Frequent Flyers Share Their Favorite Airplane Hacks of 2024
For world travelers, the Mobile Passport App
“Getting through customs sucks: The lines are always long and move so slowly,” says Scott Morrison, who runs the website Scott’s Treks, which focuses on solo travel. While Global Entry is great, it costs extra. So Morrison does the next-best thing: He downloads the Mobile Passport app, which allows you to fill out your customs form in advance. “All you have to do is show the customs agent a QR code on your phone and you’re done,” he says. “Mobile Passport users have their own dedicated lines off to the side, and they are always empty.” It’s why biometric passports are rising in popularity. The last time Morrison returned from London, there was one person waiting in front of him in the Mobile Passport line at LAX, and it took him two minutes to wait in line and clear customs. Here are some more pre-screens that will speed you through security.
Frequent fliers may also enjoy Frontier’s unlimited flight pass—unlimited flights at an affordable rate.
Buy a multi-stop ticket—but don’t use all the stops
In order to secure less expensive airfare on a one-way ticket, buy a ticket that connects through your high-cost destination, like New York, into a low-cost destination like Columbus, Ohio, says Lee McMillan, founder and CEO of PeakSeason. “Then, just get off the plane in New York, and don’t take the leg to Columbus,” McMillan says. “Oftentimes, even though it is two flights, the airline algorithms will price the direct flight into the high-cost destination more expensively than a connecting flight through that exact same destination into a lower cost airport, saving you hundreds of dollars.” In that case, you’ll need to take everything with you on the plane.
Use packing cubes
Even the best luggage sets could use some extra help when it comes to packing efficiently. Packing cubes help organize your suitcase and compress clothing so you can fit more into it, says frequent flier Heather Wilson, managing director and head of the west coast office for SKDKnickerbocker. “Also, once I get to my hotel, I keep anything that won’t get wrinkled in the cubes so I never accidentally forget something when I check out,” she says. Here are some more packing tips to memorize before your next trip.
Bonus: Travel smart and check out this duffel bag with garment rack—you’ll never find yourself short on closet space again.
