There are few travel experiences more liberating than hopping in the car and hitting the open road. But as adventurous as road trips may be, they come with their own risks that are different from what you may encounter while traveling by boat, train, or plane. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or simply heading a few hours away, it’s important to take extra caution on these journeys. Here are seven essential road trip safety tips that could end up saving your life.

Pack the Right Items in an Emergency Kit

According to a survey from Liberty Mutual, nearly half of Americans planning road trips don’t check their cars for emergency items before departing. But there’s always a chance you’ll run into a tricky situation — perhaps a flat tire or a dead battery — where you may find yourself stranded on the side of the road. In these cases, help may be hours away, which is why packing an emergency survival kit is an absolute necessity for any road trip. 

There’s no one correct way to pack these kits, but you’ll want to think about hydration, sustenance, first aid materials, and tools that can help get your car back on the road. This includes equipment such as tire gauges, air pumps, road flares, jumper cables, cell phone chargers, a flashlight, and windshield de-icing fluid — basically anything that might be useful in an emergency that you can conceivably toss in the trunk in a backpack or crate you already have at home. And if you’re planning on traveling in a particularly remote area of the country, then it may also be worth investing in a radio communication device that allows you to contact others if there’s no cell service. 

For sustenance, you should pack enough bottled water to last you and everyone else in the car in case you’re stranded for several hours or days. It’s also worth bringing non-perishable food like granola bars and other snacks packed with energizing protein. Keep in mind that temperatures can also dip overnight, so consider adding several wool blankets to stay warm. Last but not least, pack everyday first aid supplies such as band-aids, medications, and antiseptic lotion.

Have Your Vehicle Inspected Well Before You Depart

Road trippers also often forget to check how long it’s been since their vehicle had a tune-up. If it’s been months — or even years — since your vehicle was last inspected by a professional, then it’s crucial to make an appointment to get the car checked — before hitting the road. Even if your car handles your normal daily driving, it may not keep up with the demands of a weeks-long road trip. 

It’s important to have a technician check components such as the battery, brakes, and (especially) tires to ensure that they’ve still got plenty of traction. Don’t assume that the car is good to go until a trained mechanic signs off on the vehicle. You might also want to learn a few basic maintenance skills yourself (if you don’t know them already) — things like checking tire pressure and adding windshield wiper fluid. And consider signing up for a service like AAA if you’re not already a member, which can provide you with roadside aid in the event that things go awry.

Abide by the Nine-Hour Rule

One of the biggest perils that travelers encounter on road trips is trying to push their bodies too far. In some circumstances, drowsy driving can be similar to drunk driving — studies have shown that 24 hours without sleep equates to a blood alcohol content of 0.10%, which would be higher than the legal limit. A good rule of thumb is to cap your drives at a maximum of nine hours per day, taking 30 to 45-minute breaks on occasion in order to stretch your legs. Pushing yourself past nine hours puts you and all the other passengers in the vehicle at risk, so plan your hotel stays accordingly.

Add Saved Places to Your Itinerary Beforehand

Hitting the open road without a plan may seem idyllic to some, but it’s far from the most practical way to go about your road trip. Allow yourself enough time to research all of the nearby attractions you might want to see, adding them to your saved places in Google Maps or your GPS. Crucially, make sure your navigation device is easy to reach or, better yet, plugged into your car’s bluetooth system so you don’t get distracted on the road.

You can always add in a new stop along the way, but it’s helpful to have an idea of what you might want to see — and how long visiting each attraction will take — so you can reach your stopping point safely each night. Knowing where you’re going can also save you money, allowing you to book hotels in advance that are within your budget. If you don’t figure out where you’re staying beforehand, you may end up paying a premium for an overpriced roadside hotel that may be your only option in the area.

Fill Up on Gas While You Can

Breaking down on the side of the road with an empty gas tank is a peril that far too many drivers unexpectedly encounter, and it’s one that’s easily avoidable. If you’re a city dweller, you might take for granted having a 24-hour gas station every few miles. But in less populated stretches of the country like the Southwest or Great Plains, there are isolated stretches of road where you can travel for over 100 miles before hitting a gas station. Even when you get to that gas station, it may be closed down for the night. So, stock up on gas while you still can, even if your tank is nowhere near empty.

Check the Weather Report Every Morning

Extreme weather conditions can not only pose incredible danger to drivers, but they also may add hours of delays to any road trip. You’ll probably check the forecast when planning and packing for your road trip, but it’s easy to forget to do so when you wake up each morning on the road. 

Look at the forecast of the areas that you’ll be traveling through — if you notice heavy rains or blizzard conditions, you have a few available options. One is to plan a different route, which may actually end up saving you time. Another option is to stay where you are until the weather improves, even if that means switching around some hotel reservations. Whatever you do, don’t try to travel through hazardous conditions, especially in areas of the country that you’re unfamiliar with.

Be Mindful of Local Driving Laws

While driving laws are largely the same no matter where you are in the United States, certain states have regulations that you may not be familiar with. For example, while most of the country mandates hands-free cell phone use while driving, places like Alabama and Mississippi have no such law. Even if this doesn’t affect you, it’s worth keeping an eye on the road for other distracted drivers who may be preoccupied using their phones. Other states also have rules and regulations about changing lanes, turning right on red, and rules about driving with a crack in your windshield. Do a little online research about the laws in each state you’ll be visiting so that you’re not caught flat-footed when it’s too late.

Staying at a hotel can be a perfunctory part of traveling, serving as little more than a place to rest your head at night after a day of adventuring. But on the flip side, splurging on a luxurious suite can also be the true highlight of a trip. At the most expensive hotels in the U.S., the stunning architecture, extensive amenities, and breathtaking natural surroundings all make for unforgettable experiences that might just inspire you to splurge on your next getaway. Check out the 10 most expensive hotels in the U.S. and decide if they’re worth the price tag.

10. Amangani, Wyoming – $1,250+ per Night

Perched atop East Gros Ventre Butte in Jackson, Wyoming, this renowned resort is part of the Aman line of luxury hotels. The serenity and seclusion of Amangani is felt in its elegant sandstone and redwood interiors, as well as its vast panoramic vistas of the Grand Tetons and the Snake River Range. Most of the 40 exclusive suites — which start at around $1,250 per night — have balconies or terraces for taking in the scenery, plus there’s a year-round hot tub in the infinity pool. 

One of the most popular activities here is skiing — in fact, Amangani has its own ski lodge in the heart of Teton Village, just a short drive away. Guests can also enjoy spectacular wildlife spotting, as herds of bison and elk, as well as wolves and bears, call the surrounding forests and mountains home.

9. Post Ranch Inn, California – $1,825+

Big Sur’s famous rugged cliffs provide one of the most spectacular backdrops in the U.S., and a night at the Post Ranch Inn is your front-row seat to this wonder of the California coast. The resort features 40 unique guest rooms and suites, starting at around $1,825 per night, that are perched 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean and feature innovative architecture that seamlessly blends into the beautiful surroundings. 

The inn also boasts eco-friendly design and sustainable practices. Furniture is handmade, rugs are woven by local artisans, and reclaimed wood — some of it sourced from old-growth redwood from wine casks — takes center stage as wood wall panels. The earthy textures aren’t just a beacon of luxury — along with the resort’s serene spa, complimentary morning yoga, and forest meditations, they’re a balm to an overbooked and overstimulated life.

8. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, Florida – $1,900+

Four Seasons is one of the more recognizable hotel brands on this list, and their Orlando resort stands as one of America’s premier luxury hotels — with a price tag to prove it. Located within the larger Walt Disney World resort, this lakeside Spanish Revival retreat is a haven for devoted Disney enthusiasts, who may just encounter beloved Disney characters during their stay. 

For a break from the hustle and bustle of the main park, guests can enjoy the iconic fireworks displays from the hotel’s Michelin-starred 17th-floor rooftop steakhouse. The resort also features a five-acre water park called Explorer Island with expansive pools and a 242-foot water slide that will entertain the young ones for hours. (Grown-ups, meanwhile, can seek some serenity at the Oasis adults-only pool.) When you’re ready for more Disney magic, the resort provides complimentary transportation to and from Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

7. The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana – $2,100+

With over 6,000 acres to its name, the Ranch at Rock Creek is more than just a hotel stay — it’s an immersive natural experience in the wild beauty of Philipsburg, Montana. Hiking, horseback riding, sapphire mining, skiing, fishing, and archery are just a few of the many activities available here year-round. After a day enjoying the great outdoors, the luxurious accommodations will be a welcome sight. History enthusiasts will especially appreciate the rooms housed in a converted 19th-century barn, further evidence of the resort’s motto of “more heritage than hotel.” 

Stays at the Ranch at Rock Creek start at a whopping $2,100 a night, but the experience is truly all-inclusive. Every farm-to-table meal, all beverages, all activities and entertainment, housekeeping, and airport transportation are covered in the nightly rate. Spa services cost extra, but the nature-inspired treatments might be worth the additional splurge.

6. The Resort at Paws Up, Montana – $2,400+

The Resort at Paws Up is surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness of Greenough, Montana, on a 37,000-acre ranch that’s home to hundreds of elk and Black Angus cows. The grounds exemplify refined ruggedness — guests can choose from full-sized, upscale homes or safari-style glamping tents (or a combo of the two). Tents are equipped with modern comforts like air conditioning and spacious ensuite bathrooms, and dining ranges from chef-prepared campside delights to gourmet meals at the resort’s restaurant. 

The resort’s location alongside the Blackfoot River allows guests to wake up to the soothing sounds of rushing water each morning. Despite its feeling of seclusion, the Resort at Paws Up is located just 35 miles from the Missoula International Airport. Many direct daily flights are available, and round-trip transportation between the airport and the resort is included in the room rate, which starts at about $2,400 per night.

5. The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming – $2,400+

Sensing a theme? The untamed beauty of the western U.S. is also at the heart of this all-inclusive resort spanning 30,000 acres in Wyoming’s North Platte River Valley. But Brush Creek Ranch doesn’t just offer secluded and luxurious accommodations —  it’s also a working cattle ranch that also offers a host of family-friendly activities, from hiking to rock climbing, fly fishing, and horseback riding. 

The centerpiece of the three distinct resorts on the ranch grounds is the Lodge and Spa, with accommodations that blend Old West design elements with modern luxuries — paying homage to the original 1884 homestead while keeping things ultra-cozy. The 25 private luxury log cabins and 19 lodge rooms come with a variety of elevated amenities such as cozy wood stoves, wraparound decks, and floor-to-ceiling windows that will ensure you’re feeling as spoiled as the $2,400 all-inclusive starting rate suggests.

4. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida – $2,590+

Nothing says luxury like a private island resort. This adults-only paradise is located in the lower Florida Keys — specifically, Little Torch Key — and is only accessible by boat or seaplane, adding an element of exclusivity off the top. 

The charming thatched-roof bungalow suites come with a $2,500-plus price tag, but what they don’t come equipped with are phones, TVs, or alarm clocks. However, the suites are all oceanfront, encouraging guests to truly unplug and tap into the area’s natural serenity and sparkling sea views. Be sure to dip your toes in the pool or into the sand of the private beach before indulging in a Madrugada massage — which takes place on a table set up with a view of the turquoise waters.

3. Twin Farms, Vermont – $2,600+

Twin Farms Resort is a hidden gem nestled into the picturesque New England countryside of Barnard, Vermont, located about 80 miles from Burlington. Originally a 1795 farmhouse once owned by Nobel-prize-winning writer Sinclair Lewis, the stunning property has evolved into an exclusive retreat spanning 300 acres of pristine wilderness. 

Each of its meticulously designed 28 cottages, suites, and luxury treehouses serves as a private sanctuary, adorned with bespoke furnishings, cozy fireplaces, and tasteful artistic touches. For the starting price tag of $2,600 per night (inclusive of most amenities), guests at this adults-only getaway get to indulge in farm-to-table meals, crafted from ingredients sourced right from Twin Farms’ gardens and nearby farms, as well as enjoy the natural surroundings with a hike or fly fishing in the private pond. Twin Farms’ on-site spa is its own serene sanctuary, complete with deep Japanese furo baths.

2. The Point, New York – $2,650+

Situated on the shores of a pristine mountain lake in New York’s Adirondacks, the Point was originally built in the 1930s as a Rockefeller family getaway. Now, the historic property welcomes guests to experience Gilded Age Great Camp glamor in its peaceful, woodsy surroundings, as well as the priceless art and antiques adorning this upscale log mansion. 

The entire 75-acre property is at guests’ disposal no matter the season — crunch through the leaves and cozy up by the fire in the fall, witness the blossoming trees and flowers in spring, go skiing or snowshoeing in the winter, or sail the lazy summer days away on a boat. The experience starts at around $2,650 a night, but with only 11 guest rooms — each boasting stunning lake views, hand-crafted furniture, and wood-burning fireplaces — an exclusive experience is all but guaranteed. Of note, the resort is only for guests 21 years of age and older, and disconnecting from electronic devices to bask in the natural surroundings is encouraged — Wi-Fi is limited to the main office.

1. Amangiri, Utah – $3,050+

Built across over 900 acres of otherworldly desert land in Canyon Point, Utah, Amangiri’s minimal and elegant architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The resort’s main swimming pool, for instance, encircles a 160-million-year-old rock escarpment. Each of the suites offers views of the region’s iconic mesas, red-rock canyons, and expansive desert vistas, while the resort’s world-class dining options showcase locally sourced ingredients and dishes inspired by Native American culinary traditions. 

As if the environment wasn’t serene enough, Amangiri also offers on-site spa services, drawing largely on holistic Navajo healing traditions that aim to restore hozho, a Navajo word meaning beauty, harmony, balance, and health. Rooms may be the priciest on this list at over $3,000 a night, but for those who can afford it, there’s little question that the star-studded Amangiri resort is worth the splurge. 

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

There are nearly 200 national capitals around the globe, so it wouldn’t be surprising if you draw a blank trying to remember them all. To make matters more confusing, some countries have multiple capitals, some have changed their capitals, and some have capitals that are only home to a few hundred people. But above all else, the six cities below stand out from the pack as the international capitals that everyone always seems to get wrong. Can you keep these commonly confused capitals straight? 

Canberra, Australia

If you’re heading to the land Down Under, chances are you’ll begin your adventure in Sydney — that famous city with its majestic harborfront opera house. But that isn’t the capital of Australia. Neither are popular cities such as Melbourne, Perth, or Brisbane. The lesser-known city of Canberra doesn’t always ring a bell, but it is, in fact, the capital of Australia.

Home to just about 400,000 people, Canberra has a small-town vibe that allows visitors to experience all the city has to offer without feeling overwhelmed. From art to history to the great outdoors, Canberra has plenty of appeal for visitors — you’ll find museums, breweries, and incredible architecture to explore, along with stunning views of the mountains and valleys surrounding the city.

Rabat, Morocco

Watch a lot of movies, and you might imagine the city of Casablanca is the capital of Morocco. Even with the likes of Bogie and Bergman gracing your screens and making you fall in love with Morocco, this beautiful city isn’t the capital. Nor is the popular tourist hotspot Marrakech. The capital of this North African nation is actually Rabat.

Rabat is a hidden gem with a lot to offer, including the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a preserved holy place that’s open to the public. Three members of the Alaouite dynasty are interred within, and its architectural style is reminiscent of the dynasty’s period of rule.

Ankara, Turkey

With a history dating back to the stone age, the capital of Turkey is a familiar name, but not the one most think of first. While Istanbul is probably the best-known city in the country, it’s not the capital. The actual capital, Ankara, sits about 280 miles inland from Istanbul. It has roughly one-third the population of Istanbul and is not nearly as famous.

One thing Ankara does offer, though, is the famous Angora (long-haired) goats and cats. In fact, Angora used to be the name of the city before it was renamed Ankara. From Roman-era temples to a Byzantine citadel to a Seljuk era mosque, there are many different viewpoints from which to see the city. Ottoman buildings fill a large portion of the city, some having been converted into museums to educate visitors.

Ottawa, Canada

Toronto? Nope. Montreal? Try again. Vancouver? Still not correct. Canada’s capital is Ottawa, located in the province of Ontario about midway between the country’s two largest cities of Montreal and Toronto. Ottawa houses a bilingual parliament and has its own rich traditions, even if it isn’t typically the top spot to visit on a trip up north.

Home to the Rideau Canal, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ottawa boasts year-round celebrations and festivals, offers a cosmopolitan vibe, and can easily be traversed by foot. Many visitors enjoy the historic ByWard Market, which is lined with markets and cute shops.

Brasília, Brazil

Many guess that Rio de Janeiro is the capital of Brazil. While that used to be the case, the city famous for its beaches and Sugar Loaf Mountain is no longer the national capital. After being built from scratch in the 1960s, the current capital of the largest country in South America is Brasília, found about 720 miles to the northwest.

This city is home to almost 3 million residents and has a tropical savannah climate with high humidity. If you visit, you’ll want to check out the Cathedral of Brasília, a Roman Catholic cathedral that looks more like a state-of-the-art museum in New York City than any a place of worship. The Chapada dos Veadeiros is a renowned national park with numerous waterfalls and opportunities to see wildlife. You can also visit the Poço Azul, or “Blue Pool,” a natural wonder formed from quartz that is a popular snorkeling location.

Bern, Switzerland

Since the United Nations’ European headquarters are in Geneva, most people assume that it must be the capital of Switzerland. Or, they guess Zürich, the most populated city in the country. But the honor instead belongs to Bern. The city, located on the Aare River, is the fifth-largest in the country and offers just as much beauty as the rest of Switzerland. Highlights for visitors to Bern include wandering the old city, checking out the medieval Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and parliament building, and strolling the city’s spectacular rose garden.

High-speed rail services provide seamless travel between cities at lightning-quick speeds — but only for those lucky enough to live near one. Unfortunately, these trains are far more common throughout Asia and Europe than they are here in the United States. Many extant railroad tracks in America are incapable of handling trains traveling at such fast speeds, requiring entirely new tracks to be laid. The good news is that several proposals for speedier train lines are currently in the works, and it may not be long before we see more and more rapid transit options popping up around the country. Here are six of the coolest high-speed rail projects in the U.S. that could soon become a reality.

Acela’s New Fleet – Boston, Massachusetts, to Washington, D.C.

Reaching maximum speeds of around 150 mph, Amtrak’s Acela line is currently the only true high-speed rail service available in the U.S. The route — which services approximately 3 million passengers annually — begins in Boston, Massachusetts, passes through New York City, and ends in Washington, D.C. 

While Acela has been in operation since 2000, a new line of faster cars is set to be unveiled in 2024. These updated trains will operate at record speeds of 160 mph. Once safety testing is complete, Amtrak will introduce 28 of these new high-speed Acela cars, each with complimentary Wi-Fi, outlets and USB ports, and 25% more seating capacity than older models. There’s no exact date for when Acela’s new fleet will make its official debut, but keep your eyes peeled for these cars to hit the tracks sometime in 2024.

Brightline – Orlando International Airport to Cocoa, Florida

In 2018, the Brightline train service debuted in Florida, connecting the cities of Orlando and Miami. While not a true high-speed rail service, the company’s trains reach speeds of up to 79 mph throughout much of South Florida. 

Better yet, Brightline has begun testing a new model that is set to carry passengers at maximum speeds of 125 mph, which would make it the fastest train in Florida. These updated cars will service a 35-mile-long stretch between Orlando International Airport and the city of Cocoa. The new Brightline service is expected to become operational by 2028.

Brightline West – Las Vegas, Nevada, to Rancho Cucamonga, California

On the country’s opposite coast, Brightline’s new sister service is also in the works. Workers broke ground on the project, known as Brightline West, in early 2024, with a goal of wrapping up construction prior to the start of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. 

Should everything go according to plan, Brightline West may not only become the fastest train in California, but also the entire United States. This proposed route will exceed speeds of 186 mph, connecting Las Vegas, Nevada, and Rancho Cucamonga, California. This would allow passengers to complete the trek in just two hours and 10 minutes — half the time it takes to drive between the two locations. The ambitious project is only just underway, so stay tuned for updates.

Cascadia Rail – Vancouver, British Columbia, to Eugene, Oregon

The Cascadia Rail is a proposed bullet train that would connect Vancouver, Canada, with neighboring Washington state. The route would continue through major cities such as Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Portland, before finishing its journey in Eugene. 

All told, this 250 mph train would theoretically turn an eight-hour drive into less than a two-hour train trip. Advocates for the Cascadia Rail began publicizing the project in 2018, hoping to complete work by 2030. However, the project is still in its infancy and has yet to receive the necessary government funding for its projected price tag — between $36 billion and a whopping $150 billion. That said, the region received $500,000 in 2023 as the government allocated grant money to various rail projects across the country. Supporters of the project are hopeful that this small amount of funding will help stimulate the project.

Central Valley Line – Bakersfield, California, to Merced, California

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is currently constructing a rapid rail service throughout the central portion of the state known as the Central Valley Line. This project includes building 171 miles of new high-speed railroad tracks to connect the cities of Bakersfield and Merced, which lie about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Given the flat topography of the region, these trains are expected to reach record-breaking speeds of 220 mph — assuming the project goes forward as expected. 

The Central Valley Line is only the beginning of a larger proposed rail network throughout California, with the hopes of connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco by high-speed rail in the future. Should this grand vision ultimately come to fruition, passengers will be able to make that trip in just three hours, about half the time it currently takes.

Texas Central – Dallas to Houston

The Texas Central high-speed rail project seeks to connect the state’s two biggest cities, Dallas and Houston, with 240 miles of new high-speed railway. The drive between these two cities currently takes nearly four hours, but the Texas Central train would theoretically make the trip in just 90 minutes. 

Texas Central train cars are planned to operate at speeds in excess of 200 mph, departing every 30 minutes during peak commuting hours. The company seeks to utilize the same high-speed trains that currently run between the Japanese cities of Osaka and Tokyo. Each Texas Central train will be made up of eight cars capable of holding roughly 400 passengers. The project is yet to be officially authorized, but if given the green light, the Texas Central rail line will take roughly five years to complete.

When flying, have you ever heard the crew utter words like “cross check,” “all call,” or “jump seat”? Such terms may be unfamiliar to the uninformed ear, but it’s all part of a coded system used by flight attendants for efficient and often discreet communication. These expressions can refer to parts of the aircraft and even the passengers, but don’t worry, it’s not like they’re talking about you behind your back — at least most of the time. Here are some of the more common terms that make up the secret language of flight attendants.

Cross Check and All Call

Before departure or arrival, flight attendants perform a “cross check.” This process involves double-checking that the aircraft doors are properly armed or disarmed before opening. If the doors are armed, then an inflatable escape slide or raft will deploy when opened during an emergency. If unarmed, nothing will happen when the door is opened. (Doors must be unarmed for passengers to embark and disembark the plane.) To perform a cross check, the flight attendant either locks or unlocks a special level before sliding it to the appropriate side.

Once the cross check has concluded, the entire flight attendant crew hops on the internal phone system to perform what’s known as an “all call.” All calls alert fellow crew members that all the necessary safety precautions have been taken before the flight can depart.

Jump Seat

Each flight attendant has a special retractable seat to use for takeoffs and landings called a “jump seat.” This chair is often small and somewhat uncomfortable, but it provides each crew member with a place to sit during arrivals and departures. The seat earned its name because it automatically folds back up once the flight attendant jumps back on their feet.

Similarly, a “jump seater” refers to any off-duty crew member who hitches a ride on a flight when there aren’t any regular passenger seats available. Instead, jump seaters must settle for those retractable jump seats if they want to take the flight, but they may choose to simply stand for much of the flight.

Spinners and Runners

A “spinner” is a last-minute passenger who boards the aircraft without a specific seat assignment. Spinners often find themselves turning around in the aisle seeing what’s available. This action looks like they’re spinning around, hence the term. “Runners” are passengers who are found sprinting towards the aircraft before the doors close. The term runner can refer to anyone who arrived at the airport late, or those who have just landed on a delayed connecting flight.

U.M.

The abbreviation “U.M.” is a coded way to communicate that there’s an unaccompanied minor (usually children between 8 and 17 years old, depending on the airline) aboard the flight. Flight attendants are often tasked with providing special assistance to these minors who are traveling alone.

Blue Room

During official announcements over the loudspeaker, flight attendants often refer to the airplane bathroom as the “lavatory.” But when it comes to flight attendant speak, the bathroom is often called the “blue room.” The term refers to the blue deodorizing liquid found when you flush many airplane toilets.

Bulkhead

“Bulkhead” is used to describe the wall that separates a seating section from the aircraft lavatories and galleys. The bulkhead is located directly in front of the first row of each cabin, and it typically provides extra legroom for those lucky enough to sit there.

Pink-Eye

You may have heard of a red-eye flight, a trip that is scheduled overnight. But if the plane leaves slightly earlier, then it may be known as a “pink-eye.” Pink-eye flights often depart at nighttime but don’t fly entirely overnight, instead arriving at their destination after midnight but before sunrise.

Chimes

The various dings and other sounds that you hear during the course of your flight are known as “chimes,” and each one has a different meaning depending on both the tone and number of chimes. These signals can alert the flight attendants if a passenger requests their service, if they’re needed by the pilot, or if there’s an emergency onboard the aircraft.

Commuters and Crash Pads

Many flight attendants operate out of what’s known as the “crew base,” which acts as the main hub for the airline for which they’re employed. But it’s common for flight attendants — especially more junior ones — to live in a different city than their base, and they must fly into the airport each morning before they can start their shift. These crew members are known as “commuters.”

Many flight attendants who commute rely on “crash pads” as a place to sleep. These communal apartments are often shared between dozens of people, though it’s rare for everyone to sleep there at the same time. Instead, these crash pads have various beds that are available for any flight attendant to sleep in, depending on the flights to which they’re assigned.

Gate Lice

The phrase “gate lice” refers to when people crowd around the entry trying to board the aircraft before their zone is called to board. If you’re worried about being called gate lice, just wait for your boarding group to be called before you line up at the gate.

Privo

“Privo” is the flight attendant shorthand for provisioning. This refers to every consumable item on the aircraft, including beverages, snacks, and passenger meals.

Originator

The word “originator” describes the first flight to depart an airport on any given day. It’s critical that the originator flight leaves on time. If its departure is delayed, then that’s likely to delay every flight assigned to that aircraft for the remainder of the day.

Turn

A “turn” typically refers to the turnaround time for an aircraft between flights. For flight attendants, it’s also a term that describes an extremely quick geographic turnaround. This is typically when a flight attendant departs from one city, arrives in another, and then immediately gets on a flight returning to the original city from where they started their day.

Two-for-One Special

On occasion, an airplane will bounce during landing, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. Flight attendants refer to this double bounce as a “two-for-one special.”

Ever since airlines introduced fees for checked baggage, there has been an increase in travelers boarding with carry-on luggage. Overhead bins fill quickly on full flights, and no one wants to run the risk of the crew insisting they gate-check your bags, which brings with it the inconvenience and delay associated with waiting at the luggage carousel at the other end. In such instances, getting on the plane ahead of the pack can be beneficial. Wondering how to board earlier on your next flight? Let’s run through the options for priority boarding below.

Be Part of a Qualifying Group

If you’ve been caught in an aisle bottleneck caused by a dawdling toddler or seen how long it takes to settle a baby into an airplane seat, you’ll understand why airlines permit families with small children to board early. Precisely who qualifies depends on the airline. For instance, American Airlines asks that passengers traveling with a child under two years old request assistance if they wish to board first. Similarly, agents for United Airlines flights will call families with children under two for pre-boarding — particularly useful if you need to gate-check a stroller. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines boards in three groups (A, B, and C) and permits children under six to board with their families after Group A has finished boarding. 

Other passengers who require special assistance, such as those with a disability or travelers with impaired mobility, are also given priority when it comes to boarding. Elderly passengers are invited to make themselves known to gate agents if they require early boarding. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends that you notify the airline as early as possible if you require assistance at the airport, including pre-boarding, suggesting a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. 

Most U.S. airlines also offer active military personnel priority boarding. How early they are permitted to board varies from airline to airline. For instance, Alaska Airlines, Delta and United allow active military with ID to board first, while American has them in Group 1 behind those qualifying for pre-boarding. Southwest places them ahead of Groups B and C. JetBlue places active military in Group 4 of 10, but also offers a range of privileges including discounted fares and free baggage to serving personnel (and retirees registered with their Veterans Advantage program).

Upgrade to First or Business Class

When it comes to flying, money talks. If you’ve shelled out the big bucks for a premium seat at the front of the plane, you’ll be among the first to board. Or, you may wish to spend a little extra time in the lounge, if access is included before your flight, and skip to the front of the queue whenever you’re ready to get settled on the plane. Flight attendants serving first and business cabins will also most likely offer their guests a welcome drink while other passengers are boarding. 

Earn Elite Airline Status

Attaining elite status with your preferred airline is another way to secure early boarding. Frequent fliers rack up tens of thousands of miles every year and are rewarded with a number of valuable benefits, one of which is getting on the plane ahead of the pack. How you qualify — and precisely when you are invited to board — varies by airline and elite status level. You can also potentially unlock elite status on multiple airlines with status match promotions, in which you can apply to extend your elite status with one airline across competing airlines, usually for a limited period of time.

Get a Credit Card That Offers Early Boarding Perks

Don’t fly (or spend) enough to earn elite status? Fortunately, early boarding is a perk for holders of certain airline credit cards. For instance, the Gold Delta Skymiles credit card includes Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding as part of the perks offered for its $150 annual fee (as of 2024). A similar benefit is available with the United Explorer Card ($95 fee, waived the first year) or the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card, which also offers unlimited lounge access for its $595 annual fee. Similarly, on four flights per year, holders of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card ($149 annual fee) will be offered the best A1-A15 boarding position available to be one of the first on the plane.

Purchase Priority Boarding Directly From the Airline

If all else fails, some airlines allow customers to purchase priority boarding, either as a standalone option or as part of a package that may include extra perks such as seats with additional legroom. For instance, JetBlue’s Even More Space option gives travelers the chance to pay for priority boarding, starting at $10 each way. It is also possible to purchase Southwest Airlines’ Upgraded Boarding option up to 24 hours before the flight, for a fee of $30 upwards per segment (dependent on availability). Frontier Airlines doesn’t sell priority boarding separately, but instead offers passengers a bundle of add-ons at the time of booking called The Works, costing from $19 per flight.