As travelers, we love jetting off to new destinations, but before we even board our flight, we must first get through the hurdle of airport security. In 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a record number of travelers in U.S. airports, and many travelers reported longer wait times than ever before. Standing in a long security line — or a lengthy customs line after a long international flight — can be one of the most frustrating parts of travel, but, fortunately, there are ways to reduce your wait time. Below, explore how you can speed through airport security by enrolling in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR. 

What Is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is what’s known as a Trusted Traveler Program, which the government offers to eligible passengers who are deemed low-risk. It allows these travelers to bypass certain parts of the airport security process. The program, which is available on flights departing the U.S., offers a separate, exclusive line that’s often much shorter. (According to the TSA, 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less.) Passengers with PreCheck can skip taking off their shoes, belts, and light jackets — and they don’t need to remove laptops or liquids from their carry-on bags.  

Those eligible for TSA PreCheck are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who do not have any of the disqualifying offenses, which include having previously committed treason, espionage, or murder, and being on the terrorist watch list. Of note, in order to use the line, travelers must add their Known Traveler Numbers (KTN) to their itinerary when booking (you’ll receive one after getting approved). 

What Is Global Entry?

Global Entry is another Trusted Traveler Program that operates similarly to TSA PreCheck but is geared towards travelers who take frequent international trips. The program allows those returning to the U.S. from abroad to receive expedited reentry to the country after landing. In lieu of waiting in an often lengthy line at customs, those with Global Entry head to dedicated kiosks, which take photos of travelers to confirm their identity and allow them to head straight to a customs officer without waiting in a long line. 

Citizens of the U.S. and certain foreign countries are eligible for Global Entry, provided they are also deemed low-risk and do not have any customs violations or convictions on their record. Enrolling in Global Entry requires applicants to schedule an in-person interview and complete a lengthier application process than TSA PreCheck. Currently, application processing time is around four to six months, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you have an international trip on the horizon and want to take advantage of Global Entry.

How Much Do They Cost?

As of 2024, it costs $78 to apply for TSA PreCheck, while Global Entry will set you back $100. Once approved, enrollment in either program is good for five years. Additionally, certain credit cards will reimburse you for your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry fees.

If you’re interested in both programs, you should know that enrollment in Global Entry also includes the TSA PreCheck benefit as well as its expedited customs screening — so it may be worth it to pay the slightly higher fee if you have any international trips planned. All you have to do to get the TSA PreCheck perk is make sure you use your Known Traveler Number upon booking a flight.

What Is CLEAR?

If you’re looking to speed through the airport even more quickly, consider also signing up for CLEAR. While TSA PreCheck shortens the security screening process itself, CLEAR allows travelers to bypass the security lines. Instead of waiting in line for a TSA officer to inspect your physical ID, CLEAR has dedicated kiosks at select airports that use biometric technology to verify your identity. A CLEAR team member will then escort the traveler to the front of the security line to proceed through the scanning machines. 

Unlike TSA PreCheck, CLEAR is run by a private company. And it’s not as widely available — as of 2024, there are around 55 airports across the country with access to CLEAR. The cost is also steeper: $189 per year (versus $78 for five years with PreCheck). However, enrolling in both programs is often the fastest way to get through airport security. Like PreCheck, there are also several credit cards that come with CLEAR membership, so you can offset the additional cost.

What Do I Have to Do to Get TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR?

If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who does not have any of the disqualifying offenses on your record, you can apply online for TSA PreCheck. From there, you can find an enrollment center near you and schedule an appointment to meet an agent and finish the process. The TSA has also recently partnered with several new providers to offer increased enrollment options. 

The application process is similar for Global Entry. Travelers will fill out an application, pay a fee, and attend an interview. Provided their interview is successful, they’ll receive their Global Entry card. Meanwhile, CLEAR is available to travelers who are 18 years or older and who possess one of the following: a U.S. driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. state-issued I.D. Travelers can apply for this program online or at one of their kiosks in any participating airport. It takes five minutes to sign up, and there’s no interview required.

Can Kids Use Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or CLEAR?

There is no age requirement for TSA PreCheck; however, depending on a child’s age, it may be worth getting them their own membership. Children under 12 who are traveling with a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck can go through the expedited line with them. However, if the child is 13 or older, they must use the regular security line, even if their parents are using TSA PreCheck.

There is also no minimum age requirement for Global Entry. However, no matter the age of the person you are traveling with, every member of your party must also have Global Entry in order to benefit from the program. For CLEAR, children under 18 can use the lane for free when accompanied by a member, and they don’t have to enroll.

Maybe the flight was delayed or the taxi driver made a tour of the city, or checking in seemed to take years. Whatever your journey was like, when you finally get to your hotel room, it’s certainly tempting to raid the minibar and stretch out on the bed. While we certainly won’t stop you, you might want to wait just a minute. Here is a hotel safety checklist, so you can relax in your hotel room comfortably on your next getaway. 

Plan Your Route

Before you even get to your room, make a note of where the nearest two emergency exits and stairwells are located. Each year, there are almost 4,000 hotel and motel fires reported in the U.S. The U.S. Fire Administration advises studying the hotel’s evacuation plan carefully, and counting the number of doors between your room and the nearest exits, so that you can safely navigate an escape in the dark. 

Check Your Door

Open the door to your hotel room and let it close while you’re still in the hall. Is it locked? Not all doors automatically lock behind you when you walk into the room, and that’s definitely something you’ll want to know. Also make sure that the deadbolt or safety chain is in good working order, and make use of it while you’re in the room. For extra security, consider packing a portable lock that can prevent someone with a master card from entering your room.

Inspect for Pests

Even worse than waking up in a hotel room with bites from bed bugs is inadvertently bringing them back to your home. Unfortunately, even the cleanest five-star hotel can be plagued with these hard-to-eradicate insects, so it’s important to do some quick due diligence before you settle in and relax. 

Put your bags in the bathroom — bed bugs are unlikely to be in the tub or shower — and start your inspection. Fortunately, adults and eggs are visible to the naked eye, as are the molted casings and the rust-colored spots that they leave behind. Pull back the sheets and blankets (a process that has the added benefit of making sure they’re clean). Check the mattress, too, removing the cover and running a business card along the seams, which are a favorite hiding place. Repeat the process with any upholstered furniture. Many seasoned travelers avoid the dressers, keeping their clothes stored in their (zipped) suitcase atop the luggage rack.

Turn Off (or Unplug) The Alarm Clock

Many frequent travelers have been awakened at least once by an unwanted alarm blaring from a bedside table. While housekeeping is supposed to check for and turn off any alarm left by the previous hotel guests, they may miss it every now and then. Turn it off, or set it to your desired time if you want a backup to the alarm on your phone. Better still, unplug the entire clock to darken your room and make for a more restful night’s sleep.

Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize

Like airplanes, hotel rooms are heavily trafficked and are often not the cleanest places. Housekeepers are hurried, and hotels are filled with new strangers every night. If you’re going to touch the TV’s remote control — one of the germiest offenders — scrub it first with a sanitizing wipe. Ditto for wiping down light switches, the door handle, phone, bathroom faucets, and the toilet handle. And the last step? Wash your own hands: You’ve been traveling, after all.

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.

Flying first class on an international vacation is a bucket-list dream for many travelers. Or perhaps if you’re extremely lucky, you regularly fly at the pointy front end of the plane. But to many travelers’ surprise, in recent years, first class has become something of a rarity on long-haul international flights. In 2023, Qatar Airways — the Middle East carrier known for its uber-luxe in-flight offerings — became the latest airline to announce that it would stop installing first class seats on its newest airplanes. Does this really spell the end of first class? Find out why some airlines are getting rid of first class seats — and what that might mean for your next trip.

On U.S. Domestic Flights, First Class Isn’t Going Anywhere

First thing’s first: There’s a big distinction between what U.S. airlines have traditionally marketed as “first class” on domestic and short-haul international hops versus first class on long-haul intercontinental flights. 

When flying on carriers such as Delta Air Lines or American Airlines domestically or to Mexico and the Caribbean, buying a first class ticket gets you a roomier seat at the front of the cabin with a few extra inches of legroom and recline. You’ll receive perks such as priority boarding and complimentary in-flight meals and alcohol. But typically, business class isn’t offered on these routes — only first class and economy class (sometimes called “main cabin”).

U.S. airlines have noted on recent investor calls that demand for this type of premium product has actually grown since the pandemic and remains exceptionally strong. As a result, these airlines are investing heavily in expanding the first class footprint on many planes and updating their first class cabins to convince more travelers to splurge for the upgrade. 

What Is Flying Long-Haul First Class Like?

On intercontinental flights, it’s quite a different scenario. Let’s go back in time to find out why: As jet travel boomed in the 1960s, airlines pulled out all the stops for their most premium cabins, which were traditionally marketed as first class. Passengers willing to pay a hefty price tag could look forward to elevated service from fashionably dressed flight attendants, gourmet meals — lobster, caviar, leg of ham carved next to passengers’ seats — and even onboard cocktail lounges.

In the 1970s, airlines began introducing a cabin between first class and coach called business class. It featured with wider seats that offered about eight to ten extra inches of legroom, improved meals, and more personalized service over economy class. However, in the 1990s, airlines such as Continental (now part of United) and Virgin Atlantic opted to combine the traditional first class and business class products into a hybrid offering that was somewhere in between. (Continental called it BusinessFirst.)

Today, many global carriers still offer a dedicated first class cabin, with their roomiest seats and highest levels of service. But in the decades since, other airlines have followed the lead of Continental and Virgin Atlantic by dropping first class altogether in favor of a much-improved business class cabin. In 2000, British Airways upped the ante for business class by becoming the first major airline to introduce seats that converted into flat beds. As the competition between airlines has heated up, flat-bed seats have now become the standard for business class travel — and some airlines now even offer suites with sliding doors. 

Why Many Airlines Are Dropping International First Class Seats

Of the three major global U.S. carriers, both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have already dropped first class in favor of an elevated business class cabin. Delta calls theirs “Delta One,” while United introduced “Polaris” in 2016. American Airlines has remained the lone hold-out with a true first class cabin. But by the end of 2024, that will no longer be the case.

As reported by Business Insider, in late 2022 American Airlines announced that it would be completely removing its remaining first class cabins, which were already only configured on a small number of aircraft. The airline said first class would no longer exist “for the simple reason that our customers aren’t buying it.” Instead, American is investing in what it calls a new “Flagship Suite” business class. And despite removing first class, the airline is actually increasing the premium seats per plane. 

The reality is, with ever-improving business class cabins, airlines have a tough time selling traditional first class. According to Qatar Airways’ CEO, the business class product today “already gives you all the amenities that first class gives you.” He goes so far as to call first class “pointless.” For airlines, those first class seats — which are even roomier than business class — take up valuable real estate in airplane cabins and don’t allow airlines to maximize revenue potential on each flight.

Plus, with changing demand habits in the wake of the pandemic, there are now fewer corporate travelers spending large sums on last-minute first class tickets. Before the pandemic, large corporations were responsible for about half of premium cabin demand, according to Business Insider. These days, premium demand is now being driven by a blend of business and leisure travelers — the latter of whom are typically unwilling to shell out for the significant price difference between first and business class. 

The Premium Economy Factor

In the 1990s, airlines such as Eva Air and Virgin Atlantic introduced yet another new class of service that became known as “premium economy.” The product was aimed at travelers looking for an elevated experience over typically cramped economy cabins, but without the budget to upgrade to business or first class. Premium economy offered wider seats, a few extra inches of legroom, and typically better meals and service.

Sound familiar? Indeed, premium economy resembles what business class used to look like when it was first introduced. In a sense, business class has become the new first class, while premium economy is the new business class. Many airlines will also offer a dedicated set of economy class seats with extra legroom, offering travelers even more options to suit their budget.

Which Airlines Still Offer a True First Class Option?

While the trend points in the opposite direction, a handful of airlines remain dedicated to a “true” first class cabin on intercontinental flights. These airlines are typically already known for their high levels of service, and include the likes of Emirates, Air France, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, and Korean Air. 

Many of these airlines have also introduced new, improved cabins in recent years. On Singapore Airlines, for instance, you’ll get a private suite so spacious that there’s enough room for both a reclining chair and a traditional bed. And if you’re traveling with someone, you can even lower the dividers between suites to create an extra-spacious double bed. So, while it’s true that first class is no longer an option on many airlines these days, for those travelers looking for the ultimate splurge, a select few airlines are keeping the tradition alive. 

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.