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| My tips to avoid a summer travel meltdown |
| by Brian Kelly |
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There’s a lot happening in the news right now that can affect your summer vacation — from the European Union’s new border control system, the rise of global oil prices (and potential fuel shortages), plus rising baggage fees. I want to share my tips on how you can prepare, so hopefully your summer trip goes off without a hitch.
Europe’s new border control system
Europe’s new border control process launched on April 10. The new digital Entry/Exit System tracks the travels of non-EU citizens, including Americans, to certain European countries using biometric data for stays of up to 90 days. However, it quickly began slowing down airport processes — causing long lines and missed flights.
Some airports have already paused the system, but there’s no guarantee it will be officially paused until after the busy summer travel season, so you need to plan ahead.
If you haven’t booked your flights yet, try to avoid connecting in the EU. But if you must connect, leave yourself plenty of time to clear immigration and transfer flights — three to four hours in some cases, or consider a VIP arrival service. If you haven’t booked yet, consider starting your trip in one location and ending in another. This could eliminate your need to connect. But when you go to depart, arrive at the airport much earlier than you normally might and head straight to security and passport control.
Baggage fees are rising
Another effect we have seen is airlines rushing to raise baggage fees amid rising jet fuel costs, making checked baggage more expensive than ever.
It started with JetBlue, which raised its baggage fees by 10%. United Airlines then followed, upping its fees by a whopping 30%. As expected, Delta Air Lines followed suit, increasing its baggage fees by $10 for the first and second bag, and a massive $50 for the third bag. Southwest even joined in — moving bag fees from $35 to $45 just a year after ending its famous “bags fly free” policy.
Finally, not to be left behind, American Airlines raised its baggage fees. But this airline took things a step further by not only raising baggage fees by $10 for the first and second bag, but also by an additional $5 for basic economy passengers. American Airlines is the first U.S. carrier to charge basic economy flyers a higher fee for checked baggage, but I don’t believe it’ll be the last.
As frustrating as price hikes can be, there’s an easy workaround for paying baggage fees. Here’s what I do to avoid paying them for myself and my entire family.
Get free checked bags
The simplest way to avoid baggage fees is to get an airline cobranded credit card. While not every cobranded card offers a free checked bag, a large majority do. Even better, you can get a free checked bag for yourself and, most often, several additional companions on your reservation.
And in some cases, you may not even have to pay an annual fee, at least for the first year. It can make a big difference, and pays for itself even if you travel only once or twice a year.
For example, cards such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®* offer a free checked bag for the cardholder, and up to four additional travel companions on the same reservation, plus the annual fee of $99 is waived the first year.
Meanwhile, the United℠ Explorer Card has a $150 annual fee, but this is also waived the first year. The cardholder and a companion get a free checked bag.
Cobranded airline credit cards offer diverse perks, but you may also get benefits like priority boarding, a fast-track option to elite status, flight credits or discounts, award discounts, access to additional award availability, and more.
With two small children in tow, I can offset the annual fee with just a single flight if we’re checking a few bags. That, plus all the additional benefits a cobranded card offers, is why I have one from most major U.S. airlines.
Fuel shortage
Some countries are already rationing fuel supplies due to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the rising cost of jet fuel. This is leading some airlines to cancel flights ahead of the busy summer travel season. There are a few ways you can prepare, though.
No. 1: Fly as directly as possible. Any time you can cut down on the number of flights, the better. Domestically, we are seeing regional flights canceled before mainline. In Europe, it’s “unprofitable” flights.
No. 2: Track your flight with an app like Flighty. Also, make sure your contact details are registered in your airline’s app and that you are opted in for text and email updates.
No. 3: Get travel insurance. This will help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. I never buy it through the airline — I use insuremytrip.com to compare plans. Be sure to check out our full guide to travel insurance.
No. 4: Consider alternate flights or modes of travel. This is when points and miles can save the day. I suggest holding backup flight options in case your original flights are canceled. You can cancel before departure and get your points or miles restored to your account. Alternate modes of travel should also be considered — maybe driving or taking the train — especially across Europe, where train travel is so easy.
Hopefully, with these tips, you will be able to enjoy a seamless vacation this summer.
Have a great weekend,
BK
* The information for the AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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| Photo Credit: JONNO RATTMAN. |
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