21 Travel Hacks for Flying: Flight Hacks to Save Time, Money + Hassle

by Global Viewpoint
Best Travel Hacks for Flying
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Are you tired of scouring the internet for hours on end trying to find the best deals on flights? Do you feel like you’re always missing out on the latest flight hacks and insider tips that could save you money and make your travel experience more enjoyable? Well, fear not, because we’ve got you covered with the best flying hacks in 2023!

From booking flights to long lines at the airport, the whole process of flying can be stressful and uncomfortable. It can also be quite expensive. Thankfully, there are many effective ways to overcome our flight woes. This is called flight hacking, or travel hacking for flying.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to share with you some of the most important flying hacks that you need to know about. This includes how to save money, avoid extra fees, and make your flying experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. From finding the best days and times to book your flights, to utilizing secret airline booking codes, to packing your bags like a pro, we’ve got all the insider info you need to make the most of your travels.

Looking for tips to discover cheap airfare? Hoping to make the process more relaxed and efficient? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here are 21 travel hacks for flying that will save you time, money, and hassle.

Sit back and enjoy the flight!

Travel hacks for flying pinterest image
This article on the best airplane hacks contains affiliate links, where I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Sign up for Going’s free flight deals

In my 6 years of travel blogging, I’ve visited over 50 countries… I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). They offer some of the cheapest flight deals imaginable and the best part? It’s FREE to use!

In 2022 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts – including most recently, a $257 roundtrip fare from Boston to Italy. On average, I save at least $400 roundtrip on transatlantic flights and $200 on domestic ones. So I couldn’t recommend them more!

All you have to do is (1) enter your home airport and (2) where you want to go, and the Scott’s Team will send mistake fares and ridiculously cheap flight deals to your inbox. In addition to the free version, they also have a premium and elite version, which notify you of amazing deals for premium economy, business class, and first class flights. However, if you’re someone who doesn’t travel all that much, the free membership has everything you’ll need.

2. Set up price alerts on your phone or desktop

Good things come to those who wait.

If you’re like me and have a bucket list that’s a mile long, you should set up price alerts to discover the best flight deals to your dream destinations. Prices fluctuate all the time, so it’s impossible to keep tabs on them. As such, you should let an app or your good friend, Google, do this for you.

There are plenty of great travel apps out there that you can use for cheap flight alerts. I typically use Google Flights, Hopper, and Kayak. Below are some step-by-step guides to set up price alerts with Google Flights and Hopper.


 
 
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(If you’re already a flight alert pro, feel free to skip down to travel hack #2!)

How to set up price alerts with Google Flights:

Step 1: Select your departure airport, destination, dates, and other travel information (i.e. number of passengers).

Step 2: Click the “Track Prices” toggle. This will allow Google to automatically track the flight prices.

One of the best travel hacks is using Google Flights for price alerts

Step 3: A pop-up will appear on your screen. Select the “View all” button.

Google Flights price alerts are very important to save money

Step 4: A graph will appear showing the historical flight prices for your selected route. Select the “Email notifications” toggle in the top right corner. If you’re not already signed into your Gmail account, you will be prompted to do so.

Google Flights is a great way to save money on airfare and track the prices for flying.

Step 5: Check your email. You’ll receive notifications each time the price goes down. At the bottom of the email, you’ll have the option to unsubscribe from receiving these alerts.

Bottom Line: Google Flights is a simple and convenient tool to begin your quest for cheap flight deals. For more sophisticated capabilities and analytics for your flight alerts, I recommend using Hopper.

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How to set up price alerts with Hopper:

(Note: Hopper is not available on desktop or the web, so you’ll have to download the app to use it).

Step 1: Enter your desired flight information (destination, dates, etc.). At the bottom of the screen, you’ll also have the option to select the “See Flex Dates” button. This will show you the best deals within a few weeks of your specified dates. (pic)

One of the best travel hacks for flying is using Hopper price alerts

After submitting the information above, you’ll see a bunny hopping across the screen. This bunny means business!

Hopper price alerts are a great way to save money on flights

Step 2: When you get to the next screen, see what actions the bunny suggests. Hopper provides insightful recommendations and predictions (should you buy now or later?) based on historical prices and trends. I’ve found these predictions to be pretty accurate, but they are only predictions.

Hopper Price alerts are very insightful and accurate
Hopper Price Predictions and Recommendations are very helpful for saving money on flights

Step 3: If you would rather wait to purchase the airline tickets until the price comes down, you should click the “Watch This Trip” button. You’ll then receive push notifications when the prices go down.

Hopper is one of the best travel hacks for flying - novice and seasoned travelers

Bottom line: Hopper is very interactive and user friendly. Based on my experiences using the app, the recommendations have been spot on. For these reasons, I prefer Hopper’s price alerts over those of Google Flights and Kayak.

3. Top Flight Booking Hacks: Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesday, or Saturdays

Looking to save some serious cash on airfare? This is one of the top flying hacks you should consider.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are not only less busy at airports, they also are cheaper days for flying. The other four days of the week have inflated prices due to business travel (Monday and Friday) and weekend leisure travel (Thursday, Friday and Sunday).

If you have the flexibility, it definitely pays to look for mid-week and mid-weekend flights. You’ll quickly see why this is one of the best airline ticket hacks.

Looking for flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays is a booking flight hack that saves money.
Looking for flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays is a booking flight hack that saves money.

4. Be flexible with your dates and destinations

Why be flexible with your dates?

This travel hack for flying is pretty straightforward: the more flexible you are with your flights, the more money you’ll save.

During my recent trip to Colombia, I saved $250 by flying out a day later than I desired. In the past year alone, I’ve saved thousands of dollars by being flexible with my departure and return flights.

Rather than having to type in different dates over and over again, sites like Skyscanner and Kayak do all the leg work for you. The Skyscanner screenshot below shows how you can filter on the best deals during a given month.

Skyscanner has a "Select Whole Month" option that gives you the best flight deals by month.

Sometimes, flexibility with flight dates isn’t possible. If you only have a tight window to play with, try to be flexible with your destinations instead. There are so many beautiful places in the world, so I’m sure you’ll find something while playing flight “roulette”!

Why be flexible with your destinations?

If you have a long bucket list, there’s no need to book a trip somewhere right now if the flight prices are through the roof. Instead of going to London or Paris in July, perhaps consider September or next May. In the meantime, explore one of Europe’s lesser known cities in July, instead.

Using platforms like Skyscanner and Kayak, you can filter on the best flight deals in the world…anytime, anywhere. Skyscanner’s “Explore Everywhere” and “Best Deals by Month” options work wonders. As a cost-conscious traveler, I’ve found that these features have led me to some of the coolest and most unexpected places.

Skyscanner's flexible features are an excellent way to save money on flying.

Roundtrip fares to Spain for $216? Not bad!

Skyscanner's Everywhere feature is an awesome travel hack that helps you save money on flying.

During one of my recent Europe trips, I used these features to find $15-40 fares for each leg of my journey. This led me to places like Valletta, Malta, and Krakow, Poland which weren’t initially on my radar. Now, they sure are!

Using Skyscanner’s flexible searches is kind of like playing a game of roulette (but better!). As long as you’re flexible with your preferences, you’ll find the cheapest flights to anywhere in the world. So pack your bags and get to it!

5. Know the secret airline booking codes

Did you know that airlines use secret codes to offer special discounts and promotions to their customers? These codes, known as airline booking codes or fare codes, are often hidden from the public and can only be accessed by those in the know.

But don’t worry, we’re here to spill the beans on some of the most common airline booking codes that you can use to save money on your flights. Note that they mainly apply to US airlines, so you’re unlikely to find them on international airlines.

It’s always worth trying these airplane hacks

First up, we have the “YUPP” code (also known as QUPP, Y-UP and Q-UP). This code is used by airlines to offer last-minute upgrades to their customers. If you’re willing to pay a little extra, you can upgrade to a business or first-class seat at a fraction of the normal cost. Ask a travel agent if there are any Y-UP fares available when you book a flight, or use a first-class fare finder. Or call the airline directly!

Next, we have the “Q” code. This code is used to offer discounted tickets to students, teachers, and other educational professionals. So if you’re a student or work in education, be sure to ask about the “Q” code when booking your flight.

Finally, we have the “L” code. This code is used to offer discounted tickets to military personnel and their families. If you’re in the military, be sure to ask about the “L” code when booking your flight to take advantage of these special discounts.

By knowing these secret airline booking codes, you can save money on your flights and even upgrade to a better seat or class. So the next time you’re booking a flight, be sure to ask about these codes and see how much you can save!

Using these special codes is one of the best airlines hacks in 2023
Using these special codes is one of the best airlines hacks in 2023

6. Turn on ‘private browsing’ mode or clear your cookies

This may come as a surprise to you (it certainly did for me). Airlines and travel websites use cookies to track your search history and then show you higher prices. This tactic encourages impulse buying for users who have viewed similar flights before.

Since 2014, I’ve witnessed several instances of this dirty trick while browsing flights with friends. I’ve experienced this in both the US and Europe, so it seems to be a widely adopted practice.

To ensure that you pay the lowest possible price on your flights, you’ll want to adhere to the following travel hack for flying:

The best way to avoid paying higher prices, clear your cookies or open a private browser. In my opinion, turning on “Incognito Mode” once is better than having to clear your cookies after every search. Below are a few screenshots of how to access this mode on Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox:

Google Chrome

Click the three-dotted icon in the top-right corner of the browser. Select “New incognito window.”

Deleting cookies or using a private browser is one of the best travel hacks for saving money on flying

Internet Explorer: Click the three-dotted icon in the top-right corner of the browser. Select “New InPrivate window.”

Internet Explorer InPrivate window screenshot

Mozilla Firefox: Click the three-dotted icon in the top-right corner of the browser. Select “New Private Window.”

Mozilla Firefox New Private Window for getting the best flight deals

As I was writing this article, I decided to check if this was still a thing. I searched for flights from Boston to San Francisco (May 7-14) on a regular browser versus a private one, and look what I found…

All filters and parameters the same, the incognito browser was $60 cheaper!! This travel hack for flying is such a great money saver. See below:

Regular browser: Cheapest fare – $576

Regular browser screenshot of cheapest flight price

Incognito browser: Cheapest fare – $516

One of the best travel hacks is using incognito mode to get the best deals for flying

Unbelievable, right? I was really hoping this wouldn’t happen, as I’d like to think that it’s all just a coincidence. Usually it’s only a few dollars off, not $60…Wow!

Moral of the story: before pulling the trigger when booking your next flight, be sure to turn on private browsing. This quick travel hack could save you some serious cash.

7. Avoid extra fees and charges

Let’s face it, airlines are notorious for charging extra fees and hidden costs that can quickly add up and make your flight more expensive than you expected. But fear not, because we’re here to help you avoid those extra charges and save some money in the process.

Read the fine print

First and foremost, make sure you read the fine print before booking your flight. Look for any extra charges, such as baggage fees, seat selection fees, or in-flight entertainment charges. By knowing what to expect ahead of time, you can plan accordingly and avoid any surprises when it comes time to pay.

Airline hack: pack light

Another way to avoid extra fees is to pack light. Many airlines charge for checked baggage, so if you can fit everything you need into a carry-on bag, you can save some serious cash. And if you do need to check a bag, be sure to weigh it beforehand to avoid any overweight baggage fees.

Bring your own food

When it comes to in-flight meals and drinks, bring your own snacks and drinks to save money. Many airlines charge for food and beverages, and the prices can be quite steep. By bringing your own snacks and drinks, you can avoid those extra charges and stay satisfied throughout your flight.

Lastly, if you need to make changes to your flight, such as changing your seat or flight time, try to do so as soon as possible. Some airlines charge extra fees for changes made closer to the departure date, so by making changes early, you can avoid those extra charges.

By following these tips, you can avoid those extra fees and charges and save some money on your next flight. So pack light, bring your own snacks, and make changes early to keep your flight costs down and your wallet happy.

Be very intentional about the travel gear you pack
Be very intentional about the travel gear you pack

8. Consider flying through alternate airports

Some cities have more than one major airport. London, for example, has five airports: Gatwick, Heathrow, London City, London Luton, and Stansted. New York City has three major airports within reach of its 8+ million people: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Whenever you’re traveling to or from a place with multiple airports, it’s important to carefully weigh all your options. This could take a little extra time, but it will definitely save you money.

The pros and cons of flying through alternate airports

When deciding which airport to fly into, one should consider the trade-off between cost and convenience.

If you’re trying to find the best possible deals on your flights, you should always search for the city rather than the specific airport. Most airline websites give you both options. So if you’re from New York City, for example, you have the ability to set “JFK” or “NYC” in the ‘departure’ field. If convenience is more important to you than price, it may be best to focus your searches on specific airports.

Double check the airport when flying to Paris

One city where most travelers will likely err on the side of convenience is Paris. The city has four airports, but I’m going to touch upon two of them: Charles de Gaulle (the main airport) and Paris Beauvais Airport (the hub for budget airlines).

Though the airfare prices are typically cheaper at Paris Beauvais, it’s important to note that it’s located 54 miles outside of Paris. This equates to a 1.5-hour bus ride that costs €17 to get into the city center. With traffic, it’s taken me over 2.5 hours to get into Paris. Not fun, particularly when you’re crunched for time. Charles de Gaulle, on the other hand, is only about 15 miles outside the city and is conveniently connected by rail for €9. I always consider the price of ground transportation along with the flight costs before booking.

Convenience beats price when you're flying from Paris

London is another city with a trade off between cost and convenience

Another city that provides a good example of this trade-off is London. It’s generally much cheaper to fly through Gatwick than Heathrow, but it’ll cost you more time and money to get into the city. From Heathrow, you can hop directly on the Tube to get to the center of London, whereas from Gatwick, you’ll need to pay more for a train ticket.

There are definitely some circumstances when time and convenience beat price.

Flight hacks to consider: Flying into the cheapest London airport.
Flight hacks to consider: Flying into the cheapest London airport.

Flying into nearby airports outside your intended city

In densely populated regions, you’ll find that flying into another city altogether could make sense if the price is right. For instance, I’ve found much cheaper airfare flying through Orlando than Tampa (which are only 1.5 hours apart by car). If you’d like to save a few bucks and don’t mind veering a little off course, then flying through another airport in the region is a great option.  

The general rule of thumb here is to always do your homework when deciding which airport to fly into. There’s a lot of options out there, so be sure to browse fares to nearby airports with sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak.

Other key considerations for choosing the right airport

I’m all for flying into secondary airports, but there are situations when it makes more sense to fly into the more convenient ones. Budget airlines are enticing with their low ticket prices, but you should also consider the ancillary costs associated with flying during off-peak hours. For example, if the airport has limited public transportation options for an early morning flight, you may need to catch an expensive taxi or stay at an airport hotel.

Whichever option you choose during this stage of the flight process, make sure you feel comfortable with the price-convenience trade-off.

9. One of the easiest travel hacks for flying: Compare flight prices with Momondo

While there are some great flight aggregator websites out there, don’t skip over the smaller online travel agencies (OTA’s). Momondo is a top metasearch engine out there, allowing you to discover lower prices that you won’t find on other sites. Is this a top travel hack for flying? It sure is!

Using Momondo to check flight prices is among the best flight hacks in 2022.
Using Momondo to check flight prices is among the best flight hacks in 2023.

10. Traveling in twos? Choose your seats wisely!

Seat selection is a bit of a strategy game, particularly when you’re traveling in pairs. There are really three things that are most important to travelers: leg room, personal space, and restroom access. To make the best possible seating decision, you’ll want to first understand the seating configuration of your plane. Three standard layouts that you’ll typically encounter are 3-3, 3-3-3, and 3-4-3.

Here’s where to sit if you’re traveling in twos:

3-3 Plane Layout

If you anticipate that the plane won’t be full, it’s a good idea to book a window and an aisle seat. Who in their right mind would want to be sandwiched between two strangers when there are plenty of other seats to choose from? If you’re traveling during low-season or on a route that has numerous flights per day, you’ll likely be in luck with this trick. If, for whatever reason, someone decides to pick that middle seat (or the airline auto-assigns it), it should be pretty easy to switch. After all, who wouldn’t trade a middle seat for an aisle or window seat?

Choosing your seats wisely is one of the best travel hacks for flying. This is an airplane cabin with 3-3 seat configuration.
Booking flight hacks are a game changer.

3-3-3 and 3-4-3 Plane Layouts

When I’m traveling in twos on larger planes, my first pick is always the middle set of seats. As long as you’ve selected a seat next to your companion, you won’t have to pester (or be pestered by) a stranger when somebody has to use the restroom. If the person between you and the bathroom is snoring, I’d rather hop over my friend/family member than someone I don’t know. Sitting in the middle set of seats on a 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 plane will help you avoid this altogether.

If the middle row is already occupied during the seat selection process, don’t fret! You’re best bet is to follow the advice described above for 3-3 planes, and hoping that the plane isn’t overbooked! Even if it is, I’m sure the person who snagged the middle seat will gladly switch for an aisle.

Be sure to heed this advice, especially on a long haul flight with a budget airline. There’s truly nothing worse than having a bad seat on a long flight…

11. Choose the right travel credit card

If you’re a frequent flyer, it may be a good idea to get a travel rewards credit card.

Before going down the rabbit hole of choosing the right travel credit card, you should first ask yourself these two questions:

– How often do I travel?

– How much am I willing to dish out on annual fees?

Having a travel rewards credit card is one of the most effective travel hacks for flying
Having a travel rewards credit card is one of the best hacks for saving money on flying.

Generally speaking, the more you travel, the more you can justify paying for a card with higher annual fees. Premium cards give you many perks, including access to airport lounges (free food and drinks, anyone?) and credits on incidentals (i.e. free checked luggage). Sometimes, credit card companies will offer promotions to waive the first year’s fee. If you don’t want to pay annual fees, there are plenty of basis cards where you’ll get extra points on travel and dining expenses.

Top flight booking hacks involve having a travel credit

I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, which offers no foreign transaction fees, 5x points on flights, 3x points on travel and dining, and an additional 50% value when using points to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises. If you sign up using this unique promo code, you’ll get 60,000 points ($900 in value!).

American Express also offers a few great travel rewards credit cards. However, they carry high annual fees (the good ones start at $250 a year). If you travel frequently enough, Amex is the gold standard. I have the AMEX Platinum card, which has allowed me to take my airfare hacks to a whole new level.

I wouldn’t recommend getting an airline-specific credit card unless you’re a die-hard fan of that airline who refuses to fly with any others. Especially if you fly internationally, you don’t want to limit yourself to one airline.

There are many great travel rewards credit cards out there, so be sure to do some research and find one that best fits your needs!

In addition to travel rewards credit cards, you should also sign up for frequent flyer programs. This is one of the top ways travelers like myself can afford to do it so much!

12. Plane hack for frequent travelers: Get priority boarding if you have carry-ons

Have you ever been forced to gate check your carry-on luggage? Or even worse: have you had to pay extra for an oversized carry-on or personal item? Airlines are doing this more and more (and not just budget airlines). If you’re one of the last passengers to board and the overhead bins are full, you may find yourself in this situation.

To avoid the inconvenience, it pays to get priority boarding. There are two ways to do this: pay an extra $10-20 on the base airfare or get the airline’s co-branded credit card.

With priority boarding, you will be one of the first to board the aircraft. You’ll also likely have a better seat on the plane than with standard economy. In addition, this would prevent you from having to gate check your carry-on. So, you won’t have to wait in baggage claim for your carry-on to arrive. Is this one of the best flying hacks? 100%!

These air travel hacks will save you lots of hassle when jetsetting across the globe.
These air travel hacks will save you lots of hassle when jetsetting across the globe.

13. Just an hour of free airport Wi-Fi? Double it!

That moment when you run out of you free airport Wi-Fi. The worst feeling in the world!

Thankfully, there’s a clever way to extend your 30 minutes or hour of free Wi-Fi. This is one of the best-kept secrets, so here’s your reward you for making it all the way down to travel hack #7:


To extend your free airport Wi-Fi, you’ll want to roll back the clock on your device. By turning your timezone back an hour, you’ll be able to double the amount of time the system allows you to use it. This travel hack has worked for me at every airport I’ve tried it. However, as technology continues to improve, I’m sure they’ll find a way to close this loophole.

This is definitely one of the best airport hacks out there.

Saving money on airport wifi is an awesome travel hack for flying
One of the best-kept secrets among travel hacks enthusiasts: Doubling your limited, free airport Wi-Fi.

14. Calm your airport nerves with the MyTSA app

If you’re nervous about what time to arrive at the airport, you’ll find a comforting friend in the MyTSA app. This is a valuable resource provided by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This free app contains the following information:

– Estimated wait times at airport security checkpoints.

– 24/7 access to key security information (i.e. contact information and live assistance).

– Guidance on permitted and prohibited luggage items.

– Airport or weather delays that may affect your flight.

If you’re anxious about the security wait time or curious about what’s allowed in your luggage, MyTSA is a great resource that will answer most of your questions. Additionally, another way to help make the airport security process a breeze is having TSA PreCheck. I have much more information on this in my other article: 33 things to do before a flight.

MyTSA is a very useful app and one of the best travel hacks for flying

15. Invest in a portable battery charger

In pretty much every airport, the competition for outlets is fierce. I’ve wasted so much precious time trying to weasel my way into a seat with a charging station. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you won’t find one.

To mitigate the possibility of having a dead phone or laptop, you should definitely consider buying a portable battery charger. This travel hack for flying will definitely come in handy, especially if you have a phone with minimal battery life like me. I use my external battery charger at the airport, on the road, and basically everywhere else. It’s honestly a life saver.

Here’s the portable battery charger I own, which is one of the best in the market:

I use the Anker portable battery to charge my phone, iPad, and camera batteries. It works for years (unlike cheaper brands), and has an amazing battery life. It’s relatively light and indestructible (I’ve accidentally dropped it a few times, and it’s still as good as new).

Depending on how much battery life you need, there are plenty of portable charger between $10 and $50. It’s definitely a worthwhile investment.

16. Don’t pay for water. Instead, bring an empty water bottle through security

I bring reusable water bottles with me wherever I go. This is a huge cost saver at airports, which charge rip-off prices for water.

Though you’re not allowed to bring large liquid containers through security, you can carry empty water bottles without an issue. Most airports these days have filtered water fountains, so you can easily refill on the other side of security. Remember: drinking lots of water and staying hydrated is a great way to beat jet lag.

17. Ask for “no ice” when you order drinks on a plane

There are a couple of compelling reasons why you shouldn’t get ice with your drink. First of all, ice takes away from the actual drink in your tiny cup. And most of the time, these beverages are stored in a cool place any way, so having ice won’t make much of a difference.

On a more serious note, you shouldn’t get ice with your drink on planes for sanitary reasons. The ice is typically stored in a tray with a scoop that’s laden with bacteria and made from the plane’s supply of tap water (not filtered water). There’s plenty of literature about this online corroborated by passengers, flight attendants, and independent research studies. They seem to indicate that ice on planes doesn’t have a reputation for being sanitary.

These airline travel hacks are good for your health.
These airline travel hacks are good for your health.

18. Travel hack flights by using the 24 hour rule

The 24-hour flight rule is a travel hack for flying that many travelers overlook.

According to U.S. law, airlines must allow passengers to make free changes or cancellations within 24 hours of making a purchase. This means you can lock in flights at a certain price even if you have the intention to cancel it. If the flight price goes down in the next 24 hours, you can cancel the purchase. However, if the flight price goes up, you can keep it. This flight ticket hack will help you find a good deal without letting it slip away.

This rule applies to all airlines operating to, from, and within the United States. Many other countries have a similar rule in place to protect airline customers. What more could you want in one of the top plane hacks?

Flight hacking is made simple with the 24 hour rule.
Flight hacking is made simple with the 24 hour rule.

19. Get the Mobile Passport app if you’re a US or Canadian Citizen

Taking an international flight back home? For US and Canadian citizens, Mobile Passport is a convenient app that alleviates the hassle of entering the United States.

This app lets you to breeze through Customs at 25 airports and 3 cruise port terminals. All you have to do is enter your passport and trip info, and then you’re good to go.

Using Mobile Passport, you won’t have to pester fellow flight passengers to borrow a pen. Where on Earth has this app been all my life?

Using Mobile Passport is one of the best travel hacks for flying

Here’s what the “New Declaration” screen looks like. This information is required when you enter the U.S. Mobile Passport is a much better alternative to filling out paper forms.

Mobile Passport helps you to skip the lines at Customs and Immigratin at US airports

20. Top air travel hack: Bring a power strip to the airport

Not only are power strips good to have in hotel rooms (where outlets are scarce). They are also useful to have while you’re at the airport.

Have you ever been in a situation where you’re sitting at the gate and can’t find any available chargers? Instead of admitting defeat and letting your phone battery dwindle, ask someone who’s already plugged in if you can plug in your extension cord. That way, both of you can charge your devices in. Win win!

If you’re looking for one of the best airplane travel hacks, this is it!

Flight hacking made easy
Flight hacking made easy

21. Exercise before heading to the airport

If you have an early morning flight, this may not be possible. However, even walking around the terminal right before your flight can make a huge difference on your energy level and mood.

Exercising gets your endorphins flowing, which can counteract the negative feelings you may have about going to the airport and flying. It’s also excellent for your immune system, and may help you to fall asleep faster on the flight. Do stretching, calisthenics, or a combination of the two while you’re in the airport. You won’t regret it!

Read also: Top Travel Workout Equipment in 2023

One of the best travel hacks for flying is getting exercise before your flight. This has a wonderful impact on your mood
One of the best travel hacks for flying is getting exercise before your flight. This will have a wonderful impact on your mood.

If you heed the advice in travel hack #5 above, you’ll have an aisle seat to walk around and stretch during your flight.

The most obvious travel hacks for flying

In addition to the tips and tricks above, the most important way to save money on air travel is by choosing a budget airline. They aren’t often the most convenient, nor do they service the best connecting flight airports, but they sure are cheap! Here are the top budget airlines out there where you’re likely to find a flight deal:

Norwegian Airlines: A low-cost carrier that I typically take to get to Europe from the US.

RyanAir: One of the most well-known budget airlines that services Europe. The service isn’t great, but it’s cheap.

EasyJet: Another cheap, no-frills European airline. Be sure to double and triple check their baggage weight requirements!

Southwest Airlines: A low-cost carrier in the US.

Spirit Airlines: Hands down the cheapest budget airline in the US. There are absolutely no frills – you get what you pay for!

Booking a flight with RyanAir is one of the best flying hacks of all time.
Booking a flight with RyanAir is one of the best flying hacks of all time.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on flights hacks right now

Here are some popular questions and answers about the best airplane hacks and tricks in 2023.

What is the incognito hack for flights?

The incognito hack for flights is a sneaky little trick that involves using your browser’s incognito or private mode when searching for flights. By doing so, you can avoid being tracked by airlines and travel websites, which can sometimes lead to higher prices. So if you’re looking for a cheap flight, give incognito mode a try and see if it helps you snag a better deal!

How to fly cheap hacks?

If you’re looking to fly cheap, here are a few hacks to help you save some serious cash:

  1. Be flexible with your travel dates and try to book during off-peak times.
  2. Use flight comparison websites to find the best deals on flights.
  3. Sign up for rewards programs and loyalty programs to earn points and miles that you can use towards future flights.
  4. Pack light to avoid extra baggage fees.
  5. Bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid in-flight food and beverage charges.
  6. Book your flights early and try to be flexible with your itinerary.

By following these simple hacks, you can fly for less and keep more money in your pocket for your next adventure!

What is hidden city airline trick?

The hidden city airline trick is a sneaky way to save money on flights. It involves booking a flight with a layover in your final destination, and then getting off at the layover instead of continuing on to the final destination. This works because sometimes airlines price flights to smaller, less popular cities at a lower rate than flights to major destinations. However, this trick comes with some risks, such as the possibility of losing your luggage if it’s checked through to the final destination or getting in trouble with the airline.

What is a ghost flight booking?

A ghost flight booking, also known as a fake flight booking, is a sneaky way to obtain a visa or meet a visa requirement. It involves booking a flight that you have no intention of taking, simply to meet the visa requirement that you have a booked flight out of the country. While this may seem like a clever hack, it’s not recommended as it can lead to serious consequences, such as being denied entry into the country or even legal repercussions. So if you’re planning to travel abroad, it’s best to play it safe and book a flight that you actually plan on taking.

Plane hacks come in all shapes and sizes
Plane hacks come in all shapes and sizes

How to cheat flight prices?

I cannot endorse any illegal or unethical activity. However, there are legitimate ways to save money on flights, such as booking during off-peak times, using flight comparison websites, signing up for rewards and loyalty programs, and being flexible with your travel dates and destination. These airplane hacks can help you find the best deals and save money on your flights without resorting to illegal or unethical practices. Remember, honesty is the best policy when it comes to booking flights or any other aspect of travel.

How do hacker fares work?

Hacker fares are a clever way to save money on flights by booking two one-way tickets on different airlines, instead of a round-trip ticket. For example, you could book a one-way ticket from A to B on one airline, and then book a one-way ticket from B to A on a different airline. This can sometimes be cheaper than booking a round-trip ticket on one airline, especially if you’re traveling to a destination that doesn’t have a lot of direct flights. However, it’s important to note that hacker fares come with some risks, such as the possibility of flight delays or cancellations that could affect your entire itinerary. So if you’re feeling adventurous and looking to save some money, give hacker fares a try, but make sure to weigh the risks and benefits before booking.

Can flight prices go lower?

Flight prices are constantly fluctuating based on a variety of factors, such as demand, fuel costs, and airline competition. So, the short answer is yes, flight prices can go lower. In fact, airlines often offer last-minute deals or flash sales to fill empty seats, which can result in significant price drops. However, predicting when flight prices will drop or rise can be challenging, so it’s important to keep an eye on prices and be flexible with your travel plans. By doing so, you may be able to snag a great deal and save some serious cash on your next flight!

Are travel hacks worth it?

Absolutely! Travel hacks can be a game-changer when it comes to saving money, reducing stress, and making your travels more enjoyable. From using flight comparison websites and booking during off-peak times to packing light and signing up for rewards programs, there are plenty of travel hacks that can help you get the most out of your travels. Plus, many of these hacks are simple and easy to implement, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time or effort to see the benefits. So the next time you’re planning a trip, give some travel hacks a try and see how they can enhance your travel experience!

Is it smart to use a travel agent?

While it’s true that many people these days use travel comparison websites to book their flights, hotels, and rental cars, there are still some great reasons to consider using a travel agent. For example, a travel agent can offer personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific travel needs and preferences, and can often find you deals and discounts that you might not be able to find on your own. Plus, a travel agent can handle all the details of your trip, such as booking flights and accommodations, and can help you navigate any unexpected issues that may arise. So if you’re looking for a stress-free and personalized travel experience, it might be worth considering using a travel agent for your next trip.

These airline hacks will save you lots of money and effort
These airline hacks will save you lots of money and effort

How to fly airlines for free?

Flying for free might sound like a dream, but there are actually a few legitimate ways to do it.

One way is to sign up for rewards programs and loyalty programs offered by airlines and credit card companies.

By earning points and miles through these programs, you can often redeem them for free flights, upgrades, and other travel perks.

Another way to fly for free is to take advantage of travel credit card sign-up bonuses, which can offer a large number of points or miles that you can use towards free flights.

However, it’s important to note that earning enough points or miles to fly for free can take time and effort, and it’s important to use credit cards responsibly to avoid high interest rates and fees. So if you’re willing to put in the work and be strategic about your travel rewards, you can potentially fly for free and make your travel dreams a reality!

Best travel hacks for flying and other flight tips in 2023

I hope you find these travel hacks helpful for your next time flying! The purpose of this article was to highlight a mix of travel hacks that apply to novice travelers and trailblazers alike.

You may already be doing most of these things, but hopefully you learned a thing or two! Do you have any travel hacks that have saved you time, money, and hassle when flying? I’d love to hear them!

Oh ya, a few last things before you fly (this is your reward for reading until the end):

(1) Be sure to get a travel neck pillow. It’s a lifesaver, especially if you’re like me and suffer from neck and back pain on long haul flights!

(2) Sign up for error fares and other cheap flight fares using websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights.

(3) Subscribe to my blog for exclusive tips and tricks on traveling.

Happy Travels! -Jon

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