While riding on Amtrak is becoming increasingly popular, it often doesn’t come cheap. Even a one-way, short-haul coach fare can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the route and date. But frequent Amtrak riders know that there are several ways to save on your booking, though the methods may not always be obvious. Check out seven underrated ways to save on Amtrak tickets.

Book Early

While you may be tempted to wait to see if prices drop closer to your departure date, as sometimes happens with hotels, that rule typically doesn’t apply when it comes to Amtrak. Amtrak recommends you book sooner rather than later to secure the lowest fare for your trip. Travelers can reserve a seat as far out as 11 months in advance. This isn’t just a clever marketing tactic; trusted travel bloggers such as the YouTube channel Grounded Life Travel and Martin Soto agree that booking early leads to cash savings.

Buy Rail Passes

If you’re planning to take multiple Amtrak rides over several weeks, it may be in your best interest to book a special pass. There are three types of passes to choose from; they all provide discounted fares compared with booking multiple trips individually.

One option is the Multi-Ride Pass, which is ideal for commuting between the same two destinations. Riders can buy either a monthly option or a 10-ride pass good for a 45- or 90-day period, depending on the stations you choose. Then there’s the USA Rail Pass, which costs a flat rate of $499 and allows you to ride on 10 separate Amtrak trips over a 30-day period once the first trip is taken. That comes out to less than $50 per ride. Lastly, the California Rail Pass permits seven individual days of unlimited Amtrak travel within California over a 21-day period. Discounts differ based on destinations and dates of travel, but expect to save no matter which option you go for.

Take Advantage of Share Fares

Amtrak Share Fares can be used on coach seats booked for up to eight passengers under the same reservation. Savings kick in when you book for three people (15% off each ticket), increasing up to 60% for a party of eight. Discounts are automatically applied when booking through this page, or by applying code “V291” if booking through the Amtrak app. In either case, you must do so at least two days in advance to receive the savings. It’s also worth noting that Amtrak offers travel discounts for groups of 15 or more; contact Amtrak directly for further info.

Be a Night Owl

Traveling late at night or early in the morning may be in your best interest if you’re trying to save money on Amtrak rides. Amtrak’s Night Owl fares offer steep discounts compared with typical daytime fares, but these rates are limited to rides between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., and they’re available only on trains along the Northeast Corridor. (This is Amtrak’s busiest route, connecting big cities such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.) 

Precise rates vary depending on your destinations and dates, but the Amtrak website lists sample coach seats for as little as $10 between New York City and Newark Liberty Airport, $15 between New York and Philly, and $25 from New York to Boston or D.C.

See if You Qualify for Special Discounts

While discounts aren’t available to all Amtrak riders, eligible passengers can save 10% to 50% on their rides. For example, seniors (anyone 65 or older) can take advantage of a 10% discount on most fares, and are also eligible to save up to 50% on routes such as the Downeaster in New England. Be sure to provide proof of age if asked on board the train.

Students are eligible for discounts, too. Anyone with a valid student ID ages 17 to 24 can save 15% on bookings made at least one day in advance of their trip. Children ages 2 to 12 traveling with an adult also save up to 50%. And disabled travelers are eligible for savings of 10% to 50% on select routes, while veterans and active military personnel can get 10% off. You can also check here for any other deals or discounts that may be available.

Apply for an Amtrak Credit Card

Plan to travel Amtrak frequently? Consider applying for an Amtrak credit card. The no-annual-fee Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard offers perks such as double points on Amtrak travel, a 10% rebate for onboard food or beverage purchases, and 12,000 bonus points for meeting certain criteria after sign-up.

For a $99 annual fee, the Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard, offers triple points on Amtrak travel, a 20% rebate for onboard food and drink purchases, and 20,000 bonus points. It also comes with benefits upon activation and future anniversaries, such as complimentary companion coupons, free seat-class upgrades, and access passes to station lounges.

Join the Rail Passengers Association

The Rail Passengers Association is a nonprofit advocacy group for U.S.-based rail travel, and members receive discounts on Amtrak tickets. An annual individual membership costs $40 — or $30 for seniors, $20 for students, and $60 for a family of four. But if you plan to use Amtrak frequently, you can make that membership fee back easily, as you’ll receive 10% off the lowest available fare on most Amtrak trains. The only catch is you need to make your booking at least three days in advance. Just be sure to travel with your membership card handy, as the conductor may request to see it during the journey.

While surprises and unexpected discoveries can be among the most memorable parts of a vacation, no one wants a surprise at hotel checkout in the form of unexpected expenses. But many hotels, like airlines, have realized that extra fees add profit to their bottom line, and have tacked on an unpleasant array of revenue-enhancing add-ons. In 2025, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission enacted a ban on so-called “junk fees” in an effort to eliminate misleading pricing practices on hotels, vacation rentals, and ticketing to live events. But careful consumers should still pay close attention when they’re booking — and during their stay. Here are some charges you’ll want to be aware of before your next getaway.

Resort or Destinations Fees

Though unpopular, resort fees have become increasingly common. And these mandatory daily amenity charges can be significant. In extreme cases — we’re looking at you, Las Vegas — they may be three or more times the cost of the room itself! 

Fortunately, the FTC now requires those charges to be shown up front, but they can be easy to miss among the many other mandatory taxes and surcharges. Use any third-party aggregator you like to compare a number of hotels at once, but it’s usually best (and the same price) to book directly from the hotel’s website. And when checking out, it’s always a good idea to take a screenshot of your confirmation and price, just in case there’s a last-minute attempt to add on an extra fee that wasn’t disclosed during booking.

Incidental Credit Card Holds

Charging meals or spa services to your room can be convenient, but the holds that hotels place on your credit card at check-in can put a serious crimp in your cash flow. Depending on the hotel, these temporary authorizations can range anywhere from $25 to a whopping $250 per night. In addition, some hotels will not accept debit or prepaid gift cards. It’s always good practice to inform your financial institution when you’ll be on the road, and to check with the hotel when booking or checking in to see how much of a temporary hold to expect.

Room Service Charges

Break out the magnifying glass before calling down for that coffee. In addition to paying super-premium prices — $16 bottled water, anyone? — hotels will often stack delivery and service charges of 20% or more onto your tab, and usually, there’s an extra line on your check to add an additional gratuity for your delivery person. Extra charges for to-go containers and even more expensive fees for real plates and cutlery are increasingly becoming the norm, and some hotels are removing ice machines and tacking on a fee for that, too. (If your room is equipped with an ice bucket, make sure there’s a liner to avoid contamination.)

Parking Fees

Parking fees are big revenue generators for hotels, especially in major cities. Thankfully, hotels that have instituted mandatory parking fees — even if you don’t have a car — must now disclose them up front. If you have a big SUV or a rooftop rack, you may be hit with an even higher surcharge. Check for lots near the hotel with an app like SpotHero and compare prices before handing your keys over to the valet.

Wi-Fi Charges

Hopefully, your hotel will offer complimentary Wi-Fi in both your room and in common areas. If it doesn’t, check in advance to see if the daily charge is per room or per device. Families with tablets and laptops and phones can quickly rack up a hefty bill, although not the $1,000 per device fee that Marriott once charged conference attendees. Many chains offer complimentary Wi-Fi for members of their loyalty programs, so it may be worth signing up.

Early Check-In and Late Check-Out Fees

If rooms are available, hotels may be happy to let you check in early or leave a little late, but they may also charge a hefty price for the privilege. These fees can range from $25 to $50 or more, but the hotel needs to disclose the fee in advance.

Automatic Gratuities

Generous tips are always appreciated by employees. But whether it’s for housekeeping, spa treatments, or room service, make sure that the hotel hasn’t already added on an automatic service charge.

While business-class plane tickets are typically priced much higher than economy class, the comforts and conveniences can be well worth the added cost. But the experience in business class may be shifting, as one major U.S. airline is now offering new pricing tiers for premium seating. Will this be a move that makes business-class tickets more affordable? Or are critics right in believing that it will end up making you pay more for perks that used to be included? Here’s what you can expect from United’s new “basic” business class.

United’s New “Basic” Business Class

In April 2026, United announced plans for new segmented fare options for United Polaris, the name of the airline’s business class on long-haul international, transcontinental, and select Hawaii flights. Prior to the announcement, United offered two categories of business-class tickets: refundable and nonrefundable. Under the new system, Polaris tickets will be divided into three tiers: flexible, standard, and base.

Flexible, the most expensive tier, is essentially the new name for the refundable category, while standard mirrors the previous nonrefundable option. Base, now the lowest option, is new. And while base seating is more affordable than the flexible or standard tiers, it comes with restrictions.

Base Polaris tickets do away with some perks that many travelers value — and are used to seeing for premium fares. For instance, flexible and standard-tier seats come with free seat selection, two free checked bags, travel credits and refunds, and access to United Polaris lounges. 

However, with a base Polaris ticket, you can’t select your seat without paying a fee (if you don’t, one will be assigned automatically at check-in), you can bring only one free checked bag, refunds are prohibited, you’ll have to pay a cancellation fee to receive a future travel credit, and you’re not allowed inside the United Polaris lounge (though you can use the less premium United Club). 

On top of that, you’ll also earn fewer miles and points than those who book at the higher-priced tiers. However, you will still have access to the same lie-flat seating, dedicated service, and curated food and drink that other United Polaris passengers get.

Cost and Availability

As of the time of writing, United has rolled out the base Polaris option in select markets and plans to expand it in more markets later this year. But we do have an idea of what you can expect to pay. 

For example, a round-trip base Polaris ticket from Newark, New Jersey, to Lima, Peru, this June costs $3,191 as of this writing. That’s $400 cheaper than the standard tier, and $900 cheaper than flexible. Based on further research, it seems these upsells between tiers are consistent across routes where the new fares are available.

On the surface, the $400 savings from booking a base ticket may seem attractive, but those savings can quickly evaporate if you want to check a second bag (an extra $100) or pick your seat. And if you need to change your flight, you’ll have to pay a fee to do so.

Comparisons to Basic Economy

“Basic” business class is still a relatively new concept, and United is the first U.S. airline to introduce it. It shares similarities with the idea of basic economy, which was unveiled in the 2010s. While airlines sold basic-economy tickets as a more affordable option, in practice, it mostly resulted in reduced value for the same price. 

Before basic economy, you might have been able to purchase a seat from Miami to Chicago for $200, which included a checked bag and seat selection. But after airlines introduced basic economy, they didn’t make those tickets cheaper — that same seat now cost $200 without the bag and seat selection. If you wanted those perks, you’d have to pay for a more expensive fare.

Given how basic economy was unveiled and priced, some critics are expecting the same trajectory for basic-business-class tickets. Airlines are going to tout these tickets as being more affordable, but they may be priced similarly to what was available before — only without many of the perks.

International Equivalents

“Basic” business class has been around for several years in Europe. For instance, Air France and the Dutch-based KLM offer “business light.” Much like United’s base tier, business light restricts seat selection, lounge access, and other amenities. In terms of price, the cost of a business-light ticket averages out to about 100 euros ($117 USD) cheaper than the next level up, and roughly 150 euros ($176 USD) cheaper than buying the highest-tier business-class seat.

Lufthansa also recently introduced a “light” business class fare, limiting passengers to a single checked bag, charging a seat selection fee of 80 to 120 euros ($94 to $141 USD), and imposing a higher fee to make any changes. 

Featured image credit: Credit: © Jacob Lund/stock.adobe.com

How would you feel about phone calls on your next flight? Though traveling by plane certainly comes with its fair share of annoyances these days, until recently, voice and video calls haven’t been among them. In fact, airplane cabins are — or were — one of the few public places without people loudly gabbing on FaceTime or taking business calls. But one airline recently started permitting voice and video calls over in-flight Wi-Fi for the first time. Could other airlines follow suit?

British Airways Allows In-Flight Calls

Flying across the pond soon? Aside from being prepared for the new entry requirements, you may want to pack a pair of noise-canceling headphones if you’re traveling with the U.K.’s flag carrier. 

In March 2026, British Airways debuted its first plane with free Starlink Wi-Fi, which the airline plans to install on its entire fleet by the end of 2028. Starlink has become a popular choice for airlines as of late, with many opting to install it fleetwide due to its fast speeds, similar to what you’d find on the ground. 

As part of the rollout, British Airways updated its Wi-Fi policy to state that, in addition to streaming and scrolling, passengers can now make video calls over Starlink Wi-Fi. Previously, the airline’s website stated that “text and phone call functions can only be used whilst boarding, waiting to leave stand (as instructed by your crew), and taxiing to stand.”

Perhaps in anticipation of the fact that such a move might stir up controversy, the airline added to its policy: “We ask that you’re mindful of volume — use headphones and keep your voice low to avoid disturbing others.”

Are U.S. Airlines Following Suit?

The short answer: for now, no. But that could change. In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission bans phone calls using a cellular network during flight. However, there’s no similar rule in the U.S. that explicitly prohibits Wi-Fi calling in-flight. (British Airways’ policy is for calls made over Wi-Fi, so airplane mode stays on.)

That leaves it up to the airlines, and several of them have announced the rollout of next-gen Wi-Fi with speeds that could support video calls. For example, United Airlines is in the process of rolling out Starlink across its entire fleet; Alaska Airlines will begin installation this fall.

That means we’ll have to wait to see if they follow the lead of British Airways. In the meantime, a spokesperson for United told USA Today that the airline is “not making any changes to its onboard call policy.” (American, a joint-venture partner with British Airways, declined to comment.) 

If U.S. airlines do start permitting video calls on board, it will surely ignite another wave of debates about plane etiquette. But on a related front, United recently started cracking down on passengers who don’t use headphones — now, they could be banned from flying with the airline. 

Featured image credit: Courtesy of British Airways

If you’re planning a European vacation, the vast array of destinations to choose from and the wide variations in everything from climate to culture can seem overwhelming. And then there’s the question of how to really immerse yourself once you get there: No one likes to stick out like a sore thumb, so blending in like a pro is a key element of a successful trip. Next time you venture across the pond, avoid these 10 mistakes American tourists make in Europe, and you’ll fit right in with the locals. 

Overstuffing Your Itinerary

With so much to see and relatively little paid time off, American tourists can be forgiven for wanting to rush around ticking off the sights. But consider the emerging trend of slow travel, which encourages us to spend more time in each place so we can really take it in. After all,  travel is better when it’s not simply checking items off a list, and if you won’t have time to see everything anyway, why force it? 

Instead, focus on experiential travel — immersive activities that will make a lasting impression. A few ideas: Track bears in a Romanian forest, take a Sound of Music-themed cycling tour in Austria, stand-up paddleboard or kayak through the tranquil Lofoten Islands in Norway, or ride the world’s fastest zipline in Wales. Also, try not to squeeze too many countries into one trip: Just because a border is there doesn’t mean you have to cross it. 

Forgetting That Each Country Is Very Different

Failing to appreciate cultural influences and linguistic differences is a mistake tourists — Americans or otherwise — often make. There are 44 countries in Europe; local etiquette, long-standing traditions, and even architecture vary just as much as the climate and landscape. 

Wherever you go, it pays to pick up a few phrases in the local language, as not everyone is going to speak English, particularly in areas not frequented by many overseas tourists. The European Union alone recognizes 24 official languages, and there might be as many as 200 to 300 others spoken across the continent as a whole. 

Sticking Only to Cities

With so much to see and relatively little time to fit it all in, it’s tempting to stick to Europe’s big cities. However, don’t overlook its beautiful countryside, villages, and small towns. 

Instead of sightseeing in Munich, for instance, you could hike alongside the Leutasch Gorge and immerse yourself in the delightful frescoed buildings of Mittenwald. Or you could switch out Rome for the fascinating sassi (cave dwellings) of Matera or the craggy peaks and turquoise lakes of the Dolomites. And rather than hit overcrowded Paris, you could hop on a train south to Provence and explore the wildlife-rich Camargue or the lavender fields and vineyards of the Luberon. In Belgium, ditch busy Brussels for the grassy dunes and golden sands of the Vlaamse Kust (Flemish Coast), reaching it via the world’s longest tram route from De Panne to Knokke-Heist.

Relying Solely on Familiar Hotels

When it comes to facilities and amenities, there’s often a big difference between chain hotels and independently run guesthouses. While it can be tempting to use your hard-earned points for discounted rates or free nights with the brand you use most regularly, you could find that you miss the most characterful stays as a result. 

See: sleeping in a trullo in Puglia, staying in a converted prison that’s now a hostel in Slovenia, or waking up in Rotterdam’s famous cube houses. In fact, many of Europe’s most historic buildings have been repurposed as visitor accommodations. While some may lack amenities such as air conditioning and elevators, it could be worth a little inconvenience to say you’ve slept in a castle, centuries-old monastery, or medieval palace.

Eating Too Fast

Because many of us are used to it at home, and with time at a premium on vacation, it’s easy to understand why quick sit-down meals or even fast-food runs hold such appeal. However, that’s missing the point: Sampling local dishes is as much a part of a European trip as sightseeing. Italy was the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, which started as a knee-jerk reaction to a McDonald’s restaurant opening beside Rome’s Spanish Steps. It has since grown into an organization that has supporters across the continent and beyond. 

Many destinations in Europe celebrate sustainable local food and champion artisan producers — an ideal choice for tourists seeking a more authentic experience. Indeed, Europeans embrace the concept of “slow” in all its forms — dinner in many countries tends to be a social affair that lasts all evening (though start times vary). Don’t expect servers to rush you or the check to appear while there’s still food on the table — you’ll have to ask for it. 

Tipping at U.S. Rates

Tipping is an essential element of the service industry in the U.S., but the same can’t be said for similar jobs in Europe. The amount that customers are expected to tip — if at all — not only is far lower than it is in the U.S., but also varies considerably between countries. 

In some places, like the U.K., it’s normal practice to add a 10% to 15% gratuity to the check when dining out. In Germany, however, you can simply round up the total and indicate you aren’t expecting any change. In Iceland, locals won’t add gratuity at all. While your server may appreciate the extra cash, tipping the way you would back home is frowned upon by locals keen not to have to do the same. It can be seen as an unwelcome culture shift, an Americanization of European ways.

Expecting To Pay in Cash

In many European countries (Germany’s a notable exception), payment using contactless cards is increasingly the norm, replacing cash altogether. Be sure to select the local currency when given the option, as the exchange rate is more favorable; if you choose the U.S. dollar option on the payment terminal, stores and restaurants can set their own rate or add extra conversion fees. 

For those occasions where you may need notes and coins, it’s advisable to withdraw a small amount of cash from an ATM (preferably not one in a busy tourist area) and check to make sure you won’t be charged an additional commission. You’ll pay more to exchange currency at an airport kiosk. 

Not Familiarizing Yourself With Public Transportation

In Europe, more often than not, public transportation is widely available and affordable — throughout Luxembourg, it’s actually free. Driving yourself around in a rental is a rookie error that could translate to bumping over city cobblestones or navigating impossibly narrow alleyways. And finding a space to park while you’re still getting used to a stick shift is guaranteed to suck the fun out of any vacation, so let someone else take the wheel instead. 

Do a little homework, though, so you know the basics about how to buy a ticket and when you’ll need to validate it, too. Also check to see if multiday passes are available, which could save you a considerable amount when riding the metro. For example, the Vienna City Card covers unlimited rides for one, two, three, or seven days, plus offers discounts on museum tickets and local attractions.

Getting in the Way of Commuters

Sometimes, when exploring a new city, it can be easy to forget that not everyone is on vacation like you are. If you find yourself on the London Underground or Paris Metro when locals are trying to get to work — particularly if you’re carrying heavy luggage with you — you may not experience a warm, friendly welcome. Instead, grab a coffee or enjoy a leisurely breakfast until the morning rush has subsided.

Being Too Loud or Direct

What’s considered a perfectly acceptable volume for conversations in the U.S. is often louder than Europeans would consider polite. In a recent survey, 70% of European respondents described Americans as “loud.” If you’re looking to blend in when out and about, a good tip is to simply listen to those around you and match their decibel level. Tone down the noise in museums, libraries, restaurants, or on public transport. 

It also pays not to be too direct, as this can be misconstrued as rudeness in many European cultures (though some, like Dutch, Germans, and Scandinavians actually prefer it — again, it pays to do your research). But most of the time, you can begin with a compliment or a chatty greeting about the weather before your actual query, and always remember to say “please” and “thank you” to those who have taken time out of their day to help you.

Your next trip is planned and everything’s covered — the flight is booked, the hotel is reserved, and you’ve budgeted for meals and activities. But if you think that’s the end of your spending, think again. From ground transportation to comfortable walking shoes to the correct identification, here are some frequently overlooked travel costs you should keep in mind.

Layovers

Layovers can be a sneaky expense when it comes to your budget — the longer you’re en route, the more money you’re likely to spend. Even a short layover could result in costs you may have forgotten to budget for, like buying a meal in between flights, purchasing a book to stay entertained, or paying for Wi-Fi. 

Then, there’s always the possibility of a delay or cancellation, which forces you to spend money on food, water, and sometimes overnight accommodations. These costs can add up quickly, especially since airports are notoriously pricey. It may be a better idea to book the nonstop option if it’s not considerably more expensive.

Beverages

You might have budgeted for food, but have you thought about morning coffees, afternoon matchas, and evening cocktails? They all add up over the course of the week. If you’re traveling internationally, bottled water may need to be tallied on the daily expenses, too, depending on whether the tap water is safe to drink.

Ground Transportation

You might breathe a sigh of relief when your flight is finally booked — after all, airfare certainly eats up a big chunk of the travel budget. But that’s not the end of your transportation costs; there’s also traveling to and from the airport, plus the price of rental cars, public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares. Don’t forget to factor in sightseeing tours, the cost of gas, and adequate insurance coverage, too.

Travel Wardrobe

Traveling often means encountering different climates and environments, and your everyday wardrobe might not be up to the task. First and foremost, you’ll need to make sure your footwear is appropriate for your destination. A good pair of waterproof walking shoes is essential — after racking up thousands of steps each day, you’ll be glad you made the investment. Your preparation should also extend to other wardrobe items, including specialty gear, evening wear, and clothes that generally travel well, all of which can add on to the budget.

Plane Comfort

Sure, you saved money on that basic-economy ticket, but now you have to pay for it in a different way — 11 long hours in a cramped middle seat. For savvy international travelers, preparing for a long plane ride is a sport in and of itself, with certain items making traveling thousands of miles over the ocean more palatable. Noise-canceling headphones, a reusable water bottle, snacks, a neck pillow, and comfortable travel clothes are a few of the items worth your while — as long as you’re willing to make the investment.

Pet and Home Care

When you leave your furry friends behind, you need to know they’re cared for — and that comes at a price. Boarding dogs in a kennel can cost anywhere between $30 and $75 dollars a night, while in-home pet sitting can exceed $100 a day. These costs can rise during holidays, a popular time to travel, and depending on the number of animals you have. Even if you don’t have animals, you may benefit from home care while you’re away. If you don’t know a neighbor who can water the plants, collect the mail, or check in on the pipes, you may need to hire someone.

Fees

These days, there are hidden fees everywhere you look, especially when it comes to travel. Airlines charge you for where you sit and what you bring, TSA levies a fee for going through security (built into the cost of your plane ticket), airport vendors charge way more than street prices, and car rental companies bill you for fuel service and cleaning. Fees are also added to your lodging, your ATM withdrawal, currency conversions, and sometimes even your restaurant bill. 

While it may be difficult to get a sense of exactly how much you’ll end up paying in fees, we suggest you leave a comfortable cushion in your budget for these extras and make sure to read the fine print. And speaking of extras, don’t forget to leave room for gratuities, either — tips for bartenders and servers, housekeeping, taxi drivers, and bellhops can add up over the course of your trip.

Luggage

In addition to raising checked baggage fees, airlines are getting stricter when it comes to baggage size policies, which means your go-to luggage may no longer cut it. Many budget airlines, like Ryanair, are known for rigorously enforcing carry-on size limits, while Spirit and Frontier also carefully monitor the size of your personal item. If you’re forced to gate-check, it could come at an unexpected cost of $65 or more. Some international carriers, like Lufthansa, may weigh your carry-on and force you to check it if it’s too heavy.

Before you leave, research your flight carrier’s requirements to ensure your luggage is the correct size; otherwise, you’ll need to create extra room in the budget to buy a new bag or check your current one.

Identification

As of May 2025, travelers are required to have a REAL ID to board a domestic flight within the United States if they don’t already have a passport or another acceptable form of identification. If you don’t have time to get a REAL ID before your next trip, the TSA recently introduced a new option — pay $45 for an identity check that’s good for a 10-day travel period, and you can still board a plane (for a price).

Traveling internationally? Make sure your passport is good for at least six months after your return date — otherwise, you may not be allowed to enter the country you’re visiting, and you could find yourself paying considerably more for an expedited or emergency renewal.

Airport gates can be places of extremes. One minute, they’re a quiet place to pass the time before a flight. The next, they’re a rush of activity, with chaotic boarding lines, muffled announcements overhead, and passengers gathering their things while hoping they’re in the right place at the right time. While travelers are juggling their own stresses, gate agents are managing dozens of moving parts at once on a strict timeline. But a few small actions can make a big difference in keeping the boarding process running smoothly for everyone involved. Here are six things airport gate agents wish travelers would do.

Ask Questions Early

Even well-prepared travelers may need help with things from time to time, whether it’s a seat change, extra assistance while boarding, or gate-check tags for a stroller or car seat. The best time to ask is well before boarding begins, not while it’s happening, according to United Airlines gate agents on Reddit. Once an inbound flight arrives, agents shift into a tightly timed process and interruptions become much trickier to manage. They’ll be juggling not just greeting each passenger at boarding, but also potential scanning issues, standby lists, and last-minute updates all at once. 

Of course, gate agents are happy to help, but they’re better able to do so before the rush starts. Agents interviewed by Outside magazine and Huffington Post recommend approaching them upwards of 30 minutes before boarding time. Just make sure it’s not too early — gate agents also appreciate when they’re given a few moments to log into their workstation and review the day’s itinerary when they arrive at the gate. 

Those Announcements Are Important

At the airport, it’s easy to tune out PA announcements, especially since many don’t pertain to your flight or because the terminal is simply too noisy — doubly so when loudspeakers can be a bit tricky to decipher to begin with. But gate agents share timely updates about delays, last-minute gate changes, and boarding over the loudspeaker. Ignoring them can cause unnecessary confusion for passengers and extra work for gate agents. 

Often, when passengers miss these updates, they head to the desk to ask questions that have already been answered. While gate agents are certainly there to help, it’s only one of several tasks they’re handling. Before asking, try checking the arrival and departure information board in the terminal, the screen at your gate, or airline apps for updates. During boarding chaos or tight turnaround times, even a few extra interruptions can add pressure to an already-packed workflow.

Be Ready To Board

Boarding moves quickly once it gets going, and gate agents are counting on it. Having your boarding pass out, your ID documents ready, and your group called before approaching the gate podium helps keep the line flowing smoothly. Agents aren’t just scanning you onto the plane — they’re usually troubleshooting and coordinating with crew at the same time, so doing your part to stay organized makes it a more efficient experience for everyone.

One common slowdown is when passengers approach the gate without realizing what they need in hand and end up fumbling for passes or identification. Travelers standing in the wrong group or presenting tickets for the wrong flight segment of a connecting flight (which needs manual correction through the computer) are also common causes of slowdowns. These small hiccups can add up when boarding needs to occur relatively quickly to keep flights on time.

They’re Multitasking — Not Ignoring You

It can feel frustrating when there are delays or changes, and a gate agent is typing away at their computer, barely looking up. To travelers, it might feel like they’re not paying attention, but they are — both to their environment, and to several of the other moving parts of their job. 

In just a short timespan, agents are most likely assigning seats, coordinating with flight crew, tracking connecting passengers, arranging preboarding assistance, and preparing the next flight for departure. They’re also physically responsible for parts of the turnaround process: For many airlines, that includes operating the jetway that gets passengers to the plane. A delay of even a few minutes can have a domino effect on a flight’s schedule, so it’s helpful to know they’re working as quickly as they can.

Patience Goes a Long Way

Gate agents are often the face of the airline, particularly during stressful moments, but they’re very rarely the cause of the problem. Delays, cancellations, baggage limits, and missed connections are certainly frustrating, but they are usually out of the agents’ control. What gate agents can control, though, is how they help you. Passengers who are calm, respectful, and patient often get more assistance more quickly than those who get confrontational, according to gate agents’ posts on Reddit.

When it comes to smaller requests such as seat changes or rebooking options, agents are often happy to go the extra mile for patients who treat them well. Try approaching the podium up to 30 minutes before boarding is scheduled to start to make sure they can better focus on your issue. 

Their Powers Are Limited

It’s fairly typical for passengers to need help with issues that may arise, but it’s also common for them to ask for extras such as upgrades, additional compensation if things go awry, or exceptions to rules or regulations. Agents are usually happy to help when they can, but in reality, their authority on these matters is quite limited. 

Airline protocols determine things like upgrade priorities, standby lists, and compensation for delays or overbooked flights. In many cases, the computer, not the agent, makes the final call. If the solution feels unsatisfactory, it’s recommended to politely ask if a supervisor can assist. If anything further can be done, it’ll come from above — not from the gate agent whose job it is to focus on the safe and timely departure of flights.