Pickpocketing is an ever-present threat in many popular tourist destinations. Even if you take all the proper precautions, a cunning thief may still end up surreptitiously snatching your phone — and throwing a wrench in your travel plans. But when it comes to iPhones, there’s a simple hack you can use to increase the odds that you and your phone will be reunited. Here’s a look at the trick in question, plus an easy guide for how to turn it on before your next vacation.

The One iPhone Trick That Pickpockets Hate

Whether their phone has been stolen abroad or simply misplaced around the house, many iPhone users rely on Apple’s Find My app to locate their lost device. But this helpful mechanism requires that your phone be connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. Unfortunately, the first thing many pickpockets do after snatching a phone is toggle on airplane mode — a feature that prevents the device from connecting to any network.

You may be thinking that a lock screen would prevent this from happening, but thieves can still turn on airplane mode even without your password or any facial recognition. All they need is to access the control center by swiping down from the upper right portion of the screen — iPhones allow anyone to do this on any phone without entering a password. However, there’s an easy way to change this setting to keep potential thieves out.

Follow these steps:

• First, head to the Settings app.
• Then, scroll down to “Face ID & Passcode,” click on it, and enter your passcode.
• Next, scroll down to the section that reads “Allow Access When Locked.”
• You should notice that “Control Center” is turned on (green) by default, so simply toggle that feature to off (gray), and you’ll be good to go.

Once you turn off this setting, you’ll still be able to swipe down to access the control center using facial recognition. But if a stranger tries to do it, the iPhone will lock them out, and there will be no way for them to turn on airplane mode. While the thief is still likely to run away with the phone, they’ll have no way to turn the connection off. So, if you notice that the phone is missing, you may be able to track it down before it’s too late.

What About Androids?

Much like with iPhones, you can track down a lost Android phone with Google’s Find My Device app. With Android devices, however, there’s no way to toggle off easy access to the control center like there is on an iPhone. Still, there are other steps you can take.

One protective measure is removing buttons (e.g., airplane mode) from the control center. To do so, follow these steps:

• Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to reveal Android’s control center.
• You should notice three vertical dots in the upper right corner; click them and press “Edit buttons.” (On other devices, you may simply see a pencil instead of the three vertical dots; clicking that icon will also allow you to edit the control center buttons.)
• Then, drag any buttons you’re looking to remove (including airplane mode) out of the control center and into the “Available buttons” section. (Alternatively, tap the minus sign on the button you want to remove.)
• Once you click “Done,” airplane mode should no longer be accessible by simply swiping from the top of the screen, making it impossible for thieves to turn on airplane mode (unless they have other ways of bypassing your lock screen).

Additionally, Android has recently introduced several anti-theft features that can protect any sensitive data. One such feature is Offline Device Lock, which locks your phone screen when disconnected from the internet for prolonged periods. While this won’t help you to recover your phone, it might prevent thieves from accessing any sensitive data such as bank details or flight information. There’s also Theft Detection Lock, which uses data from the motion sensors to determine if there’s any abnormal activity that could indicate someone grabbed your phone and is running away.

Other Tips for Phone Recovery

In addition to using the phone’s location tracking features, here are a few other steps you should take as soon as you realize the phone is missing.

• First, use a friend or family member’s phone to call your phone — if the ringer is on, this could help you track it down in a crowded space such as a subway car.
• You can also use Apple’s Find My and Android’s Find My Device apps to remotely erase data, lock screens, or change passwords after your phone is stolen. This could help keep a thief from accessing any sensitive information on the device.
• Be sure to also contact your cell provider to let them know that your phone has been stolen and that any calls, texts, or purchases aren’t yours. They’ll be able to lock the device.
• Lastly, contact local police and provide them with the phone’s location, or the last place you saw it.

Physical Tools To Prevent Phone Theft

In addition to the software-based security features, there are a few commonsense tips to know. These include avoiding putting the phone in your rear pocket, which increases the chances of someone sneaking by and snatching it. Always keep the phone in your front pocket, or preferably an anti-theft bag with locking features that goes around your chest. Some travelers have also started tethering their phones to lanyards wrapped around their wrists. This is a good idea if you plan to use your phone a lot to take photos on your trip.

If you’re someone who relishes the thought of sitting in a metal tube for more than 24 hours to jet halfway around the world, we have great news: Later this year, one airline is launching a new direct flight connecting two major cities that are more than 12,000 miles apart. Here are all the details.

A 29-Hour “Direct” Flight

On December 4, 2025, China Eastern Airlines will launch a new twice-weekly service from Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. The journey will cover a distance of 12,229 miles and will take roughly 25.5 hours flying eastbound and a whopping 29 hours on the return leg.

While China Eastern is calling this the “world’s longest direct flight,” there’s an important distinction. Because the distance between the two cities is too long for any modern jetliner to fly nonstop, the flight will make a refueling stop en route in Auckland, New Zealand, for about two hours. That should be a welcome opportunity for passengers to stretch their legs on such a long journey.

So, how does the airline get away with marketing this as a direct service? In aviation terms, a “direct” flight — as opposed to a “nonstop” flight — refers to a service that operates with one single flight number, even if it makes stops in other cities along the way. These types of flights were more common in the early days of aviation, when jets had more limited range. Unlike on a connecting flight, passengers on direct flights need only one boarding pass and don’t have to switch planes at the stopover airport.

If you’re not up for the entire journey, China Eastern’s new Shanghai-Buenos Aires route is also sold as a “fifth-freedom flight,” which allows the airline to sell tickets on just the Auckland-to-Buenos Aires portion of the flight, too. 

That comes as welcome news for Kiwis. In a statement, Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui said, “This new service will reintroduce a direct flight connection between New Zealand and Argentina, enhancing not only tourism, trade, and international education, but providing another link home for the 40,000 South Americans who live in New Zealand.”

Connecting Antipodal Cities

China Eastern also touts this service as being “the world’s first commercial route connecting antipodal cities,” as reported by CNN.

Wondering what antipodes are? The geographical term refers to two points on Earth that are located diametrically opposite one another, most famously the North and South Poles. Two cities can also be antipodes of each other, like A Coruña, the second-largest city in Spain’s Galicia region, and Christchurch, New Zealand. 

Notably, the airline’s new service will also fly one of the southernmost regular routes in commercial aviation, with long stretches over remote portions of the Southern Ocean close to Antarctica.  

World’s Longest Nonstop Flights

While China Eastern’s announcement may seem like a clever marketing gimmick, it is possible to fly nonstop (no refueling stops) for up to 19 hours. Currently, Singapore Airlines holds the record for the longest nonstop flight in the world — a 9,527-mile journey from Singapore to New York’s JFK Airport. 

Singapore Airlines also flies the world’s second-longest flight, to nearby Newark Airport. Both journeys take about 19 hours flying westbound, and the carrier uses specially configured Airbus A350-900ULR aircraft that have only business class and premium economy seats — no regular cramped coach seats.

However, Singapore may not hold on to the title for long: Australian carrier Qantas plans to launch its ambitious “Project Sunrise” service in 2027, offering nonstop service from Sydney to both London and New York for the first time. Flight times for both routes are expected to exceed 20 hours. 

Featured image credit: Björn Forenius/ iStock Editorial via Getty Images Plus

It’s no secret that, between airfare, accommodations, and meals, a vacation can balloon into a costly endeavor in the blink of an eye. But there are a number of resort towns, bustling metropolises, and even remote locales where the sticker shock is especially high — some of which may surprise the average tourist. To determine where the cost is most prohibitive, we looked at a 2025 study from personal finance company GOBankingRates. They analyzed the average price of a three-night stay for two people in popular tourist destinations across the U.S., with airfare and meals included. Here’s a look at the most expensive places to visit in the U.S. in 2025, according to the report.

10. Juneau, Alaska

Total cost of a three-night stay for two: $2,016

As the only U.S. state capital you can’t drive to, Juneau isn’t cheap for visitors. Travelers should expect to pay roughly $978 — nearly half the total cost of a three-night getaway — just on plane tickets. These elevated prices are due to a combination of higher operating costs and less competition for airlines that serve remote Alaskan destinations such as Juneau. However, once there, you’ll find that accommodations and dining are a bit more affordable: The average three-night stay in Juneau runs around $200 per night, and visitors end up paying roughly $70 each day on meals and drinks.

9. Seattle, Washington

Total cost of a three-night stay for two: $2,024

Seattle is the most expensive tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest, surpassing the $2,000 mark for a three-night stay. Part of this is attributable to the city’s bustling food scene, as visitors regularly shell out over $100 each day to enjoy freshly caught salmon and other tasty local fare. The nightly rate at a typical Seattle hotel room is around $180, and each person should be prepared to spend an average of $400 for airfare to and from the Emerald City.

8. Asheville, North Carolina

Total cost of a three-night stay for two: $2,058

Located in western North Carolina, Asheville is a popular tourist destination known for the scenic beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as its vibrant arts scene. Because it’s one of the most desirable destinations in the region, expect hotel rates to cost more than $250 per night. The good news is that getting to and from Asheville is cheaper than traveling to any of the other cities to crack the top 10, as average airfare costs $335 per person.

7. New York, New York

Total cost of a three-night stay for two: $2,134

Despite its high costs, New York City is the most-visited city in the country. Interestingly, according to the study, hotel rooms are surprisingly affordable, with the average nightly rate in the Big Apple coming in at only $133. But it can be difficult to find a good deal on flights, and you’re likely to end up spending an average of around $440 per person. A big reason to visit New York is its world-class food scene — which is why typical visitors spend in excess of $142 each day on food and drink.

6. Portland, Maine

Total cost of a three-night stay for two: $2,150

Forget about Boston or New York City — the most expensive places to visit in the Northeast are in Maine. Coastal Portland is among them; the average cost of airfare to and from the city is around $419 per person. Nightly hotel rates are somewhat more reasonable, coming in at around $179 per room, but the cost of food and drink bumps the price up even further. The daily dining bill averages $129 per person, but there’s a good chance you’ll feel like it was money well spent — despite being a small city, Portland is known for its incredible food scene, particularly its local lobster.

5. Fairbanks, Alaska

Total cost of a three-night stay for two: $2,157

Fairbanks serves as the gateway to many of Alaska’s interior and Arctic regions, including the incredible Denali National Park, home to the highest mountain in the United States. If you’re one of the many nature lovers planning a trip here, start thinking about your vacation budget. Average airfare to and from Fairbanks is about $590 per person, an average hotel rate comes in around $150 per night, and visitors typically spend over $100 daily on food and drink.

4. Bar Harbor, Maine

Total cost of a three-night stay for two: $2,224

Bar Harbor is the entry point to Acadia National Park, arguably the most awe-inspiring natural landmark in Maine. But only around 2,300 people call Bar Harbor home, meaning there are fewer restaurants and hotels in the surrounding vicinity. This also means fewer flights into the nearby Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, which is why many people fly to the more popular Bangor International Airport. However, doing so requires paying to rent a car and driving over an hour south to Bar Harbor, increasing the total cost of visiting this popular seaside destination.

3. Anchorage, Alaska

Total cost of a three-night stay for two: $2,294

The most expensive city to visit in Alaska is its biggest one: Anchorage. Many travelers fly into Anchorage on their way to visit landmarks such as Kenai Fjords National Park or to explore the famous Portage Glacier. But in order to reach Anchorage, you should expect to pay an average airfare of around $595 per person, making up over half of the total cost of your trip. A quarter of the remaining cost will go toward meals, while the rest will be spent on hotels.

2. Santa Barbara, California

Total cost of a three-night stay for two: $2,446

California cities such as San Francisco are among the most expensive places to live in the country, so perhaps it’s no surprise that Santa Barbara is among the most expensive to visit. This coastal paradise is always in demand, as evidenced by the fact that it has the highest average hotel rate ($275 per night) of any city in the top 10. On top of that, visitors spend an average of $100 per person every day for food, and over $475 to fly in and out of Santa Barbara Airport.

1. Aspen, Colorado

Total cost of a three-night stay for two: $2,708

The most expensive U.S. tourist destination is the Colorado ski resort town of Aspen. Though the normal population is around 6,000 people, the number of people in town during peak season skyrockets to over 20,000. With a limited number of flights and hotel rooms to go around, this means you’re paying an average of $671 for airfare and more than $250 per night for hotel rooms. Despite the high airfare and hotel costs, the cost for daily meals is a more reasonable $85 per person.

You can view the rest of the GOBankingRates report and read more about their methodology here.

Looking for some must-have gadgets to up your travel game? You’re in the right place. While essential travel tech items like universal outlet adapters and portable chargers always deserve a spot in your carry-on, there’s a world of compact gadgets designed to solve tiny travel annoyances that you might not consider until it’s too late. From clever security devices to personal hygiene accessories, these are 10 surprising travel gadgets you didn’t know you needed.

JISULIFE Neck Fan

Picture this scenario: You arrive at your destination and are excited to explore, only to be met with sweltering temperatures. Instead of canceling your outdoor activities, you can beat the heat with this bladeless fan that rests comfortably around your neck with a hands-free design. The battery-powered device features five fan speeds and lasts up to 16 hours on the lowest speed. It's ideal for walking tours, hikes, long airport layovers, stuffy hotel rooms, al fresco dining — or really any situation where you could use a refreshing breeze.

Buy at Amazon

Elevation Lab AirTag Card Insert

Apple AirTags are one of our must-have travel gadgets. They help you keep track of your items by displaying their location on your phone in real time. We like to keep ours in a protective cover; however, some AirTag holders can be pretty bulky. That's why we love Elevation Lab's ultrathin TagVault, which is slim enough to fit into the credit card slot of most wallets. This discreet tracking method provides peace of mind for travelers who may worry about lost luggage, pickpockets, or misplaced belongings.

Buy at Amazon

Master Lock Portable Lock Box

Do you love lounging on the beach but sometimes worry about keeping your wallet or cellphone safe? With this compact, portable safe from Master Lock, you can easily attach your valuable items to your beach chair. The water-resistant safe measures less than 9 inches long and features a resettable combination lock. It can be secured to a fixed object using the attached cable.

Buy at Amazon

Airfly Pro 2 Bluetooth Adapter

You've probably encountered outdated headphone jacks on airline entertainment screens, but when's the last time anyone packed headphones with cords? Enter the AirFly adapter, which lets you connect your own Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to the seat's entertainment system. You can connect up to two sets of headphones to a single AirFly, so you and your travel partner can enjoy the same movie by linking the audio to one screen.

Buy at Amazon

Birdie Alarm

When activated, Birdie's 130-dB siren — equivalent to the noise level of a military jet — and flashing strobe light quickly attract attention and deter potential threats. This device is TSA-approved, rechargeable, and small enough to fit on a keychain. To activate, simply pull up on the ring; to deactivate, push it back down. This alarm offers peace of mind if you're staying somewhere new or embarking on a solo adventure.

Buy at Amazon

Travel Inspira Portable Luggage Scale

Thanks to souvenir shopping, our bags are often heavier on our journey home from vacation. Avoid surprise overweight baggage fees by keeping a portable scale in your suitcase. This compact design weighs just 3.5 ounces and can fit in your pocket, yet it can handle bags of up to 110 pounds. To use the device, simply loop the attached strap around your suitcase handle, attach it to the support hook, and lift the scale until the screen displays the bag's weight. It can help you save both stress and money at the airport.

Buy at Amazon

Bril Toothbrush Cover and Sanitizer

Keep your toothbrush clean and protected without adding a bulky case to your toiletry bag. The Bril toothbrush cover is a small, snap-on device that shields the bristles of your toothbrush. It also features UV-C LED light technology, which the company says has been lab-tested to eliminate 99.9% of germs in three minutes. A single charge lasts up to one month, and its magnetic design is easy to temporarily mount in hotel bathrooms, bringing you peace of mind about your oral hygiene while on the road.

Buy at Amazon

Perilogics Universal Phone Mount

Have you ever felt disappointed during a flight when there isn't a personal entertainment screen? This universal phone mount easily attaches to the back of the seat in front of you, allowing you to watch shows on your device hands-free. It also features 360-degree rotation, and its compact design folds down to the size of a television remote, making it convenient to carry. Plus, the versatile mount can also be used with objects such as suitcase handles, tables, and cabinets, allowing you to enjoy your device wherever you go.

Buy at Amazon

One Beat Power Strip

Smaller travel accommodations, such as hotel rooms or cruise ship cabins, often have limited electrical outlets, but a small power strip can come to the rescue. Look for a travel-friendly design that features a flexible cord, a compact adapter, and a low-profile plug to fit in tight spaces. The One Beat Power Strip checks all those boxes. It comes in a variety of cord lengths (up to 25 feet) and includes nine charging outlets: six AC outlets, two USB ports, and one USB-C port. This way, you can share one outlet among your devices — phone, camera, tablet — without any cable conflicts or arguments over which device gets charged first.

Buy at Amazon

Collapsible Clothing Hangers

Hanging up your clothes is the best way to keep them fresh and wrinkle-free at your destination, but you need something to hang them on. If your accommodation doesn't provide hangers (or a closet), these fold-down clothing hangers take up very little space and allow you to hang up clothing in hotel bathrooms, showers, or anywhere there's a rod. Made with sturdy aluminum rivets and nonslip polypropylene, these durable hangers fold into three sizes, accommodating a range of clothing items, from bulky jackets and sweaters to children's clothes and hats.

Buy at Amazon

Featured image credit: Kosamtu/ E+ via Getty Images. All other images courtesy of vendor.

Whether you’re a first-time flyer, an infrequent traveler, or a certified jet-setter, the world of air travel can be a confusing one. With so many moving parts, air travel is always unpredictable, and even the savviest passengers can find themselves in an unfamiliar situation — from the TSA’s changing rules to flight delays, overbooking, and rules for cancellations. Luckily, the U.S. Department of Transportation has a helpful dashboard of air travel tips that provide guidance to travelers’ most common questions. We’re expanding on their advice with expert guidance on 10 of the most frequently asked questions by airline passengers. 

1. How Can I Get the Best Airfare?

The first thing most travelers want to know is how to score cheap flights. The DOT has some great practical tips — be flexible with your dates, plan well in advance, compare different airlines — but there’s one site we always recommend to find the best deals: Google Flights. The search engine displays dozens of flight options from nearly every airline, and sends you to the airline’s site to complete your booking. 

You don’t even need a destination in mind or a specific departure date to find deals with Google Flights. On the homepage, you’ll see a map suggesting trips based on price, or you can search for a two-week trip in October or a weeklong trip anytime in, say, the next six months. Once you’ve settled on a destination, Google Flights also provides a handy price history and analysis on the results page and a recommended window for the cheapest time to book based on similar trips. 

Also keep in mind the DOT’s 24-hour cancellation rule: If you change your mind or find a better fare within 24 hours, airlines are required to let you cancel for any reason for a full refund to your original method of payment, as long as you’re booking at least seven days before your departure. Even if it’s been more than a day, depending on your fare, you may be able to rebook your flight if the price drops and retain a credit to use later — check out our helpful guide.

2. How Can I Avoid Baggage Fees?

Despite their unpopularity, baggage fees likely aren’t going anywhere soon. These dreaded fees have become a major revenue driver for airlines. In 2025, travelers on U.S. domestic flights can expect to pay $35 to $45 on most major airlines for their first and second checked bags, respectively. But bags often cost more on ultra-low-cost budget carriers such as Spirit and Frontier, and JetBlue has even introduced surge pricing, with higher fees during peak demand periods. Fees can also vary considerably for long-haul international flights, so be sure to check your airline’s website.

Wondering if you can skip those fees altogether? Beyond stuffing more in your carry-on or flying enough to acquire elite status, most major airlines offer co-branded credit cards that waive baggage fees for the cardholder and up to nine passengers traveling together on the same reservation. Though these credit cards typically charge an annual fee, the savings on bag fees for even just one or two trips could be substantial.

3. What Should I Avoid Packing in My Checked Bag?

When packing, there are a few important rules when it comes to the question of checked vs. carry-on luggage. For questions about specific items, especially if you’re carrying anything unusual, your best resource is the TSA’s What Can I Bring? webpage. In general, you’ll want to avoid packing important travel documents, valuables, and essential medicines in checked luggage, in case your bag gets delayed or lost in transit. Certain electronics, such as lithium batteries, and personal care items, including cordless curling irons, are also subject to new bans in checked bags, so be sure to read up on current TSA policies before heading to the airport.

4. What Items Should I Always Pack in My Carry-On?

While some items are not permitted in carry-ons, like liquids over 3 ounces, others you should always keep in the cabin with you. There’s always a small risk that the airline can mishandle your bag, leaving you at your destination without essential items. Be sure to pack your travel documents, medications, and a change of clothes, but also consider items that will make you more comfortable on long flights or in case of delays. Think: snacks, a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, a phone charger, and anything that might help you fall asleep on a plane, such as an eye mask or noise-canceling headphones. 

5. How Early Should I Arrive at the Airport?

This depends on a few different factors. In general, airlines and airports alike recommend arriving at least two hours before the departure of a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. If you’re traveling light, departing from a less busy airport, or have TSA PreCheck, you probably don’t need to arrive quite so early, but it’s always a good idea to give yourself a healthy buffer. Keep in mind that a number of things can unexpectedly slow you down, from hotel or car rental shuttle delays to traffic congestion around the airport. And if you’re flying internationally through an airport with preclearance, you’ll go through customs before you board your flight, so be sure to budget extra time for those lines.

If you find yourself running late and are planning to check a bag, you should be aware of the baggage cutoff times found on each airline’s website. Delta, for example, has a minimum check-in time of 40 to 45 minutes for domestic flights and one hour for international flights. On the other hand, you don’t want to arrive at the airport too early, as most airlines won’t begin accepting baggage until four hours before your scheduled departure. 

6. How Can I Get Through TSA Security Faster?

The TSA screening process isn’t anyone’s favorite part of a travel day, and with record numbers of passengers taking to the skies, you should be prepared to wait in line. That said, there are a number of ways you can get through security faster. Our best piece of advice is to sign up for one of the TSA’s Trusted Traveler Programs if you’re eligible. According to the TSA, 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less. Also note that children ages 17 and under can go through the TSA PreCheck lane with their enrolled parents, as long as they are traveling on the same reservation. 

Next, be sure to read through these 10 essential tips the TSA wants you to know. There’s plenty of good advice in there, from guidance on confusing carry-on rules surrounding foods and medications to tips on how to check estimated wait times. 

7. What Are My Rights if My Flight Is Delayed or Canceled?

We all hope for an on-time departure, but for many travelers, a flight delay — or worse, a cancellation — is unfortunately a common occurrence. If that happens, what are your rights? 

While individual airlines have their own procedures and policies regarding delayed flights, there remains no federal requirement to offer compensation or assistance. The DOT does have a helpful delay and cancellation dashboard, which lays out the commitments the 10 major U.S. airlines make for “controllable delays.” These types of delays are deemed within an airline’s control, such as crew scheduling issues or cabin cleaning delays, versus uncontrollable events such as weather or air traffic control staffing shortages.

In the event of a controllable delay or cancellation, all major U.S. airlines will endeavor to rebook affected passengers on one of their later flights at no additional cost, and some will also look for availability on alternative airlines (at no extra cost), which may help you get to your destination sooner. If a delay lasts more than three hours, every major U.S. airline will also provide something to eat or give out a meal voucher that can be used in the airport. Nine of the ten will try to arrange complimentary overnight accommodation once they know the flight won’t depart until the following day — and provide the ground transportation to get you there free of charge.

If the alternative arrangements provided by the airline don’t work for you, you also have the right to a refund, thanks to new rules implemented in 2024. This applies if your flight is changed by three or more hours, regardless if the reason for the delay was within the airline’s control or not.

8. What If I Miss My Connecting Flight?

If your first flight is delayed or canceled, causing you to miss the next leg, it can result in a lot of unexpected costs, including overnight accommodation, meals, and onward transportation. As stated above, the airline isn’t required to reaccommodate you for circumstances outside their control, such as weather, which could leave you on the hook for paying those expenses.

If flying nonstop isn’t an option, plan your layovers carefully. Start by always booking a through ticket, which means that your entire journey, even if it involves multiple connecting flights or airlines, falls under a single itinerary. That way, if the inbound leg is canceled or delayed, forcing you to miss your next flight, it will typically be the airline’s responsibility to ensure you make it to your final destination. 

Airlines set what they call minimum connecting times (MCTs), but even sticking to this is no guarantee. Realistically, the time you should allow between flights depends on a range of factors. These include whether the connecting airport is large or small, the size of the plane for your first flight (because of the time it takes to disembark), whether your connecting flight departs from a different terminal, and whether you need to recheck bags, clear security, or pass through immigration.

9. Can the Airline Overbook My Flight?

Overbooking — officially known as “denied boarding” — is a strategy used by airlines to make up for anticipated no-show passengers on a flight. In some cases, if there are not enough volunteers willing to take a later flight, airlines may involuntarily deny boarding to — or “bump” — some passengers. And though it can be an annoyance for travelers, it’s perfectly legal. 

If you find yourself in an involuntary denied boarding scenario, know your rights. Airlines must follow the DOT’s highly specific rules for involuntarily bumping passengers. The compensation is determined by ticket price, the duration of delays resulting from denied boarding, and whether the flight is a domestic or international flight from the U.S. For domestic flights, airlines are obligated to compensate passengers 200% of their one-way ticket value if their arrival is delayed one to two hours beyond the original schedule. (Airlines are, however, allowed to cap this compensation at $775.) If the delay extends beyond two hours, the compensation increases to 400% of the one-way ticket price; airlines can cap that compensation at $1,550. 

Remember, there is no legal limit to what you can negotiate from the airline. After a 2017 viral incident in which a passenger was forcibly dragged off a plane, airlines are increasingly willing to shell out thousands of dollars in compensation to avoid involuntarily bumping passengers and creating bad publicity. So, if your travel plans are flexible and you’re interested in cashing in to switch your flight, see how much the airline is willing to pay.

10. What if the Airline Loses My Bag?

In 2024, over 2 million air travelers had checked bags that were lost, delayed, or damaged on domestic flights in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). While this is a tiny fraction of the total number of bags handled, that won’t come as much comfort if your luggage is one of the unlucky few that gets delayed or lost. 

If all the bags have come down the carousel and yours is still missing, you shouldn’t leave the airport until you have spoken to an airline representative, filed a claim, and received a claim number. This allows you to check on the airline’s progress in finding your luggage. Some airlines 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.

There is also an important distinction 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). But 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.

Oftentimes when traveling, it’s advantageous to take matters into your own hands when possible. Thankfully, there’s an affordable gadget that can help track down your missing bags and provide peace of mind on your next trip: the Apple AirTag, a tiny, yet essential device that every jet-setter should own.

Many travelers are keen to immerse themselves in different cultures and explore destinations they haven’t yet discovered. When doing so, it’s important to brush up on local etiquette so you don’t accidentally offend anyone — or worse. Sometimes, an etiquette faux pas won’t just land you in hot water with locals — it can potentially result in a fine from local authorities. So, if you’re keen to experience new places without incident, you likely want to read about these six etiquette missteps that could prove costly overseas.

Driving Off-Road in Iceland

Iceland’s breathtaking scenery is a major draw for overseas visitors, but it’s far more fragile than it looks. The delicate moss that shrouds lava fields and canyons is easily trampled, and the imprints left by car tires in the loose volcanic soil are long-lasting and can speed up erosion. According to the Environment Agency of Iceland, it can take years or even decades for a damaged area to repair itself, in part due to the cold climate and short growing season. 

Little wonder, therefore, that off-road driving is banned, with a substantial fine of up to 100,000 ISK (approximately $825 USD) awaiting anyone who’s caught doing so illegally. There are some exemptions, however, such as during permitted construction projects and for vehicles involved in agriculture, rescue operations, or police work. If you’re keen to rack up some adventurous miles — legally — know that tackling some of Iceland’s official highland F-roads still involves rough terrain and challenging river crossings.  

Carrying a Bulky Suitcase on the Paris Metro

Using public transportation can be a game changer while traveling. Not only can it save you a significant amount of money compared with taxis, but it’s also an opportunity to experience a city as the locals do. 

In Paris, however, it pays to travel light. RATP — the transit authority responsible for overseeing the Metro and RER network — has strict rules about how much baggage you can bring on board. A bulky suitcase is considered a hindrance to other passengers in much the same way as traveling with other large items such as skis, scooters, or bicycles. Technically, if you fall foul of the rules, you face a fixed penalty fine of 150 euros (around $175), though locals suggest that this fine is rarely enforced.

Swimming in a Venice Canal

These days, swimming in one of Venice’s storied canals can land an unsuspecting visitor with a 350-euro ($410) fine. But that hasn’t always been the case. Writing in his 1866 memoir Venetian Life, American consul William Dean Howells noted, “From the beginning of June till far into September all the canals of Venice are populated by the amphibious boys, who clamor about in the brine, or poise themselves for a leap from the tops of bridges…”

Even aside from a potential fine, you probably wouldn’t wish to do the same now for the sake of your health and safety. Venice’s waterways are busy thoroughfares, and you’d be dodging everything from vaporetti to gondolas as you took your dip. The water isn’t generally considered sanitary, either, possibly as a consequence of thoughtless trash disposal, antiquated plumbing, and inadequate sewerage systems. 

Scrunching Up a Bank Note in Thailand

According to Article 112 of the Thai Penal Code, “Whoever defames, insults, or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent, or the Regent shall be punished with imprisonment of three to 15 years.” While making a joke about the royal family or refusing to stand while the national anthem is played won’t win you any friends, even crumpling up a banknote featuring their likenesses as you put it into a pocket or throwing one on the counter of a bar could be misconstrued as disrespecting the royal family. So, when handing over baht to pay for something in Thailand, make sure it’s pristine.

Cycling on a Sidewalk in the Netherlands

Cycling is a big deal in the Netherlands. The nonprofit organization Dutch Cycling Embassy claims that there are around 21,750 miles of dedicated cycle paths in the country, while an official report from the Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis estimated there were 23.9 million bikes for a population of just 18 million. 

Cycling is a way of life, and the Dutch authorities have done much to encourage the population to ditch their cars for short journeys by installing dedicated cycle lanes, offering financial incentives for cyclists, and even designating fietsstraaten, “bicycle streets” where the car is the guest. 

However, if you’re keen to spend at least some of your Netherlands vacation on two wheels, you should be aware that there are a few reasons you can be fined. These include a 75-euro ($88) penalty for cycling in a pedestrian area such as a sidewalk and a 45-euro ($53) penalty for not having a working bell.

Forgetting To Flush in Singapore

Tourists heading to Singapore should be aware of its reputation as a heavily regulated country. Jaywalking’s a strict no-no, vapes are banned, and even eating or drinking on public transportation can cost you SGD 500 (about $390). There’s also a zero-tolerance policy for those who discard trash on the street — under the Environmental Public Health Act of Singapore, dropping a cup, cigarette butt, or wrapper can cost you SGD 2000 ($1,550) if you’re caught. Repeat offenders face higher fines and corrective work orders to encourage them to alter their behavior. 

Even visiting a public restroom requires concentration. If you walk away without flushing, you’re technically breaking the law. Cracking down on unsociable actions such as these is part of the Clean and Green Singapore campaign, in which residents and visitors alike are invited to participate.