Read Before You Fly?

The airport questions, answered before you are standing in the wrong line. 17 questions and counting.

Is there really a cheapest day to book flights?The Tuesday-booking trick is dead; fares reprice constantly by algorithm. What works: book domestic 1 to 3 months out…
What liquids can you bring on a plane?Carry-on liquids follow 3-1-1: containers of 3.4 ounces or less, all fitting in one quart bag. Exceptions exist for…
Do I need a REAL ID to fly?Yes, for domestic flights: enforcement began May 7, 2025. Your license needs the star marking, or you can fly with a…
How early should you get to the airport?Two hours before domestic flights, three before international. Yes, even with PreCheck, because the variable is not just…
What can you actually bring through TSA?Liquids in carry-on follow 3-1-1: containers of 3.4 ounces or less, in one quart-sized bag, one bag per traveler. Food is…
What are you owed if your flight is cancelled?In the US, a cancelled flight entitles you to a cash refund if you choose not to travel, even on a nonrefundable ticket…
When is the cheapest time to book a flight?Roughly one to three months ahead for domestic, two to eight for international. The famous Tuesday at 1pm trick is dead…
Do you need a passport to go to Canada or Mexico?Flying, yes, always. Driving or arriving by sea, US citizens can use a passport card, enhanced driver's license, or trusted…
What is the difference between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR?PreCheck speeds domestic security screening. Global Entry adds expedited customs on international arrival and includes…
How do you avoid foreign transaction fees?Carry a card with no foreign transaction fee, and always choose to be charged in the local currency. When a terminal offers…
How do you actually beat jet lag?Light is the lever: get morning light after flying east, evening light after flying west, and shift your sleep an hour a day…
What is the passport six-month rule?Many countries require your passport to stay valid six months beyond your trip, and airlines enforce it at check-in. A…
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: which should you get?Global Entry costs $120 for five years and includes PreCheck, which alone costs about $78. If you will leave the country…
What is the best way to pack a suitcase?Roll soft clothes, fold structured ones, and put heavy items near the wheels. Packing cubes help more with finding things…
How do airplanes actually stay in the air?Wings deflect air downward, and the reaction pushes the plane up. The popular explanation about air traveling faster over…
Is it rude to recline your airplane seat?You paid for a seat that reclines, so it is not rude to use it, but it is rude to slam it back without looking. The real…
Is it acceptable to take your shoes off on a plane?Shoes off is fine on a long flight, socks stay on, and bare feet are not acceptable anywhere outside your own seat. Never go…