boarding passes Archives

Smart tech tips to make summer travel cheaper and less stressful

Travel prices are up about 18% compared to pre-pandemic costs. Then there are the flight cancellations and extra-long waits to contend with. To help, I put together a list of the 10 best travel apps for 2023. Check out the list here.

Oh, and before you leave your house, be sure to switch on your security system. Don’t have one? Alexa can do it for free if you have an Amazon Echo.

Here are more of my best tricks to save you time, money and headaches before you hit the road or the skies.

1. Know where your bags are

You’ve seen those pictures of dozens of suitcases sitting around at the airport. Don’t let that be you. Many major airlines (including United, American, Delta and Air New Zealand) allow you to track your luggage in real-time through the airline’s official app.

I throw an Apple AirTag in checked bags for extra peace of mind.

Apple’s AirTags are ideal if you have an iPhone, Mac or iPad.
The Tile Essentials 4-pack comes with various tags for your keys, wallet, luggage or whatever else you want to try.

I also put one on my dog’s collar, in my cars and in everything my husband owns.

2. Pick the best flight

Delays can stack up as the day goes, so your best bet to make sure you get on the plane is to choose a flight before 3 p.m. Wednesday is one of the cheapest days to fly, so there’s your plan: Wednesday before 3.

Pro tip: You can check where your plane is to know whether your upcoming flight will be delayed. The airline you’re flying might display this in the app, or you can use Flight Aware. Enter your flight number to get details on the aircraft and its status.

3. Flying internationally? Get this app

Continue reading →

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Don't want to use Google Pay? Samsung has its own digital wallet app

Samsung Wallet is a hybrid of two existing apps: Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass. This all-in-one app allows you to pay in multiple ways and store sensitive information. But how does it work?

If your Galaxy smartphone is compatible with Samsung Pay (Android 9 or above, not available on iOS), you can use Samsung Wallet.

Continue reading →

‘Kim, what do you use for …?’

You asked. Here are my answers.

Holding your passport: I love this passport holder (click the 10% off coupon) because it blocks RFID and also holds an AirTag (17% off today!). It has enough room for your boarding passes, cash and credit cards, too.
Holding your iPad: I use this super-handy tablet stand ($15.97, 20% off!) in my studio to read scripts and in the kitchen to follow recipes, watch shows and video chat with Ian. It has a handy place for the plug.
Keeping safe in hotels: I don’t trust locks in hotel rooms. That’s why I pack a doorstop alarm that emits a loud sound if someone opens the door. Get this two-pack for $11.99 while it’s 33% off.
Protecting your identity: For starters, I shred everything — I mean, every single thing — with my name on it. I’ve used this Amazon Basics shredder ($33, 11% off) a lot for over four years.
Not using gross airplane blankets: That’s why I carry my own travel blanket ($29.95, 14% off) because it’s always cold on planes. This makes a great Mother’s or Father’s Day gift, btw.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

🛫 Ticket to scam: Boarding passes display your full legal name, ticket number and passenger name record. That six-digit code plus your last name gives anyone access to your booking info online (think email, phone number, address), and they can even change or cancel your flight. Do not post photos of your boarding passes on social!