What is Global Entry? 

Global Entry is a program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to receive expedited service upon arrival in the United States by airplane. This allows you to skip the long lines at customs. With Global Entry, you are automatically enrolled in TSA Pre-check, which gives you faster times in the security line. 

How Do I Apply for Global Entry for My Kids?

Applying for Global Entry is relatively easy for passport holders. Here are the steps you need to take: 

1. Head to the US Customs and Border Protection website and create a Trusted Travelers Program (TTP) account for Global Entry. Each person applying will need their own account. If you don’t have Global Entry, you will need to create an account for yourself, as well as for each child that will be applying. 
2. Once you’ve created the account(s), you can complete the Global Entry application and, if you are also applying, pay your $120 fee.   When applying for those under 18, there is a section to fill out with your information so the fee can be waived (as long as you are applying or are already a Global Entry member). 
3. Once you are pre-approved, you must schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. If you are planning an international trip, some airports offer interviews upon arrival in the United States. If approved at the interview, you will automatically be enrolled and can start using your Global Entry status immediately. Minors also have to complete an interview. 

The post Global Entry Now Free for Kids appeared first on SmarterTravel.

J.D. Power just released its Annual North America Airport Satisfaction Study to find the best and worst airports to fly through. The study surveyed passengers on seven factors:

1. Ease of travel through the airport
2. Level of trust with the airport
3. Terminal facilities 
4. Airport staff
5. Departure airport experience
6. Food, beverage, and retail
7. Arrival airport experience

For the survey, airports were broken down into three categories: Mega airports (33 million or more passengers per year), large airports (10 to 32.9 million passengers per year), and medium airports (4.5 to 9.9 million passengers per year. 

Next time you fly, consider avoiding these airports, ranked the lowest for customer satisfaction. 

“The common issue with low-ranking airports are older terminal facilities that were not designed to handle the number of passengers they currently service,” Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at J.D. Power, told SmarterTravel. “Many airports that perform poorly in the J. D. Power study have physical structures that are in need of overhaul or updating… and many of those airports are either in the midst of construction projects or have massive plans that are about to begin. “

The Worst Mega Airports

1. Newark Liberty International Airport
2. Toronto Pearson International Airport 
3. O’Hare International Airport
4. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
5. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

The Worst Large Airports

1. Philadelphia International Airport
2. Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
3. St. Louis Lambert International Airport
4. Honolulu International Airport
5. Chicago Midway International Airport

The Worst Medium Airports

1. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
2. Pittsburgh International Airport
3. Hollywood Burbank Airport
4. Albuquerque International Sunport
5. Eppley Airfield

If you do have to fly through one of the worst airports, Taylor recommends leaving extra time. “Traveling by air is one of the few times that persons face a strict deadline and that creates stress.  Overcrowded terminals that force parkers to use lots that are farther from the terminal, have longer-than-expected wait times at TSA and have a lack of gate area space put further stress on travelers.”

For an easier trip, plan your travels to take you through one of these top-rated airports, which scored highly for passenger satisfaction. 

The Best Mega Airports

1. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
2. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
3. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
4. John F. Kennedy International Airport
5. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

The Best Large Airports

1. John Wayne Airport, Orange County
2. Tampa International Airport
3. Kansas City International Airport
4. Dallas Love Field
5. Nashville International Airport

The Best Medium Airports

1. Indianapolis International Airport
2. Jacksonville International Airport
3. Southwest Florida International Airport
4. Orlando International Airport
5. Ontario International Airport

The post The Best and Worst Airports in North America appeared first on SmarterTravel.

To solve this dilemma, we’ve curated a selection of the best lightweight, packable jackets designed for travel. These versatile options will keep you warm and dry throughout fall’s varied conditions without taking up too much luggage space. 

Quince 100 Percent Suede Biker Jacket

When you want a jacket that will look timeless and stylish in any city, pack Quince’s 100 Percent Suede Biker Jacket. True to its name, this jacket is crafted entirely from luxuriously soft suede leather. It’s lined with satin, which feels nice and smooth against your layers and prevents damage to delicate fabrics worn underneath. 

Despite its premium materials and construction, this jacket is priced at just $150, an unusually affordable option for an all-leather jacket. This competitive pricing stems from Quince’s innovative business model, which employs small-batch production techniques and maintains lower overhead costs. The result is a high-quality, versatile jacket that doesn’t break the bank, leaving you with more money to spend on fall trips. 

Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

If you’re looking for a jacket that can withstand anything, reach for Flint and Tinder’s Waxed Trucker Jacket, as seen on Pedro Pascal as he runs from zombies in The Last of Us. If the jacket can outlast the apocalypse, it’ll surely survive your fall trip.

The secret to this jacket’s resilience lies in its waxed and weather-resistant sailcloth, a durable material that improves with age. Wax on both sides of the shell adds warmth and insulation, and the exterior can be rewaxed as needed to ensure a lifetime of water resistance.

Inside, a soft, blanket-like lining provides extra coziness for chilly days. Travelers will appreciate the practical exterior button pocket and interior media pocket.

M.M. LaFleur Jolie Jardigan

When you need a layer that’s not too heavy and not too light, pack M.M. LaFleur’s Jolie Jardigan. This innovative jacket/cardigan hybrid features a cropped silhouette, stylish lapels, and removable shoulder pads, making it equally suitable for business trips and casual vacations. 

Effortlessly adaptable, the Jardigan can be worn as a polished blazer for professional settings or paired with jeans for a more relaxed, cardigan-like look. Its stretchy knit fabric is not only comfortable but resists wrinkles. 

Patagonia Macro Puff Hoody

Never be caught unprepared with Patagonia’s Macro Puff Hoody—a handy jacket that’s always ready when you need it. This ingenious puffy jacket compresses into its own pocket, making it a breeze to stash in your day bag or carry-on for instant warmth on demand.

As the beefier sibling of the Micro Puff, the Macro Puff delivers impressive heat without compromising on weight. At a mere 15.48 ounces, it’s remarkably light yet incredibly warm. Its adaptability shines through in various scenarios: wear it as a liner under your ski jacket, don it solo for a hiking expedition, or sport it while exploring urban landscapes.

The jacket’s recycled polyester insulation is a game-changer for unpredictable weather. Unlike down, it retains its warming properties even when wet, while a water-repellent and windproof finish adds extra protection against the elements. Whether you’re facing drizzles or gusts, the Macro Puff keeps you cozy and dry.

Smartwool Fleece Jacket

Smartwool’s Active Fleece Half-Zip combines the snug comfort of fleece with the moisture-wicking properties of merino wool. This mid-weight jacket is perfect for those crisp days when you need just the right amount of warmth. Its slim profile makes it an excellent layering piece, easily slipping under a heavier jacket when temperatures really dip.

Reflective elements make this fleece our go-to for fall trips when daylight fades early. Whether you’re out for an evening run or a twilight stroll, these reflective details will help ensure you’re visible. 

A secure chest pocket keeps your essentials—like your smartphone or travel documents—within easy reach.

Cole Haan Signature Travel Packable Rain Jacket

Cole Haan’s Signature Travel Packable Rain Jacket offers reliable protection against sudden downpours or day-long drizzle without weighing down your luggage. This water-resistant jacket hits just above the knee, offering more coverage than other rain jackets. 

If you’re worried about looking shapeless in all your travel photos, don’t be—a drawcord waist allows you to get a nipped-in waist and a custom fit. When the sun comes out, simply pack the jacket away into an included drawstring pouch.

Quikflip 2-in-1 Reversible Backpack Jacket

Originally appearing on Shark Tank, Quikflip’s unique 2-in-1 Reversible Backpack Jacket does double-duty as a backpack and jacket. When you get hot, take off the jacket, tuck it in the hidden pouch, and pull out the drawcords to convert it into a backpack. 

No matter which way you wear it, the Quikflip has pockets for both large items and smaller valuables. 

Dudley Stephens Uptown Blazer

Blazers are great for fighting the fall chill and for looking pulled-together, but sometimes long for the comfort of your favorite fleece sweatshirt. With Dudley Stephens’ Uptown Blazer, you never have to choose between style and comfort.

The Uptown Blazer combines luxurious details—such as a double-breasted design, satin lining, and gold buttons—with Dudley Stephens’ signature cozy Vello Fleece fabric. 

Light shoulder padding and waist darts give the blazer additional structure to make it appropriate for business trips or the first-class cabin, while still maintaining the sweatshirt-like feel. 

Duer LuxTwill Trucker Jacket

Trucker jackets are having a moment, and travelers can rejoice—they’re not just stylish, but incredibly packable too. Duer’s LuxTwill Trucker Jacket is a perfect example of this trend. Crafted from a cotton-elastane blend, this jacket folds down to a compact size, making it easy to slide into your carry-on.

An antimicrobial treatment keeps this jacket fresh for extended wear, so don’t worry about washing it as soon as you step off the plane. It also has plenty of pockets large enough to fit your phone and other essentials. 

Quince 100 Percent Leather Motorcycle Jacket

Headed to Berlin, New York City, or somewhere where you want to look as cool as the locals? Pack Quince’s Leather Motorcycle Jacket. Quince put a modern spin on the iconic biker jacket silhouette, resulting in a timeless style that will work on a variety of trips for years to come. 

The two-way zipper front closure and zippered sleeve gussets not only add to the biker aesthetic but also provide practical functionality, making it a great travel companion as it allows for easy adjustments to varying temperatures. 

With zip pockets at the hip and chest, it offers convenient storage without compromising on style, keeping your essentials secure while you’re on the go.

The post The 10 Best Light Fall Jackets for Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If you’re planning a trip to Denmark, Italy, or the United Kingdom, the U.S. State Department urges you to exercise increased caution. In September, these popular European vacation destinations had their warning levels elevated due to the risk of potential terrorist attacks.

The Travel Advisory for each country was raised from Level 1: Exercise normal precautions to Level 2: Exercise increased caution. The State Department warns that in these destinations, “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.”

If you do decide to travel to Denmark, Italy, or the United Kingdom, the State Department advises following these safety tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in your destination on social media to receive important updates.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Several other European countries are already at a Level 2 Travel Advisory, including:

• Albania
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• France
• Kosovo
• Serbia
• Spain
• Turkey
• Germany

The post US Increases Travel Warnings for Three European Countries appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Ambroz is a rural area of Extremadura, Spain, located approximately three hours from Madrid and 4.5 hours from Lisbon. The region, comprising eight charming towns, earned the prestigious EDEN (European Destination of Excellence) Award in 2019 for its commitment to sustainable tourism and the preservation of its rich heritage as a wellness destination. However, like many rural areas, Ambroz Valley has faced a population decline over the years, leaving some towns with fewer than 200 residents. This initiative aims to breathe new life into the region by attracting remote workers from around the world. 

If you moved here, you could spend your weekdays working from home and then your weekends hiking El Pinajarro, biking Via del Plata natural path, or soaking in the thermal poos at the Baños de Montemayor Roman Spa. 

“Far from the country’s big cities, Extremadura offers quality of life at a reasonable price,” boasts Extremadura’s website. “Cáceres is ranked as the second-best city in the country to live in, partly because rent is cheap…we can live in this community with up to 20% less salary than in other big cities.”

How to Apply

To be eligible for the Live in Ambroz program, applicants must be legal residents of Spain. Non-EU nationals can qualify by first obtaining Spain’s digital nomad visa. The program targets remote workers in the tech sector, specifically those working exclusively on digital media, IT systems, telematics, and information technology. In addition to the financial incentive, Extremadura will provide expats with support in finding housing, land, and anything else they might need to settle in.

The grant structure is tiered to encourage diversity and support smaller communities:

• Women, individuals under 30, and those relocating to Extremadura towns with fewer than 5,000 residents are eligible for an initial €10,000 grant.
• All other qualifying applicants receive an €8,000 initial grant.

After completing the mandatory two-year residency, participants can opt for a third year and receive an additional €5,000 or €4,000, respectively. Current Extremadura residents are not eligible for this program. The initiative aims to attract new residents to the region, with spots available for up to 200 approved applicants. To apply, visit the Extremadura General Electronic Access Point website. The application window will remain open until all 200 spots are filled.

The post This European Destination Will Pay You $16K to Move There appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The TSA chose Barni through a two-round public vote on their social media platforms. This annual contest, coinciding with National Dog Day on August 26, celebrates the agency’s hardworking canine officers.

Barni has been employed by the TSA since 2022. The chocolate brown dog works with his handler, Michelle Cogle, to sniff out traces of explosives at the airport. “Because he is so very handsome, he attracts attention from passengers who we screen as they work their way through the security checkpoint line,” says Cogle. “He loves his job keeping travelers safe and he enjoys meeting and sniffing passengers.” 

Barni enjoys frequent breaks while on the job to play with his favorite toy, a squeaky ball. Of course, Barni isn’t the only adorable TSA K-9 officer around. The agency has trained over 1,000 canine teams that work at airports and mass-transit facilities across the country. These dogs are trained to detect the scents of explosives and explosive materials on and inside stationary objects as well as moving objects, such as passengers and luggage. 

If you want to see more of these good boys and girls, be sure to watch the TSA’s website, as their free 2025 Canine Calendar will be released in late fall. Click here to get the 2024 calendar.

The post Meet the Dog Voted TSA’s Cutest Canine appeared first on SmarterTravel.

About 10,000 hotel workers walked off of their jobs over the weekend, one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, due to unresolved contract negotiations. Members of the UNITE HERE union are asking for “higher wages, fair staffing and workloads, and the reversal of COVID-era cuts.” Many workers live paycheck to paycheck, and their pay does not cover the cost of living. 

Workers in nine cities and twenty-six hotels are currently on strike, and the possibility of more strikes looms large if no resolution is found. The cities with current strikes are Boston, Greenwich, Honolulu, Kauai, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Baltimore, and Seattle. The list of hotels with striking workers can be found here and will be updated live as more hotels join and as the strikes end. UNITE HERE represents workers from Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott hotels. 

Many hotel workers are struggling during a time when hotels posted record-high daily rates and revenue, yet many hotels remain understaffed. 

If you’re nervous about an upcoming trip or are currently staying at a hotel impacted by the strikes, we’ve got answers to common questions you may have.

What If There Is a Strike at the Hotel Where I am Staying? 

As travelers, this is a legitimate concern. As difficult as it may be, you should never cross a picket line, so if you are staying at an affected hotel, ask for a refund and rebook at a different hotel. FairHotel.org allows you to search for your hotel to see if a strike may impact it. 

If rebooking is impossible for some reason (there is no other hotel in the area, and all other hotels are sold out), ask management to determine how the strike will impact housekeeping, room service, and amenities. 
Be kind and considerate to those workers still working, as their workload is likely much higher than what it typically is. If you have to cross the picket line, talk to those striking, and show your support for them. Remember: they aren’t protesting you, they are protesting management.

I Have a Future Booking At A Hotel That is Currently Striking

If you are booked for a stay at a hotel with workers who are currently striking, what you do depends heavily on when your trip is. If your trip is within the next week, try to find another hotel in the area that is not part of the strike. If it is well into the future, keep an eye on the news, and as you get closer to your vacation, if the hotels are still striking, rebook it elsewhere. 

What Hotels Are Impacted by the Strike?

As mentioned above, UNITE HERE represents workers from Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott hotels. While it is only a handful of their hotels that are currently impacted by the strike, consider booking at a different hotel if you have an upcoming stay at one of those hotels, just to be safe. 

Alternate Hotels Due to The Strike

Here are some alternate hotels to book in each city that is impacted by the strike: 

Boston – Encore Boston Harbor

Greenwich – Delamar Greenwich Harbor

Honolulu – Ala Moana Hotel

Kauai – OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa

San Francisco – Chancellor Hotel

San Diego – Hotel Del Coronado

San Jose – Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Downtown

Baltimore – Horseshoe Casino Baltimore

Seattle – Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Check out UNITE HERE’s guide for further tips on what to do during a strike, including what to do if you are invited to a wedding at a hotel with striking workers. 

The post How Your Trip May Be Impacted By the Hotel Worker Strike appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Cyberattacks on American airports are not a new phenomenon. Major hubs like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta have all fallen victim in the past, and such incidents are likely to continue, potentially causing significant travel disruptions.

The tips that I learned from my experience could help you if you’re flying out of an airport that’s been hit by a cyberattack.

Check Social Media for Updates

There was minimal news coverage of what was happening at the airport, and I found the most accurate and up-to-date information on SeaTac’s X (Twitter) account.

If you hear about a cyber attack, check the official social media accounts for the airport and your airline to find out what’s happening. 

If you’re not at the airport yet and want to know how chaotic it is, searching for hashtags related to the incident can show you real-time videos and stories from travelers already there that will help you know what to expect.

Monitor Your Flight Status

About an hour after being notified that my flight was delayed, I got another email letting me know that my flight was back to its originally scheduled time. You should monitor your flight status closely and plan to be at the airport for your original departure time in case anything changes. 

I flew out on the first day of the cyber attack, when 165 flights were delayed and six were canceled. My flight was delayed about an hour, but the delay was never announced again. When computer systems are down, there can be lags in notifying passengers about departure time changes. 

Allow Extra Time at the Airport

During a cyber attack, computer systems will be down, and passengers and luggage will have to be checked in manually. Even TSA screening may have to be done manually in some cases (in my case, I was able to go through TSA PreCheck as normal), which can take a significant amount of extra time. 

Check Into Your Flight Online

Fortunately, I had already checked in online and saved my boarding pass before the cyber attack struck. Check-in lines at the airport were extremely long for people who did not check-in online, so avoid doing this if you can.

Print your ticket at home (or save your mobile boarding pass to your phone) as you won’t be able to print your pass at an airport kiosk. 

Do Not Check a Bag

Avoid checking a bag at all costs during a cyber attack, as your luggage is very likely to be delayed or lost. A spokesperson for Alaska Airlines told the Seattle Times that staff was manually sorting over 7,000 checked bags at Sea-Tac because a “majority” of checked bags did not make it onto their flights during the cyber attack. 

Download Your Airline’s App

Although the departure and arrival screens were working in the main terminal at SeaTac, the screens were completely black in the terminal I flew out of. 

The televisions over the gates did not show what flight was departing from that gate, and there was no departure board to check flight status or gate. I had to check my airline’s app to find out what gate I was flying out of.

Listen for Information

My departure gate changed about 30 minutes before my flight boarded, and there was only one hard-to-hear announcement about the change. Without screens displaying information, this would have been really easy to miss, and flyers who didn’t hear it, may have missed their flight waiting at the wrong gate. 

The gate change was never reflected in the airline’s app—the only reason I realized my gate had changed was because the airline crew at my gate all got up and left for another gate. Pay attention to all announcements, and be sure to confirm with airline staff that you’re at the correct gate.

Don’t Swap Seats Once Onboard

My flight had to be boarded manually—instead of scanning our boarding passes, the gate agent visually inspected each one before radioing the flight crew which seat number was boarding. After everyone was on the plane, the flight attendants came down the aisle to verify that the correct passengers were in each seat—anyone who swapped seats ended up delaying the process even further.

The post It Happened to Me: What You Need to Know if There’s a Cyberattack at the Airport appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The prize includes:

• Three nights at the JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
• Breakfast for two
• Two air credits of $600 each
• $360 spa credit

Set along the pristine shores of Dawn Beach, the JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort and Spa offers a serene retreat from the everyday world. This hidden gem, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, provides a perfect backdrop for a relaxing vacation.

The resort is home to the largest infinity pool in St. Maarten—so the toughest decision you’ll have to make during your entire trip will be whether you should swim there or in the beautiful ocean right outside the hotel. 

How to Enter

Visit our sweepstakes page here to enter before the giveaway ends on September 10, 2024.

Entering is easy—all you have to do is sign up for SmarterTravel and Oyster’s newsletters. If you’re already a subscriber, simply enter your email address on the sweepstakes page to verify your account (you won’t be signed up twice.)

You can gain bonus entries by completing one or more of the following tasks to increase your chance of winning. You’ll receive one additional entry per task.

1. Follow us on X (Twitter).
2. Repost our giveaway post on X (Twitter).
3. View our Instagram post.
4. Visit our Pinterest profile. 
5. Visit our Facebook profile. 
6. Share the sweepstakes with a friend.

To see the full terms and conditions for the giveaway, visit the sweepstakes page here.

The post Win a Trip to St. Maarten appeared first on SmarterTravel.

A new study by Upgraded Points uncovers the airports that have received the most TSA-related complaints. Upgraded Points analyzed TSA complaint data from 2015 to 2023 at 44 major U.S. airports, revealing which locations are more likely to leave passengers disgruntled enough to formally voice their concerns. 

If you’ve ever flown through chaotic Newark Liberty International Airport, you may be unsurprised that the New Jersey airport topped the list as the worst airport for TSA complaints. This New York City-area airport fields nearly twice as many passenger complaints as the average airport. The majority of grievances are about TSA PreCheck (44.8 percent of all complaints), customer service (14.6 percent), and mishandled baggage (14 percent).

The 10 Worst US Airports for TSA Complaints

If you’re hoping to sail through airport security on your next trip, flying through Charlotte Douglas International Airport is your best bet. This airport has the fewest TSA complaints, with less than two complaints per 100,000 passengers—about half the complaints of the average U.S. airport. 

The US Airports With the Least Amount of TSA Complaints

How to File a Complaint With TSA

If you feel the TSA has wronged you, you can file a complaint on its website. Complaints must be logged within 180 days of the incident, and the TSA aims to respond within 48 hours.

The post The US Airports With the Most TSA Complaints appeared first on SmarterTravel.