23 Flying Hacks to Save Money, Time, and Stress on Your Next Trip

Traveling by air can be a hassle, but with the right strategies, you can make it smoother, cheaper, and more comfortable. After 16 years of traveling and learning the hard way, I’ve compiled 23 flying hacks that I actually use. From scoring the best flight deals to staying comfortable in the air, these tips will transform your travel experience. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, there’s something here for you.

Finding the Best Flight Deals

1. Start with Google Flights: Forget third-party booking sites with poor customer service or calling airlines with extra fees. The fastest way to find great flight deals is by using Google Flights. Enter your travel details, compare options, and then book directly on the airline’s website for the best price and support.

2. Search Multiple Airports: If you’re near several airports (e.g., JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, or Philadelphia in New York), include them all in your Google Flights search. You might find cheaper flights from a nearby airport, like Oakland instead of SFO in the San Francisco Bay Area.

3. Use Google Explore for Flexibility:Don’t know your exact destination? Use Google Flights’ Explore tool. Input your departure airport(s) and a broad destination like “Europe” to see a range of flight deals across multiple cities.

4. Set Price Alerts: Flight prices fluctuate unpredictably. Set price alerts on Google Flights to get notified when prices drop for your desired route. There’s no “cheapest day” to book, so these alerts are crucial.

5. Leverage the 24-Hour Refund Rule: In the U.S., you can cancel a flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund (as long as it’s more than 7 days before departure). Many international airlines follow this rule too. If the price drops after booking, cancel and rebook to save.

6. Consider Award Flights: Tools like Daily Drop Pro or Point. Make it easy for me to find award flight deals using points or miles. Sometimes, buying points is cheaper than paying cash for a ticket.

7. Use Expert Flyer for Premium Seats: For business class upgrades or limited award flights, Expert Flyer (a paid service) sends alerts when premium seats become available due to cancellations.

Preparing for Your Flight

1. Pack a Change of Clothes in Your Personal Item: Always carry a spare outfit in your personal item, even if you’re checking a bag. Full flights might force you to gate-check your carry-on, and lost luggage can leave you stranded without fresh clothes.

2. Keep Valuables with You: Tech, books, or other essentials should stay in your personal item to avoid loss or damage if your checked bag goes missing.

3. Roll Clothes and Use Packing Cubes:Rolling your clothes and storing them in packing cubes saves space and keeps them wrinkle-free. This simple hack maximizes your luggage space and keeps things organized.

4. Bring a Dirty Laundry Bag: Prevent clean and dirty clothes from mixing by packing a dedicated laundry bag. This keeps your packing cubes tidy throughout your trip.

5. Check Baggage Rules: Baggage size and weight limits vary by airline. Always review the airline’s baggage policy when booking to avoid costly fees for oversized or overweight bags.

6. Choose the Right Luggage:A reliable carry-on like the Level 8 Roadrunner Pro 20-inch is a game-changer. Made from durable German polycarbonate, it’s lightweight, has smooth wheels, a TSA lock, and a USB port for charging (with your own power bank). Its front laptop sleeve fits most laptops, and the lifetime warranty covers the shell, wheels, handles, and zippers.

At the Airport

1. Download the Airline’s App: Most airlines communicate delays or cancellations via their app. Stay ahead by downloading it before your trip.

2. Track Flights with FlightRadar24: This app lets you monitor your flight in real-time, often alerting you to delays or cancellations before the airline does. Act quickly to rebook or explore other options.

3. Know Your Terminal: Large airports have multiple terminals, sometimes far apart. Check your flight’s terminal in advance to avoid wasting time (or missing out on lounge access, like I did in Taiwan).

4. Send Your Main Bag Through Security First: Place your main bag on the security scanner first so it’s the first out, making it easier to repack your belongings quickly.

5. Use a Plastic Bag for Liquids: A small plastic bag for liquids speeds up security screening and protects your bag from leaks caused by cabin pressure. In some European airports, this is mandatory.

6. Visit an Airport Lounge: Access lounges via credit card status, business class tickets, or a day pass. They offer clean bathrooms, a calm environment, and free water bottle refills to stay hydrated.

In-Flight Comfort

1. Choose the Right Seat with Aerolopa:Use Aerolopa to view detailed seat maps for your aircraft. Look for seats with extra legroom, fewer row mates, or distance from bathrooms. For couples, prioritize rows with two seats or book window and middle (or middle and aisle, if you’re feeling lucky).

2. Avoid Non-Reclining Exit Rows: The first exit row often doesn’t recline due to emergency access rules, but the second row usually does. Check the seat map carefully.

3. Prepare for Kids: If traveling with children, most airlines (and U.S. law) ensure you sit together for free. If avoiding kids, steer clear of bassinet areas and check seating charts for child placements. Bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones just in case.

4. Layer Up and Stay Hydrated: Cabin temperatures vary, so wear breathable layers like a hoodie. Keep your refillable water bottle handy to combat dry cabin air.

Final Thoughts

These 23 hacks can save you money, time, and stress on your next flight. From finding the best deals with Google Flights to packing smart and mastering airport logistics, you’re now equipped to travel better. If you found these tips helpful, share them with a friend or drop your own favorite flying hack in the comments below!

This article was originally published on my website.