When you book a plane ticket, likely the last thing you expect is that the airline will go bust. But sometimes, that’s precisely what happens, as stranded customers of Icelandic airline Play discovered in September 2025. Unless you keep up with business news, it may come as a shock to find out that the airline you chose was even having financial difficulties, let alone about to enter liquidation. According to the Iceland Review, in Play’s case, even the prime minister of Iceland was blindsided by the sudden turn of events. So, what can you do to protect yourself in the event of airline bankruptcy? Here are a few helpful strategies to keep in mind before and during your trip.

Chapter 11 vs. Chapter 7

In the U.S., a business may file for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. This effectively buys the company time to find a way to restructure or secure funding in order to be able to stay in business. This practice is common in the aviation industry, and it isn’t necessarily the end of an airline.

In fact, Chapter 11 protection has enabled various American carriers to continue flying: United Airlines filed for Chapter 11 in 2002 (exiting bankruptcy in 2006), Delta entered in 2005 (exiting bankruptcy in 2007), and American Airlines went through the process in 2011 (exiting bankruptcy in 2013). In other cases, the outcome is less certain, as is currently the case with Spirit Airlines, which emerged from Chapter 11 in March 2025 but filed again in August 2025.

If restructuring fails to work or a buyout can’t be achieved, an airline may declare Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is a liquidation process, and cease operating altogether. Travelers may wish to search online to see if the airline they’re considering is experiencing financial or operational difficulties so that they are aware of any such situations at the time of booking.  

Book Tickets With a Credit Card

If an airline goes into liquidation, insolvency professionals may pause refunds while they work out how to divide assets among creditors. As a traveler, you likely won’t be first on their list. In the meantime, however, you can take matters into your own hands — as long as you paid for your ticket using a credit card.

The Fair Credit Billing Act of 1974 aims to protect consumers from unfair billing practices. This means that if a vendor charges for services that aren’t provided, the purchaser’s liability is limited. If you’ve bought a flight using a credit card, you can apply for a chargeback. Time limits vary according to the provider, so it’s wise to dispute the charge as soon as you know the airline isn’t going to honor its end of the contract.

Work Out a Plan B Before You Travel

Anytime you travel, it’s also useful to figure out alternative arrangements in advance so that, if the unexpected happens, you’re ahead of the pack. Do some online research about which other airlines serve your destination, and if you’re unable to fly back from your intended airport, check if it’s feasible to reach another. 

In some cases, it might be possible — though admittedly more time-consuming — to take other modes of transportation to get back home. Depending on where you are, that might involve taking a train, bus, or even a ferry. If you can spare the time, this might be the most cost-effective solution in the event an airline leaves you stranded.

Keep an Eye Out for Rescue Flights

When an airline ceases flying, other carriers may step in to help stranded passengers, though this doesn’t happen in all cases. When it does, it’s good PR, particularly when the savior airline caps airfares for stranded customers. 

To qualify for such rescue fares, you’ll most likely have to provide a booking reference that proves you were originally scheduled to fly with the now-bankrupt airline. However, these flights can take time to materialize. If you can find an affordable route home in the meantime, consider grabbing it, because airfares are dynamic and change rapidly according to supply and demand.

Ensure You Have Access to an Emergency Fund

When the unexpected happens, you’ll need to be able to pay for replacement tickets and hope that you’ll be able to recoup your costs at a future date. But sometimes this can be many months later — or even not at all. As a consequence, be sure to carry a credit card with a high-enough credit limit so that you are able to pay for a seat on a replacement flight home or cover other unforeseen costs such as extra nights in a hotel until you can find one.

Choose the Right Insurance Policy

Many people opt to purchase travel insurance, but not all policies are equal. To be able to file a claim if your airline goes bankrupt, you may need a policy that offers reimbursement for scheduled airline failure or financial default. This may not be covered by some travel insurance policies but can sometimes be sold as an add-on to a policy. 

Before you decide on a travel insurance policy, check the fine print. For instance, you might be insured for the price of your original flight but not the cost of a last-minute replacement, which may be much more expensive. For domestic flights or short hops overseas, you may be happy to cover the amount yourself, but for a long haul flight, being well-insured could potentially save you hundreds or perhaps thousands of dollars.

Traveling opens the door to many modes of transportation. Whether you’re renting a car to cruise the countryside or navigating an urban train network, each choice comes with pros and cons. In particular, taxis offer privacy, comfort, and door-to-door convenience, but they often come at a steep price. According to the online cost-of-living database Numbeo, New York City cabs have the most expensive fares in North America, averaging $2.17 per kilometer ($1.35 per mile). Yet, this rate pales in comparison to the highest rates around the globe. Check out which countries hold the top 10 spots for most expensive taxi fares.

10. El Salvador (tie)

Cost per kilometer: $3

With volcanic hikes, surf-friendly beaches, and ancient Maya ruins, El Salvador is one of Central America’s top tourist destinations. While accommodations and food are relatively affordable here, taxi fares are surprisingly steep, averaging $3 per kilometer.

In busy cities such as San Salvador, where public transportation can be confusing for tourists, the convenience of taking a cab may be worth the added cost. Plus, certain remote tourist destinations are not easily accessed by public transportation. So, whether you’re chasing a volcanic sunrise or heading to a downtown museum, prepare to pay a little extra for taxis in El Salvador.

10. Venezuela (tie)

Cost per kilometer: $3

In a tie for 10th place, Venezuela has some of South America’s most expensive taxi rates. Many factors play into these sky-high prices, including limited or unreliable public transportation in certain areas. Taxis often offer the most direct and flexible form of transportation for travelers looking to explore the country’s diverse terrain, from the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Basin to Isla de Margarita and the historic streets of Caracas. 

9. The Netherlands

Cost per kilometer: $3.07

In Dutch urban centers such as Amsterdam, visitors can expect to pay over $3 per kilometer in cab fare. You can cut down on taxi costs, however, by renting a bicycle in this cycling-friendly country, which has more bikes than citizens. But for visitors unfamiliar with local geography, a cab may be the most efficient way to see several popular tourist sites in one day, such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. 

8. Jamaica

Cost per kilometer: $3.09

This Caribbean island nation is known for its sprawling beaches, lush rainforests, and unique cultural landmarks, including the former home of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley in Kingston.

However, navigating the public transportation system to see these sites can be tricky for tourists, and there are some safety concerns in certain regions. Aside from traveling with a tour group, taxis are the typically best way to get around. Though cab fares are among the most expensive in the world, these prices come with added comfort and local knowledge from drivers, who can point you in the direction of the best waterfall views or quietest tourist beaches.

7. Japan

Cost per kilometer: $3.25

Japan’s public transportation system ranks among the world’s best, so taxis aren’t usually necessary. However, a hired ride can be helpful where trains are lacking or when train times don’t align with your itinerary. 

For instance, you might call a cab to decrease your travel time to historic temples in Kyoto or hiking trails with views of the majestic Mount Fuji. One place you might avoid taking a taxi, though, is near Shibuya Crossing. Tokyo’s most famous intersection, filled with neon lights, bustling traffic, and hundreds of pedestrians crossing in all directions, is a tourist destination in itself. 

6. Kuwait 

Cost per kilometer: $3.26

Kuwait, a small country on the Persian Gulf, is known for its architectural wonders. Towering above Kuwait City is Al Hamra, the world’s tallest curved skyscraper; nearby, the Grand Mosque, the largest in the country, is popular for tours and education on Islamic culture. Shopping is a major draw, too, especially at the Avenues, one of the largest malls in the world. 

To see these sights, the best mode of transportation for most tourists is a taxi, as there are no metro systems in Kuwait. While there are public buses available, they might be a little more complicated to navigate or not as direct as a cab. 

5. Mauritius 

Cost per kilometer: $3.30

The tropical island country of Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean, just east of Madagascar. While taxis aren’t the cheapest way to explore, they can be more efficient for reaching remote or scenic areas, such as hopping between beaches and hiking trails with ease.

There are many sights to see in Mauritius, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Le Morne Brabant, a 1,824-foot seaside monolith, and the nearby Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, home to naturally rainbow-colored sand. On the north side of the island, the 300-year-old National Botanical Garden is among the oldest in the world. 

4. Bahrain 

Cost per kilometer: $3.45

Located on the Persian Gulf, Bahrain boasts a unique blend of modern and ancient culture. This island country has limited public transportation options, so tourists often opt for taxis. They’re especially convenient for getting around the capital city of Manama, which does not yet have a train system. Here, visitors frequent the impressive Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques, while sports fans flock to the Bahrain International Circuit, home of the annual Formula One Grand Prix.

3. Albania 

Cost per kilometer: $3.59

Albania, frequently cited as one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations, boasts sun-soaked beaches along the Mediterranean Sea and stunning views in the Albanian Alps. For history buffs, the UNESCO-listed towns of Berat, known for its Ottoman architecture, and Gjirokastër, famous for its hilltop castle, are must-sees.

However, public transportation is sparse and slow in Albania. As a result, many tourists rely on taxis to get around, though they pay some of the most expensive cab fares in the world. Fortunately, other travel costs in Albania are much more affordable compared with busier European desitnations.

2. Luxembourg

Cost per kilometer: $4.11

Tiny Luxembourg draws visitors with its unique blend of cultures and natural beauty. Its capital, Luxembourg City, features a UNESCO-listed fortified old town where visitors are transported into the Middle Ages while exploring the cobbled streets.

Although the country has a robust — and most importantly, free — public transit system, taxis are occasionally more convenient for quick airport transfers or late-night travel. The price is high, but in this compact country, you won’t have to travel too far to reach your destination.

1. Switzerland

Cost per kilometer: $4.72

Switzerland tops the list with the world’s most expensive taxi fares. These high cab prices may come as little surprise, as Switzerland is often cited as the most expensive European country for tourists. But Switzerland is packed with worthwhile experiences, from the snow-covered Alps to postcard-perfect lakeside cities such as Lucerne. To reach these top destinations, taxis are helpful where the Swiss rail system falls short, especially for late-night arrivals, ski resort transfers, or more remote hiking trails.

Note: Costs listed above are accurate as of the publish date but are updated frequently on Numbeo’s website.

Whether you’re feeling peckish or looking to do some shopping before departure, there are typically plenty of restaurants and stores to choose from in the airport terminal. But airport vendors have a reputation for inflated prices, leaving travelers to either begrudgingly pay those costs or skip spending altogether. Thankfully, a select few airports have taken the unusual step to charge amounts that are similar to street prices. Here’s a look at two U.S. airports that don’t inflate prices.

Portland International Airport

Whether you’re buying a souvenir shirt, a cheeseburger and fries, or a libation at the bar, the price you pay at Oregon’s Portland International Airport (PDX) will be in line with what you’d pay elsewhere in the city. In contrast, other major airports charge 10% to 20% above street pricing to cover operating costs.

In an interview with Travel Oregon, Kaitlin Hunter, senior manager of concessions at the Port of Portland, said, “All vendors are obligated to charge the same prices at the airport as they do on the street in Portland.” This means that a cup of coffee from Starbucks, for example, costs the same at a PDX terminal as it does in downtown Portland. According to a recent study conducted by Casino.ca, PDX charges the lowest price for beer among North American airports — $4.41 compared with the nationwide average of $8.02 per drink.

Portland’s airport also takes pride in offering concessions that are locally owned. This includes regional favorites such as Blue Star Donuts and the pasta shop Grassa. But even nonlocal chains such as McDonald’s and Potbelly have to abide by these pricing regulations.

This street pricing concept has proved to be a win-win for travelers and vendors alike. A 2016 report showed that passengers flying through PDX spent more than travelers passing through airports in Boston, D.C., and Seattle. 

Salt Lake City International Airport

Based on the success of PDX’s street pricing plan, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has implemented a similar policy. This decision comes in the wake of a $4.1 billion airport renovation, the first phase of which was completed in 2020.

“When people get the notion they’re not being gouged, or they’re not paying significantly more for something than they might otherwise be, they’ll buy it,” Bill Wyatt, the airport’s executive director, told The Salt Lake Tribune. “That’s clearly proved to be the case here.”

Indeed, the proof is in the pudding — or in this case, the booze. According to the same study conducted by Casino.ca, SLC is second to only PDX in regard to average beer price, charging just $5.10 per beverage. And some items actually cost less inside the airport than in other locations, according to a report from the Tribune. For instance, in 2023, an entree bowl from Panda Express cost $7.90 inside the airport and $8.00 outside. 

Still, a few vendors were found to not comply with the policy, including the Market Street Grill. Inside the airport, a plate of fish and chips cost $18.99, which was $1 higher than at a nonairport location. While PDX has a formal review process to keep prices stable, SLC lacks any in-house audit — at least for now. The concessions team relies on feedback from the general public to bring pricing anomalies to their attention. 

New York, New Prices

While Portland International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport are working to make the terminal experience cheaper, not every airport can say the same. In an effort to cover rising costs, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey revised the street pricing plan in 2025. This allows vendors at LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark to charge 15% above street prices, on top of an additional 3% surcharge to help cover employee benefits programs. Previous, the policy was 10%.

With some airports keeping prices stable and others raising them, it’s hard to project where the trends will go in the future. But with the street-pricing success stories being written at PDX and SLC, hopefully other U.S. airports will take notice.

Featured image credit: AntaresNS/ iStock Editorial via Getty Images Plus

Ever taken a closer look at your boarding pass and noticed the letters “SSSS” printed at the top? These four letters can be easy to miss, but they mean a more time-consuming security screening process. Here’s what to expect if you find yourself being pulled aside by a TSA agent for having “SSSS” on your boarding pass.

What Does “SSSS” Mean?

“SSSS” is short for “Secondary Security Screening Selection.” It’s a mechanism for alerting TSA agents that the passenger requires an additional security check before being cleared. Having those four letters printed on your boarding pass doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re considered a threat, though — this designation is often applied randomly. In fact, according to a 2023 U.S. Senate report, “the vast majority” of SSSS designations in recent years were random selections.

In an article for Yahoo! Creators, former TSA agent Caleb Harmon-Marshall noted some of the other common reasons why you may be pulled aside. For instance, your name may match that of a person on the “Do Not Fly” list, in which case the TSA may need to confirm your identity before allowing you to board. Other red flags include potentially suspicious travel plans, such as if the passenger booked their flight last-minute or booked a one-way international flight with no return leg.

While you can only know for certain whether you’ve been selected for an SSSS screening once you obtain your boarding pass, there are some potential clues. For instance, say you check in for your flight online but are informed you have to pick up your physical boarding pass at the counter — this may be a sign that you’ve been flagged.

What Does the Screening Process Entail?

This additional security screening can be quite time-consuming, ranging from 10 minutes to over half an hour, depending on how many TSA agents are available. If you’ve been flagged, TSA agents will pull you aside to conduct a thorough search of your person and your belongings. Usually, the screening takes place at either the main security area or a screening location nearby that the TSA agent will lead you to.

During the screening, expect to have all of your luggage opened and manually inspected. This may even include agents swabbing objects to confirm there’s no potentially explosive residue present inside your bag. TSA agents also will likely both give you a physical pat-down and direct you through the body scanner so they can ensure there’s nothing potentially hazardous on your person. If you feel uncomfortable with a physical pat-down being performed in view of your fellow passengers, you can request a more private setting. Anticipate having your physical ID checked to confirm your identity as well.

Additionally, you may need to power up all of your electronic devices to prove they work. This includes your phone, tablet, or camera. If you’re unable to power up the device and prove it’s safe, TSA agents reserve the right to confiscate the item or allow you to return it to your car or home.

How To Prepare

First, it’s important to arrive up to an hour earlier than you normally would if you see “SSSS” on your boarding pass or you’re worried that you may get flagged. While the process may take only a few minutes at a less-crowded airport, it can potentially take longer if agents are busy. Be sure to have your electronics fully charged to lessen the risk of any potential hang-ups with the TSA. 

It’s also worth packing your suitcase neatly so you know where everything is and TSA agents can easily access the contents of your luggage. Lastly, remain calm and cooperative, abiding by any requests made by the TSA. While you probably won’t be happy to be pulled aside, complaints or aggressive behavior certainly won’t help your cause.

Is There Any Way To Avoid SSSS?

While there’s no surefire way to avoid the SSSS designation on your boarding pass, there is one way to lessen the chances that it’ll happen again. If you find yourself frequently having to deal with this nuisance, you can apply to the Department of Homeland Security’s Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (also known as DHS TRIP).

The DHS TRIP program is available to anyone who is repeatedly referred to additional security screenings. You can also apply if you frequently encounter delays or denials when trying to board an aircraft or enter the United States. The program offers support in Arabic, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and many other languages frequently spoken in the U.S., allowing a wide array of travelers to take advantage of it if necessary. 

The Department of Homeland Security will review your case, and if the application is successful, you’ll be provided with a redress number to input for any future bookings. Keep in mind that it’s different from a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you receive through TSA PreCheck or similar programs. The redress number doesn’t guarantee you won’t be flagged in the future, but it alerts TSA that you’ve been reviewed by DHS, thus lessening the risk of future SSSS designations.