By Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse
If in the new year you’ve resolved to become a better and smarter traveler, there are some simple steps you can take in 2025.
Whether it’s streamlining your airport experience, avoiding the pitfalls of following the crowd or maximizing your luggage, there are easy-to-remember dos and don’ts to ensure you fly like your best self in the year ahead.
If you fly multiple times per year it’s wise to invest in TSA PreCheck and other trusted traveler and expedited security screening programs like Global Entry to minimize stress and time spent at the airport.
TSA PreCheck costs just $85 for a five-year membership that travelers can easily renew online after enrollment. While the U.S. Customs and Border Protection implemented fee changes to Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI last fall, these programs offer convenience and peace of mind that can’t be beaten in 2025.
“Gate lice” refers to those impatient or easily influenced travelers who crowd the gate area prior to boarding, and the issue has become so serious that airlines have begun to crack down on the impolite crowds.
Late last year the U.S. Department of Transportation implemented its final rule on automatic airline refunds, which is expected to save Americans more than $500 million annually.
It only takes a few minutes to read up on what constitutes a refund and what qualifies. The new rule applies not only to canceled flights but also to significantly altered trips, significantly delayed checked baggage return and a failure to provide ancillary services that were purchased.
It’s always best to avoid checking a bag if you can, as it will trim time off of your trip both before and after your flight. The carry-on size limit for most airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which is plenty in most cases, especially if you pack smart by rolling your clothes and using compression bags to maximize space.
Try to be as flexible as possible when planning your getaway. Traveling during the shoulder seasons such as the weeks after Labor Day can net you significant savings on flights. Booking those flights on weekdays such as Tuesday and Wednesday can also provide some relief for your wallet.
What’s more, booking an early morning flight could save you more while reducing the risk of a delay or cancellation.
For the vast majority of us, air travel is a public experience, so it’s always advised to practice common courtesy even if that means sacrificing personal comfort. That includes keeping your shoes and or socks on for the duration of the flight.
The cringy behavior of removing them routinely ranks among the rudest as far as airline passengers are concerned. A 2023 study from travel search engine KAYAK found that roughly three-fourths of respondents said taking your socks off is unacceptable. More than half said it’s not OK to remove your shoes on a flight.
Other annoying behaviors to avoid when flying include hogging the armrests, asking to switch seats, engaging in unwanted conversation with strangers, using the volume on your phone and engaging in personal grooming.
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