Don’t Forget About Alternate Airports

Many major cities have more than one good-sized airport, but by searching only on a specific one, you won’t see potentially better fares to other nearby gateways. A couple of classic U.S. examples are Newark vs. JFK vs. LaGuardia, or Long Beach vs. LAX; overseas a good example is Gatwick vs. Heathrow in London.

To get these airports into the mix, choose the “All Airports” option shown on many airline and flight booking sites that includes a city code instead of an airport code. So when traveling to or from New York, sites like Expedia allow you to use NYC instead of JFK or EWR, and will return fares from all area airports. In Los Angeles, the code for all airports is QLA (instead of the more limited LAX).

In the case of densely populated areas, you can sometimes fly into an entirely different city altogether. For example, San Diego is about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles (depending on traffic, of course); that makes it a somewhat reasonable alternative to Los Angeles, especially if your trip takes you to areas south of L.A. like Newport Beach, San Clemente, and the like. Similarly, Chicago and Milwaukee are about 90 miles apart, and Tampa and Orlando are separated by about 85 miles.

If your booking site does not allow this (for example, CheapFlights.com seems to accept NYC, but not QLA), or you’re not sure what your other options are, another way to discover nearby airports is to do a search on Kayak and use their filter options to include nearby airports with available routes. You can also consult this cool chart from Johnny Jet that lists nearby airports in the U.S. by miles from your departure or destination airport.

Don’t Forget to Try Searching on an Incognito Browser

It’s long been suspected that airlines and booking engines may show higher fares on routes that you have previously searched. If you are researching an upcoming trip from Chicago to Paris, for example, and have checked airfares on the route frequently in recent days or weeks, the site “knows” you really want these fares, and “guesses” that you might be willing to pay a bit more for them.

So, do flight prices go up the more you look at them? I have not been able to duplicate this myself, and the SmarterTravel team hasn’t found any evidence that airlines raise fares if you’ve previously searched for a given itinerary. A recent study found that fares do differ on occasion, but you’re actually more likely to see lower fares if you’re logged into a given booking site rather than searching on a browser with no previous history of researching that route.

Because of this uncertainty, it’s worth trying your search both ways—on your normal browser (preferably while logged into your favorite booking site) and on an incognito browser where your searches aren’t tracked.

Don’t Book on Days When Prices Are Higher

Unless you are booking travel for work, it is obviously most convenient to shop for and purchase airfares over the weekend, when you have more free time. However, Airfarewatchdog reports that many airlines release sales early in the week, making Tuesday and Wednesday a good time to catch low fares. FareCompare narrows it down even further, reporting that the best time to book U.S. domestic flights is Tuesday at 3 p.m. Eastern.

This varies somewhat for international flights, as might be expected with airlines based in a variety of countries with different fare updating patterns, so you will want to be a bit more vigilant for international fares. I recommend checking prices throughout the week or signing up for fare alerts from Airfarewatchdog.

Keep in mind, too, that prices for last-minute flights are almost always higher than those booked further in advance. You’re typically better off booking at least six weeks before a U.S. domestic flight, and even further in advance for international itineraries.

Don’t Fly on Friday or Sunday

Airlines tend to jack up airfares for Friday and Sunday flights for the simple reason that these are the most likely days leisure travelers and vacationers are going to travel. The number of travelers also gets pushed up on Fridays by business travelers racing home, so this can be a particularly pricey day. Mondays can also be pricey thanks to their popularity with business travelers.

The cheapest days to fly tend to be Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with Thursdays and Saturdays costing a little more. That means that if your departure or return flight falls on a Monday, Friday, or Sunday, you’re likely paying more than you need to. It may take some creative use of your vacation time—such as a trip that runs Tuesday to Tuesday rather than Sunday to Sunday—but what you lose in flexibility you more than make up for in savings.

Don’t Forget to Shop Around

Like a lot of us, over the years I have accumulated some booking engine loyalties, but they’re not strong enough to keep me from checking fares on multiple sites, especially as I get closer to making the actual booking. There are some great search engines out there that allow you to compare flight prices on multiple sites at once. But relying on any one of them alone would be a mistake. Each site employs slightly different search algorithms, and as a result can sometimes return different prices—and flight times and combinations as well, which certainly adds value.

A good starting point is our list of The Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare. To make this easier and semi-automated, you may want to set up multiple email alerts, too. It can take significant time to check a whole heap of sites every day, but if you sign up for fare alerts, you’ll be notified when a price goes down.

And unless you’re aiming for elite status on a specific airline—which generally requires a minimum of 25,000 air miles flown per calendar year, as well as a minimum amount spent—it doesn’t make a lot of sense to base your purchasing decisions around loyalty to an airline or its frequent-flyer program. Shop around on all of the major online travel agencies (OTAs) and directly with the low-cost carriers (like Southwest) whose best fares are nowhere to be found on OTAs.

Don’t Book a Too-Tight Connection

Fifty minutes might seem like long enough to get from one gate to another on a domestic flight, but what happens if your first flight is delayed by half an hour? On international flights, have you allowed enough time to go through customs, reclaim your bags, and wait through another security line—even if your first flight doesn’t arrive on time?

Avoid booking domestic connections that are less than an hour, particularly if you know your connecting airport is large and has terminals spread out, or if you’re flying different legs on separate carriers that may not share gate areas and/or terminals. On international flights, allow at least two hours.

Don’t Ignore Other Costs, Both Human and Financial

Sometimes the money you save on a cheaper airfare is absorbed almost instantly by other expenses you incur. Make sure you check to see if the rates you’re excited about include all taxes and fees, including baggage fees for checked or even carry-on bags. For example, a $200 round-trip flight on American will cost you $240 if you check a bag. That same $200 flight on Southwest will cost you … $200.

Consider other sneaky travel expenses as well: the need to stay in an airport hotel for a really early flight, seat selection fees on a discount airline, or gas and tolls to a more distant airport. Other potential costs might include an extra day in a kennel for your pet or more expensive airport meals on the road when saving by booking connections.

You may also want to check whether one airline has better entertainment options, seatback screens vs. overhead (or none), a better seat layout, more legroom, or better meal service. Price aside, these are all factors that can make a big difference in how pleasant—or miserable—your flight might be.

A good friend recently booked his family on a very early flight out of San Antonio, and at around 7:00 a.m. posted a photo on Twitter of his bleary-eyed teenage daughter dragging herself through the airport. The caption: “Thank you to my daughter for getting up at 3:30 a.m. so we could save $30 on airfare.” Ouch.

4 Quick Bonus Flight Booking Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t book a trip to the wrong airport. Make sure you know your airport codes; you don’t want to end up in South Dakota when you meant to go to Hawaii (it’s possible).
• Don’t dismiss the travel agent option—especially if you’ve got complicated, multi-stop flights. If you’ve got an agent you love and who loves you, you’ll quickly see the perks pile up.
• Don’t ignore any follow-up emails or calls from your travel provider. Be sure to update your spam filters to ensure these messages don’t end up in the trash folder. Otherwise, you might miss flight time changes or other important notifications.
• Don’t confuse direct and nonstop flights. A nonstop flight is exactly what it sounds like, while a direct flight may include a few stops along the way to drop off and pick up passengers. You may want to pay the extra fare to get the nonstop (read: faster) trip.

One Mistake That Could Work In Your Favor

We all make mistakes, and this applies to major airlines as well. Every so often, carriers accidentally publish fares much lower than the actual intended cost of the flight. If you can snag these ‘mistake fares’ while they’re still live, you could score an incredible deal. Rather than staying glued to the screen in hopes of coming across a mistake airfare by chance, there are multiple services that will send you automated emails when these fares are published. Check out our guide on How to Score Premium Airfare Deals to learn how to stay on top of the best fares for your flight.

Traveling? Aim for a Carry-On That Does MORE

Three words: lightweight, durable, & multi-functional. The Bigger Carry-On from Away makes traveling that much easier, especially with its removable, TSA-approved battery for your electronics.

This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Heather Greenwood Davis, Sarah Pascarella, Josh Roberts, Sarah Schlichter, and Margaret Leahy also contributed to this story. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Flight appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If you’ve ever tried to navigate in a place where your phone has weak or no celluar service, you probably wished you could take advantage of offline phone GPS. Fortunately, you can: GPS signals are raining down around us at all times, and your phone can connect to them without any real reliance on your cellular company, impact on your data plan, or dependence on the phone mode you are in. These signals are free for all of us to use, so long as we have the right apps and a device with which to connect.

In fact, you can even use an older, retired phone as a GPS unit, so long as the apps will still run on the operating system. Then, once you get back to civilization, your regular smartphone will still be fully charged and ready to go.

How Accurate Is My Phone GPS Without Data?

Most of the apps I have used measure GPS coordinates to tenths of a second, which is accurate within four to 11 meters, depending on where on the planet you are plotting (accuracy improves as you move toward the poles).

If that isn’t close enough, technology is in development that will make some phones accurate to within 10 centimeters.

You Don’t Have to Be Offline to Use a Phone as GPS

Many of the most popular uses for GPS are for folks who are off the grid without access to Wi-Fi or cellular connections, but the technology’s usefulness is not limited to the backcountry by any means. First, we all know that cell coverage is hardly ubiquitous even in developed areas; heck, my kid’s central New Jersey soccer practice field shows “no service” so often that some parents drive a mile down the road during practice to connect.

Another benefit is preserving battery life; GPS uses are particularly beneficial when you are doing things in areas where cellular service is available but poor, which causes your phone to burn up battery life trying to connect. Using offline phone GPS can also help you conserve data. This is useful when traveling abroad, where data plans are often costly and limited.

Finally, many location-based apps gobble up data voraciously. Your phone’s GPS tracking allows you to use them in offline mode, incurring no data penalty so long as you preload maps and information while connected to Wi-Fi.

Certainly, your cellphone can do more without a cell connection than you might think; here are five of the best.

Track Your Flight in Real Time

Let’s start with my favorite way to use phone GPS without data: to track the flight I’m on in real time. There are a few apps that do this, but I use Flyover Country, created by University of Minnesota researchers and funded by the National Science Foundation.

The app offers options to view road maps, terrain maps, and satellite maps, including information on geology, underwater core samples, mammal and dinosaur fossils, and landscape features for various destinations as you pass over them in flight.

To use the app you need to input and preload all the data along the route while still on a Wi-Fi or cell connection. Then, once you go into airplane mode, all that information is available as you fly, along with your ground speed and altitude.

You’ll need a window seat for this to work well; in fact, on some flights I have found that I had to have the phone almost against the window to obtain and hold a reliable GPS signal.

Go Backcountry Hiking

Smartphones are becoming go-to tools for many hardcore backcountry travelers, who can spend days or even months out of range of cellular signals. Many find phones more space- and weight-efficient than dedicated GPS units, particularly since phones can take photos, too.

This excellent how-to guide makes a compelling case for a smartphone as your go-to GPS tool. It includes some very good battery life management tips, noting that some phones can last five to 10 days without a charge with careful use.

A few of the best backcountry navigation apps include Gaia GPS, AllTrails, iPhiGeNie, and ViewRanger.

Track Your Fitness

A booming number of fitness applications work with offline GPS, including MapMyRide, Strava, MapMyRun, Runkeeper, and MapMyFitness. For most of these, using your phone GPS without data will allow you to track your run, walk, hike, or other outing offline. While you need a connection to take advantage of some of the apps’ features, using them on GPS-only mode preserves on battery life and data usage, which can be a helpful upside when you are tracking long bike rides or runs.

Fitness Armband for Your Phone

The most quintessential time to save data and money is during your workout, complete with a robust armband of course.

Note Your Exact Location

There are all kinds of ways this can be useful, such as saving your spot in an airport parking lot or sharing your location with someone else to facilitate a meetup. I know folks who have used GPS coordinates on their phones to mark and/or share things like trailheads, campsites, turn-offs for dirt roads, fishing spots, waterfalls, and abandoned ruins.

The free My GPS Coordinates app (available for iOS and Android) has functions to email or text your coordinates directly from the main screen, and even shows the accuracy of the GPS signal (it tracks my office desk within 16 to 33 feet depending on signal access).

To share locations you obviously need connectivity, but you can log them using GPS and then share or recall them later.

Use Mapping Apps Offline

Finally, there are heaps of full-featured offline mapping applications, including the ubiquitous Google Maps and Apple Maps. Many of these are unfortunately somewhat limited when it comes to GPS-only navigation; Google Maps, for example, allows you to pre-download a 50-square-kilometer map for temporary offline use, which will help in some situations but isn’t much use on a longer road trip. To find alternatives, see 10 Best GPS App and Navigation App Options for Android and The 5 Best Offline GPS Apps for iPhone.

Cell Phone Car Mount

Make navigation a little safer with a car mount stand, adaptable to almost all smartphone sizes.

Ed Hewitt is a seasoned globetrotter who brings you a biweekly glimpse into the latest travel news, views, and trends—and how they could affect your travel plans.

The post No Signal? 5 Ways to Use Your Phone GPS Without Data appeared first on SmarterTravel.

For example, whether there’s a pandemic or a natural disaster out of your control, trip cancellation insurance doesn’t cover cancellation under every possible circumstance: To qualify for those, you must purchase a “cancel for any reason” add-on.

If there’s ever a time to read the fine print, purchasing travel insurance is it. Don’t take my word for any of the following, or the word of the person selling you the policy, or the sales page of the insurance company’s website—read the contract for yourself. It will be an enlightening experience.

The old adage “you get what you pay for” tends to apply here. Less expensive insurance packages typically include less comprehensive coverage.

Below are 18 things travel insurance coverage usually doesn’t include. For purposes of clarity, most apply to the highest tiers offered by most insurance companies; that is, most of these travel insurance exclusions apply to even the most comprehensive policies. In some cases you can purchase special add-ons to cover these exclusions. Ask when purchasing.

Health Crises (Like Pandemics) That Begin Before You Purchase

As with natural disasters, trip insurance may generally cover losses due to global health emergencies, but you must make the purchase before the crisis is a “known event.” The date from which the event is “known” varies depending on the insurance company; for example in 2020 with COVID-19 it was largely January 21 through 27. Most travel insurance policies won’t cover cancellation due to fear of a pandemic, so if you want to use insurance to protect your payments—particularly nonrefundable airfares—make sure it’s a “cancel for any reason” policy.

With nonrefundable air tickets, your recourse is either to rely on the airline’s generosity (some do waive fees in times of emergency) or buying cancel-for-any-reason insurance. Most policies exclude “foreseeable” contingencies, or existing threats like already-known pandemics.

Losses Due to Pre-Existing Conditions

Travel insurance coverage does not extend to most pre-existing medical conditions, and the definition of “pre-existing” often depends on the timing of when you are diagnosed and when you purchase your travel insurance—with a so-called “look-back period” that is usually 60, 90, or 180 days prior to the day you purchase your insurance.

In short, your travel insurance does not cover losses due to conditions for which there were either symptoms or treatment during the look-back period. You will be covered for losses due to so-called “stable” conditions for which no change in treatment or symptoms has occurred.

Say you’ve had arthritis for several years, with no major flare-ups or medication changes in the past six months. In this case you would likely be covered if you had an intense, debilitating flare-up during your trip. But if you had been having trouble with the condition in the months leading up to your vacation, your trip insurance would be unlikely to cover any losses related to your arthritis unless you purchased a specific add-on.

Natural Disasters That Begin Before You Purchase Insurance

Trip insurance generally covers losses due to hurricanes or tropical storms, but you must make the purchase before the storm is named. Similar conditions typically apply to other natural disasters; if you buy a policy after a volcano starts erupting, for example, you won’t be covered for any losses related to that volcano’s activity.

Dental Care

Routine dental care is not included in travel insurance coverage, although dental trauma may be under some circumstances. One policy I reviewed provides coverage only for damage to “sound natural teeth,” for example.

Losses Due to Mental or Emotional Disorders

Most travel insurance policies do not cover claims involving psychiatric or emotional disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression. (In rare cases policies may cover these conditions if hospitalization is required.)

Travel for Medical Procedures

Most trip insurance will not cover issues that arise for those traveling specifically to get medical treatment (such as procedures available overseas that are not available or are too expensive at home).

Pregnancy and Childbirth

If you are pregnant and give birth while traveling, your travel insurance coverage generally will not include childbirth expenses. You might, however, have coverage for complications associated with pregnancy or childbirth. This is one to check carefully in advance if you’re planning to travel while pregnant.

Risky Activities and Sports

Active travelers, take note: Many travel insurance policies exclude losses due to adventure sports such as bungee jumping, backcountry skiing, snowboarding, rafting, caving, sky diving, scuba diving … you get the idea. Some policies take this even further, applying exemptions for any sports involving bodily contact. (That means your kid’s football tournament might not be covered.) If you’re planning an active vacation, carefully check the terms of your policy before committing.

Some of Your Favorite Stuff

Baggage delay, damage, and loss policies don’t cover everything in your bags. Common travel insurance exclusions include glasses, hearing aids, dental bridges, tickets, passports, keys, cash, and cell phones. In some cases these items are covered but only up to a certain dollar limit, so if you have multiple expensive electronic items (such as a laptop, a tablet, and a cell phone), you might not have enough coverage to pay for the loss of all such items.

Bad Weather

Travel insurance tends not to cover weather that limits your activities on a trip. For example, you’re covered if the weather is bad enough to delay or cancel your flight, but not if it pours during a jungle hike. And unless you bought a “cancel for any reason” rider, you can’t call off your beach vacation just because the forecast calls for rain and clouds.

Flights Purchased with Miles

Most policies do not cover flights purchased with miles or points. They may cover associated fees if you decide to cancel or change an award fare, however.

Security Delays or Overbooked Flights

According to travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth, your policy typically won’t protect you if you miss a flight due to long airport security lines, or if you’re bumped from an overbooked flight and miss a subsequent connection or cruise departure.

Lost Reservations or Double-Booked Accommodations

It’s also important to note that travel insurance coverage doesn’t include certain lodging snafus. A lost hotel reservation will have to be taken up with the company or travel agent that lost it. And if you find someone else in the vacation rental you reserved, you’ll have to take it up with the site through which you booked.

Accommodations That Aren’t as Expected

An accommodation that’s a lot less desirable when you arrive than it looked to be online generally isn’t covered by travel insurance. Researching accommodations on review sites like Tripadvisor falls on you. The exception is if your hotel or vacation rental is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster, structural damage, or the like.

Ticket Scams

If you find your event or sightseeing excursion ticket turns out to be fake, typical travel insurance won’t cover you, says Squaremouth. Make sure you’re using a trusted ticket or tour outlet.

Last-Minute Changes

If your cruise line or tour operator makes a last-minute itinerary or excursion change, travel insurance typically won’t cover any travel issues caused by it, unless it involves complete curtailment. You can try contacting the operator responsible for the changes about compensation.

Anything for Which You Lack Documentation

If you don’t have a solid paper trail for all causes and costs involved in your claim, your chances of reimbursement plummet. Keep records like your wallet depends on it.

Anything NOT in the List of Covered Items

Travel insurance works largely by inclusion of items specifically noted to be covered, and anything not mentioned is likely not covered. If you have a concern that you don’t see listed in the fine print, contact the travel insurance company to see if you can purchase an appropriate add-on.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ed Perkins contributed to this story.

The post Travel Insurance Coverage: 18 Things Your Policy Won’t Cover appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Mexico is a vast country, with heaps of beautiful and interesting places to see, and some 28 million Americans safely travel there each year. To help you plan your own trip, I’ve gathered some of the safest places to visit in Mexico, complete with information on why you should go and where to stay.

The Safest Places in Mexico

Keep in mind that incidents can happen even in the safest places in Mexico, and destinations that don’t appear on this list could still be great spots for a vacation. No matter where you go while traveling abroad, you’ll want to follow common-sense rules such as drinking only in moderation, getting a cab instead of wandering around after dark, and leaving your valuables at home.

Mexico City

Despite a longstanding reputation as a dangerous city to visit, Mexico City only has an advisory to exercise increased caution, and for good reason; the downtown core in particular is considered quite safe, and the city has numerous attractions for visitors—including street art, colorful markets, and more than 150 museums.

Where to Stay: The small, beautifully decorated Nima Local House Hotel is one of the best luxury hotel options in the city. For a more affordable option, consider the Chillout Flat Bed & Breakfast, which earns plaudits for friendly service and homemade granola.

Nima Local House

Chillout Flat B&B

Tulum

As Playa del Carmen has been the site of some troubling violence in the past, the coastal town of Tulum to the south may be a safer alternative. It is also less touristy than other resort towns on the Yucatan Peninsula, offering well-preserved ruins of the former Mayan city walls and other historic structures right in town. The State Department has explicitly stated there are no restrictions on travel to Tulum or to Chichen Itza, the magnificent archaeological site just an hour up the road.

Where to Stay: Guests appreciate the clean, comfortable rooms and fast Wi-Fi at the centrally located Posada Luna del Sur.

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Huatulco

A beach town located in Oaxaca to the southwest of Puerto Escondido, Huatulco offers tons of water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, some nearby surf spots, and tours of coffee farms to boot. Huatulco is considered one of the safest places in Mexico.

Where to Stay: For an indulgent resort experience you can’t do much better than Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa, where amenities include multiple swimming pools and tennis courts, yoga classes, watersports, and nine restaurants.

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Merida and Valladolid

Gerardo Tanaka Pacheco, Senior Account Executive for MSL Group, the public relations firm for VisitMexico.com, recommends these two towns as great alternatives to other nearby tourist hot spots. “A lot of people go to Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but on the Yucatan Peninsula there are these two beautiful colonial cities that are so welcoming, colorful, and full of traditions that travelers won’t regret visiting them,” he says.

Merida is a walking-friendly town that is connected to Chichen Itza by a toll road, which is considered the safest way to travel in Mexico if you are driving. The Mayan influence remains strong here, and the area has its own style of cuisine that diverges considerably from what you will find in other parts of Mexico.

Midway between Merida and Cancun is Valladolid, a colorful and friendly city that’s within easy driving distance of several beautiful cenotes.

Where to Stay: In Merida, consider snagging a poolside room at the Luz En Yucatan. In Valladolid, you can’t go wrong at the centrally located Hotel Posada San Juan.

Luz En Yucatan

Hotel Posada San Juan

Bacalar

Pacheco says that Bacalar, also on the Yucatan Peninsula, is “an amazing place, kind of unknown and definitely uncrowded. This is one of my favorite secrets spots in Mexico; the lagoon there is unbelievable.”

Called the Lake of Seven Colors, the lagoon stretches for 42 kilometers and is fed by underground rivers. Like Todos Santos mentioned below, Bacalar holds the official designation as a “Pueblo Magico,” or Magical Town, due in large part to the lagoon. In addition to being one of the safest places in Mexico, Bacalar is also very affordable.

Where to Stay: At the Bacalar Lagoon Resort, you can get a view of the lake right from your cabana.

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Campeche

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Campeche is a walled Spanish colonial city that has been superbly restored. The walled center is somewhat of a museum piece, but the life of the town surrounding it might even be the main attraction. There are also significant Mayan ruins in the state of Campeche, of which the city is the capital; these aren’t as well known as the famous ruins to the east, and as such they’re less crowded.

Where to Stay: Try for a balcony room or suite at the modestly priced Hotel Socaire.

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Queretaro

Queretaro’s streets are a wondrous mix of old and very old, as grid-like Spanish streets connect to the pre-Hispanic winding lanes from the time of the Otomi. From rock climbing and art galleries to architecture sightseeing, there is a ton to do in this central Mexican city.

Where to Stay: La Casa del Atrio, across from the Museo de Arte, is both popular and affordable.

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Todos Santos

This surf town in Baja California Sur features world-class waves and lots of natural beauty—and it’s just far enough north of touristy Cabo San Lucas to offer respite from the crowds. Todos Santos is slowly becoming more popular, but its stone streets and uncrowded beaches have earned it the official Pueblo Magico designation.

Where to Stay: La Poza Boutique Hotel & Spa has a fantastic oceanfront location at very reasonable rates.

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The post The 8 Safest Places in Mexico for Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

As airlines continue to cram more and more people into each plane, the flying experience gets less comfortable for all passengers, especially passengers of a heavier weight. But is there a point where seat sizes restrict someone’s ability to fly? Most carriers now have some sort of policy in place to ensure that all passengers have adequate room for both comfort and safety, but policies differ in degree and detail.

Most airlines recommend that if you think you will be too large for your seat, you should purchase a second seat at the time you make your original booking (or, of course, buy a ticket in first or business class). Some airlines will offer a discount on the second seat or refund the cost if the plane isn’t full, but in many cases larger passengers simply have to pay twice the price as other flyers.

Are Airline Passenger Weight Policies Fair?

Airline seating policies surrounding passenger weight bring up some sensitive issues. Who decides if someone fits in the seat, and when do they decide? Is the decision left up to a flight attendant after the entire plane has boarded? Is it somebody at the gate? At check-in? Will there someday be a BMI (Body Mass Index) field on booking sites? Might we eventually have to sit in a test seat, much like the metal cages that measure the size of your carry-on bag?

Over the years, some of these questions have moved out of the realm of the rhetorical—though there have been very few cases where the airlines’ policies have been tested or disputed in public (not surprisingly, due to the very sensitive nature of the issue). Most overweight travelers have simply taken the abuse, or made their case without going too public.

On a broader level, is it fair or logical for the airlines to keep shrinking airplane seats while requiring those left behind to, oftentimes literally, pay the price? This makes things awkward for everyone—including the large passengers themselves. (See the moving essay What it’s like to be that fat person sitting next to you on the plane.)

There is a simple solution, of course: wider seats on planes. In the same way that airlines offer “economy plus” sections with more legroom, they could have rows that have fewer and wider seats. (There’s always the option of business class in this case, but airlines could do the same thing in economy class, just without the free booze, dedicated loo, and big upcharges.)

The airlines argue it would be too costly to retrofit planes to include larger seats—so for now, the traveling public is stuck with the status quo. Below is a run-down of seating policies regarding passenger weight on several major airlines in the U.S. and abroad.

Alaska Airlines’ Customers of Size Policy

Alaska Airlines requires the purchase of a second seat for any passenger who can’t “comfortably fit within one seat with the armrests in the down position.” If you purchase a second seat in advance, and your flights all take off with at least one seat available, you can get a refund for the cost of the second seat. For those who haven’t purchased a second seat in advance, you may do so the day of your flight; if two seats aren’t available together, you might need to take a later flight.

Allegiant’s Passenger of Size Policy

Allegiant recommends that passengers who are unable to lower their armrest purchase a second ticket at the time of booking. If the passenger waits until the day of travel to request a second seat, “the agent will be unable to sell a second ticket unless two seats are available side-by-side,” says the airline website. If an extra seat is unavailable, the passenger will not be able to fly.

American Airlines’ Extra Space Policy

American requires passengers to purchase a second seat if they need a seatbelt extension and “extra space outside a single seat to travel safely.” The airline recommends that you buy both seats during your original booking (at the same rate). If you don’t book two seats in advance, you will be responsible for any fare difference on a second seat purchased the day of your flight or a larger seat in a higher class. If the airline can’t accommodate you on your scheduled flight, the airline will let you purchase two seats on a later flight for the same price as your original seats.

Delta Airlines’ Extra Seat Space Policy

Delta does not require larger passengers to purchase an extra seat, even if a seatbelt extender is required. However, the website notes that “if a passenger impedes on another passenger, they may be asked to move to another location that provides additional space, or in the event of a full flight, be asked to take a later flight with available seating.” and therefore recommends passengers who require extra space to purchase a second seat at the time of booking.

Frontier’s Customer of Size Policy

Frontier requires that customers who are unable to lower both armrests purchase a second seat “prior to travel.”

Hawaiian Airlines’ Policy for Guests Needing Additional Room

Hawaiian recommends that flyers who can’t sit comfortably with both armrests lowered call in advance to reserve a second seat. If you don’t do this, the airline “will try to find a suitable alternative,” but if this isn’t possible, you may not be able to fly on your originally scheduled flight.

JetBlue’s Extra Seating Policy

I was unable to find an official policy on JetBlue’s website, however JetBlue has a process in place for booking a second seat for any reason, found here. JetBlue seats are between 17.8 and 18.4 inches.

Southwest Airlines’ Customer of Size Policy

Southwest encourages larger passengers to purchase an extra seat in advance to guarantee that sufficient space will be available on their flight; the airline promises to refund all extra seat purchases, even if the flight is oversold. Passengers can also wait until the day of their flight to speak with a customer service person at the gate, who will give them a complimentary additional seat if it’s available.

Spirit Airlines’ Extra Seat Policy

Spirit requires that any passenger who “encroaches on an adjacent seat area and/or is unable to sit in a single seat with the armrests lowered” purchase an additional seat. Travelers who need a seatbelt extension are not eligible to sit in a seat with an inflatable seatbelt.

United Airlines’ Extra Seating Policy

If you can’t buckle your seatbelt (with an extension if necessary) and fit into a seat with the armrests down—without encroaching “significantly” on the adjacent space—you must purchase an additional seat or pay for an upgrade to a roomier seat on United. The carrier recommends buying two seats at the time of booking, at which time you’ll pay the same fare for the second seat; if you wait until the day of travel, you’ll pay the fare available that day. If no additional seats or upgrades are available, you’ll have to rebook on the next flight with availability. (United will, however, waive the change fees.)

Airline Passenger of Size Policies Outside the U.S.

There are too many airlines around the world to enumerate every single policy, but below is a sampling.

Under the One Person One Fare program in Canada, “carriers may not charge more than one fare for persons with disabilities who…require additional seating for themselves, including those determined to be functionally disabled by obesity.” This applies to domestic service within Canada. For flights to destinations outside of Canada, you might have to purchase an additional seat.

In Europe, Air France offers a 25 percent discount on your second seat if purchased in advance, with a full refund if there are unoccupied seats on your flight. If your flight is full, you haven’t booked an additional seat, and you can’t fit comfortably into a single seat, you may not be permitted to board. Meanwhile, British Airways requires passengers to be able to fully lower both armrests; if you can’t fit into the seat under these conditions, you must purchase an extra seat.

In the Southern Hemisphere, Qantas and LATAM suggests travelers needing extra space book an extra seat. Qantas encourages passengers to book both seats at once, as an extra seat cannot be added to an existing booking and will need to be booked separately. LATAM notes that “Passengers that due to their size must out of necessity occupy the immediately adjacent seat, can only travel in Economy in order to use this service” due to the configuration of the armrests in their other cabins.

Looking for a carrier not listed above? Airline seating policies are often difficult to find on carriers’ websites. Sometimes you can pull them up by searching “extra seat” or “customer of size,” but the best strategy is to call the customer service number—if you need to purchase an extra seat, you’ll likely end up calling the airline anyway.

The post Airline Passenger of Size Policies: Will You Be Forced to Buy an Extra Seat? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

But these days, when everything flight-related has a price tag, you’ll pay $99 for an “upgrade” to the front section of coach, just for the right to get off the plane more quickly (although in some cases it does also buy you an inch or two of extra legroom). Many factors have created the present “zero upgrade” environment—like the airlines’ love of fees and surcharges, computerized seat assignments (which make it much easier to know where everyone is well before flight time), very full flights, and increased competition for upgrades due to the degraded state of flying coach.

But just because your chances of getting an upgrade have gone down, you don’t necessarily have to give up. To learn how to get upgraded to first class for free, check out the tactics below. But first, let’s realize that, for many domestic flights…

First Class Isn’t What It Used to Be

Don’t get me wrong—when I am filing past the first few rows of seats on my way to the back of the plane, those big leather seats with folks already drinking wine in them have a strong allure. But those seats come with a cost, whether in cash or in miles, and on shorter domestic flights you don’t get all that much more than the folks in coach—wider seats, a little more legroom, free drinks, and the chance to board a little earlier.

That said, some airlines have upped the ante in their first-class cabins on longer domestic routes. American Airlines offers lie-flat seats in first class on some transcontinental routes, while Hawaiian Airlines has lie-flat options on its first-class service to Hawaii. On these types of domestic flights, an upgrade is definitely worth trying for.

The same goes for longer international flights. Much more critically than better food and drinks, first- and business-class seats in most international aircraft convert into beds that are pretty darn comfortable. On a flight back from Tokyo in first class a few years ago, I was actually disappointed when we began our final descent; when is the last time that happened in coach?

Why It’s So Hard to Get a Free Upgrade

David Rowell, who writes The Travel Insider, notes that “it is enormously harder to get upgrades these days than it used to be. Well, correction, it is harder to get undeserved upgrades these days. The procedure for getting upgrades that one is entitled to has become almost 100 percent automatic and hands-off, and with all flights being full in both cabins, there isn’t much ‘wiggle room’ for people to exploit.”

And it is not just a combination of luck and automation that will shut you out of upgrades—at some airlines, it may be a matter of policy. “Most airlines state, in no uncertain terms, that their policies prohibit arbitrary upgrading, both at check-in and onboard,” says Randy Petersen of InsideFlyer. “It’s a firm rule, with no room for negotiation or interpretation.” Petersen agrees about the root cause: “This becomes understandable when you consider that upgrading is now often done electronically, rather than by queuing up at the check-in counter.”

These electronically issued upgrades are doled out by a number of metrics, whether to the highest-ranking elite flyer, or the person who purchased an upgrade-eligible coach fare, or the person who cashed in her miles.

We commonly think of just two to five main classes on airplanes, including first, business, and economy, plus the recent emergence of premium and basic economy. But the fact is that economy class can have numerous sub-classes, as outlined in this Points Guy article—and each of these class levels carries eligibility (or lack thereof) for various amenities, including upgrades. The very lowest levels of economy class will rarely be prompted to upgrade, or even eligible to upgrade.

That said, since stories and rumors of free upgrades persist, here are some tactics to get you into that privileged group that seems to snag upgrades—or at least says they do.

How to Get Upgraded to First Class: 14 Tactics to Try

These tricks and ground rules are worth keeping in mind as you try to land that elusive free upgrade.

Be a seriously loyal customer.

If you fly a lot on the same airline, your options for getting upgrades soar. High-mile/point travelers are the first eligible and first chosen for most upgrades, so despite the fact that airline experts have been bemoaning the devaluing of airline miles for years, if you are a high-mileage and high-dollar flyer, you will see greatly increased upgrade offers, often at no cost.

Get an airline credit card.

Using an airline credit card allows you to rack up miles, including sign-up bonuses, that you can apply toward upgrades.

Dress neatly.

Dressing well is not the ticket to ride some hope it is, but even so, you are not getting an escort to the front of the plane if you are wearing cargo shorts, a tank top, and flip-flops. Most people don’t even want to sit next to you in this case, let alone upgrade you.

Check in online at the earliest possible time.

Online check-in is available beginning 24 hours before your flight, and the early bird has the best chance of nabbing an upgrade—though you’ll usually have to pay for it. As the minutes pass and more travelers check in, some of those folks will be looking and paying for upgrades, and once those seats are gone, they’re gone.

Be on time, and have good timing.

Showing up late to request an upgrade when an agent is just trying to get everyone in the air isn’t going to work. Do agents the courtesy of making your request with plenty of time to spare before the flight, and when no one else is competing for their attention.

Ask politely and directly.

Randy Petersen recommends something as simple as “If you are upgrading passengers on this flight, I would like to be considered.” Inserting the word “please” won’t hurt you either.

Be reasonable.

Being overly demanding or demeaning just inspires agents to pick someone else to upgrade if the opportunity arises. And don’t waste everyone’s time and good will if you know that you are a poor candidate. If you are traveling with your whole family, have a pet lobster in a cage as your carry-on, or purchased a ticket for an extremely low fare, you probably don’t want to spend your energy demanding upgrades.

If the flight is relatively empty, your chances are slim.

Even though seats in business class may also be empty, the airlines don’t usually upgrade people for no reason. If the flight is full, your chances are better. Airlines carefully plan how much they oversell flights, and their inventory departments are not upset if people need to be upgraded to accommodate everybody on the flight. Therefore, on a full flight the airlines sometimes are forced to upgrade people. In this scenario, if you have a good story, you may be lucky—solo travelers who are willing to be reseated to accomodate families have the best odds. Remember, of course, that business or first class may already be full from prebooked elite-level upgrades.

Volunteer to give up your seat if the flight is oversold.

Whenever airlines overbook flights and need folks to give up a seat, that is when you have the most leverage for getting concessions and upgrades from the airline. Most of us have been in airports listening to increasingly urgent announcements looking for volunteers to give up their seats; in that situation, you can go up to the gate, set your conditions and then let the airline decide if it can meet those conditions.

You might say, “I can volunteer to give up my seat for X hundred dollars in flight credit or an upgrade on my replacement flight, as long as I still get there by Y o’clock.” This may not work on the first round of volunteer requests, but when the gate agents come up on departure time and still need empty seats, they can often deliver quite a bit.

If you have been inconvenienced by the airline, don’t hesitate to ask for an upgrade.

Again, airlines don’t generally upgrade people for no reason, but if they have caused you a problem, that may be reason enough.

If your itinerary is botched or implodes for some reason, particularly if it affects only you and no one else (such that the airline is not trying to accommodate lots of folks in the same situation), your case for an upgrade on a subsequent flight becomes more compelling. The airline is not obligated to upgrade you, but if this happens, pleasantly but firmly let the gate agents know that if an upgraded seat is available on your rebooked flight, you would greatly appreciate getting that seat.

If you have been extremely inconvenienced—maybe you were sent back to your hotel a couple of times, or you slept on the airport floor all night—let the gate folks know, as they may have some sympathy for you.

Ask your travel agent.

My travel agent has a relationship with certain airlines that lets her book her customers into preferred seats that are not released to everyone (usually toward the front of the plane, in exit rows and the like). She can also see upgrade availability fairly quickly, and many agents can add comments to your reservation that increase your chances of being chosen for an upgrade. Ask about these the next time you talk to your travel agent.

Watch for business-class sales.

Most leisure travelers ignore advertised business-class fare sales entirely. I have occasionally seen transatlantic business-class sale fares for around $1,100 at a time when it costs that much to fly coach. This will take some persistence and sleuthing, but you can sometimes fly in the front of the plane for less than the folks crammed into the back of the plane.

Look for two-for-one sales.

If you are traveling with family or a companion, a two-for-one sale on first- or business-class fares could cut the cost of upgrading, well, in two. At current coach prices, these could result in a wash with respect to price, if certainly not with respect to pleasure.

Buy an extra seat.

One interesting tactic to find yourself some breathing room offered by Petersen might appeal to folks traveling on very cheap sale fares: buy two coach tickets. Say you find one of these $100 roundtrip fares to Florida or the like; the airlines that offer these usually make up the difference in fees for checked bags, movies, food, and other extras. However, if you don’t need headphones or to check a second bag, you can skip all those charges, and get yourself a heap of legroom for $50—less than the cost of most premium seats.

If you use this tactic, it will be important for you to check in your second seat, as well as present the boarding pass at the gate—otherwise, your seat could be given to a standby passenger.

In all honesty, your chance of falling into one of these free upgrades is slimmer all the time—even Rowell has stopped trying entirely. That doesn’t mean you have to; if you have had a recent experience with surprise or unpaid upgrades, let us know in the comments below.

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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post First Class for Free: How to Get an Airline Upgrade appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Today the process is more complicated, and for good reason; the old approach was not only challenging and a bit scary, but also frequently unsafe. Further, service and emotional support pets are now far more common on airplanes, introducing another layer of complexity to the rules surrounding pet air travel. Airline policies vary considerably by dog size, breed, temperament, and cabin vs. cargo rules, so there is a lot to know before you attempt to bring your dog on a plane with you.

General Considerations for Flying with a Dog

The choice to take your dog in the cabin with you versus traveling in the cargo hold will often be decided for you by the size of the animal and the airline’s policy; see the next section for airline policies in this regard. In general, carrying your pet into the cabin with you is safer than putting it into the cargo hold.

Some airlines restrict the total number of pets allowed on any given flight, and these spots are usually parceled out on a first-come, first-served basis—so you will want to book early.

Expect to pay a fee to fly with your dog. Current standard fees range from around $75 to $200 each way, and can go up to several hundred dollars for larger dogs that must be transported on cargo planes.

If at all possible, choose a direct flight. As tough as flying is on a dog, especially in the cargo hold, submitting them to even longer travel times plus multiple encounters with baggage handling can easily go sideways. My family flew cross-country with our dog several years ago, and had purchased direct flights, but due to aircraft problems on the way home had to switch to a connecting itinerary. During our connection in St. Louis, we watched helplessly through the airport windows as a baggage hander in St. Louis let our dog’s travel crate nearly free-fall onto the tarmac. When we picked her up at our home airport, the crate was shattered and the dog significantly traumatized.

Most airlines do not allow pets to travel in the exit row.

Consider the weather. In winter, fly during the day to ensure the warmest possible temperatures for your dog in the cargo hold. In summer, fly early or late to avoid the midday heat.

Get to the airport early enough to exercise your dog without creating a lot of time pressure.

Federal regulations require pets to be at least eight weeks old to fly.

If you have a young, senior, or fragile pet, consult with your vet as to whether they are up for the rigors of air travel.

Airline Policies for Flying with a Dog

Airline policies are all over the place; some carriers do not accept dogs for travel in the cargo hold, while others do not allow dogs in the cabin. Some have weight restrictions for travel in the cabin, others for the cabin and/or cargo hold, and they can vary tremendously; Air France currently allows the combined weight of dogs and their carriers to be up to 75 kilograms/165 pounds(!), while others top out at 32 kilograms/70 pounds.

Other restrictions include the length of the flight, destination, and even whether a codeshare is involved. Still others will only transport dogs as official cargo—that is, on an actual cargo plane. Expect to be charged an additional fee for transporting pets.

You can see comprehensive lists of airline policies at PetFriendlyTravel.com and BringFido.com. As useful as these lists are, however, you should always double-check your specific airline’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Breeds

The breed and/or physiognomy of your dog may determine whether they can fly with you; in particular, short-nosed breeds are not allowed by many airlines, and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation recommends that they not fly due to breathing difficulties and a higher rate of fatalities.

Contrary to some assumptions, it is not only smaller dogs that are of concern. The AVMA mentions the following dogs among those at risk: pugs, Boston terriers, boxers, some mastiffs, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, shih tzus, and bulldogs. Restricted dogs will often include mixed breeds, according to Tracey Thompson of PetFriendlyTravel.com.

“Most airlines include dogs that a mix of any of these ‘short-nosed’ breeds,” Thompson says. “The airlines are very strict about not allowing any of these dog breeds, so I would be surprised if there is any leeway. There is simply too much risk for the airlines to transport these breeds of dogs.”

Even with airlines that do allow short-nosed breeds, there can be certain limitations. Japan Airlines does not allow certain types of bulldogs due to their inability to regulate body temperature, while Lufthansa no longer allows short-nose breeds in the cargo hold.

Destination Considerations

If you are traveling outside the Continental U.S., you will want to make sure dogs are allowed to be brought along at all, and be prepared for surprises. For example, pets traveling to Hawaii are subject to quarantine because it’s the only rabies-free state. For foreign countries, you can usually find information on embassy websites.

Preparing Your Dog to Fly

A checkup from your vet is usually a good idea before flying with your dog. You might need a certificate of veterinary inspection to fly, in most cases signed within 10 days of travel.

On feeding, Nicole Ellis, a trainer with the pet-walking site Rover.com, advises the following: “Feed your pet lightly the day of travel and no sooner than four hours ahead of time. You don’t want to have any potty mishaps in the car, train, or airport! Dogs can go anywhere from 6 to 10 hours without food. Don’t change your pet’s food prior to a flight or give any treats he or she may not have had before, as it can cause an upset tummy on the flight.”

Exercise your dog as best you can on the day of travel, and then, as close to flight time as possible, find a place for your dog to take a walk, relieve itself, and get some fresh air. Options might include a walk around the hotel parking lot, finding a park on the way to the airport, or using dog-friendly facilities at many airports. PetFriendlyTravel.com also maintains a list of these by airport for both the U.S. and Canada.

Ellis notes that the once-common practice of sedating your dog is no longer advised: “The Humane Society does not recommend giving sedatives to pets to travel, but check with your vet if you have questions.” There can be a number of problems with sedation, including breathing issues, the dog’s inability to react if the crate is moved around, and a reduced ability to regulate body temperature. In fact, some airlines may ask you to sign a statement that your dog has not been sedated before flight.

Inside the Airport

Consider checking in on the later side to shorten the time your pet has no access to the outdoors.

Understand that busy airports are not naturally calming environments for many dogs, and do what you can to comfort your dog and help them avoid overstimulation.

Try to reserve a seat near the front of the plane if your dog is flying in the cargo hold, as this can get you off the plane a little more quickly.

At Your Destination

Upon arrival, the first thing you’ll want to do is find a place to get your dog outside. If you are traveling with a companion, consider having one person care for the dog immediately while the other collects luggage and arranges for a ride from the airport.

Speaking of arranging for a ride, make sure your car rental company, taxi, or rideshare driver allows dogs. Both Lyft and Uber leave the decision to allow non-service animals up to the individual driver, with Uber now letting passengers reserve a Pet-Friendly ride for an additional fee.

If you are going to be busy at your destination, consider setting up a dog walker to make sure your pet is getting enough exercise while you are out and about in places that don’t allow animals. Rover.com can work really well for this, as well as general caregiver sites like Care.com.

Ellis advises pet owners to check whether they can get their dog’s regular food at their destination: “Make sure your pet food is available at a pet store in your destination city, and if not, be sure to pack [some] or order some online and ship to your destination prior to arriving.”

Tools for Flying with a Dog

A comfortable and reliable carrier or crate is absolutely essential, and these have greatly improved since the old “plastic box” days; many come with wheels, backpack straps, and purse designs. Note that crates and carriers should be in good condition upon arrival at the airport. Airlines can reject your carrier if it has cracks or shows other signs of wear that might allow the dog to escape or be injured.

Make sure that your carrier is “airline approved.” Some of the best-reviewed carriers for the main cabin include the following:

• Petsfit Expandable Travel Dog Carrier
• Pet Magasin Soft-Sided Carrier for Cats, Puppies, and Small Dogs
• Snoozer Wheel Around 4-in-1 Pet Travel Carrier

And the following are well-reviewed larger crates/kennels for when your dog needs to go in the cargo hold. Again, make sure to double-check your airline’s requirements before traveling.

• Petmate Sky Kennel
• Gunner Kennels
• Petmate Compass Kennel

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Ed Hewitt is a seasoned globetrotter who brings you a glimpse into the latest travel news, views, and trends—and how they could affect your travel plans.

The post Flying with a Dog? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Note that most of the following tips apply to both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which tend to occur about two weeks apart. The two-week break makes it very tough to attend both, but the Paralympic Games are just as exciting and inspiring, so they’re worth consideration in and of themselves.

Getting Tickets to the Olympics

Buying tickets for the Olympics will look slightly different this year than in the past. Previously, event presales were handled by a single vendor depending on where you live — for example, in the United States, ticketing was handled by CoSport. For the 2024 Games, tickets are only available through the official ticketing website of the Paris Olympics. Tickets for Paralympic events are available through the same portal beginning October 9th.

Event tickets tend to be released in waves. The first round of tickets for the Paris Olympics went on sale via a lottery system in March, followed by a second wave in May. As of July 5th, the remaining tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

When choosing events, I have found this strategy to work well: First get something you really care about, and then choose something that seems interesting but you know very little about. For example, at one recent Olympic Games my family went to a tae kwon do event when our son was involved in the sport, and we even saw his teacher there working as a judge. The next day we went to mountain biking, which was wild and very cool, with attendees all running around the fields that connected one obstacle to the next.

Tickets to many events may officially sell out up to a year in advance but are often still available through package deals. A visit to the vendor’s website will tell you a lot about what is on offer.

Figure Out Your Lodging Next

Lodging is likely to be your biggest challenge and is the trip component you should research and lock down first. You can use your favorite search engines to get started, comparing your options to the venues you hope to attend. The venues are set years in advance, so you can start searching fairly early on. Brace yourself, as there is quite a bit of speculative pricing that can go on, and availability can be hard to come by; in fact, one 2020 Olympic hopeful I know booked their entire family into double rooms at a Tokyo “love hotel,” yikes.

The official Olympics ticketing site also offers all-inclusive travel packages that include a certain number of nights’ lodging with a certain number of event tickets—but those tend to be somewhat pricey compared to DIY lodging options. That said, purchasing from the official outlet does tend to ensure some level of quality as well as a centralized location, so it is always worth a look.

Finding Olympic Flights

Many Olympic host cities have more than one airport, and it is worth your while to research airfares to all of them. For the Paris Olympics in 2024, for example, you can choose between Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Beauvais–Tillé Airport.

Paris-Orly is smaller than Charles de Gaulle, but is less busy and located within easy reach of the southern side of the city. Charles de Gaulle offers more flight options from a wider range of destinations and is located to the north. For those flying budget, Beauvais–Tillé Airport may be your best bet.  

Weather, Transport, and Getting to Venues

You’ll want to prepare for extreme weather no matter which Olympics you’re attending—pack plenty of warm layers for the winter Games, and prepare for heat if you’re attending a summer event.

Transport to venues varies tremendously depending on the host city and the location of a given venue. As you get farther from the main venues, transport connections can become more tricky. Strong public transportation in past Olympic cities such as Tokyo and London has been essential. Rio was a different story, but taxis were so affordable that they were actually a preferable option in many cases (just be careful to use sanctioned taxi services).

It almost goes without saying that you should give yourself some extra time whenever you are headed to a competition; if you miss a bus, end up on a long security line, need some time to find the correct entrance, or can’t quite figure out where you are supposed to go, you could miss the most dramatic moments of the competition.

You should also be prepared to walk a bit; entrances may not be right in front of transportation spots, security might be purposely far from the competition area, and the venue itself may be spread out.

Find the Free Events

Even before you start attending competitions, every Olympic host city has some kind of massive public space for exhibitors and sponsors to put on shows, display wares, and more. These are often (although not always) right outside the main Olympic Stadium and have the host mascots running around, interactive games and exhibits, giant jumbotrons showing live events and highlights, and the like. These are worth seeing just to get the overall vibe of the Games, to people-watch, and to pick up (often free) souvenirs. This year, guests can even watch the opening ceremony ticket-free on the upper quays of the Seine.

Additionally, at every Olympics there are a number of events that take place in semi-public places, allowing you to see significant parts of the event at no cost whatsoever.

These are usually distance events of some kind in which the venue is huge and can’t be entirely closed off, or even runs through the streets and public spaces of the host city. These typically include the following:

• Marathon
• Road cycling
• Rowing, canoeing, and kayaking
• Sailing
• Triathlon

I’d also throw in surfing; 2021 was the first year of surfing at the Games, so there is little history of how it is set up, but it seems like a candidate for being able to watch from near the event.

Then there are venues that back up to public spaces. In Rio, rowing was one of these; the lake on which the event took place was right in the middle of Ipanema, and you could see athletes competing from all over the place. The finish line was right next to a small skateboarding spot, and the crews headed right toward the kids skating there, while the start line was against the ring road around the lake at a spot where a small playground and picnic area remained open throughout the Games. The starting tower was surrounded by picnickers, and the local spectators were perhaps 50 to 80 meters from the athletes at the starting line.

These can be a bit tricky to figure out—for example, in London, you could not see rowing at all because the venue was surrounded by a huge moat that prevented anyone but ticket holders from getting anywhere near the course—but if you survey the venues and racecourses, you can usually figure out where you might hang out to see the athletes zoom past.

Consider Heading Home Early or Late

I have found that folks trickle into the Olympic host city over time, but everyone leaves over the same day or two. Leaving the day before the closing ceremonies, or staying on a few days afterward, can often help avoid the stampede as well as keep airfare prices down a bit.

More Olympic Travel Tips

Don’t Overpack

Travel light to each event. The biggest slowdown you will encounter will almost always be bag check lines when entering (this is a rule at almost all large events these days). If you can avoid backpacks and bags, you can save time and aggravation.

Explore the City

Add in some “regular” tourism. Most host cities are exceptional destinations with or without the Games, and can be even better during the Olympics when even the non-sports attractions will get caught up in Olympic fever and put their best foot forward. Definitely visit some non-Olympic events to get a feel for the host city and country while you are there.

Get Official Info

For details on transportation, venue locations, things to do and see, and more, the official site of the Local Organizing Committee is the place to start. Here are the sites for the next few Olympic Games: Paris 2024, Milan Cortina 2026, and Los Angeles 2028. For safety tips, you might also want to check the State Department’s country information and travel advisories.

Get Into the Spirit

The volunteers at most Olympics really bring it when they are out interacting with all of us visiting the Games, and the overall vibe on the ground can be exhilarating. Give yourself over to the whole thing and you can be a true part of the Olympic spirit.

Ed Hewitt has covered several previous Olympic Games as the publisher and founder of row2k.com. His writing and photography have appeared in dozens of magazines, newspapers, websites, films, and other media.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to See the Olympics appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If you happen to be traveling during a heat wave, here’s what you need to know to stay safe. 

Time Your Outdoor Activities Wisely

During the recent heatwave in Italy, Italian authorities advised people to avoid being outside between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., when temperatures are the hottest. Wake up early and do your outdoor sightseeing before 11 a.m., and then try to visit museums and other indoor (and air-conditioned) attractions during the afternoon. As an unexpected bonus, you’ll likely encounter fewer crowds at popular spots in the early morning. 

Take a cue from the Europeans and head back to your hotel for a siesta in the middle of the day when it’s too hot to be outside. After a quick nap, you’ll be refreshed and ready for outdoor activities once things cool off in the evenings.

Stay Tuned to the News

Extreme heat can cause dangerous conditions like wildfires or force the closure of some attractions. Sign up for alerts from the local government at your destination (and from the US Department of State) to stay informed.

Even transportation can be impacted—when temperatures get hot enough, tarmac and train tracks can melt or buckle, causing delays or cancellations.

Invest in Travel Insurance

Heat waves are not usually covered by standard travel insurance policies, so if you’re concerned your trip may be impacted by high temperatures, opt for “cancel for any reason” coverage, which lives up to the name and allows you to change your plans for any reason at all, including heat.

Dress Appropriately

Although it may be tempting to wear as little as possible during a heat wave, covering up with light layers can actually better protect you from the sun and keep your body temperature cooler. Choose light-colored, lightweight clothing with UPF-protective fabric when packing for travel to a heatwave-stricken destination. Don’t forget to pack a hat and sunscreen―It’s important to avoid getting sunburned during a heatwave, as a sunburn can impede your body’s natural ability to cool down and can even make you more dehydrated. 

Book Air-Conditioned Accommodation

Air conditioning is less common in Europe and other destinations than in the United States, especially in private homes. If you’re booking a vacation rental, look for accommodation options that specifically list air-conditioning as an amenity—and then closely read the listing to see if the whole house (or just one room) has an air conditioning unit. 

Pack Cooling Accessories

A few cooling accessories can go a long way to helping you feel comfortable. Some of our favorites include:

• Portable neck fan
• Mini rechargeable fan
• Cooling towel
• Cooling wristband

Hydrate

It’s easy to get dehydrated while traveling. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink—try to sip a steady amount of fluids throughout the day. Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks, which can contribute to dehydration. 

If you’re sweating a lot, water alone may not be enough to hydrate you. Pack a few packets of electrolyte powders to help replenish important salts and minerals. 

Consume Cold Food and Drink

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), consuming hot and heavy meals can actually increase your body temperature. Consider this your excuse to eat ice cream and stop for cold drinks frequently. 

Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, can be serious. Make sure you know the warning signs of these conditions and what to do if you or your travel partner start to showcase symptoms.

Look out for headaches, nausea, confusion, muscle pain, and heavy sweating. Immediately get to a cooler place, drink water, or get medical help if symptoms are severe.  

The post 9 Expert Tips for Traveling During a Heat Wave appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Here’s everything you need to know about online check-in. 

What Is Online Check-In?

Online check-in allows you to check in for your flight from anywhere in the world. Simply log-on to the airline’s website or app and input your name and booking confirmation number to start the online check-in process. 

Note that if you booked your flight through a third-party site, like Expedia, you’ll likely have two numbers: a confirmation number from the booking site as well as a record locator code from the airline. You’ll need the record locator code to check-in on the airline’s website. 

During the online check-in process you can choose a seat, add meals, opt for an upgrade, and more. After checking in, you’ll get the option to print your boarding pass, have it emailed to you, or save your ticket to your Apple Wallet. You can also opt to print your boarding pass at the airport at one of the kiosks and still skip waiting in the check-in line.

Should I Check In for My Flight Online?

Checking-in online allows you to check in for your flight earlier than if you waited until you got to the airport, which means there will be more seats available to choose from. 

By checking-in early and reserving your seat, you’ll also have less of a chance of being involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight compared to someone checking-in at the last minute. 

When Should I Check-in for My Flight Online?

Most airlines allow online check-in beginning 24 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time. Some international airlines open check-in 48 hours before the flight, so always check with your airline. 

Set a reminder in your phone to check-in as early as possible, so you can snag the best possible seat if you haven’t been able to reserve one ahead of time. 

Why Can’t I Check-In Online?

Sometimes, you’ll be unable to check-in online. This typically happens on an international flight where the airline needs to verify your passport, visas, and other travel documents in person before allowing you to board. 

Other reasons for not being allowed to check-in online can include:

• Being selected for secondary screening by TSA
• Your ticket was issued by a codeshare partner airline and not the airline you’re traveling with
• Traveling in a large group

What to Do After Online Check-In

Once you receive your electronic boarding pass, you can head straight to security if you’re traveling carry-on only. If you’re checking a bag, you’ll still need to stop by the ticketing area at the airport. Look for special “bag drop” lines that bypass longer check-in lines.

Why Can’t I Choose My Seat During Online Check-In?

If you bought a basic economy ticket, you might not even be able to choose your seat at online check-in. You’ll either have to pay extra to choose a seat or ask the gate agent to reassign you to a better seat if possible when you arrive at the airport. 

Why Didn’t I Get TSA PreCheck When Checking-In Online?

Make sure your TSA PreCheck number (your known traveler number) is saved in your profile with the airline before checking in. If it is, and you still didn’t get TSA PreCheck on your ticket, read our story here to find out why else you might not have gotten PreCheck and what you can do about it.

How Early Do I Need to Get to the Airport if I’ve Checked-in Online?

You don’t need to get to the airport three hours early if you’ve checked-in online and have your boarding pass, but you should still leave plenty of time to get through security. 

If you still need to check-in a bag and you don’t have TSA PreCheck, you might want to get to the airport two hours early so that you have plenty of extra time in case of lengthy lines.

If you are not checking a bag, and you have TSA PreCheck, you could arrive as close to an hour before your boarding time. However, you may want to leave more time as a buffer if you’re traveling through a notoriously slow airport or during busy holiday periods. 

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The post The Ultimate Guide to Online Check-In for Flights appeared first on SmarterTravel.