- This line wraps around three times
before it starts going straight.
- [Narrator] If you've traveled recently
you've likely seen long lines and stranded passengers.
- Airports will definitely be significantly busier
than summer of 2021.
- [Narrator] Inflation is also pumping up the price
of everything from food to flights, to gas.
So to help you save money and time,
Wall Street Journal Travel Columnist, Dawn Gilbertson
has three tips to help you navigate this busy travel season.
Number one, plan ahead to save time
and alleviate stress at the airport.
- One option, a lot of flyers don't seem to be aware of yet
is a relatively new program that allows you to reserve
a spot in the security line for free.
- [Narrator] This program is offered at several airports,
including those in Seattle, Los Angeles,
and Newark New Jersey.
Each airport has its own protocols
but generally travelers can sign up for 15 minutes
security appointments up to 72 hours before their flights.
Once at the airport, you show a QR code
and enter designated checkpoint lanes that take you
to the front of the general security line.
- The Phoenix Airport, for example, told me that people
who have used that line on average report saving
at least 20 minutes in the security checkpoint
- [Narrator] TSA pre-check and Clear can also save time
but they charge membership fees.
Another time saving option,
a relatively new feature at airport Starbucks locations.
- You can now do mobile ordering at the airport
and anybody who's seen a Starbucks line at a major airport
or even a smaller airport, you know,
knows sometimes they can rival the lines
at the TSA checkpoint
- Use the Starbucks mobile app to skip the line
and place your order.
I placed my order at 5:08
and I received my coffee at 5:14.
- [Narrator] And for those renting cars,
you can also take advantage of line skipping options
by signing up for rental agencies loyalty programs.
Tip number two, if something goes wrong
like your flight gets canceled, act quickly.
- Don't just do one thing.
You know, if you're gonna go get in that line
while you're in that line, get on the airlines mobile app.
Look at other options at the airport.
- [Narrator] United Airlines, for example
has a new tool called, Agent on Demand,
which connects travelers with customer service agents
in other cities as a way to speed up the rebooking process.
- I'm also a very big fan of reaching out to airlines
on Twitter, direct message.
They tend to get back to you quicker.
You start the conversation about rebooking.
- [Narrator] Another thing to keep in mind is,
if an airline cancels your flight
and gives you your money back, that refund might not cover
the cost of a new flight this summer.
- Do not ask for that refund, you know
so that you can book on another airline
until you shop another airline because that flight
could be three times the price that you paid.
So this summer, in a lot of cases
you have to weigh the airlines rebooking option.
- [Narrator] Finally, shop around.
- If you haven't booked your airline tickets yet,
maybe check out some of the newer airlines
that have launched during the pandemic.
A couple that come to mind are Avelo and Breeze Airways.
Since not everybody has heard of them
you might have a better chance at seat availability.
- [Narrator] Both airlines follow the model of discounters
like Allegiant and Frontier.
Avelo operates flights out of new Haven, Los Angeles
and Orlando.
And Breeze Airways focuses on mid-size cities like Hartford,
Connecticut, and Charleston, South Carolina.
- Check their websites because a lot of times
the tickets are significantly cheaper.
Both airlines have relatively new planes,
experienced executives, and some routes you can fly nonstop
and skip the connecting airport drama.
- [Narrator] But keep in mind that these smaller airlines
might not have as many flight options.
- On most routes, they don't fly every single day.
So, you know, in times of flight troubles
you might not be able to get out as quickly as you want.
- [Narrator] If you're going on a road trip you might
be able to save money on gas by using the same tools
you use at home.
- If you have a Costco membership, you know
Walmart also has a membership program.
You know, you can use those savings on the road.
GasBuddy is one of the apps that a lot of people download
before a trip, it'll find the lowest gas in your area.
- [Narrator] But regardless of where or how
you plan to travel this summer.
- Have a backup plan, maybe a couple backup plans.
You know, we've all seen the headlines on the number
of canceled flights and delayed flights.
So just look at your options before you take off.