The internet is filled with tips and tricks for finding flight deals — some of which have turned out to be myths. One you may have heard is that if you want a cheap flight, you should book it on a Tuesday afternoon. As the story goes, airlines release sales and seats on that day, so it makes sense to be first in line. But these days, technology and tracking tools make airfare pricing much more dynamic, enabling carriers to lower fares when demand is sluggish and on particular routes that need a boost. Find out below when the best time is to book your next flight. 

Why You Might Want to Book on a Sunday Instead

According to numbers crunched by the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one day stands out when it comes to sourcing cheap flights — and it’s not Tuesday. The organization analyzed data from millions of fares, combining it with information from OAG to draw their conclusions. ARC’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report, published in conjunction with Expedia, found that purchasing air tickets on a Sunday gave consumers savings of up to 13% compared with other days of the week. Lower fares were found for both domestic and international routes and across economy and business cabins, though the percentage discount varied. The figure takes into account average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023. The most expensive day to book? That would be Friday. 

But Really, the Best Day to Book is When You Find a Cheap Deal

While the data suggests that booking on a Sunday is, typically, the cheapest time to part with your cash, as with all averages, it doesn’t always hold true. In that case, how do you know when you’re getting a good deal? Constant fare fluctuations and dynamic pricing make the task difficult — even if the airline claims it’s running a “sale.” 

To be more certain that you’ve found a deal, use an online price tracker to help identify how the current fare compares to its historical highs and lows. Try Hopper’s Price Prediction tool, Skyscanner’s Price Alerts, or Google Flights to ensure you don’t miss competitive fares for specific routes. How they work is fairly straightforward: Enter desired travel dates, destinations, and any other preferences (such as non-stop flights) and you’ll receive a notification when a cheap fare pops up. You could justifiably argue that’s the day that’s the best time of the week to book, no matter what day of the week it happens to be.

Plan Ahead to Understand What Constitutes a Bargain

Tracking fares for an extended period may help give you the confidence to pull the trigger on a flight, but the market favors those who plan ahead. According to Hopper’s 2024 Travel Booking Hacks summary, there’s a sweet spot for finding the best fare deals. For domestic flights, travelers should take a look at prices three or four months out and make their decision by around a month beforehand. Unless it’s unavoidable, they recommend you should never book later than three weeks ahead of departure. 

For those traveling overseas, the company advises beginning your research seven to eight months before travel. How soon to book depends on where you’re headed, but usually Hopper recommends booking between two to seven months in advance. As you follow the ups and downs for your chosen route, you’ll get a feel for which day tends to be the cheapest for booking, enabling you to jump on a bargain.

Sign Up for Email Alerts to Take Advantage of Flash Sales

Airlines drum up business with seasonal sales, and some of them are better than others. Among the most popular are Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers. In 2023, as reported by Afar, travelers could take advantage of sizable discounts from major airlines such as Delta, JetBlue, Hawaiian, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines. This also may be the one time of year when the Tuesday myth still holds up — Travel Tuesday, as the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known, saw a number of attractive offers. 

Some airlines — particularly low-cost carriers — also counter periods of lower demand with flash sales. For instance, in February 2024, Norse Atlantic Airways offered one-way “Economy Light” fares from New York, Miami, and Orlando to London, Paris, or Oslo for as little as $99 each way. In either type of promotion, the number of seats is usually limited, and those headline prices soon sell out. As sales can be advertised on any day of the week, it’s a good idea to sign up for email alerts from a number of airlines serving your home airport. 

You Can Offset a Day-of-Week “Mistake”

Sometimes, you just need to book a flight when it’s convenient for you. Perhaps you like acting on impulse, need to secure time off work, or are traveling with a group of friends who can only get together to plan at a particular time. What if you miss out on those fabled Tuesday deals? Aside from seasonal and flash sales, there are other hacks you can employ to save money on your airfare — and they work on any day of the week. 

In general, they involve working out what everyone else doesn’t want. Choose the first flight out in the morning — which has the best chance of avoiding delays — or the last one in the evening. Choose a less popular airport near your first choice. Avoid peak season and holidays when everyone’s fighting for seats. Play around with what are known as “open jaw” flights — flying into one city and home from another, completing the middle section of your journey over land or with another airline. At the end of the day, if it’s the best price you can find within the parameters you’ve set yourself, you can call that fare a good deal.  

In 2022, airlines mishandled an estimated 26 million bags. Fortunately, this is just a tiny percentage of the 4 billion bags transported annually, but it is still a concern — especially if your luggage is one of the unlucky few that gets delayed or lost. Whether your bags contain your swimsuit for a beach trip, hiking boots for a mountain adventure, or everyday items essential to your routine, traveling without them can be incredibly disruptive. These useful tips break down the best way to quickly tackle this problem so that you can retrieve your luggage, receive reimbursement, and get back to enjoying your vacation.

Check the App

Plenty of travelers have experienced that sinking feeling at the baggage carousel as more luggage tumbles down, and theirs still isn’t in sight. But before heading to the customer service counter, see if you can check on the status of your bag via the airline’s app on your phone. Some airlines — including Southwest, American, Delta, and United — offer live baggage tracking on their apps. It may be that your bag is still on the tarmac, making its way over. This can take upwards of 45 minutes at large airports. It could also be at another carousel. If you use another tracking device, such as an Apple AirTag, now would be the time to see if you can locate it.

Notify the Airline

If your luggage still doesn’t show up at baggage claim, it’s time to find an airline representative. You shouldn’t leave the airport until you have spoken to one — although this can be time-consuming and delay the start of your vacation, talking with someone in person can speed up the return of your luggage. Typically, customer service representatives near the baggage claim specialize in lost luggage. If not, head to the check-in desk, where someone might be able to assist. If you’re short on time, your last option is to call the airline’s customer service number, which can be found online. 

According to International Air Transport Association regulations, the airline that last handled your luggage is responsible for locating and returning it (even if you started your journey on a different airline). Airlines list their lost luggage policies on their websites, which can be a good reference if you forget something the agent tells you.

Ask a Representative These Important Questions

Don’t end your conversation with the airline representative before addressing a few essential items. First, ensure you have filed a claim and received a claim number. This allows you to check on the airline’s progress in finding your luggage. Also, remember to ask for a phone number (or web address) that you can use to receive updates about your luggage. Some airlines also offer amenity kits to travelers with lost luggage (with essentials such as toothpaste, a toothbrush, hand sanitizer, etc.), so be sure to ask about those free items.

File a Claim for Reimbursement

There is a difference between “lost” and “delayed” luggage. Many airlines don’t consider a bag lost until several days after your flight (usually between five and 21 days, depending on the airline). So, it’s important to know the difference when speaking with a representative and filing claims. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines must compensate travelers for “reasonable, verifiable, and actual incidental expenses” incurred due to delayed baggage. (It doesn’t have to be considered lost yet.) Be sure to keep your receipts when purchasing these replacement items, as you will need to submit them to the airline for reimbursement.

Reimbursement policies vary by airline, and there is a maximum liability limit, which the D.O.T. currently sets at $3,800 for domestic flights within the United States. This means that even if your expensive digital camera or wedding gown is in that bag, the airline does not necessarily have to compensate you for it. The maximum reimbursement for international flights is around $1,700 for U.S. passengers, per the Montreal Convention. Additionally, most airlines will only reimburse you for delays if you travel away from home; they might not offer you money if your luggage is delayed during your return flight. Submitting a claim online (regardless of the airline) is the fastest and easiest way to get a reimbursement so that you can purchase the necessary items and start your vacation.

Check Other Benefits

While contacting the airline should always be first on your to-do list for lost luggage, it isn’t your only option. Other forms of reimbursement can include travel insurance (booked through a third party), your credit card company (if you booked using that card), or even your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. These policies vary greatly but can be accessed online, where you can read more about what you are entitled to and file a claim. Typically, a “proof of loss” statement from the airline will be required. These extra benefits are usually secondary, and you will first need to see what the airline is willing to cover.

Inspect Your Luggage

When the airline hopefully does find your luggage, immediately inspect your bags and belongings for damage. If anything is damaged or missing, you usually only have 24 hours to file another claim for reimbursement. Remember to take pictures of damage in case the airline asks for proof. These types of claims can be submitted quickly through the airline’s website.

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.

Dealing with delays at the airport is a far-too-common headache for travelers, and the situation can quickly escalate if the flight ends up being canceled. These unexpected snags are often an unavoidable risk with flying these days, and there’s little you can do to prevent them from happening. But you can arm yourself with knowledge — as you may be entitled to some compensation, depending on the circumstances. Before taking your next trip, be sure to read up on the facts so that you aren’t misled or taken advantage of by the airlines. Here are some of your essential rights as a traveler in case of delays or cancellations.

Rights for U.S. Domestic Flights

In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation proposed a new series of rules in an effort to better hold airlines accountable for travel delays. While efforts are ongoing to make these laws universal no matter the airline, travelers are currently subject to the will of each individual airline. This means that your rights may differ from flight to flight, but you can learn more specifics by using this helpful dashboard provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Keep in mind that many of these benefits only apply to “controllable” delays and cancellations. These are delays caused by issues such as maintenance problems, crew scheduling issues, and cabin cleaning delays — in other words, problems that the airline is capable of preventing. On the flip side, you won’t receive compensation for delays that are out of the airlines’ control, such as events related to safety and security, air traffic delays, and weather.

If the delays are ultimately deemed controllable, here are some benefits that you’re entitled to:

• Free rebooking on the same airline: All major U.S. carriers will rebook you on the first available flight to your destination at no additional cost.

• Free rebooking on a partner airline: Airlines including Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and United will rebook passengers on a partner airline at no additional charge.

• Meal voucher: If your flight is delayed for three or more hours, all major U.S. airlines will provide you with a complimentary meal voucher at an average of $12 per voucher.

• Complimentary hotel accommodations: All major U.S. airlines (except for budget airline Frontier) will provide passengers with complimentary hotel accommodations in the event of an overnight delay or cancellation.

• Complimentary ground transportation: All major U.S. airlines (except for Frontier) will provide free ground transportation to the free hotel in the event of an overnight delay.

• Travel voucher: If your flight is delayed for more than three hours, some airlines (such as Alaska and JetBlue) will provide you with a complimentary credit or travel voucher towards a future flight.

• Free frequent flyer miles: Other airlines provide passengers with bonus miles to use toward their next flight in the event that their flight is delayed for three or more hours.

Unfortunately, there’s currently no standard for cash compensation at any major U.S. airline for passengers who suffer delays or cancellations. However, cash compensation is part of the U.S. DOT’s proposed initiative to make the requirements for U.S.-based airlines more traveler-friendly. And passengers who are involuntarily bumped from a flight due to overbooking are entitled to significant compensation.

The DOT has also established rules for lengthy tarmac delays at U.S. airports (when the aircraft is taxiing after leaving the gate but before taking off, or after landing before reaching the gate). Airlines are not allowed to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours (domestic flights) or four hours (international flights) and must provide water and snacks no more than two hours after remaining on the tarmac.

European Rules and Regulations

Traveling to Europe soon? A consumer-friendly law known as the European Union regulation EC 261 — or EU 261 for short — provides protection for all flights departing from the European Union. (It also offers protection for flights with a destination in the EU, but only if they are operated by an airline based in an EU country.) This applies to flights that do business in any of the 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and most outlying territories. The law even applies to domestic U.S. flights that are booked on an EU-based airline, even if the actual flight doesn’t touch down on European soil.

Meals, refreshments, and two complimentary telephone calls are provided for passengers depending on the duration of their delay and the distance of the flight. This applies to the following set of circumstances:

• Flights traveling a distance under 932 miles that are delayed for two or more hours

• Flights traveling a distance between 932 and 2,175 miles that are delayed for three or more hours

• Flights traveling any distance that are delayed for four or more hours

• If your flight is delayed until the following day, then you will receive complimentary hotel accommodations and transportation to and from the hotel

Where European consumer protections most heavily differ from American airlines is with a concept known as the “right to compensation.” In the event a flight is delayed three or more hours, European travelers are entitled to cash back in their pocket, though the airline has a right to reduce compensation by 50% if they offer rerouting to the final destination. The reimbursement amounts are as follows:

• €250 for flights of 932 miles or less

• €400 for flights of 932 miles or more within the European Union, or flights anywhere between 932 miles and 2,175 miles in length

• €600 for all other flights

Keep in mind that there are circumstances where you are not protected under EU 261. This includes situations where you’re notified of a cancellation two or more weeks before departure, or if you’re offered a rerouted flight between one to two weeks before your departure. Lastly, you aren’t covered if your flight is canceled within a week of departure, so long as the airline rebooks you on a new flight that departs no more than one hour before your scheduled departure and arrives less than two hours after your scheduled time of arrival.

The most time-consuming aspect of EU 261 is that you need to file a claim in order to receive cash payments, and airlines may try and deceive you into thinking that you aren’t entitled to any money. Keep in mind that all EU airlines are legally required to provide cash reimbursements, so don’t settle for a travel voucher if they offer you one. Before filing a claim, compile any evidence you have available regarding the delay or cancellation. Then consult the EU website for specific information about how to successfully file your claim. There are also companies that, for a fee, will file the paperwork for you and chase your rightful compensation.

International travel can be a challenging process to navigate, especially when it comes to deciphering a country’s visa requirements. Luckily, U.S. citizens possess one of the most powerful passports on the planet, which allows them to visit 190 foreign countries with relative ease. But visa rules aren’t set in stone, and countries frequently update their guidelines. In particular, there are three nations that have recently altered — or announced plans to amend — their visa rules when it comes to American visitors. Are you planning an international trip soon? Then you’ll want to find out which countries are soon changing visa requirements for U.S. travelers.

Brazil

Starting April 10, 2025, Brazil is set to reinstate a visa requirement for all U.S. citizens traveling to their country. Previously, Americans didn’t need to take any extra steps when planning a Brazilian vacation, but as of next year, that will no longer be the case. This new mandatory visa will cost U.S. travelers $80.90, though it remains valid for a 10-year period after being first issued. The U.S. isn’t the only country affected by these changing guidelines, as visitors from Canada and Australia are also required to obtain Brazilian visas before their vacation. To apply, visit the official Brazilian website well in advance of your trip.

A little extra legwork can definitely pay off when it comes to visiting Brazil, though. From architectural stunners like Christ the Redeemer — a monumental statue towering 2,329 feet above Rio de Janeiro — to natural wonders like Iguazu Falls (which are twice as tall as Niagara Falls and three times as wide), Brazil has endless appeal for travelers.

Kenya

On December 12, 2023, Kenya announced that the country would no longer require visas for all international travelers. This was an extension of a policy announced in October of the same year, when the government revealed plans to open its borders to all African nationals. However, the process of relaxing visa requirements is temporarily on hold, after the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority declared a postponement of the amended rule change. This is because the country is working to create an electronic system to streamline travel. Once it’s ready, Kenya will become a fully visa-free country.

When it does, travelers will gain even easier access to one of the most stunning and wide-ranging national park systems of any country in the world. The 60 Kenyan national parks and reserves make up roughly 8% of the country’s total land mass, meaning you’re bound to encounter nature and wildlife at nearly every turn. One of the best times to visit Kenya is from July to October, when a great migration of wildebeest takes place across the Serengeti Plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve. 

Türkiye

For years, American travelers were required to go through the often frustrating process of applying for a visa and paying $51.50 just to visit Türkiye (the official name of the country many know as Turkey). Fortunately, as of 2024, that’s no longer the case.

According to the country’s official tourism agency, Türkiye saw a massive influx of American tourists in 2023, with U.S. travelers making up the fourth-largest group of foreign visitors at various times. Rather than crack down on the number of visitors, Türkiye opted to ease restrictions and encourage even more American citizens to visit. Any American visiting the country can now take advantage of the new visa-free travel rules, so long as they stay for under 90 days over the course of a 180-day period.

If you decide to join them, you won’t want to miss the majestic Hagia Sophia, which is located in the transcontinental city of Istanbul. Originally built as a Christian church during the height of the Byzantine Empire in the sixth century, it later became a mosque, then a church, and finally a mosque once more. Meanwhile, nature lovers can take a trip to the Pamukkale Thermal Pools of Hierapolis. The historic site is known for its stunning white rock formations that look as if they’re covered in snow, and for its healing hot springs which attract locals and tourists alike.

Duty-free shopping can be an attractive option for international travelers looking to stock up on tax-free goods while navigating between countries. These retail institutions are commonly found in airports, aboard cruise ships, near border crossings, and other similar locations. But while purchases made at duty-free stores are always tax-free, that doesn’t necessarily mean the items will end up being that much cheaper. Sometimes, there are hidden fees and various regulations that inflate the true cost of the item. If you’re jetting off on an international trip soon and planning to shop at duty-free, keep reading to learn more about just how much you can expect to save.

What Is Duty-Free?

The term “duty” refers to the taxes that are required when bringing a purchase across international borders. Duty-free shops offer customers items like alcohol, jewelry, tobacco, fragrances, and accessories, without having to pay the local sales tax when normally purchasing the item. To purchase items at duty-free, you’ll need to present a valid international boarding pass. For U.S. travelers, you must be leaving the country for a period of at least 48 hours.

The reason these items are untaxed is because duty-free shops are often located in places that fall under multinational jurisdiction, such as airport terminals, with the understanding that the goods will be purchased and then immediately taken back to the traveler’s country of origin. Because of this, duty-free goods aren’t taxed by the municipality where they’re sold, given that they won’t be consumed or used in that country. However, in some cases, they may be subject to tax upon reaching your next destination (more on that below).

Are Duty-Free Shops Actually Cheaper?

Given that each country has different tax rates on goods sold within their borders, the amount you save at duty-free shops varies across the world. Duty-free prices also vary from airport to airport, even within the same country. For example, according to research from the Points Guy, Dubai’s duty-free airport stores were found to have some of the highest prices internationally, so you may be paying more on tax-free alcohol here than you would on taxed alcohol in another country. The same goes for sunglasses in places like Mexico or other sunny locales, where the price of a tax-free pair of designer shades is often far more expensive than sunglasses sold in a cloudier country. 

In general, shoppers can expect to save the most on items such as alcohol and tobacco, since local taxes are generally higher on those items. While there are some deals to be found at duty-free, often, the base price for items such as luxury goods and high-end beauty products may be marked up significantly compared to what you’d be able to find at home — so it’s always worth doing a little online research. If you’re curious about the prices to expect on an upcoming trip, you can always use search engines such as Shop Duty Free and Duty Free Americas to see if the savings will be worth it. In some cases, you can even reserve your purchase online ahead of time, saving you time at the airport.

It’s also helpful to consider factors such as favorable currency exchange rates. And if you’re paying by credit card, make sure it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and that you’re paying in the local currency, which avoids the markup credit card companies charge when you pay in your home currency.

Hidden Fees and Regulations to Be Aware Of

When you purchase an item that’s tax-free while abroad, you may be subject to import taxes upon reaching your next destination. Import taxes vary significantly depending on the goods being imported, as well as the countries that you’re traveling between. So unfortunately, there’s no catch-all answer for what to expect when bringing duty-free items across international borders.

For travelers returning to the United States, be aware that each person is allowed a personal exemption if bringing back items from abroad. This includes both items that were purchased at duty-free stores as well as items that were previously subject to local tax. The amount will often be capped at either $800 or $1,600, depending on the country that you’re returning from, and you’ll have to pay 3% of the cost above your limit.

Individual goods such as alcohol and tobacco may be subject to more specific regulations. For instance, if you return from Europe to the U.S. with over $200 worth of goods and two liters of liquor, one liter will fall under your personal allowance while the other will be taxed at 3%. However, if you come back from a territory like the U.S. Virgin Islands, then you can bring up to five liters of alcohol duty-free, so be sure to do some research regarding your allowance prior to your trip.

Be aware that if you do go above your allowance, you’ll be forced to pay the customs fee by check using a bank account containing U.S. currency. In the end, this added cost may negate the savings you amassed by buying goods abroad.

Consider These Alternatives

While duty-free shops may offer savings, think about if the goods sold at these stores are even worth purchasing in the first place. On many occasions, you’ll find less interesting items at duty-free compared to the unique local products that you may acquire at brick-and-mortar shops. Sure you’ll save a bit of cash at duty-free, but the items may not be as special or unique.

Also, keep in mind that department stores and big box wholesalers such as Costco offer savings at home, and it may not be worth the hassle of lugging wine on an airplane just to avoid paying taxes. If you can acquire the item at a reasonable cost back in America, then it’s probably not worth the added time and stress of dealing with customs to bring back your duty-free goods.