Certain phrases and requests have become notorious pain points for flight attendants who fly hundreds of times a year. They’re guaranteed to make any flight attendant mentally roll their eyes, even as they maintain their professional smile. Before you join the ranks of passengers who unknowingly commit this mile-high faux pas, consider the impact of your words on these hardworking crew members. Flight attendants aren’t just service providers; they’re trained safety professionals whose primary responsibility is ensuring your well-being during the flight. The following ten phrases represent a compilation of their most cringe-worthy passenger interactions—those special moments that make them wish they could temporarily disable the call button or, at the very least, serve your drink with an extra helping of disdain.

Can You Watch My Kids?

You’ve paid plenty for your coach ticket, so now it’s time to relax, take a nap, and maybe let your kids run wild. After all, the flight attendants are just sitting at the back of the plane—they will be happy to watch your little darlings, right? Wrong.

“I’ve had passengers get mad at me because we didn’t have a play area on the plane. Another passenger came to the back of the plane and asked me where she could put her baby. She didn’t want to hold it,” flight attendant Heather Poole told Parade Magazine. Flight attendants already have enough to do and can’t take on babysitting duties.

This Drink Is Too Expensive!

Yes, that in-flight drink is too expensive. But whining to the flight attendant isn’t going to change anything. Do you really think the CEO of a major airline consults with the flight attendants before raising prices on drinks? Trust us, the flight attendant to whom you’re complaining is not making a commission off overpriced gin and tonics. (Starting salaries for flight attendants can be as low as $27,000 per year, and there’s definitely no kickback from expensive drinks factored into that.)

Fetch Me …

We all wish we had a personal butler we could summon with the ring of a bell. However, despite the presence of a call button above every airplane seat, the flight attendant is not that butler. Demanding that the flight attendant “fetch” you something is a sure way to get on a flight attendant’s bad side. 

Use the call button only when it’s really necessary, such as times when you can’t get out of your seat and genuinely need something. If you want a glass of water or a blanket, walk back to the galley and ask for it in person.

Hey, stewardess!

The word “stewardess” is about as contemporary as the glamorous coach-class experience of yesteryear. Both are gone forever. “Stewardess” was in vogue when women were the only people hired as flight attendants. 

Nowadays, both men and women work as cabin crew, and the term “flight attendant” reflects not only this but the expanded duties that they are responsible for onboard. 

Wait, What Kind of Drinks Do You Have?

The beverage service doesn’t just magically appear in front of you. The start of the service is usually announced on the PA system, along with a list of the beverages available on board that day. Couldn’t hear the announcement? You can usually find a card in your seatback pocket that lists what you can order. The snacks and drinks on offer are also usually listed in the airline’s app, if you have it downloaded. 

So if you’re craving something out of the ordinary (“Do you have any Diet Mountain Dew on this flight?”) or exotic (“Man, I could go for a can of cran-pineapple-berry-tang juice!”), consult your in-flight card to see if it’s being served. Flight attendants hate having to run down the list of available drinks for every passenger who asks—and they’ll be even more annoyed if you ask what’s on offer after they’ve just told the person sitting next to you what’s available. 

Can You Help Me Lift My Bag?

Congratulations. You’ve managed to cram everything you own into your carry-on bag. There’s no way you’re gate-checking it now, even if it does weigh 100 pounds. Who cares if you can’t lift it—you’ll just ask one of the flight attendants to heft it into the overhead bin for you. They’re basically baggage handlers that come along for the ride, right? Wrong. 

During flight attendant training, crew members are advised never to lift baggage for passengers because it’s a common cause of injury. Repeatedly hefting heavy suitcases into the overhead bins can cause health issues, and if a flight attendant is hurt loading bags, it could cause a flight delay or cancellation. 

It’s not a flight attendant’s job to help you lift your bag, so make sure you can actually lift and stow whatever you pack. 

I Will Blow Up This Plane If I Don’t Get Bumped to First Class!

Your terrorism jokes aren’t funny. Ever. Instead of laughs, the joke’s on you: That idle threat will get you kicked off the plane and possibly arrested.

I’ll Turn Off My Phone in One More Minute!

Different airlines have different policies about using electronic devices during takeoff and landing. Once you’re on the plane, though, the flight attendant’s word is law. So when you’re asked to turn off your phone or laptop, it means now, people. Holding up your finger to signal one more minute is rude. Stop it.

Can You Throw Away This Bag Of Vomit For Me?

Flight attendants see enough gross stuff already. They don’t need to be tasked with throwing away your used air-sickness bag or your baby’s dirty diaper. Walk to the lavatory and throw it away yourself. (And if you’re throwing away a dirty diaper, that raises another question: Where are you changing that kid? Please don’t do it on the tray table.)

Nothing (In an Exit Row)

While most passengers appreciate a quiet flight, there’s one crucial moment when your voice needs to be heard: the emergency exit row safety briefing. That seemingly simple “yes” you’re asked to provide in response to the question about being willing and able to perform safety duties in an emergency isn’t just a formality—it’s a legal requirement. Flight attendants must verify that every passenger seated in an exit row can both understand and respond to verbal and visual instructions, as these individuals could play a vital role in an emergency evacuation.

If you remain silent during this safety check, the flight attendant will have no choice but to relocate you to a different seat. This policy isn’t about being difficult; it’s about ensuring the safety of everyone on board. Remember, those extra legroom seats come with extra responsibility, and your verbal confirmation is the first step in accepting that duty.

The post 10 Things You Should Never Say to a Flight Attendant appeared first on SmarterTravel.

In this article, I cover the benefits of CLEAR and explain how it is different from TSA PreCheck. I’ll also teach you how to get free or discounted CLEAR membership so you can save both time and money!

Note that this article is not sponsored by CLEAR. I’ve been using CLEAR for many years and just want to share how useful it can be to frequent travelers.

What’s the Difference Between CLEAR and TSA PreCheck?

Both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are expedited security programs that travelers can join for a fee. However, CLEAR will get you to the front of the line more quickly. 

At most major U.S. airports, there are two main security lanes: one for TSA PreCheck (usually shorter) and one for regular processing (usually longer.) TSA PreCheck is a popular program that many travelers are already a member of. It costs between $77.95 – $85 (depending on which enrollment partner you sign up through) for five years, which is a great value. After a background check and quick interview, most people get approval. However, so many travelers are now enrolled in the program that the TSA PreCheck line can often get long.

CLEAR goes a step further. It is a third lane—complete with dedicated customer service agents and sometimes an actual red carpet—that allows you to skip ahead.

CLEAR uses biometrics, i.e., facial recognition and fingerprints, to identify you at a kiosk. Then you’ll scan your boarding pass, and a CLEAR representative will escort you to the front of the line. From there, you’ll go one of two ways…

If you have TSA Pre-Check in addition to CLEAR, then you’ll go to the front of the Pre-Check line. However, if you do not have PreCheck, then you will go to the front of the regular lane instead and have to do the usual screening, including taking off your shoes and removing any devices from your bags.

Why Should I Get CLEAR?

Basically, you don’t have to worry about how long the security line is going to be. You can leave home (or your accommodation) knowing that you just need to allow enough time to check-in, drop bags (if needed), and go straight to the front of the security line.

Given CLEAR is significantly more expensive than TSA PreCheck, this program is best suited to frequent travelers.

Where Can I Find a CLEAR Airport?

There are 58 airports in the U.S. where you can use CLEAR, including 19 of the top 20 (Charlotte is the only one missing.) It covers most of the major airport hubs, as well as secondary airports like Baltimore, New Orleans, and Sacramento.

It’s worth checking the CLEAR locations page to see if CLEAR operates at your home airport and/or destinations that you often fly to. You’ll also want to check the operating hours as well as in which terminal/s a CLEAR lane is available.

For example, at my home airport of Austin, the CLEAR lane closes at 6:30 p.m. That means if I were to fly out on a 9 p.m. flight, I’d want to know that I would not be able to access CLEAR before my flight.

CLEAR has also expanded to operate at sporting and entertainment venues like New York’s Madison Square Garden and Dallas’ Globe Life Field. Finally, finding a CLEAR lane at one-off events and festivals like Chicago’s Pride In The Park is increasingly becoming common.

How Much Does CLEAR Cost?

The base membership fee for CLEAR is $199/year. However, no one should pay full price (see next section.) If you compare the two expedited security programs, CLEAR will cost you a total of $895 over five years compared to TSA PreCheck’s $85 (less than 10% of the cost of CLEAR.)

Up to three family members can be added for $119/year each. However, children 17 years old and younger who are traveling with you do not need a membership.

Is There A CLEAR Promo Code?

Not right now, but if you search Google, you will find that CLEAR sometimes partners with companies and runs special promo codes. In the meantime, there are plenty of other ways to snag a free or discounted CLEAR membership.

How Can I Get a Free or Discounted CLEAR Membership?

Unfortunately, CLEAR recently discontinued its discounted student CLEAR membership offer. However, there are still plenty of other ways to save.

Through a Frequent Flyer Program

The most common way to save money on a CLEAR membership is to apply using your Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus frequent flyer number. (Both of these programs are free to join if you’re not already a member.) Base members of these two programs get a discounted rate of $189, saving you $10.

If you have Silver, Gold or Platinum status with either program, the price drops to $159. Top-tier Delta Diamond Medallion and United Premier 1K members get a free CLEAR membership.

Through a Credit Card

American Express Platinum, Business Platinum Card, and Express Green Card members get up to $199 in statement credits each calendar year when using their card to pay for a CLEAR membership.

Through a CLEAR Trial Membership

CLEAR offers a free two-month trial. If you do not want to continue to use the service, just make sure you cancel before the trial ends.

How Do I Apply For CLEAR?

1. Enroll for a free two-month trial; or click through the Delta or United page for discounted membership
2. Take your ID to a CLEAR kiosk next time you fly (no appointment needed)
3. An agent will help you take your biometric information

Note that if your application is denied by CLEAR for any reason, you are entitled to a refund of your membership fee.

Bottom Line

If you are a frequent traveler and value your time, then CLEAR may be worth enrolling in. You can try out the service before you commit by signing up for a free two-month trial. You can also save money on the membership fee by either applying through Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus, or holding a specific credit card.

On the other hand, if you are not a frequent traveler, getting TSA PreCheck may instead offer you better value. You’ll still save time compared to the regular line but do be aware that the PreCheck line can still be long, especially during peak travel periods.

The post How To Skip To The Front Of The Airport Security Line…Every Time appeared first on SmarterTravel.

These five items are perfectly legal to bring onboard a plane, but they can look suspicious on a scanner, triggering a bag search.

Food

Cheese, sausage, rice, bread, peanut butter—these tasty foods can look similar to explosives on a scanner and cause your bag to be searched. If you’re bringing food that’s dense or paste-like, be sure to send it through the X-ray machine separately to make it easier to screen. 

And remember, anything that is close to a liquid (like peanut butter) can only be packed in a carry-on in quantities of 3.4 ounces or less. 

Powders

Packing large amounts of protein powder, souvenir spices, or baby powder? According to the TSA, “Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened.”

The TSA also encourages travelers to pack powders in quantities of more than 12 oz. in checked bags. 

Cords

Disorganized travelers, be careful when you pack your chargers—big clusters of tangled electronic cords can look suspicious during screening. Try to neatly pack your charges and cords separate from one another—you’ll pass through security faster and also be less annoyed trying to detangle everything at your destination. 

Books and Magazines

Concealing a weapon or illegal item inside a hollowed out book is a common trope in movies—but it’s actually based in fact, as X-rays have trouble seeing through thick books or glossy magazines.

According to the TSA, “Books often require additional screening. The TSA officer may ask you to remove them from your carrying case to conduct a physical inspection.” Save time by sending your reading material through the scanner separately, or at least packing them on the top of your bag for easy access. 

Large Quantities of Gels or Liquids

There’s no limit on the amount of gels and liquids you can pack in a checked bag (except for highly flammable hard alcohol), but bringing large quantities of things like toothpaste, sunscreen, or lotions could get your checked bag opened and searched. 

That’s because pastes and liquids, especially in excessive amounts, can look suspiciously close to explosive materials on X-rays. 

The post 5 Surprising Items That Could Get Your Luggage Searched by the TSA appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The following 10 suggestions for what not to do at airport security will make you a savvier flyer, capable of breezing through the checkpoint like a pro.

Don’t Bring More Than 3.4 Ounces (or 100 Milliliters) of Any Liquid

This may be obvious to frequent flyers, but even though the so-called 3-1-1 rule went into effect back in 2006, inexperienced travelers still show up with full-sized bottles of shampoo, water, and other liquids in their carry-on bags. Each time this happens, a TSA agent has to pull the bag off the security belt, call the passenger over, search the bag, scold the passenger, and throw the bottle out, thus slowing the security line down—and earning the offender annoyed head shakes from those stuck waiting.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, including medications, breast milk, and baby formula. If you’re flying to the United States via a connecting flight from overseas, you may carry full-size duty-free liquids as long as they’re sealed in a secure, tamper-evident bag by the original retailer, they were purchased within the past 24 hours, and you have the receipt.

For more information on what you can and can’t bring through airport security, check out this comprehensive Airport Security Q&A.

Don’t Leave Liquids and Gels Deep in Your Carry-On

One surefire method to slow a security line down is to waste time digging through your carry-on for items that need to be placed in the bin individually. Putting travel-sized liquids into a clear, see-through quart-sized bag is not enough. Keep the bag stored in a handy place—such as an external compartment on your carry-on—so all you have to do is reach in and grab it. Note that although electronics and liquids are increasingly allowed to remain inside carry-on luggage thanks to new technology, it may not be the case at every checkpoint.

Even TSA PreCheck members, who may be used to not having to take out their electronics and liquids, may be selected for a secondary screening and should be sure to keep these items easily accessible.

Don’t Forget to Have Your Boarding Pass and ID Handy

Similar to the above, you don’t want to be pulling out your wallet to grab your ID while you’re standing in front of the security agent. Do that while waiting in line or, better yet, before you even get in line. You’ll not only make things faster for yourself and those behind you, but you also won’t annoy the security agent.

Don’t Wait to Take off Your Belt, Watch, Jacket, and Shoes

If you haven’t caught on to the “be prepared” mantra yet, here it is again. The best way to move through security as fast as possible is to have everything you need out and ready to be placed on the conveyor belt as soon as you get there. If you’re wearing a belt or watch, take it off while you’re in line. Same thing with your jacket and even your shoes if possible, especially if they’ve got shoelaces—at the very least, have your laces untied so all you have to do is slip your shoes off. Caveat: Seniors over the age of 75, kids under 13, and those who have TSA PreCheck may leave their shoes and light jackets on.

Don’t Remove Items You Don’t Need to Remove

One of the most common airport security mistakes is to take out all your electronic devices to be scanned separately. You don’t need to do this. According to the TSA, only electronics larger than a cell phone must be removed from their carrying cases and X-rayed separately. This does include laptops and tablets, but it doesn’t include phones or electric toothbrushes. TSA PreCheck members don’t have to remove electronics for separate screening.

Also, in most cases you do not need to remove your jewelry before going through security. If you’re wearing numerous or particularly bulky items, you might want to take them off, but smaller pieces such as wedding rings and earrings can usually stay on. If you set off any alarms, the screening agent will work with you to determine the problem, which might or might not require jewelry removal.

Don’t Wear Sandals

Do you really want to expose your bare feet to whatever’s on a filthy airport floor? Yes, sandals are easy to slip on and off, but they’re not worth a potential case of athlete’s foot if you have to take your shoes off for screening.

Don’t Overlook Less Busy Checkpoints

Most large airports have multiple checkpoint entries for any given terminal, and some may be busier than others at certain times of day. The TSA offers travelers an app called MyTSA that you can use to check security wait times based on historical data. Just be sure you actually can reach your gate via the checkpoint you’ve selected.

Don’t Give the Security Folks a Hard Time

You may think your trial shampoo bottle is smaller than 3.4 ounces, or maybe the last time you went through security, no one cared that your mascara wasn’t in a clear bag. All that matters is what they’re telling you this time. While the particular TSA agent demanding you give up your “contraband” very well may be in the wrong, at that moment he or she has all the power, and arguing isn’t going to get you anywhere but possibly detained.

Don’t Joke About National Security or Bombs

Technically, cracking jokes about national security at an airport is not illegal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in trouble for doing it. There are numerous cases of passengers being arrested after joking about explosives or bombs while being examined at security. You may think your joke is funny or harmless, but remember, the TSA has no sense of humor when it comes to doing its job. Always err on the side of caution.

Don’t Forget About the PreCheck Program

The TSA’s PreCheck program is a risk-based prescreening system that allows frequent flyers to apply for access to a restricted—and faster—airport security lane. The application process is essentially an in-depth background check, but once cleared, PreCheck flyers no longer have to remove their belts, shoes, or lightweight jackets, nor must they place their 3-1-1 compliant plastic bag and laptop in separate bins.

PreCheck lanes are currently available at more than 200 airports across the United States. Do you often travel internationally? Consider Global Entry, which includes PreCheck membership as well as expedited re-entry into the United States. Read SmarterTravel’s summary of Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck to learn more.

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

The post 10 Things Not to Do at Airport Security appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Focus on Safety First

One of the easiest and most important items on an overseas travel checklist is also arguably the most ignored. Travel insurance and State Department alerts can be incredibly important in emergencies abroad, but many tourists bet they won’t become part of the small percentage of travelers who require evacuation assistance or protection from hotel or flight cancellations.

Subscribing to the State Department’s STEP alerts for your destination can help you stay up to date on upcoming and current travel restrictions, strikes, and areas of political unrest. Any alerts you receive will let you know whether or not to plan for some unexpected obstacles in advance.

Travel insurance can cost as little as a few dollars per travel day and cover anything from lost luggage to emergency medical attention, potentially saving you hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars.

Get Your Travel Documents and Credit Cards in Order

Make sure your passport and any necessary travel visas are up to date. Some countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months after your scheduled return, so make sure you won’t be turned away or delayed at customs because of an old passport. Not sure if you need a visa? Check the State Department’s travel page for your destination.

Keep physical and digital copies of your passport and all your paperwork in case anything is lost. Share copies of your passport, itinerary, and contact numbers with family and friends whom you can contact in case of an emergency.

Notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel dates so they don’t deny your purchases, and ask about international ATM fees so you can find out which ones won’t charge you. It’s always a good idea to bring multiple cards in case one stops working.

Don’t underestimate how helpful a cell phone photo of your passport can be. Whether you have to go to the consulate and report it lost, or are just filling out a customs card and need your passport number, it will likely come in handy. Email the image to yourself to have an extra digital copy in case your phone runs out of batteries or goes missing. You may also want to bring a spare copy of your passport photo on your trip; having it handy will speed the processing of a new document.

Get Vaccinated

It’s best to get the necessary vaccinations out of the way as soon as possible since it can take a few weeks to build full immunity. Some also require multiple doses, which may need to be administered over days, weeks, or even months. Talk to your doctor about getting the CDC-recommended shots, as the protocol for vaccines varies by country. For example, dozens of countries require proof of a yellow fever vaccination if you’ve been to at-risk areas. A travel clinic can help you sort out which vaccinations and medications you might need.

Keep your vaccination certificate in your carry-on in case customs requires you to present it when entering the country.

Study Up on Your Destination

Whether you’re a travel app connoisseur or more of a paperback guidebook person, having some source of knowledge about your destination is invaluable. Read about the region you’re traveling to in advance to gain insight into important information such as currency exchange rates, useful phrases, tipping norms, appropriate clothing, and cultural/legal customs. It’s best to be prepared so you don’t land yourself in a compromising situation.

Make Sure Your Home Is Cared For

There’s nothing worse than realizing once you’re six time zones away that you forgot to stop your mail delivery or ask someone to water your expertly cultivated house plants. Make sure your daily tasks are covered before you leave, or appoint a trusty friend to do them for you.

You can find a house or pet sitter to do your chores if you’re willing to list your home on TrustedHouseSitters.com. Plus, you could find lodging through the site for your trip abroad if you can do the same for someone else.

Stay Connected

Want to stay in touch while traveling abroad? If you haven’t taken your phone overseas before, call your mobile provider to ask about international phone plans that might be available. If your carrier’s plans are expensive, an international SIM card can be a good alternative.

Download the Necessities

Sometimes, the most important thing you’ll pack is in your smartphone rather than your suitcase. Offline maps are your best friend when traveling with limited data or battery. You can find Wi-Fi in many places, but downloading offline maps through Google Maps will allow you to follow your GPS without using up data.

Downloading in-flight entertainment could also save you if your TV malfunctions on a long-haul flight. Streaming won’t be available without consistent in-flight Wi-Fi (which you shouldn’t ever depend on) but you can pre-download movies and TV shows through most platforms.

Don’t forget a portable backup charger. Watching hours of your favorite TV show is sure to drain your battery life, and there’s nothing worse than finally finding a Wi-Fi spot only to have your phone die.

Pack These Essentials

While the contents of your checked bag will largely depend on the climate you’re visiting, you’ll want most of your trip’s essentials easily accessible in your carry-on. Start with this international travel checklist of items to pack:

• Passport and visa
• Medications
• Insurance and ID cards
• Cash, debit cards, and credit cards
• Pen to fill out customs forms
• Portable charger
• Earplugs, eye mask, and sleeping pills
• Electrical converters and adapters specific to your destination
• Headphones
• Antibacterial wipes
• Sweater/scarf in case the plane is chilly
• Cell phone and charger

For more ideas, check out our ultimate packing list.

Consider taking photos of your packed suitcase (both inside and out) in case it gets lost. That way, airline employees will know what to look for, and you’ll know what was inside if you don’t get it back and need to file a claim.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post The Ultimate Checklist for Traveling Abroad appeared first on SmarterTravel.

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

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

First Class Isn’t What It Used to Be

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

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

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

Why It’s So Hard to Get a Free Upgrade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be a seriously loyal customer.

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

Elite status is the best way to get a seat upgrade, but that means flying (and spending) more. So, if you fly a lot, this is the best option for upgrades. 

Elite Statuses for Major US Airlines

Here’s a breakdown of the elite statuses offered by major US airlines with free upgrades:

American Airlines

• AAdvantage Platinum: Group 1 boarding, lounge access, and complimentary upgrades.
• AAdvantage Platinum Pro: Enhanced lounge access, free upgrades, and priority baggage handling.  
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum: Highest tier with even more perks, including international upgrades and Admirals Club membership.

Delta Air Lines

• Gold Medallion: Group 1 boarding, lounge access, and complimentary upgrades.
• Platinum Medallion: Enhanced lounge access, free upgrades, and priority baggage handling.
• Diamond Medallion: Highest tier with even more perks, including international upgrades and Delta Sky Club membership.  

United Airlines

• Premier Gold: Group 1 boarding, lounge access, and complimentary upgrades.
• Premier Platinum: Enhanced lounge access, free upgrades, and priority baggage handling.
• Premier 1K: Highest tier with even more perks, including international upgrades and United Club membership.  

Southwest Airlines

• A-List Preferred: Group 1 boarding, lounge access, and complimentary upgrades.

Alaska Airlines

• MVP Gold: Group 1 boarding, lounge access, and complimentary upgrades.
• MVP Gold 75K: Enhanced lounge access, free upgrades, and priority baggage handling.

International flights are a bit trickier regarding upgrades, but some international airlines do offer them, especially if they are part of an alliance with a domestic airline. 

For instance, British Airways is part of OneWorld (same as American), but many perks may be unavailable on the BA flight if you book through American. While there may not be a British Airways flight upgrade trick that will magically get you an upgrade, there are things you can do, similar to the major US airlines we mentioned. Avios, their points program, may get you an upgrade, as will their executive club. 

Other international airlines that have rewards programs that can snag you an upgrade are: 
Emirates Skywards– Known for its luxurious cabins and excellent service, Skywards offers upgrade options.
Etihad Guest: Offers upgrade options, including using Etihad Guest Miles.
ANA Mileage Club: Offers upgrade options, including using Mileage Club miles.

Get an airline credit card.

Using an airline credit card allows you to rack up miles, including sign-up bonuses, to apply toward upgrades.
Credit cards with upgrades include:

United MileagePlus Explorer Card– Offers bonus miles earning rate on United purchases and can be used to earn MileagePlus miles for upgrades.

British Airways Visa Signature Credit Card– Offers a bonus miles earning rate on British Airways purchases and can be used to earn Avios points for upgrades.

American Airlines AAdvantage Aviator Red Card- Offers a bonus miles earning rate on American Airlines purchases and can be used to earn AAdvantage miles for upgrades.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card– Offers a bonus miles earning rate on Delta purchases and can be used to earn SkyMiles for upgrades.

Emirates Skywards Credit Card– Offers bonus miles earning rate on Emirates purchases and can be used to earn Skywards miles for upgrades.

Dress neatly.

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

Check in online at the earliest possible time.

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

Be on time, and have good timing.

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

Ask politely and directly.

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

Be reasonable.

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

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

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

Granted, the rule always has exceptions, and this is no different. It may also be that if you are on a flight with few people, you can easily get an upgrade. One lucky passenger was alone on a transatlantic flight and could sit anywhere but first class. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ask your travel agent.

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

Watch for business-class sales.

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

Look for two-for-one sales.

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

Buy an extra seat.

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

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

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

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

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

No matter which option you choose, a good weekender bag does double duty; as both an optimized travel bag that fits everything you need for a weekend-long adventure, and an all-purpose personal item that has a place for everything you need on the plane. 

These are the weekender bags that the SmarterTravel editors swear by for short trips, along with the reasons why we love them.

Samsonite Better Than Basic Weekender

We’re obsessed with Samsonite’s Better Than Basic Weekender because of its genius design. This duffle-style bag has a large compartment on the bottom that’s perfect for shoes or anything else that you want to keep separate from everything else. (It also works great for dirty laundry!)

This weekender also solves many of the packing problems that a regular duffle presents. It has plenty of interior pockets to keep everything organized, including a laptop compartment.  The adjustable, padded shoulder strap makes the weekender easy to carry, even if you’ve overstuffed it. 

Dimensions: 18.9” x 14.2” x 9.8” 

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Lululemon 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack

Can’t decide between a duffle and a backpack? You don’t have to choose with Lululemon’s 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack. The duffle has hidden straps that can be used to convert it to a backpack or cross-body bag in a snap. 

Made from a water-repellent fabric, this bag will keep your stuff dry (even if it gets abandoned on the tarmac in a rainstorm). Othe helpful features include an exterior zippered pocket with a hidden key clip, a water bottle pocket, and a padded laptop pocket.

Dimensions: 20.5” x 12.6” x 9.3”

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Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage

Calpak’s Hue Mini Carry-On is a miniature version of a spinner suitcase that’s sized to fit under most airplane seats. The Hue fits all of the features of a regular suitcase into its small size, including a TSA-lock, interior zippered divider, and multiple pockets for organization. 

We’ve found that this bag can hold enough for a long weekend trip, if you’re selective about what you pack. 

Dimensions: 16” x 14” x 9”

Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend Bag

When you’re checking into a five-star hotel, and you want to look the part, reach for Carl Friedrik’s Palissy Weekend Bag. This all-leather bag and upright construction lends a stylish, structured look to your travel ensemble. 

The Palissy can hold enough clothes for a weekend, and is small enough that it can easily fit under your seat on an airplane, so you can use it as a personal item on longer jaunts.  

Dimensions: 19.1” x 10” x 9.7”

Away’s The Weekender

A duffel that will protect your laptop and still fit in the overhead bin, Away’s The Weekender packs smart features like its hidden exterior shoe compartment and outer sleeve packed with electronics pockets. The shoe compartment is lined to resist dirt and grime, and the diminutive dimensions fit most airlines’ carry-on luggage requirements.

Our favorite feature is the full wraparound zip opening, which allows you to open the bag and pack it suitcase-style. 

Dimensions: 20.9” x 11.8” x 9.4”

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Samsonite Wheeled Underseat Bag

If you prefer to roll your bag rather than hauling it on your shoulder, Samsonite’s Wheeled Underseat Bag is for you. This favorite among travel experts combines portability with packing power. It will fit neatly under the seat in front of you but still holds everything you need for a weekend away under its clam-shell opening top, which lifts to reveal not one but several clear, zippered pouches for super-organized packing.

Dimensions: 14.17” x 13.38” x 9.05”

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JenniBag Jenni Backpack

When you’re not using the Jenni Backpack on a weekend trip, we’ve found it pulls triple duty as the perfect gym and work bag. This roomy backpack can hold up to four days’ worth of clothes, plus two laptops. 

The separate shoe compartment keeps the rest of your clothes clean and odor-free. The bag even has a built-in USB port, so you can charge your gadgets on the go. 

Dimensions: 11.8” x 5.9” x 16.5”

Beis The Convertible Mini Weekender

Whether you’re packing light or carrying a lot, Beis’ The Convertible Mini Weekender is the ideal size. Bring it as your personal item along with a carry-on, or use it as your sole bag and stash it under the airplane seat—this miniturized version of Beis’ popular Convertible Weekender is small enough to fit practically anywhere. Despite the small size, it’s surprisingly roomy inside and has a 33 liter capacity. 

This ultra-versitile bag has a bottom compartment that can be zipped off completely, so you can downsize the weekender even further, or so you can use it as a packing cube or shoe bag in your suitcase. 

Dimensions: 16” x 16” x 8”

Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

No matter where you’re traveling for the weekend, keep your stuff secure with Pacsafe’s EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack. This backpack is loaded with anti-theft features including an RFID-blocking pocket, lockable and puncture-resistant zippers, cut-resistant straps, and a lockable anchor strap.

Use it as a backpack, or tuck away the straps to carry it like a duffle bag with the front grab handle or like a suitcase by the side handle.  
Dimensions: 21.7” x 13” x 7.5”

The post The 9 Best Weekender Bags for Short Trips appeared first on SmarterTravel.

How to Track Your Luggage

Luisa Favaretto, founder and editor of the travel and research site Strategistico, headed to Tuscany to serve as the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding. Favaretto flew from New York to Italy with a connecting flight in Amsterdam, where she had to collect her checked bag (containing her bridesmaid’s dress and shoes) and then recheck it through to her final destination.

“After waiting for about an hour, my bag never came through the carousel while everyone around me had received theirs,” said Favaretto. Fortunately, she had placed an Apple AirTag in her suitcase before her trip. Worried that her bag wouldn’t make it, Favaretto checked the Apple app and saw her bag was in Amsterdam, but was stuck near her gate and not at baggage claim. 

“It turns out that my luggage fell off the transporter and was just sitting somewhere on the tarmac,” said Favaretto. She showed the location of her bag to an agent, who was able to call and have the suitcase delivered in time to recheck it for her connecting flight. “If it wasn’t for the AirTag, their staff would not have been able to locate my bag quick enough for my next flight,” Favaretto explained. 

Natasha Nelson, Owner of Golden Arrow PR, says AirTags have helped her the last two times she’s traveled. The first time she used it, Nelson checked three bags. “I could see on my phone app that one bag was in a different area on the tarmac than the other two that that were on the plane loading,” she said. “I alerted the airline and they got my bag and I could see it go on the plane. The AirTag trick came in handy again on another trip when Nelson’s bag was left behind at baggage claim. She was able to show an agent the location on the app and quickly get her suitcase back. 

The Best Luggage Trackers

Trackers are cheap, portable, and easy to use. 

Knog Scout Travel Smart Luggage Tag

Knog’s Scout Smart Luggage Tag is a luggage tag with a built-in tracker and alarm, so you can keep track of your bag anywhere you go. The innovative bag tag has a QR code that can be scanned to contact you and reunite you with your bag, making it easy to keep your information up-to-date in case you move or change phone numbers.

Scout’s tracker utilizes Apple’s Find My network so you can locate your luggage no matter where it winds up. It also has a motion-sensitive alarm you can turn on to make sure your bag doesn’t get stolen while you’re at a busy restaurant or bar (and don’t worry, the alarm can be turned off for travel.) An anti-tamper bolt and braided stainless steel cable keep the tag securely attached to your suitcase.

Scout is the only luggage tracker on this list that can be recharged, which is a key feature. The tag will notify you when the battery is low, and it can be recharged using a USB-C cable.

Apple AirTag

Apple’s AirTags are the most popular trackers for travelers. The AirTags integrate with Apple’s Find My app. If your bag is nearby, you can play a sound on the tracker’s built-in speaker to quickly locate it. If it’s further away, Apple’s Find My network will use the Bluetooth of any Apple devices nearby to help locate your tracker, so you can instantly locate it on a map in the Find My app. 

Chipolo ONE Spot

The Chipolo ONE Spot works in a similar way to the AirTag, and also uses Apple’s Find My app and network to help you find your bag. The Chipolo ONE Spot can also give you a notification when you accidentally leave an item behind (perfect for something you might forget in a hotel room.)

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+

Not an Apple Fan? The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 uses the same strategy to find your stuff as the AirTag, except it uses the Galaxy Find Network instead of Apple’s Find My network.

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.

The post Never Lose Your Luggage Again With This Easy Hack 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.

Purposely missing a flight is more complicated than it may seem at first glance—here’s what happens if you don’t get on your connecting flight. 

Why Would You Skip a Connecting Flight?

Skiplagging, also known as “hidden city ticketing,” is a travel strategy where:

• You book a flight with a layover in your actual destination.
• The ticket includes a connection to a further city, but you don’t intend to take that last leg.
• When you reach your desired city during the layover, you exit the airport instead of continuing to the final destination on your ticket.

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

What Happens if You Don’t Get on Your Connecting Flight?

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

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

In general, if you miss or cancel any portion of a plane ticket, the airline can cancel all flights remaining on that ticket’s itinerary. When you miss that first flight, whether or not you cancel or no-show, the entire ticket becomes void.

This rule also applies to connecting flights. If you’re ticketed from City A to City C through a connection in City B, but skip the connecting flight from City B to City C, you can’t use your connecting flight ticket later, even with a change fee. And if it’s a round-trip ticket, the return trips are also toast.

This is why it’s essential to notify the airline if you accidentally miss any portion of your flight—as long as you let the airline know (and rebook the missed leg), you should still be able to fly the rest of your planned itinerary. 

Why is Skipping a Flight Cheaper?

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

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Connecting Flight

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

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

When Is It Okay to Skip a Flight?

There are only two cases where you could potentially get away with skipping an onward flight. However, keep in mind that you could still get in trouble with the airline, and the airline could pursue legal action against you or ban you from future flights. 

1. If you skip a flight that’s the final leg on a multi-flight ticket, there’s no other ticket left for the airline to cancel.
2. If your round-trip itinerary is on two separately booked, one-way tickets, the return trip should still be valid if you skip the first trip.

The post Why You Should Never Skip an Onward Flight appeared first on SmarterTravel.