen passport, regardless of whether it is full or limited validity. The fee may be waived in extenuating circumstances, outlined by the State Department as:

• “the applicant is the victim of a serious crime; or
• the applicant is a victim of a disaster;
• and the applicant does not have and cannot reasonably be expected to obtain money to pay the fees before continuing travel.”

In such cases, the fees will be due when the passport holder exchanges their emergency passport.

How to Make Replacing a Lost or Stolen Passport Easier

The best strategy is to prevent the loss in the first place. Always check the safe in your hotel room before checking out or airplane seatback pockets before disembarking to ensure no crucial items are left behind. Invest in an anti-theft bag, like this one from Pacsafe, for extra security.

If the worst-case scenario arises, it helps to prepare ahead of time. Bring along photocopies of your important documents, including your original passport, as well as an extra passport-approved photo. Program the number of your nearest consulate or embassy into your phone and keep the address handy by dropping a pin in your Maps app before departure.

FAQ

Are there fees for losing your passport?

No, there are no additional fees for a lost passport beyond the typical cost of renewing a passport.

I found my lost passport after reporting it lost or stolen. Can I still use it?

Unfortunately, once a passport is reported lost or stolen, it is no longer valid. 

Can I apply for an emergency passport online?

No. You must apply in person at the embassy or consulate for an emergency passport.

Are emergency passports biometric?

Emergency passports are not biometric, meaning they lack the electronic chip containing a digital copy of the passport holder’s information that is present in standard U.S. passports.

Can I travel anywhere with an emergency passport?

Due to the lack of biometric function, some countries may not accept a U.S. emergency passport for entry.

The post How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport While Traveling appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Cranmore opened a new 30,000-square-foot lodge just in time for the 2023/2024 ski season, featuring Skimobile Station food court, Koessler’s slope-side bar, and a ski accessories shop. The lodge is packed with skier-friendly amenities like free water bottle filling stations and bathrooms on the ground floor (so you don’t have to trudge down a flight of stairs in ski boots like at many other resorts.)  

Cranmore also made some outdoor improvements, adding five new trails to the mountain and debuting a new terrain park with boxes, rails, and snow features. 

For the perfect winter weekend at Cranmore Mountain, follow our guide and learn where to eat, what to do, and where to stay. 

Cranmore Mountain

I planned my visit to Cranmore Mountain for the last weekend in February, not realizing that it was the end of a vacation week for many area schools. I feared the resort would be crowded with long lift lines. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case—this ski resort is so well-laid out, with 60 trails spread across more than 170 acres. Thanks to seven lifts (including one high-speed quad), I never waited more than 10 minutes for a chair, and on Sunday, I didn’t have to wait at all after lunch. Nothing is better than skiing straight off a trail and back into the chairlift without stopping!

There is a great mix of green, blue, and black diamond trails at Cranmore, making Cranmore a good destination for all skiers of all abilities. I loved that there’s a long green trail that winds from the summit down to the lodge, so a group with mixed abilities can ride the chairlift up and everyone can ski down comfortably, no matter their skill level. 

During my weekend trip, we were blessed with two warm bluebird days. Cranmore is one of the more temperate mountains in the area, thanks to its 2,000-foot elevation, which is a huge plus for those used to the icy and frigid conditions other New England ski areas are famous for. That doesn’t mean Cranmore doesn’t get snow—the mountain averages 80 inches of fresh powder annually. 

Over the last few years, Cranmore has invested over $1 million into mountain snowmaking improvements, adding over 500 energy-efficient snow guns to make snow more quickly.  

Cranmore Mountain Lessons

Whether you’re hoping to advance your skiing to the next level or try snowboarding for the first time, I highly recommend taking advantage of the great learning programs available at Cranmore. 

Group lessons are available daily for kids and adults learning how to ski. Cranmore has a large learning area, including a unique trail with specifically shaped snow features designed to naturally help first-timers learn to control their speed and body position. 

As an intermediate skier who wants to improve, I signed up for a one-on-one private lesson. My knowledgeable instructor, Becca, gave me personalized tips on form to help me advance and feel more comfortable on the mountain. After my lesson, I felt much more confident and could tackle trails I might not have attempted previously.  

Cranmore Ski Resort Lift Tickets

Cranmore is one of the more affordable mountains in the area for a day of skiing. Lift tickets cost $119 for an adult day pass if you buy them the same day you’re skiing, but you can save up to $20 if you buy them online in advance. 

A two-day adult pass costs $209, and if you don’t want to ski an entire day, there are options for night skiing ($69) and half days ($99).

What to Do at Cranmore Mountain

There’s plenty to do at Cranmore Mountain for non-skiers as well. The tubing park is a big draw for families in the winter. A magic carpet whisks sledders up to the top so they can repeatedly slide down one of 10 lanes without getting tired.

For more thrills, hit the Mountain Adventure Park, home to three adrenaline-pumping rides: A giant swing, a 700-foot zip line, and a mountain coaster. 

Tickets for the Mountain Adventure Park can be booked online in advance and start at $29 per ride. Tubing tickets start at $45 per person for two hours. 

Where to Eat at Cranmore Mountain

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack to grab and eat on the chairlift or a leisurely sit-down lunch, there are plenty of dining options at Cranmore Mountain. My favorites included: 

Meister Hut

For the best views in town, ski off the chairlift and into Meister Hut. This fast-casual lodge-style eatery has a beautiful back deck with stunning views of Mount Washington. In the afternoon, the sun hits the deck and keeps it warm enough to sit outside, making it a perfect place for a lunch stop.

Zip’s Pub

A full-service bar and restaurant in Cranmore’s Schneider Square area, Zip’s Pub offers hearty comfort food. 

Skimobile Station

This grab-and-go food court is a quick stop for packaged snacks, coffee, or fast food options.

Koessler’s Bar

Koessler’s Bar is the place for apres-ski, with live music on Saturdays. The massive 7,000-foot square patio is a fun place to grab a drink after a day on the slope.

Where to Stay Near Cranmore Mountain

Cranmore Mountain is a less than five-minute drive from downtown North Conway, where there is a huge variety of accommodations to choose from. Travelers hoping to keep their ski trip affordable should book a room at the Village Place at the Eastern Slope Inn, which offers motel-style accommodations starting at around $125 per night during the winter season.

I stayed in a queen room, which was equipped with two queen beds, a microwave, and a minifridge. These conveniences were great for sticking to a budget, as it meant I could pack food and bring it to the mountain in lieu of buying lunch. The room itself was extremely clean and overall comfortable. 

Guests of the Village Place will have access to all the amenities of the Eastern Slope Inn, a larger hotel located a short drive down the street, including a heated indoor pool and hot tub.

Village Place is one of the few dog-friendly hotels in the Conway area, a plus for those traveling with a canine companion.

Book Now

Editor’s Note: Cranmore Mountain hosted the writer for a weekend visit.

The post The Ultimate Cranmore Mountain Resort Travel Guide appeared first on SmarterTravel.

With cancellations, your rights derive solely from the airlines’ contracts of carriage, plus relevant principles of general contract law. And because no federal regulations apply, those rights are not uniform but instead vary from airline to airline.

All airline contracts go to extremes to make sure you understand that, one, airlines do not guarantee schedules, and two, airlines are never responsible for consequential damages—losses you might suffer because you don’t arrive at your destination on time or at all.

But in a routine cancellation, you have two basic contractual rights on any airline, subject to minor variations: either one, a seat on your original airline’s next available flight or two, a refund of the unused portion of your ticket. Some lines go beyond those bare-bones rights. In addition, most airlines promise various forms of assistance if they cancel your flight for a reason within the line’s control, but not when they cancel the flight because of bad weather or some other force majeure factor.

Although 2023 saw the lowest flight cancellation rate in the last decade—just 1.2%—many people are still feeling the unease of the past three years of unpredictable pandemic travel.

Though your odds of being canceled are slight, you can face some real hassles if you should get caught.

Download Our Ultimate Flight-Cancellation Rights Guide

Print this handy, downloadable guide to find out what your rights are in the event of flight cancellation for thirteen major airlines.

Flight Cancellation Definition

In general, airlines define cancellation pretty much as you’d expect. Some, however, limit cancellation procedures to cases where the airline can’t get you to your destination without a delay—either a “reasonable time,” in some contracts, or a specific time, such as 90 minutes, in others.

Refunds

The almost universal policy is that regardless of cause when an airline cancels your flight, you have a right to a full refund of the remaining value of your ticket. Refunds are in the same form as ticket purchase: cash or credit to a credit card.

A few airlines go beyond this basic requirement to include a provision that if your onward connecting flight from a hub airport is canceled on an outbound trip, and you no longer want to continue the trip, the airline will return you to your original airport at no charge and refund the entire value of the ticket.

A few lines’ contracts do not specifically promise a refund, but in practice, a refund is almost always an option.

Next Available Seat

Most airline cancellation policies are built on the assumption that you really want to get you to your final destination as quickly as possible. But the extent of assistance varies. Almost all airline contracts promise to get you a seat on that airline’s next available flight to the ticketed destination at no extra cost. Lines with two or more classes generally specify a seat in the same class as ticketed, but most also say that if no seat is available in the original class, they will accommodate you in a higher class with no additional fare or in a lower class with a refund of the fare difference. A few lines specifically allow you to reroute yourself to an alternative nearby destination, but most don’t address that subject; instead, it’s negotiable. But you see substantial differences in whether an airline will try to get you a seat on another airline that can get you to your destination more quickly:

• Some airlines offer only the next available seat on their own line.
• Some offer to transfer you to another line (or ground transport) that can get you to your destination before they can get you there, but only at their “sole discretion.”
• A few lines offer transfers at your request. This provision is the remaining trace of the former near-universal Rule 240 transfer procedure widely employed before deregulation.

All airlines consider airports they serve within a multi-airport region as equivalent destinations: Getting you to Newark, for example, is equivalent to getting you to JFK. Multi-airport regions in the U.S. are Chicago (O’Hare and Midway), Dallas-Ft Worth (International and Love Field), Houston (Bush and Hobby), Los Angeles (International, Burbank, Long Beach, Ontario, Orange County), New York (JFK, Newark, LaGuardia), San Francisco (International, Oakland, San Jose), and Washington (National, Dulles, and Baltimore). Some lines also conflate Ft Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach.

Contracts generally do not treat all the possible details, one way or another. If, for example, the next available seat is on a red-eye and you don’t want to endure a red-eye, contracts generally don’t say anything about finding a later seat on a better schedule. If the next seat to your original destination is not available within a reasonable time, most lines will agree to put you on an earlier available flight to a nearby destination: Philadelphia instead of New York/Newark, for example, or San Francisco rather than Sacramento. If you decide to abort a trip entirely, most contracts do not specify a limit to how far in the future they honor the “no fare change” provision. Sometimes you can negotiate something acceptable, sometimes not.

Delay Assistance

In general, if an airline cancels your flight because of some force majeure event outside the airlines’ control, your only rights are either a refund or the next available seat to your destination. Many airlines list force majeure events in their contracts; Delta’s list is typical:

Weather conditions or acts of God; riots, civil unrest, embargoes, war, hostilities, or unsettled international conditions; strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns, lockout, or any other labor-related dispute; government regulation, demand, directive or requirement; shortages of labor, fuel, or facilities; any other condition beyond Delta’s control or any fact not reasonably foreseen by Delta.

But when cancellation is due to a problem within an airline’s control—plane change, crew shortage, and such—most lines promise to tend to your needs in the event of an extended delay in finding an available seat. Typically, they offer:

• Meal vouchers for delays of four hours or more.
• Hotel accommodation for extended delays in finding an alternative seat. Some lines specify delay times of eight hours or more or for delays of four hours or more within the period of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am; others just say “significant” time. Some lines exclude hotel accommodations for delays at your home airport; others do not address this specifically but apply the principle in practice.
• Given today’s ubiquitous smartphones, the provision in many contracts that you get a free telephone call is an amusing anachronism. But it’s there in the remote case you don’t carry a mobile phone.

The table shows specific airline-by-airline variation in key provisions. Table data are based on contracts of carriage for domestic U.S. or Canadian travel as posted online in early 2024 and are subject to change. Policies vary in their degree of specificity; in general, where the contract does not address a situation, airline policies not subject to public inspection govern. And some situations are negotiable.

Flight Cancellation Rules Outside the U.S. and Canada

The European Union mandates more extensive traveler benefits in a cancellation than U.S. lines promise in their contracts. Travelers on flights within the European Union, on flights departing from any EU/EEA airport, or on flights to an EU/EEA airport on an airline based in the EU are entitled to:

• Alternative transport, including transport on other lines. or refund, including a full refund and no-charge return to the origin where appropriate.
• Except in cases of flight cancellation due to extraordinary conditions, financial compensation if a replacement seat delays you by three hours or more of if you get a refund, ranging from 250 to 600 euros depending on flight length (most flights to/from the U.S. and Canada fall into the top category).

EU regulations are vague about meals and accommodations.

Cancellation benefits in other countries vary, but tend to follow, at a minimum, the base formula of either a refund or the airline’s next seat.

Dealing with a Flight Cancellation

There is not a single easy solution to a cancellation. In these days of high load factors, the next available seat may entail a substantial delay. But you can help yourself a bit with these tips:

• When an airline cancels a flight well before scheduled departure time, it often automatically rebooks you and notifies you by e-mail or a text to your phone. In general, if the airline’s solution is at all reasonable, take it; arranging something else is almost always a major hassle. If not, suggest your own alternative.
• With a last-minute cancellation, if you used a travel agent, contact the agency or its 24/7 backup, and have the agency arrange a substitute.
• Otherwise, get online, identify possible solutions, and present one or more solutions to the airline, either to its call center or to the agent dealing with problems on the spot, depending on circumstances. Many details unspecified in the contract are negotiable, and most agents would rather respond to a specific suggestion than start looking at all alternatives.
• If you’re involved in a cancellation outside the U.S. or Canada, ask to see a copy of the airline’s contract of carriage or equivalent customer commitment document to see what the airline does and does not promise.
• Keep your cool: The agent dealing with you at a busy airport didn’t cause the cancellation and can’t offer seats that aren’t there. Getting aggressive is likely to gain you less assistance, not more.

Consumer advocate Ed Perkins has been writing about travel for more than three decades. The founding editor of the Consumer Reports Travel Letter, he continues to inform travelers and fight consumer abuses every day at SmarterTravel.

Editor’s Note: The cancellations chart information was updated in January 2024.

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Fortunately, the experts at the travel booking app Hopper have crunched the numbers to determine exactly how far in advance to book flights for all your trips this year. 

How Far in Advance to Book Domestic Flights

If you don’t have specific dates in mind, the general guidance is to start watching prices for domestic flights at least 3-4 months before you depart. (Set up a flight deal alert on Airfarewatchdog, our sister site, to make it easy.) According to Hopper, “Prices will change frequently, but drop on average until about 1-2 months before departure. Expect to book 1-2 months ahead of your departure date.”

Don’t wait too long to book, as prices can nearly double in the last three weeks before departure.

How Far in Advance to Book International Flights

You’ll want to plan further ahead for an international trip, beginning to monitor flight prices 7-8 months before departure. Generally, flights to Asia and Oceania are the cheapest 5-7 months before departure. You’ll find the most affordable deals on international flights to other regions around 3-6 months in advance. 

When to Book Holiday Weekend Flights

Plan early for holiday travel to get the cheapest flights. Here’s when Hopper recommends booking flights for major holidays:

How Far in Advance to Book Hotels

Hotel prices fluctuate less than flights, but accommodations in popular vacation destinations can often sell out early. Hopper experts advise booking at least 1-2 months in advance for leisure hotspots like Miami Beach or Cancun, lest all the low-priced options sell out. 

You’ll want to book even earlier (3 months in advance) for all-inclusive resort stays.

However, if you’re willing to gamble or are traveling in the off-season, waiting to book your hotel can pay off. Hotels often lower room rates a few days before check-in to draw in travelers, as they don’t make money on an empty room.

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What is Alto Rideshare?

Alto is a rideshare company that operates on a completely different model from Lyft and Uber. Instead of using independent contractors who drive their own cars, Alto hires highly vetted and trained drivers and gives them a company car for the night. 

Alto drivers are paid per shift instead of per fare, and tipping is not necessary. (There’s no tipping option in the Alto app, but riders could offer a cash tip if they feel inclined.)

Since Alto has its own vehicle fleet, you know you’ll be picked up in a clean and well-maintained Buick Enclave on every ride. The white SUVs are all branded with the Alto logo, and drivers wear Alto gear, so you can feel confident you’re getting in the right vehicle (of course, you should still double-check the license plate.)

The experience is similar to having a private chauffeur—Alto drivers will open car doors, offer water to passengers, and don’t mind waiting or making an extra stop since they’re being paid by the hour and not the mile. 

The clean SUVs are outfitted with car chargers at every seat. Passengers can use the Alto app to choose the music and volume for their ride and can turn on “do not disturb” mode to opt out of conversations.

After an Alto driver completes a ride, he or she will head to a designated waiting area until they are assigned a new pickup. Wait times for on-demand rides with Alto are typically around 10-15 minutes. However, if you don’t want to wait, you can preschedule a ride ahead of time.

Alto Rideshare Locations

Alto is available in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington, DC. 

Alto Pricing

Because Alto is a premium service, prices are higher than the basic levels of Uber and Lyft. A spokesperson for Alto told SmarterTravel, “ride prices vary by market and are calculated with a base price plus a price per mile and price per minute.”

When we tested out Alto, we paid $27 for a 20-minute, five-mile ride and $43 for a 24-minute, 9.3-mile ride.

If you’ll be a frequent Alto user, you can sign up for a membership. Memberships can be purchased for $12.95 per month or $119 per year, giving you a discount of around 30 percent on every ride. Family memberships are available for $119 per year plus $25 per additional family member.

The post Alto Review: Why This Rideshare App Might Replace Uber on Your Next Trip appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Popularized by airfare site Skiplaged, this hack can save you a lot of money compared to booking a ticket directly to your destination. But is it legal to do?

Why is Skiplagging Cheaper?

Why would a longer flight be cheaper than a shorter, direct one? For some destinations, there is not a lot of competition for a direct flight between two cities, making tickets expensive. However, there might be more competition on a different route with a layover in the city you want to fly to—so a longer flight going somewhere else (but connecting through your destination) could be cheaper.

For example, if you wanted to fly to Las Vegas from New York, a nonstop ticket might cost $300. But if you fly from New York to Los Angeles, with a layover in Las Vegas, the ticket price might only be $200—so you could book the flight to Los Angeles, disembark in Las Vegas, and save $100. 

Is Skiplagging Legal?

Hidden city ticketing isn’t illegal, but it is explicitly prohibited by major U.S. airlines in their contract of carriage statements. 

If the airline realizes that you are not planning on completing your entire itinerary, it can prevent you from boarding or even ban you from the airline for future flights. Earlier this year, a teenage passenger tried this trick using a ticket he bought on Skiplagged and was detained by American Airlines and denied boarding. 

What to Know Before You Buy a Hidden City Ticket

There are a lot of risks associated with buying a hidden city ticket. 

1. You can’t check a bag, as your bag will be tagged to the final destination on your itinerary.
2. Even if you fly carry-on, there is the risk that there won’t be space on the plane for your bag, and it will get checked through to the destination you’re not planning on flying to.
3. You can’t buy a round-trip ticket, as the return fare will automatically be canceled as soon as you don’t make your connecting flight.
4. The airline can deny you boarding and refuse to refund you if they figure out what you’re doing.
5. There could be a schedule change that reroutes your flight through a different connecting airport. 

The post What Is Skiplagging, and Is It Legal? appeared first on SmarterTravel.