As travelers Get ready to hit the road, take to the skies and hit the high seas this summer, experts have some simple tips that could help you save time and money.
Money-saving tips for air travel this summer
Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, shared the team's recently released annual report on the best airlines with “Good Morning America,” which summarizes America's most trusted airlines, striking a balance between reliability, cost, experience and value.
This year, Kelly said “Delta ranked No. 1 for the sixth year in a row,” noting that the airline “didn't win in any of the four major categories, but it's still strong across the board.” .
“In terms of reliability, I want to give a shout out to Allegiant Air, which is a smaller, lower-cost airline: they haven't moved a single passenger in 2023,” he said. “Getting where you need to go is a big part of air travel, so kudos to them.”
An Allegiant Air Airbus A319-111 prepares for takeoff at Los Angeles International Airport, October 19, 2023, in Los Angeles.
AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images via Getty Images
With most major carriers increased baggage fees Overall, Kelly applauded Southwest Airlines, which he said “always allows two checked bags for free.”
National deals to save on summer travel
The average price of plane tickets has fallen further, according to latest inflation data starting in May, meaning it's actually 6% cheaper to travel now than it was this time last year.
Katy Nastro, travel expert and spokesperson for Going.com, told “GMA” that plane tickets are now 19% cheaper than in June 2022, when airfares were at their highest prices . She said it was also cheaper than in February 2020, when air travel was still “normal”.
To take advantage of the three-month period of lower prices, travelers can search for deals both domestically and abroad.
“There are a lot of great national fares out there,” Kelly said. “We're going from New York to San Francisco for $197 round trip.”
He also stressed that it was the ideal time to visit wine country in Northern California.
Additionally, he highlighted deals on airline tickets to and from cruise ports. “New York to Miami, $87 round trip – it’s a great starting point for cruises,” he said.
The Points Guy team also tracked fares from Los Angeles to Charleston for under $200.
“Charleston is a food town, but there are also beautiful beaches in this part of the country that shouldn’t be overlooked,” he said.
In this undated photo, people are seen enjoying Folly Beach near Charleston, South Carolina.
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images
Transportation Security Administration recently reported it's the second busiest day in history, with nearly 3 million people screened across the country.
Even with record numbers of travel, Kelly said there have yet to be any “major crises” at airports or at certain airlines, but unfortunately said it's a different story when he s It was about getting to the airport.
“Our roads cannot handle the crowds. I highly recommend people leave early for the airport,” Kelly said. “Traffic is a problem. So if you're a procrastinator like me, don't be and get to the airport a little early this summer.”
Check in early for flights to gain access to upgrades
As soon as the check-in window opens within 24 hours before a flight, experts encourage using the airline's app to check in seamlessly and avoid any issues, especially if you're checking baggage, because with certain pricing policy changes, it could cost you more. by making this choice in person on the day of your flight.
Additionally, checking in early also provides more opportunities, depending on your loyalty status, to receive upgrades.
Avoid lost luggage with “baggage hygiene”
The runway manager at Newark Liberty International Airport asked ABC News to make sure you remove old baggage tag stickers from previous flights that could potentially send your bags to another airport.
Passengers go through TSA security screening at Los Angeles International Airport, January 10, 2024, in Los Angeles.
Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The ramp director also suggested removing all tape, which is a common way to identify baggage, because it could obstruct the printed locator tag.
Easily pass through security by separating certain items
Whether it's a quick weekend getaway or you've become a hand luggage pro In order to avoid paying for checked bags, there is another simple step to take before arriving at the security checkpoint that can hopefully speed things up.
Every airport is built differently and the requirements for what to put in a trash can, whether you're in the Clear line, TSA pre-check, or the standard security line, apparently vary in many places when it comes to is about what needs to be removed or removed. like liquids and shoes.
Place items known to be safety concerns, such as batteries, candles, baby wipes, food, or other items that may prevent a clear x-ray reading, in their own removable pouch or in the section of your carry-on baggage. so it can be easily deleted and rescanned much faster.
A summer of cruises with offers on popular destinations
In this undated photo, a Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruise ship is seen at the pier at Royal Caribbean's private coastal peninsula in Labadee, Haiti.
Ron Buskirk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
There are still some offshore bargains to capitalize on later this summer, with some as low as $50 a night in August, according to ABC News' chief business correspondent. Rebecca Jarvis.
“A four-night Key West and Bahamas cruise from $242 per person. A four-night Caribbean short cruise for $251 per person. And a four-night Bahamas cruise for $209 per person,” she explained. “Really, the bottom line here is that the more flexible you can be and the more all-inclusive you book, the better your deal will be.”
Road trip and hit the road inexpensively with lower gas prices
In this undated photo, we see a person filling up their car with gas.
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images
Jarvis said Americans can travel by car for less than it would have cost this time last year, with gas prices averaging $3.46 nationwide.
“This represents a decrease of approximately $0.13 per gallon from last year,” she said, adding that “AAA projects that a number of states will see their states drop below $3 a gallon in the coming weeks.”
