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.

On a vacation, sometimes the last thing on our minds is protecting our belongings. Your passport, phone, and wallet — likely within easy reach in your purse or back pocket — become easy targets for thieves while you’re deep in conversation, fumbling with a map, snapping a photo of iconic sites, or trying to decipher train timetables. Pickpocketing is already a cause for concern among travelers, but perpetrators these days can also use technology to steal private information without so much as brushing your shoulder. Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself from this form of crime by investing in an RFID-blocking wallet. Find out what it is and why you might want to bring one on your next trip.

What Does RFID Stand For?

RFID stands for radio frequency identification, a technology that uses radio waves to identify objects or people. Even without physical contact, an RFID scanner can read information stored within RFID tags contained in wireless devices, credit cards, or debit cards from up to 20 to 30 feet away. 

These scanners capture information about an object’s shape, size, weight, color, and other attributes before sending these details to a computer program via radio waves. RFID technology has been used since the 1970s, and — in the right hands — is mostly used in employee identification cards, highway toll tags, and car keys.

What Kind of Information Is Vulnerable?

An RFID tag can hold up to 64 bytes of data, which can, unfortunately, be read by any kind of RFID scanner. The information on this “tag” may include your name, ID number, or other personal information, such as your real-time location. 

More recently, RFID chips have been used in debit cards and credit cards — allowing thieves to read them without being scanned through a machine. While the chip is intended to make the transaction process easier, it can pose more of a risk.

How Does an RFID-Blocking Wallet Work?

Using an electromagnetic shield, an RFID-blocking wallet keeps your contactless cards safely stored and prevents credit card theft. RFID scanner signals can’t read the tags inside your cards when they are in this type of wallet — ensuring that this information remains safe. Most of the time, these wallets are lightweight and can hold many cards at once, so they’re practical as well as protective. RFID-blocking wallets are also relatively affordable and come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors. 

The Bottom Line

It’s never a bad idea to be prepared for a worst-case scenario, but the good news is that many credit card companies and banks have already started issuing cards with chips that are not RFID-capable. Many contactless cards are also encrypted so that they only transmit securely encrypted information. 

It’s also not highly likely a thief will go through the trouble of using such devices to obtain private information when it is often easier to access through internet scams. Still, there isn’t any harm in giving yourself that extra layer of protection. After all, the last thing you want to worry about on vacation is reporting bank fraud. 

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.

When booking a hotel room, travelers often spend a great deal of time searching for the most affordable rates available. While you may be tempted to secure a room well in advance for some peace of mind, in some cases, you can save money on your hotel reservation by waiting to book. The data shows that room prices have the potential to drop as the date of stay approaches, and though it’s not always a guarantee, these savings happen more frequently than you may realize. So if you’re planning a trip and still haven’t booked the accommodations, then you might want to hold off until you read this article. Here’s how to determine whether or not it’s cheaper to book hotel rooms at the last minute.

When to Book a Hotel for the Biggest Savings

While it may be risky to wait to book a hotel until the month of your trip, there could be a noted benefit to doing so — depending on the location (more on that later). According to a study from financial advice website NerdWallet, travelers who book around 15 days in advance may save more on their reservation than travelers who secure their hotel four months ahead of time. The savings vary from year to year, but were an average of 13.9% in 2021 and even higher for luxury hotels. This isn’t just a trick for hotels in the U.S., but applies to international bookings as well.

Some savvy savers even suggest waiting until 48 hours before your desired date of stay to finally book. However, when you’re that close to your travel date it might be best to call the hotel and talk to someone directly. Politely request to speak with a manager and ask if there are any last-minute rooms available. Often, hotels are willing to work with you and offer a more flexible rate rather than let a room go unused, so it’s worth calling to see if you’ll get lucky.

For real risk-takers, you can let the clock tick down even further. Assuming you have a back-up plan in place, it can be worth waiting until the day of your desired stay to finally make your desired booking. Many hotels will cut their prices by an average of 10% once the clock strikes 4 p.m., so get ready to pick up your phone and jump at these deals should they become available.

The Risks of Waiting Too Long

It’s important to consider where and when you’re staying before waiting too long to make a reservation. If there’s a major event in the area, such as a concert or sports game, then prices are likely to increase as inventory shrinks — and you’ll just end up paying a heftier rate in the end. Major holidays and weekends are also more desirable travel days, so don’t expect rates to fall during these peak times.

As for location, it’s critical to take note of the city where you’re staying. Certain high-profile leisure cities such as Las Vegas, Miami, and other popular resort towns sell out most of their listings well in advance. While there’s likely to be some last-minute accommodations available, they’re rarely as heavily discounted as you may hope — if at all. When it comes to these sought-after leisure cities, the greatest savings are actually offered an average of three months ahead of your stay, so book then and don’t wait.

Also consider the amount you’ll save by waiting — according to the NerdWallet research, it was around 13.9% in 2021. Depending on the cost of your stay, that may not actually add up to much — or outweigh your peace of mind. The site also recommends taking advantage of hotels’ flexible rates, allowing you to potentially cancel and rebook without penalty.

Helpful Last-Minute Services

For many travelers, keeping track of changing hotel prices may be too time-consuming to make it worth their while. Thankfully, there are helpful services like HotelTonight that compile last-minute, discounted hotel rates all over the world. They even offer a Daily Drop once a day, offering spontaneous travelers an extra 30% in savings, as long as they act within a 15-minute window. Major booking providers like Expedia also have a last-minute deals section, and the site LastMinute.com offers savings of up to 40% on hotels — the catch is, you won’t find out the exact hotel name until you complete your reservation.