Over my career, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to fly 11 million miles! Along the way, I’ve discovered countless travel hacks that not only save money and reduce stress but also make trips more enjoyable.
With these tips, you can even cut your monthly travel expenses to less than what you’d spend on rent or a mortgage. I’ve spent millions of dollars on flights so you don’t have to—every hack here is tried and tested to save you time, money, and hassle.
Traveling is one of life’s most thrilling experiences, but it can quickly become overwhelming and costly without the right strategies. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, these tips will ensure you get the most out of every journey.
Here’s a travel hacks checklist that frequent flyers and savvy travelers swear by. Let’s jump right in!
1. Save Big on Flights
Book Flights Strategically to Maximize Savings
- Book One-Way Flights: Instead of round-trip tickets, book two one-way flights for flexibility. This strategy avoids complications if you need to adjust one leg of your trip.
- Prepay Flights as Vouchers: Take advantage of cheap fares by booking flights now and changing them later without fees.
- Leverage Hidden-City Ticketing: Sometimes booking a flight with a layover at your intended destination is cheaper than booking a direct flight. For example, instead of booking a direct flight from Los Angeles to Dallas, you might find a cheaper ticket from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City that connects to Dallas. Simply skip the second leg.
- Important Note: Hidden City ticketing only works with one-way trips, and you can’t check bags since they’ll continue to the final destination.
- Websites like SkipLagged help identify these hidden city fares or other pricing anomalies. Once you find a deal, book directly with the airline to avoid additional fees from third-party platforms.
Make the Most of Airline Loyalty Programs
- Play the Points Game: Skip traditional booking sites and leverage airline loyalty programs to score cheap flights. For example, instead of paying high last-minute prices, use airline miles—which cost no more than 12,000–15,000 American Airlines points for a flight from Los Angeles to New York. Miles often provide better value on expensive fares, typically worth about a penny each (or more on airlines like Southwest). Avoid purchasing miles unless the ticket price exceeds $700.
- Airline Credit Cards: Use cards that offer rewards like free flights, early boarding, or lounge access. Many also provide perks like free checked bags and travel insurance.
- Track Expiring Points and Tickets: Stay organized to avoid forfeiting funds or rewards. Use apps or spreadsheets to monitor expiration dates and maximize your rewards.
Here’s me explaining flying miles with an example.
2. Master Airport Efficiency
Streamline Security and Border Control
- TSA PreCheck + CLEAR + Global Entry: These programs fast-track you through security and customs, saving hours of waiting time. Combining them ensures efficiency for both domestic and international travel.
- Nexus for International Travelers: Ideal for frequent cross-border trips, potentially bypassing the crazy zig-zag of hundreds of other passengers.
Pack Light and Smart
- Carry-On Only: Avoid checking bags whenever possible to save fees and prevent delays. Opt for a sturdy carry-on like TravelPro, popular among flight crews for its expandable design.
- Emergency Outfit: Always pack a rolled-up shirt and pants in your carry-on for unexpected delays or lost luggage. This ensures you’re always prepared for business meetings or other important events.
3. Leverage Airline Perks
Maximize Lounge Access
- Priority Pass Membership: Many credit cards offer free lounge access, which includes meals, showers, and quiet workspaces. These amenities can make long layovers feel luxurious.
- Admiral’s Club: Use this space for business meetings or relaxing layovers when flying American Airlines. The club’s conference rooms, Wi-Fi, and refreshments make it a productive haven.
Flexible Flight Changes
- Book refundable or changeable tickets to keep your options open. Flexibility is key to adapting to unexpected changes in your schedule.
- Southwest Airlines allows free changes or cancellations, making it perfect for unpredictable schedules. This is particularly helpful for business travelers.
4. Airfare Hacks: Back-to-Back Tickets, Saturday Stays, and International Tips
Book Smarter
- Combine or “back-to-back” round-trip tickets: Some people book overlapping round trips to save money by using certain outbound segments from one trip and the return segments from another.
- Saturday-night stay rule: Fares are often cheaper if they include a Saturday-night stay because airlines assume business travelers depart Monday–Friday.
International flights
- Consolidators often provide better deals on business and first-class fares. Look for these bulk ticket brokers to find significant savings, especially for premium international flights.
- Beware of “too good to be true” business-class offers (they might be using employee passes or miles from dubious sources).
5. Budget Airlines and Hidden Gems
Explore Budget Airlines
- Frontier’s GoWild Pass: Fly unlimited for $299/year on Frontier Airlines. This pass is perfect for spontaneous travelers who can take advantage of last-minute deals.
- Regional Alternatives: Consider smaller airlines for significant savings, especially in Europe (e.g., Ryanair, EasyJet). These carriers often have hidden deals that larger airlines can’t match.
Use Alternative Airports
- Check nearby airports for cheaper fares (e.g., John Wayne or Burbank instead of LAX). These smaller airports often have shorter security lines and cheaper parking.
- Fly into major hubs and connect regionally to save money. For example, flying to London Gatwick instead of Heathrow can significantly reduce costs.
6. Stay Productive During Travel
Work Anywhere
- Use YouTube Premium to pre-download videos or catch up on tasks offline. This is a lifesaver for flights without Wi-Fi.
- Turn airport lounges into temporary offices with free Wi-Fi and amenities. Many lounges even offer private workspaces for uninterrupted productivity.
Plan Smart Layovers
- Utilize long layovers to explore the city or catch up on work in lounges. This makes layovers feel less like wasted time and more like an opportunity.
- Keep a checklist of items to access quickly during transit, like chargers, snacks, or important documents. Being organized reduces stress during hectic travel moments.
Your Journey Made Effortless
Traveling doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With these hacks, you can save money, stay comfortable, and even enjoy unexpected perks. By leveraging airline loyalty programs, maximizing lounge access, and packing smarter, you’ll always stay ahead of the game.
Ready to make your next trip seamless and cost-effective? Bookmark this checklist and share it with fellow travelers. Bon voyage!
