On a travel day, there are few things worse than getting to the airport and realizing you don’t have your ID. Whether you accidentally left it on your kitchen counter or in the rental car, this stressful situation used to mean you couldn’t board the plane. But these days, even without your government-issued ID, there’s still a chance you’ll be allowed to board your flight. TSA and airline staff can help you verify your identity and get you on that plane, but the process could take awhile. Here’s what you should do if you lose your ID before a flight.

Arrive Early

The first and most important step is to give yourself plenty of time at the airport — it’s a good rule of thumb in general. That way, you’ll have time to sort out the situation if you realize you’ve misplaced your ID. If you can’t find your ID before leaving home, plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to your scheduled departure time. The TSA recommends this extra time to allow for the identity verification process, which can take a bit longer than your typical check-in. The last thing you want is to feel rushed in an already stress-inducing situation. 

Notify an Airline Rep

When you arrive at the airport, head straight to your airline’s check-in counter and let an airline representative know that you’ve lost your ID. Airline staff will work with you to verify your identity, so be prepared to prove it through other means. Remember that airlines must follow strict procedures when confirming your identity — staying calm and being courteous throughout the process will increase the chances that the staff will go the extra mile to help you make your flight. 

Other Acceptable Forms of ID

Since you won’t have your driver’s license or passport, you’ll need to back up your identity with whatever other forms of ID you have on hand. Credit cards, a student or work employee identification card, a piece of mail with your name and address on it, and even a prescription medication bottle can all aid your efforts. Credit cards can be particularly useful, as the airline may be able to match the card number to the one used to book your ticket. If check-in staff deems any of the above acceptable, they’ll issue you a boarding pass and indicate that you aren’t traveling with an ID. 

TSA Verification

Once you have your boarding pass, head over to the TSA checkpoint. Inform the TSA agent that you’re traveling without an ID but have been issued a boarding pass based on other forms of identification.

The TSA agent will require you to provide information such as your name, current address, and possibly other personal details as part of the identity verification process. Once verified, you’ll be cleared to proceed to the security screening area where TSA may perform extra checks, such as a more thorough bag search or additional pat-downs. If the TSA isn’t able to confirm your information, however, you won’t be allowed to board.

Don’t forget your return flight, either: If you forget your ID on the outbound leg of your trip, keep in mind that you’ll need to go through this same process again when returning home. If flying domestically, TSA procedures for identity verification will be the same for your return flight, so allow for extra time at the airport on the way back, too.

International Flights

For domestic flights, there’s a good chance that the TSA will allow you to board the plane without your government-issued ID, as long as you have other ways to prove your identity. However, if you forget your passport before an international trip, your chances of boarding the flight are much slimmer.

In most cases, you won’t be able to board a flight to another country without a valid passport, as international airlines and border authorities typically require proof of citizenship and identity. Without this, it’s unlikely airline staff will allow you to board the plane. 

Your best bet is to contact your local embassy as soon as you realize your passport is missing. They may be able to issue an emergency passport, but you’ll still likely need to rebook your flight for a later date. To avoid that scenario, always check your travel documents are valid and accounted for well in advance of your trip dates.

When staying at a hotel, you may be tempted to keep valuables such as your passport or laptop inside the safe. But this begs the question: How reliable are hotel safes, really? A number of recent viral videos — including this YouTube video that has been viewed over a million times — have claimed that it’s easy to access the safe using a simple code. So, should you be worried about leaving your items in the hotel safe, or are these concerns overblown? Here’s what travel experts have to say about the matter.

The First Thing To Check

Many hotel room safes come preprogrammed with a factory-standard code that can be used to access the safe if you forget your password, usually a simple series of numbers such as 0000 or 1234. While this code can be changed, some hotels neglect to do so. This puts guests at an elevated risk of having their valuables stolen by any potential thief who’s familiar with this generic access code. So, Meredith Carey of Condé Nast Traveler suggests that before leaving items in the safe, guests should check if it can be unlocked with an easily guessable default code.

Here’s what you can do to double-check that the safe is secure: First, lock the safe with a unique password that you create. Then, try unlocking it using the generic combos mentioned above (e.g., 0000, 1234, etc.). If the safe fails to unlock, you can probably rest easy. But if you’re able to open the safe with a generic password, contact the front desk to express your concerns and ask about other options for how to store your valuables.

Is There a “Secret Code” for Hotel Room Safes?

In 2023, the team at Inside Edition investigated a viral video that showed someone using a “secret code” to access a hotel safe. But after several attempts across multiple cities in various hotels, the investigators found that this “secret code” didn’t actually work, as each safe remained locked and secure. 

Despite these findings, CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg suggested avoiding the hotel safe altogether. During an interview with Inside Edition, Greenberg said that if you’re looking for a place to store your valuables at the hotel, the best options are either a safe deposit box behind the front desk or in the hotel manager’s own personal safe.

Don’t Be Alarmed

Despite concerns of hotel safes being vulnerable, this issue probably isn’t as extensive nor as concerning as you may think. Frommer’s cited a 2016 study that analyzed hotel room burglaries in the Miami-Dade area, a popular tourist hot spot. The study found an average of only 20 hotel room burglaries occur each year, and made no specific mention of hotel safes. The stolen items may very well have been taken from a more vulnerable place out in the open.

Frommer’s also reached out to several specific hotels and travel-related organizations, only to be told that they “seldom hear about this issue” of things being taken from hotel safes. The publication also attempted to interview victims of hotel safe theft, but came up short in finding anyone to speak with. While you may still have concerns, ultimately the risk of hotel room safe theft appears to be low.

Secure Alternatives to the Hotel Room Safe

If you’re still concerned about using the hotel safe, there are several alternatives. You might think to carry valuables on your person at all times, but doing this puts you at an added risk of being robbed of those valuables on the street.

Instead, there are a few places where you can stash valuables that potential thieves may not think to look. Consider storing items under the dead center portion of the mattress, or in the pages of the bedside Bible (if there’s one in the room). Also, whenever you leave the room, consider putting the “do not disturb” placard on the door handle. If people see the “do not disturb” sign, they’re likely to think you’re resting inside the room, and won’t try to break in.

Another option is to travel with a portable safe of your own, such as this soft, canvas bag from Pacsafe. This travel safe easily fits into your luggage, but is still big enough to hold a laptop, a passport, and any other valuables you may be traveling with. 

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.

One of the most common forms of travel-related anxiety is a fear of flying, especially when turbulence hits. The illuminated seat belt sign and a stomach-churning drop can make even seasoned travelers clutch their armrests. The roller-coaster-like effects of turbulence are enough to dissuade some from flying, but the viral “Jell-O Theory” is helping other nervous flyers face their fears and embark on new adventures. Here are all the details.

What Does Jell-O Have To Do With Turbulence?

According to a 2023 report, U.S. travelers listed turbulence as the most nerve-wracking part of flying. Turbulence occurs when changes in air currents — triggered by storms, temperature fluctuations, wind speeds, and even mountains — result in bumpy conditions, sudden drops, and shaking of the aircraft. This natural phenomenon can cause sudden and unpredictable movements, but modern airplanes are designed to withstand it. 

To help ease the minds of travelers, TikTok user Anna Paul explained an interesting theory from a pilot that uses Jell-O to explain turbulence. The now-famous theory posits that a plane in turbulence acts similarly to a tiny ball suspended in gelatin. Imagine a pea lodged in the middle of a cup of Jell-O: The pea is experiencing pressure from all directions, so when the cup is shaken, the pea moves along with the Jell-O instead of sinking. 

An airplane reacts similarly to turbulence. Despite sideways shakes and vertical drops, the plane moves with turbulence, not against it, and won’t fall out of the sky because of the upward pressure it’s experiencing. Even so, passengers are understandably concerned about injury due to turbulence.

How Dangerous Is Turbulence?

News stories about passengers being injured during turbulence are sure to cause anxiety, but it’s crucial to understand that turbulence itself is not a threat to the plane’s safety. Pilots avoid turbulence for passenger comfort, not for fear that they’ll crash. However, it can cause injuries to unbuckled passengers and crew. The most common injuries are minor — bumped heads or bruises from loose objects — so buckling up and securing items are your best defense.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported 163 serious passenger and crew injuries on registered U.S. flights between 2009 and 2022. Considering an average of 866 million U.S. airline passengers annually, serious turbulence injuries are extremely rare. 

There are four classes of turbulence: light, moderate, severe, and extreme. Light and moderate turbulence are most common. You might feel a slight strain against your seat belt, or your drink might slosh around. Severe turbulence, while rare, happens when a significant or abrupt change in altitude or attitude (orientation) occurs. It can be uncomfortable and alarming for passengers, making walking or eating difficult. 

Extreme turbulence is the type most passengers fear. However, it hardly ever happens due to advanced weather forecasting technology, which allows air traffic control to reroute planes around storms that cause these conditions.

Chris McGee, a commercial pilot of nearly 30 years, puts it this way: The chances of a plane crashing due to turbulence are about the same as a meteorite landing on your head. Pilots are well trained to handle even the most severe turbulence, and thanks to constant communication with other planes and air traffic control, they can usually avoid turbulent patches altogether.

Tips for Tackling Turbulence Anxiety Like a Pro

Knowing that turbulence is a natural and manageable part of air travel is half the battle, but there are also several practical ways to make a bumpy flight more comfortable:

Buckle up: Nearly all injuries caused by turbulence happen when passengers or crew are unbuckled. Staying secure in your seat ensures your safety, especially if unexpected turbulence occurs. Wait until the “fasten seat belt” sign is off to use the restroom and always keep your seat belt fastened when you’re seated, even if the sign is off.

Consider a morning flight: According to pilots, the time of day can often affect turbulence. Morning flights or overnight flights tend to be smoother rides because the heat from the ground hasn’t built up yet, decreasing the risk of air temperature changes and turbulence. Booking an early morning flight might give you some peace of mind — plus, it can minimize the risk of flight delays.

Sit near the front: Your seat position can also make a difference. According to Senior First Officer Charlie Page, you’ll feel more bumps near the back of the aircraft where the wind hits the tail. He recommends sitting as close to the front as possible, or at least in the middle over the wings, where the plane is less flexible.

If you’re flying to an international destination, you’ll typically have a choice between airlines based in your home country or in the one you’re traveling to. For example, if you’re flying from Chicago to Paris, you can fly on American Airlines or United Airlines, which are based in the United States, or on Air France, the French flag carrier. But this is not always the case — thanks to a unique aviation quirk called the “fifth-freedom flight,” it’s sometimes possible to fly an international route on an airline that isn’t based in either country. Discover why these routes exist and why they can be useful for travelers.

Why Is It Called “Fifth-Freedom”?

As the air travel industry took off in the 1930s and ’40s, countries around the world came together to establish a clear set of rules and principles. The Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention, took place in 1944 and set forth the “Freedoms of the Air.”

These include basic rights such as the right of one airline to operate scheduled flights through another country’s airspace (the First Freedom). The so-called “Fifth Freedom” refers to the right of an air carrier in one country to carry revenue passenger traffic or cargo between two countries it is not based in, given that at least one segment of the flight begins or ends in the airline’s home country. The airline technically operates this as a single flight with one flight number, and it requires approval from all three countries’ respective aviation authorities. 

The fifth-freedom right allows, say, a Germany-based airline to operate a flight from Frankfurt to Rio de Janeiro with a stop in Mexico City. The airline would be allowed to sell tickets on the Rio-to-Mexico City leg even though it’s not based in either country. 

Why Fifth-Freedom Flights Exist

In the past, fifth-freedom routes were often a necessity in order to operate long-haul flights, as airliners back then did not have the modern technology and extended range passengers are accustomed to today. Many older long-haul jets had a larger passenger capacity, so it wasn’t always profitable to operate these flights without stopping to pick up additional passengers along the route. Now, smaller, more fuel-efficient long-haul jets such as the Boeing 787 allow more routes to be profitably operated. 

While they are rarer today, many fifth-freedom flights still exist because of demand and aircraft utilization reasons. For example, Air Canada operates a fifth-freedom flight from Toronto to Sao Paulo, Brazil, with a continuing leg to Buenos Aires, Argentina. There is likely not enough demand for a nonstop flight from Toronto to Buenos Aires; plus, due to the preferred flight schedules of business travelers and crew rest requirements, the aircraft would sit for several hours in Brazil. Being able to operate a turn to Buenos Aires and sell tickets on that leg makes better use of the aircraft. 

In other cases, airlines take advantage of fifth-freedom flights when they can tap into high-demand markets along a particular route. For example, Emirates operates a popular fifth-freedom flight from New York to Milan, Italy, that continues to Dubai. But the airline also operates nonstop flights from New York to Dubai — in this case, the fifth-freedom flight exists because the airline thinks there is enough demand between New York and Milan to make such a service profitable. 

Why They’re Useful

Fifth-freedom flights often present a unique opportunity for travelers. In some cases, like the Air Canada example above, you’ll be able to fly a more comfortable wide-body aircraft on a short flight, like the two-hour hop between Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires. Otherwise, most flights on this route are operated by more cramped narrow-body aircraft.

These flights can also be a bargain. Often, the airline doesn’t have the same pricing power if it’s not operating flights in its home country, or if it only operates one route a day, it won’t have the frequency that business travelers demand. Additionally, the flights can be great opportunities to redeem frequent flyer miles or points, as airlines tend to release more availability to fill up the cabin, according to travel website The Points Guy.  

Unique Fifth-Freedom Flights To Book

Dubai-based Emirates operates several fifth-freedom flights from the U.S. — from New York JFK to Milan, Italy, and from Newark to Athens, Greece. There’s also a fifth-freedom flight between Miami and Bogota, Colombia. Emirates is known for its award-winning service and luxurious onboard experience, which makes these flights popular with travelers. 

Singapore Airlines, another award-winning carrier, operates a fifth-freedom route from New York to Frankfurt that continues to Singapore (in addition to its nonstop New York-to-Singapore flights, which are the longest in the world). Singapore also flies between Los Angeles and Tokyo, with a final leg from Tokyo to Singapore.

If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Paris, you can purchase a ticket on Air Tahiti Nui; if you’re going the other direction, you can fly on Air France between L.A. and Papeete, Tahiti. And United Airlines offers an “island hopper” service from Honolulu that stops on several islands in Micronesia. 

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fun. According to a 2024 report by Dunhill Travel Deals that analyzed 100 small, midsize, and major cities, there are some U.S. urban getaways that offer fantastic travel experiences without a hefty price tag. Not only are these destinations less expensive than most major tourist destinations, but they also come with the bonus of fewer crowds, allowing you to relax and get the most out of your vacation. Check out the top 10 most affordable U.S. cities for travel in 2024, according to the report. (Estimated trip costs include four days of accommodation, meals, a rental car, and round-trip flights.)

10. Norfolk, Virginia

Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $4,040
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,362

Many tourists flock to nearby Virginia Beach, but if you’re looking for a more affordable getaway, head about 20 miles west to charming Norfolk. The city is home to one of the largest naval bases in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, and history buffs can dive into Norfolk’s naval history at the National Maritime Center, where you’ll find the USS Wisconsin, a docked battleship featuring self-guided tours. For a day of family fun, head to the Virginia Zoo, or take in the views from the water on a harbor cruise. You’ll pass the naval shipyard, Norfolk’s bustling boardwalk, and the scenic Chesapeake Bay waterway, where you might be lucky enough to spot a pod of dolphins.

9. El Paso, Texas

Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $4,036
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,373

Situated on the southern U.S. border, El Paso offers a unique blend of American, Mexican, and Southwestern influences. This melting pot of cultures is on full display in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and festivals. El Paso’s sprawling views of the Chihuahuan Desert also make for world-class sunsets. Still, the real star of El Paso might be its Tex-Mex cuisine, with chili con carne, fajitas, burritos, and nopalitos (sautéed cactus) among the must-try dishes. El Paso is also a hiker’s haven with various scenic trails, from Franklin Mountains State Park to the historic El Paso Mission Trail. 

8. Buffalo, New York

Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $4,028
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,397

Buffalo is known for its culture, outdoor adventure, and cuisine, starting with Buffalo wings, which were invented here in 1964. This well-loved bar snack pairs perfectly with a trip to Highmark Stadium to watch the Buffalo Bills and their devoted fans. Art enthusiasts can’t miss the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, which houses works by Picasso, Pollock, Warhol, and other famous contemporary artists. Don’t leave without paying a visit to Niagara Falls State Park, a short 20-minute drive away. Take a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist for a unique perspective of this natural wonder.

7. Fort Wayne, Indiana

Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $3,976
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,342

Fort Wayne began as a humble military fort, but today, it’s a bustling city with loads of appeal as a getaway destination — especially as it’s one of the cheapest U.S. cities to visit. Its downtown Headwaters Park is a 35-acre green space perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. Nearby, the award-winning Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a highlight for families. Live entertainment is a favorite pastime of this city, especially at the restored vaudeville Embassy Theatre, which hosts a variety of musicals, plays, and performances. The annual Johnny Appleseed Festival in September celebrates the city’s most famous gardener, featuring reenactments and apple-themed vendors at the namesake Johnny Appleseed Park.

6. Jacksonville, Florida

Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $3,932
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,338

One of the largest U.S. cities by area, Jacksonville has something for everyone. Offering a blend of city life and coastal charm, it’s situated between the St. Johns River and Atlantic Ocean, making it an idyllic destination for outdoor adventurers. Whether your agenda includes paddleboarding, boating, kayaking, or searching for shark teeth, you can find it in Jacksonville. Spend a Saturday downtown at the Riverside Arts Market, where local artists and food vendors gather weekly. Sports fans can catch an NFL game at the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars or watch some of the biggest names in golf play TPC Sawgrass. One of the city’s biggest events, the Gate River Run, is the country’s largest 15K race.

5. Akron, Ohio

Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $3,700
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,268

Thinking of a trip to the Rubber City? Akron, Ohio, has roots in the 20th-century tire industry, earning it this unique moniker. Goodyear is still headquartered here, and you might even catch a glimpse of the famous Goodyear Blimp flying overhead. Akron is also home to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, boasting 33,000 acres of woodlands, scenic trails, and waterfalls, including the 65-foot Brandywine Falls. Akron’s charming downtown area has a burgeoning brewery scene, along with family-friendly entertainment, including the Akron RubberDucks Minor League Baseball team.  

4. Peoria, Illinois

Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $3,604
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,259

Peoria might not be top of mind for a getaway idea, but the central Illinois city has a lot to offer — including quirky attractions and scenic views along the Illinois River — at an affordable price. Its entertainment district, the Landing, boasts live music venues, restaurants, and bars. Nearby museums offer diverse experiences, including one peculiar option, the Caterpillar Visitor Center. Here, you can see — and climb into — Caterpillar-brand diggers, tractors, and trucks. No trip to Peoria is complete without cruising Grand View Drive, known for its sprawling views of the Illinois River. When President Theodore Roosevelt visited the town in 1910, he allegedly declared it the “world’s most beautiful drive.”

3. Allentown, Pennsylvania

Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $3,472
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,245

Nestled in the Lehigh Valley of eastern Pennsylvania, Allentown remains true to its historical roots. It’s home to the Liberty Bell Museum, which tells the tale of how the bell was hidden here during the American Revolution. The city’s industrial past can be seen at the nearby SteelStacks; once home to massive steel mills, it’s now a vibrant arts and culture hub. For some family fun, head to Dorney Park for thrilling rides and waterslides or the Great Allentown Fair to celebrate the town’s agricultural roots.

2. Wilmington, Delaware

Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $2,948
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,131

Located on the Delaware River, Wilmington is the epitome of a charming weekend getaway. Stroll through its historic Riverfront Market to enjoy fresh produce, international fare, and local treats. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, from the Playhouse on Rodney Square to the Delaware Art Museum, and plenty of annual art and music festivals. Shop ’til you drop at Trolley Square, a neighborhood known for its boutiques and trendy restaurants, or learn more about the city’s colonial past in the Quaker Hill District. Wilmington also offers several public parks and green spaces with walking, biking, and hiking trails that line the Brandywine River. 

1. Toledo, Ohio

Cost of a four-day trip for a family of four: $2,852
Cost of a four-day solo trip: $1,068

Toledo is a city rich in industrial history, earning it the nickname “the Glass City.” It also tops the list of most affordable U.S. cities to visit, according to the report. Toledo’s connection to its not-so-distant past can be explored at the Toledo Museum of Art, which boasts one of the most comprehensive glass collections in the world. Nearby, the award-winning Toledo Zoo offers fun for the entire family, while history buffs will enjoy the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which explores Toledo’s naval heritage on Lake Erie.

Next to downtown, the charming Old West End neighborhood boasts grand Victorian homes. Toledo also has a diverse food scene, including Toledo-style pizza, characterized by a sweet sauce and plenty of cheese. Toledo isn’t your run-of-the-mill vacation destination, but that — along with its affordability — is part of its charm.

Though they may look perfectly clean to the naked eye, airplane seats can be a lot dirtier than you think. In rare cases, some passengers have reported horror stories such as dirty seats that produce thick clouds of dust and others that are covered in bodily fluids — but a dirty airplane seat isn’t always so easy to identify. Here’s how you can spot a dirty airplane seat, and what to do about it if the situation arises.

How Often Are Airplane Seats Cleaned?

Most cabin cleaning crews have an average of just 30 to 40 minutes between flights to clean an aircraft, which results in a largely superficial clean of the cabin. While they may be able to pick up trash and vacuum up crumbs, they rarely have enough time to clean out seat-back pockets, wipe down tray tables, or perform a deep clean of the actual seats, according to the Wall Street Journal. Generally, seats receive a thorough deep clean only when it’s time to clean the entire cabin. This usually happens anywhere from once a month to once every three-plus months, depending on the airline.

How To Spot a Dirty Seat

Obvious discoloration and staining is easier to notice on seats made of leather, but when it comes to cloth seating, it may be difficult to spot all of the dirt and grime tucked deep inside the fabric. Keep your eyes open for any food scraps or trash tucked away in the crevices — the more garbage you notice around the edge of the seat, the less likely it is that someone took the time to clean things thoroughly.

For cloth seats in particular, there’s one helpful trick you can use to determine just how dirty they truly are. Take the palm of your hand and firmly slap it against the fabric. If the seat is dirty, you’ll likely see a cloud of dust rise from the seat. (Be sure to follow proper airplane etiquette and ask permission from your neighbors first, or try to board the plane early and try this trick before anyone else arrives.) The more dust you see, the longer it’s likely been since the seat last underwent a thorough cleaning.

Also trust your nose: If something smells off, it might be indicative of a problem from a previous flight. Earlier passengers may have spilled food all over the seat, or worse, gotten sick during a particularly turbulent journey. While cleaning crews may wipe away the obvious evidence between flights, the smell can still linger for hours.

What To Do About a Dirty Airplane Seat

If you’re worried about encountering a dirty seat, you can plan ahead by packing a few helpful items in your carry-on. First, always travel with sanitary wipes, which you can use to wipe down common touchpoints such as the armrests or tray table. If the seat is made of leather, you can use the wipes to give the seat itself a quick once-over as well. You might even consider bringing a disposable airplane seat cover on board. While your fellow passengers may shoot you a funny look or two, this thin protective layer ensures you won’t be sitting on anyone else’s mess or germs.

In the event your seat is so dirty that you feel uncomfortable, politely ask a flight attendant if you can switch to another open seat. If there are empty seats, they should be able to accommodate your request. If you’re not able to move but still end up taking the flight, you can file a complaint with the Department of Transportation after you land or contact the airline directly to express your concerns. You may receive a credit or miles for the inconvenience, but either way, it’s worth filing a complaint, if only to encourage the airline to do a better job cleaning the seats going forward.