Make these travel decisions now to deliver a better passenger experience in 2025

A new year is approaching and we are all trying to make resolutions to improve our lives. While considering those goals, don’t forget to come up with ways to improve your air travel experience by 2025.

One thing is certain: Heading into 2025, the public’s insatiable appetite for travel shows no signs of stopping. “I think now people really want to travel. And maybe there’s a little bit of a ‘Hey, I haven’t been able to travel in a few years. And so I’m going to travel,'” admin TSA David Pekoske told TPG during a press conference. recent interview.

In fact, we saw record audiences over the Thanksgiving holiday, with one one-day record of passengers screened at US airports. It is expected that the new year will also break more tourism records.

So here are our top seven tips for New Year’s travel.

Find the best airfares

There’s no reason you need to pay full price for a seat on a plane when there are so many bargains to be had. Check TPG’s transaction page for the best airfares. You can also subscribe to our channel daily newsletter for the latest offers and news.

Plus, sign up for deal alerts from your favorite airlines. Use sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayaks And Hopper to search for cheap fares.

Nowadays, the website that TPG employees are most interested in is probably Google Flights.

Use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also tell you whether the current price is regular, high or low; it will even send you email alerts if fares increase or decrease on specific routes you’ve selected. As you can see in the example below, Google shows the typical price for this flight search to Bozeman, Montana, from San Francisco.

It also has some cool tools for finding cheap destinations near home or around the world. By clicking the “Explore” button on the sidebar and entering your departure airport, Google Flights will give you a map or list of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

Related: 11 strategies for hunting cheap airline tickets

Of course, we love points offers even more so we publish points offers regularly. There are also many other new point finding tools such as Point path.

This is a free browser extension that displays reward prices along with cash prices for selected airlines in Google Flights. It tells you which transferable points can be used with the airlines it supports, recommends when to use points versus miles, and suggests when to set the price to pay. Once you’ve chosen your itinerary, you can set premium rates as you normally would with Google Flights or redeem rewards directly with the airline’s loyalty program.

Related: How to use the Points Path extension to compare cash and reward rates in Google Flights

Download the airline app

One of my top tips for travelers is to download the airline app for any flight you take.

Downloading these apps can be extremely useful if your flight is delayed or canceled because airlines use them to announce flight changes. You can also get updates on delayed flights and rebook your own flights if needed.

Some airlines even let you rebook your tickets in the app.

They also often have cheap upgrade deals, so you may have to pay to test the app even on days you’re not traveling.

Of course, airline apps also have other functions. At American Airlines, that’s how you can access entertainment. ABOVE unified, you’ll need to upload your credit card information directly to the app if you want to buy anything from snacks to Wi-Fi while on a flight — a headache for some visitors.

Related: Here’s what to do if your flight is canceled or delayed

Have a backup plan

In these days of crowded flights and airports and airline crises, you should have a plan B and even a plan C in case things go wrong.

Protect yourself during the booking process by trying to find one direct flight rather than one with connections. Even if it costs a little more, you’ll eliminate the risk of lost connections and reduce the risk of the airline losing your luggage during a transfer.

You should also consider taking one of the first flights of the day. These flights are less likely to experience afternoon thunderstorms and are more likely to depart on time.

Related: Your flight was canceled or delayed – here’s what you should do next

If your flight is severely delayed or canceled, you’ll want to get ahead of other people on your flight who are also looking to be rebooked.

Go to the customer service desk (or reception desk if you have access). You should also contact the airline or airline by phone contact them via social networks. In major crises, an airline’s social media team can sometimes help you faster than using the phone or a live agent. You must use every tool in your toolbox when you encounter operational problems.

Some airlines even have it Live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternative plan in mind just in case flight is canceled or delayed. Know in advance which other airlines are flying the same route as you in case something goes wrong. This way, when you ask the agent to rebook you, you’ll know the alternative flight options.

Save any fees you incur during the delay or cancellation period. You’ll want to have excellent documentation in case something goes wrong like Southwest Airlines passengers experience during the 2022 holiday season.

And remember, sometimes the best idea is just to cut bait. If there is a major storm or technical problems, it’s best to abandon your trip or at least reschedule.

New rules which means you’re entitled to a full refund for any trip you can’t take, even if it’s weather-related.

Read more: Regulations shape the future of tourism

Get global entry or TSA pre-check

One of our favorite ways to move quickly through the airport is through Trusted Traveler programs like TSA Pre-Check And Global entry.

If you travel domestically and internationally, shell out $120 for 5 years of global entry. If you fly into an international airport — such as Dulles International Airport (IAD), where many flights land in the late afternoon to early evening — you can avoid long lines at customs and Enter the country using Global Entry kiosks. You will be on the shuttle while everyone else is still waiting.

Related: 14 things to know about Global Entry

The best part about Global Entry is that you are automatically enrolled in TSA’s PreCheck program. Check your wallet – your credit card can cover registration fees.

The other great part of having Global Entry or PreCheck is that more and more airports are implementing biometric or touchless security lines. The catch? You will need to be enrolled in the Trusted Traveler program to be allowed to participate. Here’s our complete guide to How does it work?.

Pack for TSA checkpoints and comfort

You don’t want to be delayed at a TSA checkpoint because you have the wrong item in your carry-on bag. Download MyTSA app to see what you can – and can’t – bring in your carry-on or checked luggage. (And if you need a new handbag, Here are some of our favorites.) Buy travel-sized containers to hold 3 ounces of liquids and gels that fit into a quart-sized plastic bag.

Related: 10 ways to get through airport security faster

opt in easy-to-wear shoes and take off to speed you through the checkpoint.

Since comfort is the most important thing when traveling, what you wear on the plane is also important. Choose clothes with stretchy materials, such as cotton knits or blends. Bring a light knit or fleece sweater to keep warm in the cool cabin or to use as a pillow on red-eye flights.

You may want to keep the following items in the pocket under your seat: Kindle, headphones, earbuds, chargers for electronic devices, an empty water bottle, medications (over-the-counter and prescription) , travel purse, small toiletries, hand sanitizer, tissues, lip balm, lotion and an oversized jacket or scarf for the cold cabin.

Related: Keep calm and carry on: The best carry-on luggage for every trip

Choose your seat wisely

When airlines let you choose your seat when booking a flight, do it – but be prepared to pay for it. Check out sites like SeatGuru And AeroLopa to help you avoid the dreaded middle seat, noisy kitchen or bathroom. Choosing your seat also means you won’t bother other passengers by asking them to change seats.

Related: Where is the best seat on the plane? Here’s how to choose your seat every time you fly

Of course, TPG wants you at the sharp end of the plane. But even in first class, you can still pay more for some of the better seats. It always makes sense to double-check the seating chart.

And if your ticket puts you on the last flight, consider paying to board after elite members board. This will ensure there is plenty of space in the overhead compartment for your larger carry-on bag, while also giving you time to get settled. Remember, some airline credit cards come with Priority boarding as a privilege about holding the card.

Bring your own food

Stop spending money on overpriced airport food or boarding the plane with a grumbling stomach and hoping to buy processed food after takeoff. Full meals on flights – unless they are international – have gone the way of the dinosaurs. Some airlines offer on-board fares, but with most, you’re lucky to get peanuts or pretzels. Instead, pack your own food, including fruit, granola or energy bars, cheese and crackers, chips or sandwiches to help stave off hunger on your flight.

Bottom line

Travel is difficult enough these days as record numbers of passengers continue to take to the skies. However, adopting good travel solutions can make travel more pleasant and less stressful in 2025 and beyond.

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