Travel Technology – SmarterTravel

The Best Uses of AI for Travel Planning

Megan Johnson — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 15:12:57 +0000

AI scares me as a writer (and, if I’m honest, as a human). I avoided it, and flat-out refused to use it for a long time. I have principles, and the fact that a computer is taking away many writing jobs from people doesn’t make me happy. I was shown how helpful of a tool it can be, (I highly recommend using it to create tables – it saves SO much time!). I will never use it to write anything; however, I have found that there is, in fact, a time and a place for AI, including the travel world.

While AI will never replace the importance of personal anecdotes and stylized writing an individual brings to travel writing, there are some things it is helpful for, whether it be using AI chatbots/virtual assistants or an AI-powered app. I tried out a few ways to use AI when planning travel and discovered the good, the bad, and the ugly that comes with AI tools. Here, I’ve narrowed it down to four uses of AI for planning travel: creating itineraries, making packing lists, booking flights, and booking hotels. Here’s what I found.

1. Creating Itineraries

While we love to provide guides for our readers, we can’t create every single itinerary or guide for every type of traveler or vacation. This is where AI comes in handy. You can ask AI to create an itinerary for you, and it will deliver.

ChatGPT and Gemini

Tada Images | Adobe Stock

To test how AI made the itinerary, I asked two different AI platforms (ChatGPT and Gemini) to “create a travel itinerary for me for a 6-day trip to England, including London and Stonehenge. I do not want to go anywhere more than 2 hours on the train from London.” I chose London/England because I am extremely familiar with it, so I’d better understand how good/bad the itinerary was.

Chat GPT

Day 1: Arrival in London
Morning:
– Arrive in London and check into your hotel.
– Take a leisurely stroll around your hotel’s neighborhood and get acquainted with your surroundings.
Afternoon:
– Visit the British Museum. Explore the extensive collection of art and historical artifacts.
Evening:
– Have dinner in Covent Garden. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and street performers.
– If you’re up for it, catch a West End show for a classic London theater experience.

Day 2: Explore Central London
Morning:
– Visit the Tower of London. Don’t miss the Crown Jewels and the Beefeaters.
Afternoon:
– Walk across Tower Bridge and explore Borough Market for lunch.
– Take a river cruise on the Thames to see landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben from the water.
Evening:
– Dine in the Southbank area, which offers great views and a variety of restaurants.

Day 3: Day Trip to Stonehenge
Morning:
– Take an early train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (approx. 1.5 hours).
– From Salisbury, take a short bus ride to Stonehenge.
Afternoon:
– Explore Stonehenge and its visitor center. Learn about its history and the mysteries surrounding it.
Return to Salisbury for lunch and explore the historic town.
Evening:
– Return to London in the evening. Relax and have dinner in a local restaurant or your hotel.

Day 4: Windsor and Eton
Morning:
– Take a train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (approx. 30 minutes).
– Visit Windsor Castle, the official residence of the British monarch. Explore the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel.
Afternoon:
– Walk along the picturesque streets of Eton and visit Eton College if time allows.
– Have lunch in Windsor.
Evening:
– Return to London. Enjoy a relaxed evening or explore a new neighborhood for dinner.

Day 5: Oxford Day Trip
Morning:
– Take a train from London Paddington to Oxford (approx. 1 hour).
– Explore the University of Oxford, including iconic colleges like Christ Church and Radcliffe Camera.
Afternoon:
– Visit the Ashmolean Museum or take a walk along the River Thames.
– Have lunch at a local pub or café.
Evening:
– Return to London and enjoy your evening at leisure. Consider dining in a different area, like Soho or Shoreditch.

Day 6: London Highlights
Morning:
– Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard (check the schedule as it varies).
– Stroll through St. James’s Park.
Afternoon:
– Explore Westminster Abbey or the Houses of Parliament.
– Enjoy some shopping or sightseeing on Oxford Street or Regent Street.
Evening:
– Have a farewell dinner at a top London restaurant or pub.

Tips:
– Accommodation: Choose a centrally located hotel or Airbnb to make travel within London and to nearby destinations convenient.
– Transport: Consider getting an Oyster card for easy travel on London’s public transport system.
– Weather: Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, as the weather can be unpredictable.

This itinerary balances exploration with relaxation and allows you to experience some of England’s key highlights without extensive travel. Enjoy your trip!

Gemini

Day 1: Arrival in London
– Arrive in London and check into your accommodation.
– Depending on your arrival time, explore the local area or relax.
– Enjoy a traditional English dinner in a pub.

Day 2: London Highlights
– Visit iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.
– Explore the British Museum or the National Gallery.
– Enjoy afternoon tea in a classic London setting.
– Evening: Catch a West End show or explore the vibrant nightlife.

Day 3: Stonehenge and Bath
– Take an early morning train to Salisbury (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).
– Visit Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument shrouded in mystery.
– Return to Salisbury and explore its charming cathedral.
– Take a train to Bath (approximately 45 minutes).
– Explore the Roman Baths and Georgian architecture.
– Enjoy a relaxing evening in Bath.

Day 4: Bath and Windsor
– Spend the morning exploring Bath’s beautiful streets and shops.
– Take a train to Windsor (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).
– Visit Windsor Castle, the Queen’s official residence.
Explore Windsor Great Park and Eton College.
Return to London for the evening.

Day 5: London: Museums and Parks
– Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum or the Natural History Museum.
– Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.
– Experience a traditional British pub lunch.
– Enjoy a river cruise on the Thames for a different perspective of the city.

Day 6: Departure
– Depending on your departure time, enjoy a final breakfast or brunch in London.
– Explore additional sights or do some last-minute shopping.
– Depart from London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport.

Additional Tips:
– Consider purchasing a London Pass for discounted entry to attractions.
– Book train tickets in advance for better prices.
– Pack for changeable weather, as England’s climate can be unpredictable.
– Don’t forget to try traditional British cuisine like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.
– Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting pubs and markets.

This itinerary provides a balance of iconic sights, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and preferences. Enjoy your trip to England!

Would you like to focus on a specific interest, such as history, art, or shopping?

As you can see, they are similar but not exactly the same. The more specific you are, the more detailed itinerary you will get. It’s not perfect (it seems Gemini is a bit behind, referring to Windsor as the Queen’s residence, not the King’s), but it’s pretty good.

I then asked it to use the same criteria but cater to someone who loves Shakespeare. They both adjusted, and here are the results:

Chat GPT

Day 1: Arrival in London
Morning:
– Arrive in London and check into your hotel.
Relax and get acquainted with your surroundings.
Afternoon:
– Visit the Globe Theatre for a tour.
Experience the reconstructed Elizabethan theatre and learn about Shakespeare’s world.
Evening:
– Have dinner in Southwark or near the Globe.
– Consider a Shakespeare-themed dining experience if available.

Day 2: Shakespeare’s London and Central Attractions
Morning:
– Visit Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition and the nearby South Bank area.
– Explore the British Library to see Shakespeare’s First Folio and other rare manuscripts.
Afternoon:
– Visit the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatre in London if they have special exhibitions or events.
Evening:
– Dine in Covent Garden and enjoy a West End show, ideally one of Shakespeare’s plays if available.

Day 3: Day Trip to Stonehenge and Salisbury
Morning:
– Take an early train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (approx. 1.5 hours).
– From Salisbury, take a bus to Stonehenge.
Afternoon:
– Explore Stonehenge and its visitor center.
– Return to Salisbury and have lunch. Explore the historic town, including Salisbury Cathedral.
Evening:
– Return to London in the evening.
– Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or in the Southbank area.

Day 4: Stratford-upon-Avon
Morning:
– Take an early train from London Marylebone to Stratford-upon-Avon (approx. 2 hours).
– Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the Shakespeare Centre.
Afternoon:
– Explore Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Hall’s Croft.
– Enjoy a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre if time allows.
Evening:
– Return to London. Enjoy dinner in the Southbank or another lively area.

Day 5: Windsor and Eton
Morning:
– Take a train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (approx. 30 minutes).
– Visit Windsor Castle and the surrounding area.
Afternoon:
– Visit Eton College.
– Explore the charming streets of Eton and have lunch.
Evening:
– Return to London and explore the literary heritage of Bloomsbury or dine in a different area, such as Soho.

Day 6: Oxford and Literary Farewell
Morning:
– Take a train from London Paddington to Oxford (approx. 1 hour).
– Visit the Bodleian Library and see literary manuscripts.
Afternoon:
– Explore the colleges of Oxford University, including Radcliffe Camera and Christ Church.
– Visit the Eagle and Child pub for lunch, a favorite spot for literary figures.
Evening:
– Return to London.
– Have a farewell dinner at a top London restaurant or pub. If there’s an opportunity to see another Shakespearean play or literary event, this would be a fitting end to your trip.

Gemini

Day 1: Arrival and Shakespearean Beginnings
Afternoon:
– After checking in, visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre or the British Museum’s Shakespeare exhibition.
Evening:
– Attend a performance of a Shakespearean play at the Globe or another London theater.
Day 2: Central London and Shakespearean Sites
Morning:
– Visit the Tower of London, where Shakespeare’s plays were often performed.
Afternoon:
– Take a Shakespearean walking tour to explore locations associated with the Bard.
Evening:
– Attend a performance of a modern interpretation of a Shakespearean play.

Day 3: Stonehenge and Salisbury: A Historical Interlude
Morning:
– Visit Stonehenge, a place rich in history and mystery, potentially inspiring Shakespeare’s works.
Afternoon:
– Explore Salisbury Cathedral, where you can find connections to Shakespeare’s plays.

Day 4: Windsor Castle and Shakespearean Royalties
Morning:
– Visit Windsor Castle, a place steeped in royal history, often depicted in Shakespeare’s plays.
Afternoon:
– Explore Eton College, which has connections to many historical figures, including those mentioned in Shakespeare’s works.

Day 5: Oxford and Shakespearean Academia
Morning:
– Visit the University of Oxford, a place of learning and inspiration for many writers, including Shakespeare.
Afternoon:
– Explore Oxford’s connection to Shakespeare through its libraries and academic institutions.

Day 6: London Highlights and Shakespearean Finale
Morning:
– Visit Westminster Abbey, where many famous figures, including Shakespeare, are buried.
Afternoon:
– Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre or visit the National Portrait Gallery to see portraits of Shakespearean characters.
Evening:
– Attend a final Shakespearean performance or visit a pub associated with the Bard.

It quickly adjusted the itinerary, adding more Shakespeare-oriented sites. I was surprised that Gemini omitted Stratford Upon-Avon, but that might be because the train ride is over two hours. ChatGPT first did not include Stonehenge in the Shakespeare-specific adjustment, so I had to remind it that I wanted Stonehenge, so it adjusted. With reminders, AI will adjust anything it forgot from a previous request. When I reminded ChatGPT that I didn’t want to go over 2 hours on a train, it replaced the Stratford trip with a day trip to Oxford, making day six more London highlights.

When creating your itinerary with AI, be specific. Say how many days you will be there, and make sure you include any must-see attractions, as well as travel preferences (rail, bus, car rental, etc.).

Other advantages of using AI to create your itinerary: It offers suggestions on what to pre-book and travel times—both key when planning a vacation. Figuring out how long you have between attractions or researching what you must purchase tickets for beforehand saves you a lot of time.

What we love: The variety and specificity. I asked it to create an itinerary focused on children’s literature, one for an art teacher, one for 15th-century architecture, and one for theatre. Each one was unique and accurate.

Why humans are better: Humans know the logistics of actually doing all of this stuff and will be able to recommend spots off the beaten path that are actually good. Sure, you can ask AI for off-the-beaten-path suggestions, but you have no idea if they will be good.

TripHobo

TripHobo is an AI-driven trip-planning app that helps create detailed itineraries based on user preferences, including activities, attractions, and accommodations.

Destination Selection: You start by choosing your destination(s) and the duration of your trip. The one thing I didn’t like here is I had to specify which cities I wanted to visit. I chose London, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Bath. It then asks if you want it to include transportation, accommodation, and things to do. I chose all three. Stratford Upon Avon was not an option that I could find, so I chose “Stratford on Avon District,” hoping it would satisfy what I was looking for.
Interest Profile: Triphobo asks about your interests so that the itinerary can be tailored to your preferences. It asked if I was traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or as a family. I said as a couple.
Itinerary Generation: Based on your inputs, Triphobo suggests a potential itinerary, including places to visit, activities, and transportation options. You have two viewing options, “Overview” and “Editable View.” The editable view looks more like a calendar, and you can pick and choose what you want, including the hotel and transportation options. Without me specifying that I wanted to visit Stonehenge, it included it. You can book a tour, hotel, and even transportation.
Customization: You can modify the suggested itinerary by adding, removing, or changing activities and accommodations. This was not as easy as I hoped it would be. Shakespeare’s Birthplace, grave, or visit to the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford were not included in the itinerary, and when I went to add them in the editable version, I couldn’t find them. I could manually enter them, but it seems odd to me that such major attractions aren’t there.
Collaboration: You can share your itinerary with friends or family to get feedback and collaborate on the planning process.
Budget: There is an option to enter what your budget is for your trip. This doesn’t appear to change anything on the itinerary, rather, it is for your own planning.

What we love: The personalization and editability of the app.

Why humans are better: As personal as it was, adding a very popular attraction (Shakespeare’s birthplace) to the itinerary seemed harder than it should have been.

TripIt

This AI-powered itinerary management app organizes travel plans in one place. It can automatically import travel details from emails and provide real-time updates and alerts. While it doesn’t create an itinerary, once you start booking and planning your trip, TripIt will keep everything organized and easily readable.

Here’s how it works:

Forward Your Confirmations: When you book a flight, hotel, rental car, or any other travel-related service, simply forward the confirmation email to plans@tripit.com.

TripIt Creates Your Itinerary: TripIt’s intelligent system automatically extracts the relevant information from the email, such as dates, times, locations, and confirmation numbers. It then organizes this data into a clear and easy-to-follow itinerary.
Stay Updated: TripIt can send you alerts for flight changes, gate information, and even potential travel disruptions.

2. Packing

lithiumphoto | Adobe Stock

We love our packing lists here at SmarterTravel, so we decided to see how AI measures up to ours.

I asked ChatGPT and Gemini to create packing lists for the UK trip.

Chat GPT

Clothing
Tops:
• 5-7 casual tops (t-shirts, blouses)
• 2-3 long-sleeve shirts
• 2-3 sweaters or cardigans

Bottoms:
• 3-4 pairs of pants/jeans
• 1-2 pairs of comfortable walking shorts or skirts (seasonal)

Outerwear:
• 1 waterproof jacket
• 1 warm coat (if traveling in colder months)

Footwear:
•1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
• 1 pair of dressier shoes (for dinners or shows)
• 1 pair of sandals (if traveling in warmer months)

Undergarments and Socks:
• 10 pairs of underwear
• 10 pairs of socks
• 2-3 bras (if applicable)

Sleepwear:
• 2 sets of pajamas

Accessories:
• 1-2 scarves
• 1-2 hats (sunhat or beanie, depending on season)
• 1 pair of gloves (if traveling in colder months)
• Sunglasses

Toiletries
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash or soap
• Deodorant
• Skincare products (moisturizer, sunscreen, etc.)
• Makeup and makeup remover (if applicable)
• Hairbrush or comb
• Hair styling products (if needed)
• Razor and shaving cream
• Travel-sized laundry detergent

Miscellaneous
• Travel documents (passport, visa, travel insurance, itinerary)
• Copies of important documents (keep a digital copy as well)
• Credit cards and some local currency
• Phone and charger
• Power adapter (UK plug)
• Camera and charger (if not using your phone)
• Portable charger
• Travel guidebook and maps
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks for the journey
• Backpack or day bag for daily excursions
• Travel pillow and eye mask for the flight
• Reading material or e-reader

Health and Safety
• Prescription medications (in original packaging)
• Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, etc.)
• First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
• Face masks and hand sanitizer

For Specific Activities
Stonehenge:
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing
Stratford-upon-Avon:
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera for photos

Gemini

Clothing:
Warm layers:
• A waterproof jacket, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and jeans are essential.

Comfortable shoes:
• Good walking shoes are a must for exploring cities and theatres.

Formal wear:
• While not mandatory for every night, having at least one dressier outfit for theatre evenings is recommended.

Underwear and socks:
• Pack enough for your trip.

Accessories:
• A scarf, hat, and gloves can be useful, especially in colder months.

Footwear:
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities.
• A dressier pair of shoes for theatre evenings.

Toiletries:
• Essentials like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
• Any specific skincare or hair products you use.

Electronics:
• Phone and charger.
• Camera and extra memory cards.
• Adaptor for UK power sockets.
• Headphones for enjoying music or audiobooks.

Other Essentials:
• Passport and travel documents.
• Travel insurance.
• Cash and cards.
• Umbrella.
• Reusable water bottle.
• First-aid kit.
• Any necessary medications.

ChatGPT gets the edge on this one, as it is much more specific.

What we love: The ease with which the packing list was created. ChatGPT specifies the number of items that you should pack, which is super helpful.

Why humans are better: Again, it goes back to that personal perspective, plus, when you use one of our packing lists, we link to all of the items for easy purchasing of things you don’t already have.

Packing List AI App – PackPoint:

PackPoint uses AI to create personalized packing lists based on the destination, trip duration, weather, and planned activities. It’s similar to ChatGPT and Gemini, and you can check things off as you pack. It said if I held down my finger on an item, purchase options would pop up, but that didn’t happen for me. Not sure if this is in the works or if it just wasn’t working on my phone. I asked it to create a packing list for a 10-day trip to the UK. It is very generic and includes numbers, but it seems basic.

3. Booking Flights

Koshiro | Adobe Stock

Using ChatGPT or Gemini to book a flight really just adds an extra step to the process because you can’t book directly from the sites. You still have to go to a booking site and input the dates yourself. They will, however, be able to offer suggestions on the best time to book a flight and tell you what the cheapest flight they found is.

For comparison’s sake, I asked it to find me a flight to London from Boston for a trip October 10 through October 20. It said United had a flight for $573. I found one cheaper, on Icelandair, for $474. So not only did I add a step by searching on Gemini first, but the price they gave me was not accurate.

What we love: The suggestions on when to buy for your trip.

Why humans are better: We can more accurately search to find the best price out there.

4. Booking Hotels

New Africa | Adobe Stock

I asked ChatGPT and Gemini to recommend hotels for the UK itinerary. Each offered a variety of options, depending on budget.

Chat GPT

London

Luxury:
1.The Savoy
• Location: Strand, London
• Highlights: Iconic hotel, river views, excellent dining options
2. The Ritz London
• Location: Piccadilly, London
• Highlights: Elegant, classic British luxury, afternoon tea
3. The Langham
• Location: Regent Street, London
• Highlights: Historic hotel, luxurious spa, central location

Mid-Range:
1. Premier Inn London County Hall
• Location: South Bank, London
• Highlights: Great location near the London Eye, comfortable and affordable
2. The Nadler Soho
• Location: Soho, London
• Highlights: Modern amenities, central location, kitchenette in rooms
3. citizenM Tower of London
• Location: Tower Hill, London
• Highlights: Stylish, modern, with great views of the Tower of London

Budget:
1. YHA London Central
• Location: Great Portland Street, London
• Highlights: Clean, affordable, good for solo travelers and families
2. The Z Hotel Victoria
• Location: Victoria, London
• Highlights: Compact rooms, great location, budget-friendly
3. Point A Hotel London Westminster
• Location: Lambeth, London
• Highlights: Affordable, close to major attractions, comfortable

Stonehenge (Staying in Salisbury)

Luxury:
1. The Red Lion Hotel
• Location: Salisbury
• Highlights: Historic building, comfortable rooms, excellent service

Mid-Range:
1. The Chapter House
• Location: Salisbury
• Highlights: Central location, cozy rooms, good dining

Budget:
1. Qudos Hotel
• Location: Salisbury
• Highlights: Affordable, clean, and comfortable

Stratford-upon-Avon

Luxury:
1. The Arden Hotel
• Location: Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon
• Highlights: Luxurious, opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, great dining

Mid-Range:
1. Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon
• Location: Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
• Highlights: Stylish, great location, good amenities

Budget:
1. The Stratford Hotel
• Location: Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
• Highlights: Comfortable, central location, good value

Gemini

London

• Luxury: The Dorchester, The Ritz London, The Lanesborough
• Mid-Range: The Sanderson, The Bloomsbury Hotel, The Montague on the Gardens
• Budget-Friendly: The Z Hotel Soho, Generator London, Premier Inn London Waterloo

Bath
• Luxury: The Royal Crescent Hotel, The Gainsborough Bath Spa
• Mid-Range: The Bath Priory, The Queensberry Hotel
• Budget-Friendly: Holiday Inn Express Bath City Centre, Apex City of Bath Hotel

Windsor
• Luxury: The Castle Hotel Windsor, The Macdonald Inchyra Hotel
• Mid-Range: The Crown Hotel Windsor, The George Hotel Windsor
• Budget-Friendly: Travelodge Windsor Central, Premier Inn Windsor

Oxford
• Luxury: The Randolph Hotel, The Old Parsonage Hotel
• Mid-Range: The Oxford Balliol College, The Loch Fyne Hotel Oxford
• Budget-Friendly: The Oxford Backpackers Hostel, The Oxford Youth Hostel

Stonehenge (Nearby Salisbury)
• Luxury: The Cathedral Hotel, The White Hart Hotel
• Mid-Range: Premier Inn Salisbury, Holiday Inn Express Salisbury

I love that ChatGPT specifies what the hotels are near, which can help many people with their decision-making.

What we love: The quick recommendations and various options.

Why humans are better: Reviews! Personal anecdotes. I feel like, especially for accommodations, hearing what actual people think about it, seeing what amenities are available, etc.. makes a huge difference in making a decision when it comes to where to stay. The suggestions are great, but you are going to have to look them all up yourself anyway, so you might as well use one of our hotel round-ups when looking for a hotel to book

The post The Best Uses of AI for Travel Planning appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The Best and Worst US Airlines for Lost Luggage

Caroline Morse Teel — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:45:10 +0000

Here’s a good reason to travel carry-on only next time you fly—U.S. airlines lost or mishandled over 7 million pieces of luggage from 2021 to 2024. (Mishandled luggage refers to any bag that has been lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen.)

Luggage shipping site MyBaggage.com analyzed data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation for the period of January 2021 to January 2024 to determine the best and worst airlines for luggage handling.

Anton Gvozdikov | Adobe Stock

American Airlines was deemed to be the worst airline for luggage handling, mishandling over two hundred million bags over the three-year period studied.

If you must check a bag, try to fly on Spirit Airlines. This budget carrier was surprisingly the best airline for checked luggage. According to MyBaggage.com, Spirit Airlines mishandled around 4.93 pieces of luggage per every 1,000 pieces checked.

The U.S. Airlines That Mishandle Luggage the Most

Rank	Airline	Total Pieces of Luggage Handled	Total Pieces of Luggage Mishandled	Luggage mishandled per 1,000 Enplaned
1	American Airlines	200,911,727	1,750,009	8.71
2	Envoy Air	27,171,489	224,236	8.25
3	Republic Airways	27,750,643	194,667	7.01
4	Alaska Airlines	60,185,459	402,781	6.69
5	United Airlines	144,882,284	932,219	6.43
6	PSA Airlines	34,143,991	207,060	6.06
7	JetBlue Airways	44,312,369	251,388	5.67
8	SkyWest Airlines	83,196,475	439,290	5.28
9	Delta Airlines	217,187,414	1,107,525	5.10
10	Spirit Airlines	37,613,743	185,610	4.93

Tips for Preventing Lost Luggage

Reduce the chances of lost luggage by following these tips:

Pack an Apple Air Tag or other tracking device inside your luggage
Remove any old airline stickers or baggage tags before checking your bag
Clearly label your luggage with your current contact information
Avoid booking connecting flights

The post The Best and Worst US Airlines for Lost Luggage appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Is Amazon Prime Day Worth it for Travelers?

Caroline Morse Teel — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:37:17 +0000

Over the past few years, Amazon Prime Day has earned its ranking next to Black Friday and Cyber Monday as a top day for deals. On July 16th and 17th, the e-commerce giant is holding its annual Prime Day sale, designed to attract people to sign up for Amazon Prime membership.

ifeelstock | Adobe Stock

In case you’re unaware, here’s what Prime Members get for free year-round:

Fast, free two-day shipping
Same-day shipping (in eligible zip codes)
Unlimited movie and TV streaming
Unlimited, ad-free music streaming and offline access to playlists
Unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos
Access to Prime Gaming
Early access to flash sales
Free monthly book download with Prime Reading
Get two free audio books when you sign up for a 30-day free trial of Audible
Ability to purchase subscriptions to premium cable networks like STARZ and Showtime
Prime Now deliveries (free two-hour delivery or scheduled delivery on select items)
Free grocery delivery through Amazon Fresh (over a certain order threshold)
In-store discounts at Whole Foods

Amazon will be having prime-member exclusive sales leading up to July 16th, as well as big sales on the day. So is it worth it to sign up now? Well, if you’re not already a Prime Member, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial now to get all of the deals. Travelers can start shopping now for deals on everything from SmartTVs from just $79.99 to up to 60% off various other Amazon devices.

As a prime subscriber and frequent traveler, I think that a Prime membership is worth it for travelers. I love being able to order a last-minute item right before a trip and having it arrive in time. And the offline access of movies/shows/music/books really sets Amazon Prime apart from most other media subscriptions.

The post Is Amazon Prime Day Worth it for Travelers? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The 13 Best Hotel Booking Sites

Megan Johnson — Fri, 24 May 2024 21:09:41 +0000

As with the best flight booking sites, there’s no shortage of resources available when you need to book a cheap hotel room. From metasearch engines (aggregator) that send you to company sites, to bookable OTAs (online travel agencies), to corporate hotel sites, the options for the best hotel booking sites can be overwhelming. But when doing your search, deciding which hotel booking sites to compare should depend on how often they offer the best hotel deals, and how you prefer to view and filter search results.

The Best Hotel Booking Sites for Comparing Prices

For most travel planning, the best overall strategy is to compare prices from multiple sources including the hotel’s own website, as it will sometimes offer deals not shared with third-party sites, or offer the same rates as third-party sites minus pesky booking fees. Hotels sites will also offer package deals—bundled amenity inclusions and the like—that aren’t shared with third-party sites.

Bottom line: Whether you search with a hotel site on this list or a preferred hotel search engine of your own, always check the hotel’s actual website as well, or call its reservations line, to make sure you really are getting the best hotel deal. Don’t forget to check the cancellation policy as the best hotel booking site is one that has a flexible policy in case your plans change.

If you’re trying to figure out how best to search for cheap hotels: First, scan this quick list of the best hotel search sites, in no particular order. Then, scroll down to read in-depth summaries of each or click to jump to a particular site.

Booking.com
Kayak
Priceline
BookingBuddy
Hotels.com
HotelsCombined
Expedia (which owns Travelocity and Orbitz)
Agoda
Tripadvisor
Trivago
Google
Hotwire
Mr. & Mrs. Smith

No list of the best hotel booking sites is exhaustive, but these 14 represent a combination of great crowd favorites mixed with some newer, similarly performing hotel search options that you might not know about.

All of them fared well in tests: Prices for the same dates and destinations were fairly consistent from site to site, but the volatility of results may vary based on your destination, how far in advance you’re looking for the best hotel deals, and the time of year you visit (i.e., high season vs. low).

With that in mind, here are the best hotel booking sites to compare prices with for your next trip, plus the best feature of each one.

Booking.com

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Booking.com

Best feature: The variety of property types and blended search results. Booking.com is a good hotel search site for a wide range of budgets.

Insofar as keeping your options open goes, Booking.com returns the most eclectic search results by far, with a healthy mix of hotels, motels, b&bs, apartments, and hostels. But whether this is a good or bad thing depends entirely on your preferences. If you’re not a fan of hostels, for example, hotel search results like this mean that you have to filter them out, creating an extra step that other hotel booking sites don’t require. That said, Booking.com offers something for everyone.
Its handy hotel search engine displays the total cost up front (except taxes) which is helpful when comparing cheap hotel rates; being able to see the total hotel cost up front helps you quickly determine which hotels actually fit into your budget.
Its filtering options are extensive, from price, cancellation policy, sustainability, specific neighborhood for that city, fun things to do nearby, amenities, room accessibility and much, much more. With this filter feature, you will be able to find exactly the kind of accommodations you want.

Kayak

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Kayak

Best feature: Clean, easy-to-use interface. It’s also one of the best hotel apps you can download onto your phone.

Like its flight search, Kayak‘s hotel search offers a clean, easy-to-use interface with many available filters.
Shows other hotel booking sites’ rates so you can compare them all in one place. But the first hotel price result is often higher than better rates farther down the list, unless you specifically filter by price. Kayak’s hotel search results are automatically sorted by the vague factor of what’s “Recommended,” which is true of many hotel booking sites. Often, higher rates populate first while scrolling results, and sometimes that lead price is much higher than other comparable hotel options. Be sure to change sorting to price, so you can find the best deal.
It’s search calendar is color coded to show you cheap, average, and high prices, which comes in handy if price is your number one priority when booking a hotel.
If you are someone who likes to book by ratings, each hotel page on Kayak has the rating in a large box just next to the hotel pictures. It’s easy to find, and may help you to make your decision quickly.

Priceline

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Priceline

Best feature: The “Express Deal” feature is a major differentiator from other discount hotel sites. It’s a big plus if you’re looking for the best hotel deals and are open to not knowing exactly which hotel you’re booking.

Priceline has one of the more visually appealing design layouts of the major hotel search engines, and is definitely among the easiest hotel sites to navigate. None of these hotel search sites is dramatically different from the others in terms of rates or price comparison, so usability can go a long way toward improving the experience of searching for the best hotel prices.
Unsurprisingly, Priceline’s prices are on par with the other online travel agencies (OTAs), and its results are largely focused on downtowns and tourist-friendly areas. A big draw of Priceline is their “Express Deal” option: a flash deal that hides the name of the hotel until after you book. While somewhat gimmicky, this hotel search option can offer significant savings.
The handy map that is featured on each hotel page, which will show you other hotels in the area and the prices. This is particularly useful if you want to stay in the city center, by a specific landmark, or are visiting friends or family and want to be nearby where they live.

BookingBuddy

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & BookingBuddy

Editor’s note: BookingBuddy is owned by SmarterTravel Media, SmarterTravel.com’s parent company.

Best Feature: BookingBuddy lets you compare vacation rentals and hotels at the same time, so you can see which is the better deal in your destination.

Compare multiple hotel booking sites with one click to find the cheapest hotel stays on BookingBuddy. This site lets you quickly compare prices of as many other search sites (like VRBO or Trivago) as you want, without having to do a bunch of different searches. Simply select which hotel/vacation rental search sites you want to compare, and BookingBuddy opens up a new tab with your selected hotel stay dates and destination already filled in.
You can sign up for an alert for when prices drop. If you are in no rush to book, you just may find a super deal if you sign up for an alert!
Like other sites on this list, BookingBuddy pulls in and displays the best deals from various booking sites and OTAs on their own search results page. However, BookingBuddy also lets travelers directly compare entire search result pages across multiple sites, allowing them to toggle between the pages from a lefthand navigation menu.

Hotels.com

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Hotels.com

Best feature: Hotels.com offers more hotel search filters than most travelers could ever use, but it’s nice to have those options. You can filter hotel listings by everything from breakfast included, attractions, services, pool availability, distance to city center, guest ratings, and much, much more, insuring you are getting exactly the kind of room you want.

Hotels.com helps you find the best hotel deals via tons of filters that let you narrow down your search. Its initial results tend to show a healthy balance of lower- and upper-end hotels, mostly in or around city centers. That’s what most travelers want in a hotel search engine: a robust, easily refined list of well-located options. Prices were on par with other OTAs.
Like many cheap hotel websites these days, Hotels.com includes lots of non-hotel properties too, including condo hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts.

HotelsCombined

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & HotelsCombined

Best feature: The sheer volume of results makes this a good place to start your hotel search, but do be sure to scrutinize prices and options when you land on the actual hotel booking site to make sure they match.

HotelsCombined is a meta search tool that searches a wide range of sources to find the best hotel deals, including OTAs, as well as the hotels’ own sites.
You can also toggle between nightly base price, nightly price plus taxes/fees, or total stay plus taxes/fees. There is no option to display the total price of the stay without taxes/fees.
Easily see if your travel dates are during peak travel times with their color coded calendar showing you if your dates have “Cheaper, Average,” or “Higher” prices.

Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Expedia

Best feature: Dependability. Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz are the Honda Accords of hotel booking sites. You’ll reliably find what you need, at the best prices, and with minimal hassle. Just be sure to compare prices to a hotel booking site that’s outside the Expedia family.

Short of the color scheme and fonts, you’d be hard pressed to find much difference between these three legacy hotel booking sites. Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz are all owned by Expedia Inc., and all three use the same layout, with a few minor tweaks. Interestingly, the hotel search results do vary slightly.
The top hotel result for each test search was the same on Orbitz and Travelocity, but the order of the list of hotels below it varied. Interestingly the top search result on Expedia frequently differed, although the top result from the other two sites was typically still high on the list. Prices, of course, were the same, since they’re all powered by Expedia. These perfectly fine hotel search engines are not all that different from Hotels.com.
Keep an eye on these hotel sites’ deals and limited-time offers, which is when any of these three hotel search engines are more likely to substantially beat their competition.
With these sites, you can easily add a flight or car rentals to your accommodation booking, making for easy one-stop-shopping.

Agoda

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Agoda

Best feature: A good selection of well-located places to stay, with some of the best hotel prices around.

Originating as a hotel booking site with a focus on Asia and later expanding to offer U.S. properties, Agoda delivers a hotel search experience that matches some of the best hotel sites on this list.
There are even instances when Agoda had better hotel deals than its competition, including one hotel search result in which the total booking cost was more than $200 less than the same hotel on Priceline (with a coupon code). Don’t expect that sort of result every time, but it shows that Agoda, like all the rest of these hotel booking sites, is well worth checking for the best hotel deals.

Tripadvisor

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Tripadvisor

Best feature: Tripadvisor gives users the unique ability to simultaneously research hotel reviews and compare prices from hotel booking sites.

Like HotelsCombined, Tripadvisor‘s hotel search displays some of the very best hotel deals from a range of sites. The tool is built right into Tripadvisor’s general search function, letting you browse the site’s vast library of reviews, then begin your hotel booking seamlessly. The initial list of hotel search results is sorted by “best value” and shows the source of the given price, so that you know where (off Tripadvisor) your hotel booking is going to happen.
Tripadvisor searches most of the major hotel booking sites, as well as some lesser-known ones; when applicable, it also includes the hotel’s own website. You can also book directly with Tripadvisor.
Sort your search by traveler ranking, so you can see the hotels travelers just like you prefer. Guest reviews often include pictures of hotel rooms taken by the guests themselves, not clouded over by staging, so you can see what the rooms actually look like before you book.

Trivago

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Trivago

Best feature: Trivago’s mix of hotel sites searched is strong, and includes hotel sites that travelers may not have otherwise known about, which could result in finding some of the best hotel deals out there.

Another aggregate hotel booking site, Trivago did surface that low price coupon found on Agoda. However, it did not lead with that price, choosing instead to prominently display a higher price from Booking.com in large, green text. Odd. The lower-priced Agoda deal was listed second in the hotel search results, displayed in small gray text along with several others. In fact, Trivago found multiple hotel deals lower than that Booking.com price, but none received top billing for some reason. This happened in several other cases too, where the lead price ended up higher than best hotel prices that Trivago could find.
The good thing about conducting a hotel search on Trivago is that Trivago searches several lesser-known hotel booking sites, including Agoda, in addition to the usual suspects like Expedia, Priceline, and Booking.com. But travelers should take a close look at Trivago’s hotel search results to make sure that Trivago isn’t hiding a better deal farther down the list.

Google

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Google Hotels

Best feature: Location is usually pretty important when choosing a hotel, and Google Maps integration—with satellite and street view—allows you to easily factor that into your hotel search.

Google’s hotel search engine works by simply entering “hotels in (insert city here)” right on Google.com. (You can also go straight to the Google Hotels page.) This feature is integrated into Google Maps, which makes it very different from any of the other hotel booking sites listed above. On Google, hotel locations are marked by prices on a map, rather than by name or any other identifying characteristic.
From there, Google’s hotel search tool is fairly price-forward, which is what metasearch should be. Clicking on a price displays the hotel’s name, features, and booking options. Overall, it’s no surprise that Google offers a powerful, no-frills hotel search engine for travelers who don’t want all the hard-sell aspects of cheap hotel sites and more commercial hotel search engines. (And yes, Google did surface that low-with-coupon hotel deal from Agoda.)

Hotwire

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Hotwire

Best feature: Hot Rates that will put you up in a comfortable, if not four-star hotel, and for a two-star price.

One of the best hotel booking sites for last minute deals and “Hot Rates,” which hide the hotel name in order to give you a better rate (similar to Priceline’s Express Deals), Hotwire is a great option if you don’t mind a limited-details final booking; and you probably don’t if it’s short notice.
Hotwire’s Hot Rates descriptions feature so many details about the property, as well as a pretty narrow location radius, that you can sometimes figure out the hotel you’ll be booked in, although it’s still somewhat of a gamble. Hotwire is also partnered with reliable global hotel brands like Kimpton and Hyatt, so you can be more confident that you won’t end up with a ramshackle property.
The savings vary depending on the destination, but Hot Rates are consistently much more competitive than the standard Hotwire rates, which aren’t always the best price compared to other hotel booking sites. The main qualm that most customers have with Hotwire is their “24/7 support,” which apparently can be pretty unhelpful despite always being available to you.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Best Feature: Mr. & Mrs. Smith serves boutique hotels throughout the world, so your search will result in more unique accommodations.

Their price match feature goes above and beyond the usual. If you find a lower price elsewhere, they will not only match it, but you will also receive a $50 voucher.
You must become a member to book through Mr. & Mrs. Smith, however, entry-level membership is free. Members receive “Smith Extras” upon arrival to their hotel—anything from a bottle of champagne to a spa service!
Hotels must be invited to join this website, as they are carefully vetted by “undercover tastemakers” before being added to the site.

Which Hotel Booking Site Is Best for Me?

Consider what type of trip you are taking. If you are open to the type of place you want to stay at, then consider a site with more diverse options. If you are torn between a hotel or vacation rental, BookingBuddy is the site for you, as it will search for both to help you make your decision. If you rely heavily on peer reviews, then go with TripAdvisor. Check our best features of each site above to decide which site is best for you to make your hotel reservation. For

What is the Difference Between an Online Travel Agency (OTA) and Metasearch Engine?

An OTA allows you to book directly through them, and does not send you outside of their site to make your booking. a Metasearch Engine (also known as an aggregator) searches multiple sites including OTA’s, and will send you to a site outside of the aggregator to finalize your booking.

Is It Cheaper to Book Directly with a Hotel or With a Hotel Booking Site?

It might be cheaper to book directly with a hotel, but this option really only makes sense if you already have a hotel you love and you want to book. Otherwise, the fastest, cheapest way to book a hotel is going to be by using one of the hotel booking websites. You will waste a lot of time calling hotels to see if you can get a better deal, and who has time for that these days?!

When Should I Book My Hotel?

This really depends on your flexibility. If all you want is the best deal, and you aren’t picky about where the hotel is, waiting until the last minute (one to two days before you travel) could probably get you the best deal on your hotel. But, you might not want to risk that—I know I wouldn’t when planning a vacation! If you are booking for travel during peak times, book early so you don’t end up far away from where all of the action is, as hotels can book up quickly, especially during school vacation times.

Bottom Line

What is the Best Hotel Booking Website?

These days, we are inundated with choices, including the number of accommodation booking websites there are out there. These sites should all make your booking easier, but some will make it even easier. Our clear winner is HotelsCombined.com. It’s easy to read, you can choose from hotels and rentals, and its ability to search hotel sites gives it the edge over other sites. Booking.com is solid runner-up, as they appear to have the other sites beat as far as the volume of hotels goes.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. 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 The 13 Best Hotel Booking Sites appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The Ultimate Guide to Online Check-In for Flights

Carol McPherson — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:35:54 +0000

The days of paper tickets and standing in line to check-in are (mostly) long gone, but many travelers still have questions about checking in online for their flight.

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

What Is Online Check-In?

makistock | Adobe Stock

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 Online for My Flight?

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.

Online Check-In Windows for Popular Domestic and International Airlines

Below are the check-in windows for 32 popular domestic and international airlines.

*Online check-in windows may vary depending on the departure and arrival city. Always check your carrier’s website for specific rules before checking in.

Domestic Airlines

Airline	Online Check-In Opens (Time Before Departure)	Online Check-In Closes (Time Before Departure)
Alaska Airlines	24 hours	1 hour
Allegiant	24 hours	45 minutes
American Airlines	24 hours	45 minutes
Delta	24 hours	Not Stated
Frontier	24 hours	1 hour
Hawaiian Airlines	24 hours	45 minutes (for flights to/from mainland North America) 30 minutes (for flights between islands)
Jetblue	24 hours	40 minutes (domestic) 1 hours (international)
Southwest Airlines	24 hours	1 hour
Spirit Airlines	24 hours	1 hour
United Airlines	24 hours	1 hour

International Airlines

Airline	Online Check-In Opens (Time Before Departure)	Online Check-In Closes (Time Before Departure)
Aer Lingus	48 hours (for flights within Europe) 24 hours (for flights to/from North America)	95 minutes (flights to/from North America) For flights within Europe, closing times vary.
Aeroflot	24 hours	45 minutes
Air Canada	24 hours	Not Stated
Air China	8:00pm two days prior to departure (for flights within China) 36 hours (for international flights)	1 hour (domestic) 3 hours (international)
Air France	30 hours	Not Stated
Air New Zealand	24 hours	30 minutes (domestic) 1 hour (international)
British Airways	24 hours	1 hour 2 hours (for flights to/from United States)
Cathay Pacific	48 hours	90 minutes
China Eastern	48 hours 24 hours (flights to/from Canadian and US Airports) 9pm the day before (flights from Harbin Airport)	45 minutes (domestic) 1 hour (international)
China Southern	2:00pm the day before	1 hour
easyJet	30 days	2 hours
Emirate	48 hours	90 minutes
Ethiopian Airways	2 days (domestic) 48 hours (international)	1 hour (domestic) 3 hours (international)
Etihad Airways	48 hours	1 hour
KLM	30 hours 24 hours (flights to/from United States)	Not Stated
Lufthansa	30 hours	Not Stated
Norwegian	48 hours	1 hour
Qantas	24 hours	30 minutes (domestic) 90 minutes (international)
Ryanair	24 hours 60 days (with pre-reserved seat)	2 hours
Singapore Airlines	48 hours	1.5 hours
Turkish Airlines	24 hours	90 minutes
WestJet	24 hours	1 hour

Unsure whether to check a bag or travel carry-on only? Check out our handy guide to the carry-on and personal item size limits for each of the airlines listed above.

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
Your flight is overbooked
There was an issue with your information or documents uploaded to the online check-in platform
You are traveling with pets or large and/or specialized luggage
You are traveling as an unaccompanied minor

If you are asked to check-in at the airport, remember to factor that into your schedule and arrive at the airport earlier to accommodate any issues that may arise.

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.

Some airlines offer fares, such as the Basic Fare on Porter Airlines, that allow customers to check-in online but will not issue them a digital boarding pass. Checked-in passengers will still have to visit a kiosk or the check-in desk at the airport to obtain a physical boarding pass. Make sure to read the fine print when traveling on a low fare or budget airline so you’re not in for any surprises at the airport.

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.

Is Checking in Online for Your Flight Worth It?

Online check-in allows passengers to reserve their preferred seats and skip the line at the check-in desk. According to CheapOAir, there are some financial benefits to online check-in as well—passengers checking in online typically pay a lower bag check fee than those checking in at the airport.

In general, checking in online for your flight reduces your risk of being bumped, saves time at the airport, and reduces the number of documents you need to keep track of during your travels.

Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

No matter where you’re flying, find your hotel for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels.

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

Flight Price Trackers: 6 Sites That Will Find the Cheapest Airfare for You

Ed Perkins — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 20:10:35 +0000

According to Expedia Group, travelers spend an average of thirty-eight days researching a trip before they book it. Part of that research is likely researching airfare and waiting for a really good one. Your best bet is to subscribe to alerts from a flight price tracker that will tell you when a fare drops or an especially good deal appears. These airfare alerts differ from the many general “deal” bulletins you can receive. Instead, they’re keyed to specific travel dates, air routes, and sometimes even airlines—a kind of “set it and forget” for travelers who don’t want to go hunting for the cheapest airfare. We explored each

The 6 Best Flight-Price Trackers

Several options generally rise to the top of most evaluations. Here are the top five, in no particular order, plus what makes each one stand out, followed up by some broader flight-tracking options:

KAYAK

KAYAK (part of the Booking.com empire) is a robust flight price tracker. You can tailor the tracking filters as tightly as you want: by destination, class of service, number of stops, and more. KAYAK can also track hotel prices. Both are possible by selecting the “Track Prices” switch on the left side of the results page once you’ve searched for your specific dates.

Pros of Kayak: It shows Southwest if it is an option for the route you are searching, but does not show you the price is, have to click through to the southwest website.

Cons of Kayak: Does not offer a loyalty program, so if you book through them there is no incentive for points.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner, a London-based metasearch system, operates in much the same way as KAYAK. The “Get Price Alerts” button on the search results page enters your trip(s) into the system, and you can manage your account for details.

As with KAYAK, this flight price tracker doesn’t include Southwest fares. And although it can search hotels, it does not offer a tracking function for them. Skyscanner’s “Get Price Alerts” option on the left side of the results page allows you to choose from email, Facebook, and Google to create an alerts account and start getting emails easily—all you have to do is enter an email address for them to be forwarded to.

Pros of Skyscanner: Real time fare comparison is like no other site, advanced search options.

Cons of Skyscanner: Displaying of ghost fares that are no longer valid.

Hopper

Oyster

According to SaleCycle, the majority of travelers browse for flights on their phones but book them on their computers. Hopper may change that as a mobile app for iOS and Android phones, perfect for those glued to their phones. When the price of a fare drops, you will receive a notification directly on your phone, which you can click on to review the fare. There are no emails to check; just click on the alert.

They have a great prediction model that tells you if the fare is high and when they think it will drop, so you know when to be on the lookout for those alerts and get ready to book.

Pros of Hopper: Best tracking when using your phone to book airfare.

Cons of Hopper: Filters are not as extensive as other sites.

Airfarewatchdog

Airfarewatchdog, SmarterTravel’s sister site, will send you an alert the instant a price goes down so you can snag it before it is gone. Choose from a specific route or all deals from a specific departure city.

Adding cities and routes is straightforward and simple, even after you have signed up- you can easily update your alerts without having to dig around. You can choose how often you want to get alerts, either up to seven times a week, three times a week or once a week.

Pros of Airfarewatchdog: Their Do-Not-Send Airlines option. Hate Spirit? Have a disdain for American? You can easily add the airlines you don’t want alerts from under your account settings.

Cons of Airfarewatchdog: Some fares you get alerts for are hard to find on the site.

Google Flights

Lastly: Not a website so much as a broader platform built into the internet giant Google, Google Flights provides an outstanding range of choices for tracking flight prices. For any trip of interest, you can enter an origin/destination, travel dates, how many tickets you want, and class of service, plus screening for the number of stops and other variables to track as many individual flights as you want. notifies you if the fare goes below the value when you first entered the search. It covers most airlines except for Southwest, which does not provide its fares to any metasearch systems. It notifies you by email on as many specific searches as you set it to. Google Flights does not include hotels. As an added bonus, Google Flights will also tell you the cheapest time to fly to a given destination, or the cheapest place to fly in a given time period, if you’re unsure of where and when to travel.

Pros of Google Flights: You can choose if you want to get alerts for specific dates or just for the route you are searching for in general, no matter the date – you just want the best price.

Cons of Google Flights: They don’t always display the lowest price available.

Going

Going, (previously Scott’s Cheap Flights) is a membership-based model. You can choose from three tiers: free, premium, and elite. The higher your status, the more deals you will be sent, and the more likely you will get the best deal for the routes/cities you choose. The paid memberships only make sense for people who travel a lot, otherwise, if you are just looking for a good deal, there is no need to pay for a membership.

Going is by far the most aesthetically pleasing airfare site out of all the ones we have mentioned. Each deal is accompanied by a photo of the destination (or of an airplane) and has a generic price range listed, making fares seem cheaper than they might be but making the user feel like they are getting a deal.

Pros of Going: Easy step-by-step alert sign-up.

Cons of Going: They make it seem like you need a paid membership to continue, but you don’t. A Skip button is in the upper right-hand corner of all the sign-up pages as you set up your account.

For premium fares (premium economy, business, and first-class), you can use any ITA Matrix-based site, which covers all fare classes. Those who want more detailed information on first—and business-class deals, however, can subscribe to several paid sources like First Class Flyer and Notiflyer, starting at $99 per year. Read more about where to find deals on premium airfare here.

Additional Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

Be flexible with your travel dates and times. Weekdays and off-peak hours are generally cheaper than weekends and holidays.
Consider flying into budget-friendly airports or nearby regional airports.
Sign up for email newsletters from airlines you prefer to receive updates on promotions and sales.

Following these tips and leveraging flight price trackers can significantly increase your chances of scoring the best deals on your next airfare purchase.

The post Flight Price Trackers: 6 Sites That Will Find the Cheapest Airfare for You appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Travelers

Ashley Rossi — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 18:10:45 +0000

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and we’ve rounded up 24 of the best gifts and gadgets for your favorite female traveler.

Find the Right Gift for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day Gifts: Travel-Related
Mother’s Day Gifts: For the Home
Mother’s Day Gifts: Clothing & Accessories
Mother’s Day Gifts: Beauty

Bellroy Travel Folio

Bellroy

Help your mom keep the whole fam organized while traveling with this chic passport holder and travel wallet. It fits two passports, four to eight cards, cash, and multiple boarding passes. This zip-up style also has RFID blocking technology, which protects documents, cards, and passports from RFID skimming, i.e. electronic pickpocketing. The environmentally-certified leather wallet also comes with a three-year warranty.

Otterbox Phone Case

Otterbox

Give mom an indestructible phone case, no matter what model phone she has. Otterbox offers dozens of accident-proof cases for iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, and more. Throw in an iPad case or Apple Watch bumper as an added bonus.

JBL Tune Flex True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Amazon

If mom isn’t the most tech-savvy, then these affordable wireless earbuds might just be the perfect Mother’s Day travel gift. This pair supports true wireless and Bluetooth capabilities and comes with a charging case of its own.

Crossbody Phone Case

Amazon

Go totally hands-free with these useful and usually inexpensive phone cases. They offer the convenience of a crossbody bag, with many options including a built-in wallet, zippered storage, and protective cases. This Mother’s Day gift is perfect for walking the dog, circling the park, or grabbing a coffee.

YETI Insulated Travel Mug

YETI

Keep Mom caffeinated through anything her day-to-day—and future travels—may throw at her with an insulated travel mug from YETI. These mugs are designed to tough out the great outdoors, keeping both hot and cold beverages at the perfect temperature. Save space by opting for the smaller stackable 10 oz. mugs or, if she’s looking for something stronger than a latte, try the Rambler 24 oz. mug, YETI’s take on a beer mug that keeps brews icy cold.

Mother’s Day Gifts: For the Home

YETI Lowlands Waterproof Outdoor Blanket

YETI

From beach picnics to lining the back seat of the car for your family pooch, YETI’s outdoor blanket is an ideal gift for the no-fuss mom. It even comes in a convenient carrying case and is machine-washable. Other standout features are that this comfy blanket has a waterproof layer and that it easily shakes off pet hair.

Artifact Uprising Wood Block Prints

Artifact Uprising

Gift mom a personalized photo album with this simple yet beautiful woodblock stand. Send 12 of your favorite travel photos to Artifact Uprising and the company will print them on thick card stock and voila—you’ve got a personalized gift within days.

Other places to shop customized prints include Etsy, Framebridge, and Shuttterfly.

COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Amazon

Whether Mom is a foodie looking to perfect her favorite recipes or just trying to speed up her meal prep, this multi-purpose toaster oven will be a delightful surprise. Not only is it reasonably priced, but it serves as an air fryer, toaster oven, broiler, rotisserie, and more. The 12 presets include: pizza, roast, airfry, toast, bagel, bake, broil, cookies, rotisserie, dehydrate, ferment, and keep warm. Plus, there’s an included recipe book (featuring over 100 ideas) for even more cooking inspiration.

EcoVessel Wine Tumbler

EccoVessel

Take your favorite drink on-the-go with these triple-insulated, stainless steel tumblers. Priced under $25, it’s an ideal gift for the mom who loves a park picnic or day at the beach.

ChappyWrap’s Places Blanket

ChappyWrap

While the jury’s still out on our summer vacations, remind mom of one of her favorite places with an ultra-plush blanket from ChappyWrap. With maps of locales like Cape Cod and Maine, you can keep her cozy while planning the next family getaway.

Mother’s Day Gifts: Clothing & Accessories

Allbirds Tree Loungers

Allbirds

This pair of stylish slip-on shoes from Allbirds make for the perfect understated, yet practical gift for mom. Wear them around the house or save them for the next family beach vacation. The versatile style means they match with almost anything and the slip-on function makes them ideal for errand running and city walking.

Baggallini Machine Washable Travel Bag

Baggallini

Baggallini’s line of machine washable bags, purses, backpacks, totes, and pouches is the perfect gift for a mom who’s always on the go. Ice coffee spillage, kids’ snack crumbs, or a burst tube of lip-gloss are not a match for these convenient accessories — just throw the bags in the wash on a gentle cycle, air dry, and watch the mess disappear.

The Day Crossover Sandal from Everlane

Everlane

Keep mom comfy and fashionable with these spring and summertime sandal staples. Between the premium leather, flexible footbed, and on-trend style these shoes have it all. Not only do they match almost everything, they’ll be her go-to pair of shoes all summer long.

Bombas Gripper Slipper

Bombas

From the creators of some of the top compression socks on the market, these cozy slippers are the perfect gift for mom this Mother’s Day. They feature a flexible sock-like upper, a soft and warm brushed lining, and rubber grips on the soles give more traction than traditional socks. Bonus: it comes with a travel case for easy packing.

Cotidié Evelyn Drape Waist Shirt

Cotidié

Gift mom this classic shirt, with a twist. The moisture-wicking and stretchy material mean this shirt is the queen of double-duty. Whether she’s a frequent flier or just likes to look chic (but make it comfy) at the grocery store, this athleisure brand has got you covered.

Everlane Way-High Drape Pant

Everlane

These lightweight pants are the stylish ideal travel pant, but can also be worn easily around the house. The combination TENCEL lycell and cotton fabric is airy and breathable and will look good with either a sweatshirt or blazer.

Bleusalt

Fair warning, you may want to steal this gift, but know it will bring the utmost coziness to your mom. So, let her enjoy it. Bleusalt’s environmentally-friendly and sustainable beechwood fabric is literally a dream, so anything you pick will be a win. But, if you need help choosing, The Classic Shirt and The 2 Yard Wrap are my go-tos.

MZ Wallace Metro Pouch

It’s a clutch, it’s a pouch, it’s a diaper holder, it’s anything you need it to be. We adore this bag for its nylon quilted material and packability.

State Cashmere

For a bit of a splurge, spoil mom with high-quality cashmere this spring. Choose from the softest socks to cozy hoodies—great for travel—or browse State Cashmere’s best sellers list for inspiration. The site also offers dozens of styles under $100 as a more wallet-friendly option.

Mother’s Day Gifts: Beauty

Dyson Airwrap Hair Styler

Dyson

Give Mom the gift of saving time with Dyson’s minimal heat hair styler, the wildly popular hairstyling innovation. It’s a smoother, curler, styler, and dryer all in one.

Pro Tip: Also check this product’s Amazon listings for potential price reductions and Dyson will price match.

TULA Skincare Best Sellers Travel Kit

Cult-favorite skincare brand, TULA, offers some of their best-selling products in a convenient and reasonably priced, travel-sized kit. It’s a perfect way to test out the facial cleanser, day and night cream, sugar scrub, and vitamin C serum. And while you’re at it, throw in the brightening eye balm and sunscreen to your cart for yourself (we won’t tell).

DW Home Candle

Amazon

Remind Mom of her favorite scent with a budget-friendly candle from DW Home. We love the Calming Waves and Tranquil Lotus scents for uber relaxation.

Athena Club Back to Basics Set

Help mom make her skincare routine healthier with Athena Club’s Go-Tos set. At just $31 this gift set includes the brand’s Dewy Body Lotion, Soft Face Wipes, and All Day Deo. Each product is made with good-for-you ingredients and smells fantastic.

Subtl Beauty Stack

Subtl Beauty

Mom will thank you for this life-changing makeup gift. Meet Subtl Beauty’s stack, the ultimate travel-friendly makeup on the market. Build her a custom stack by choosing a lip stain, concealer, highlighter, bronzer, and/or shine control powder and voila, all her makeup’s in one place.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. 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 The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The 7 Best Trip Planner Apps for Travelers

Sarah Schlichter — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:08:02 +0000

Crafting a trip itinerary can be both fun and overwhelming. Which places are an absolute must-visit, and which ones can you skip? How much time should you spend at the art museum, and how close is it to that bookstore you want to check out? And how can you keep all your ideas and bookings neatly organized?

The best trip planner apps can help you answer those questions. I’ve found several that will help you discover the right places to go and organize your day-by-day itinerary in one handy place. Download these apps, and you can pitch your endless spreadsheets and Word docs into the recycle bin.

All of the following trip planner apps are free unless otherwise noted.

Monster Ztudio | Adobe Stock

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor (iOS | Android) is the granddaddy of trip planner apps. Unlike other apps that feature only major cities, TripAdvisor offers listings of both top attractions and hidden gems in just about every corner of the globe, along with restaurants, hotels, and vacation rentals. You can create customized itineraries by saving the places you’re interested in to the app’s new Trips feature. (Trips can be kept private or shared publicly.)

When you search for a city in the app, you’ll see a feed of other users’ trips, photos, videos, reviews, and articles about that destination, all offering ideas and inspiration. For more trip planning help, you can post your questions in the TripAdvisor forums, where destination experts offer in-depth advice.

Visit a City

Visit a City (iOS | Android) helps solve two common trip planning challenges: figuring out how long you need to spend at each place, and maximizing your vacation time by grouping nearby attractions together. When you select a destination, the app offers recommended sightseeing guides based on the number of days you plan to spend. For example, I put in that I was going to Paris, for three days and was given several itinerary options, including Top Attractions, Landmarks for Kids, Parks & Museums, Easy Going, and more. The app automatically puts nearby attractions together and lets you know how far apart they are (for instance, “three minutes by walking”). It also includes the estimated time that you’ll spend at each place.

You can edit the itinerary by changing the day you visit a place, revising the amount of time you spend there, or deleting the attraction altogether. (You’ll almost certainly have to do some editing, as the itineraries don’t include lunch or coffee breaks.) You can also book tours through the app and get general travel information about the destination, such as the best time of year to visit or tips for saving money.

CityMaps2Go

CityMaps2Go (iOS | Android) offers a handy offline maps that you can customize with personal points of interest. Even better, the app displays your location on the map whether you’re connected to data or Wi-Fi. The app includes thousands of offline maps from just about anywhere on Earth, which means it’s useful for travelers who don’t want to pay international data charges when heading overseas.

You can create different lists for your trip (for example, separate lists for dining, bars, attractions, etc.), and the locations you add to the list will show up on your map. Info cards for each place include a review score, nearby accommodations, some basic information, and the ability to add notes of your own.

A_B_C | Adobe Stock

Rome2rio

The fun part of trip planning is imagining all the cool places you’ll go. What’s not so fun? Figuring out the logistics of getting there. Fortunately, Rome2rio (iOS | Android) can help solve that problem. The app searches just about every mode of transportation—plane, train, subway, bus, ferry, taxi, Uber—to recommend the best way to get from point A to point B.

You can enter either two destinations within a given city or two points farther apart, and the app will display your options, including the time it’ll take to travel and the approximate cost. Note that the listings are for planning purposes only, and you can’t actually book your flights or tickets through the app.

TripIt

TripIt (iOS | Android) is a fixture on “best travel apps” lists, and for good reason. It turns an inbox full of scattered booking confirmations and restaurant reservations into a single master itinerary that you can access offline, sync with your phone’s calendar, and share with loved ones. You simply forward each confirmation email to plans@tripit.com and let the app do the rest.

Upgrade to TripIt Pro ($49/year) for other useful features such as real-time flight alerts, rewards program tracking, and the ability to locate alternate flights if your original plans are disrupted.

Culture Trip

The app arm of Culture Trip (iOS | Android) aims to bring travelers a little bit out of the mainstream (tagline: “For curious travelers”) by highlighting unique, off-the-beaten-path options in popular destinations. With recommendations for more than 200 destinations around the world, it’s a great way to bring more local perspective to your trip planning.

The Culture Trip app uses the publication’s content as a starting point; say, an article on the Top 9 Dessert Spots in Amsterdam. While reading the article, you can save individual places to lists that you create and view their location on maps. You can also explore their curated “Culture Trips”—pre-made itineraries for small group travel bookable within the app.

kite_rin | Adobe Stock

TripScout

TripScout (iOS) combines articles and videos from well-known travel publishers and local experts to form what it calls “a personalized, always up-to-date travel guide” for destinations around the world. Every point of interest mentioned in the content is mapped, so you can build a customized itinerary showing your intended destinations on a map.

TripScout can also personalize recommendations based on your travel dates, budget, interests, and even the number of people in your travel group. And like some of the other apps on this list, TripScout works entirely offline, potentially saving you from paying international data fees. The only downside? Android users are left out; TripScout is iOS only.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2019, and has been updated to reflect the most current information. SmarterTravel’s Carl Unger contributed to this story.

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

The post The 7 Best Trip Planner Apps for Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

5 Embarrassing Travel Gadgets That Actually Work

The Editors — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 17:36:33 +0000

Whether you’re looking for a gag gift or you want to solve a specific problem and don’t give a hoot what people think, these embarrassing travel gadgets and gizmos are right up your alley.

Embarrassing Travel Gadgets That Work

Though they might cost you a bit of dignity, the following items are geared to make life a little easier for travelers.

Sunany Female Urination Device

Amazon

This is a female urination device (let’s be honest—it’s a funnel) that allows women to pee standing up. Why on Earth would you waste time looking for the nearest bathroom when you can cower behind a bush while using a hot-pink silicone funnel to pee?

Tush Wipe

Amazon

Unlike its sister moist-towelette products like Wet Ones, Tush W i pes didn’t get the memo about delicate subtlety. If your conspicuously labeled packet of butt cleaner falls out of your purse, best deny ownership.

Claspies

You’ve fallen into the airplane toilet again. Blame traditional underwear. Fortunately for you, there are Claspies, underwear with clasps on its sides that allow you to quickly escape from your skivvies without picking up your feet and tumbling into the bowl. According to the product website, “While traveling, there is nothing better than putting on a fresh pair of panties in the middle of a long journey! Thank you, Claspies.” There is also nothing better than not falling into the toilet. Thanks again! Buy a pair for $14.95 from Claspies.

Ostrich Pillow

Ostrichpillow

For a stylish in-flight nap experience, choose the Ostrich Pillow. This pod-like pillow allows tired travelers to sleep in a variety of positions with a convenient nose and mouth window for easy breathing (or snoring). With two additional openings on the sides for your hands and arms, you can cozy up in your own cocoon until you reach your destination.

Jetsetgo Airplane Seat Cover

Amazon

Create a barrier between you and the petri dish that is an airplane seat with Jetsetgo Airplane Seat Covers. The kit comes with a seat cover, armrest covers, a tray table cover, and four sanitary wipes to keep you from picking up inflight germs.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2012. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 5 Embarrassing Travel Gadgets That Actually Work appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Luggage Locks: Should I Lock My Suitcase When I Fly?

Sarah Schlichter — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:33:05 +0000

Each time you abandon your suitcase to the not-so-tender mercies of airline baggage handlers and TSA agents, you might wonder, “Should I have locked my luggage?” A study by Stratos, which charters jets, found that airline passengers filed almost 8,000 yearly claims against the TSA for losing items such as clothing, jewelry, and electronics: “In fact, JFK International Airport was once described as a ‘flea market for airport employees,’ with reports claiming that more than 200 items are stolen from passengers’ checked luggage every day.”

So, it’s clear you can’t count on the TSA to reimburse you for such losses; the agency denied more than half of the claims. Are luggage locks the answer?

ulu_bird | Adobe Stock

The Benefits of Luggage Locks

Locking your suitcase doesn’t just make it more difficult for opportunistic baggage handlers or security officers to root through your stuff at the airport. A lock can also help hold your bag’s zippers together so they don’t work their way open while in transit, leaking socks and underwear all over the baggage carousel.

You might also want to lock your bag if you’re staying in a hostel with strangers, or while traveling on a crowded bus or train. Some travelers even lock their suitcases during the day at hotels to deter theft by housekeepers.

The Limitations of Luggage Locks

Putting a lock on your suitcase isn’t a guarantee that your stuff will be safe. Do a quick search on YouTube, and you’ll find a trove of videos explaining how to open a combination lock without the code or how to break into a locked suitcase with nothing but a ballpoint pen. Nor is it difficult to slice through a soft-sided bag. Locks discourage casual thieves, who will move on to easier targets, but they’re flimsy protection against those who are truly determined to get into your bag.

That’s why you should always keep any valuables in your carry-on, not your checked luggage. As noted above, the TSA is unlikely to pay you back if something is stolen from your checked bag, and airlines typically don’t accept liability for the loss of expensive items such as jewelry, electronic equipment, or fragile souvenirs.

TSA-Approved Locks

If you do decide to secure your suitcase, choose one of the many TSA-approved locks available, such as these combination locks from Master Lock or TravelMore. You can also buy keyed luggage locks such as these from Lewis N. Clark, though it’s worth considering how likely you might be to lose track of a tiny key while traveling. You can even purchase suitcases with built-in TSA-approved locks.

The TSA has master keys that allow agents to open all TSA-approved locks, if they determine that your bag needs extra screening. If you use a non-TSA lock, they’ll simply cut it off your bag. Note that not all security officers outside the U.S. have the same master keys, so even a TSA-approved lock could be cut off if you’re traveling internationally.

Alternatives to Luggage Locks

Another way to lock your suitcase is to use zip ties, which are cheap enough that you won’t mind if the TSA has to slice them off. Just remember to pack a small pair of scissors in an outside pocket of your suitcase.

Some travelers prefer to wrap their suitcases in plastic, which makes bags harder to break into, protects their exteriors from dings, and keeps them from bursting open if a zipper fails. This bagging service is offered at select airports by companies such as Seal & Go and Secure Wrap. Though security agents will cut off the plastic if they need to inspect your luggage more closely, some wrapping services offer a complimentary rewrap post-security. One disadvantage to this method: By generating so much plastic, it’s the least environmentally friendly way to protect your bag.

Looking for Luggage With a Lock?

Away

“Sold separately” isn’t statement when it comes to the carry-on from Away. While including a TSA-approved lock in its design, this bag also comes with 360° spinning wheels, and a super hard exterior shell—this bag is built to be your last.

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

The post Luggage Locks: Should I Lock My Suitcase When I Fly? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Travel Technology – SmarterTravel

The Best Uses of AI for Travel Planning

1. Creating Itineraries

ChatGPT and Gemini

TripHobo

TripIt

2. Packing

Packing List AI App – PackPoint:

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4. Booking Hotels

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Unsure whether to check a bag or travel carry-on only? Check out our handy guide to the carry-on and personal item size limits for each of the airlines listed above.

Why Can’t I Check-In Online?

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?

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Mother’s Day Gifts: Travel-Related

Bellroy Travel Folio

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Otterbox Phone Case

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JBL Tune Flex True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Crossbody Phone Case

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