How to land the best flight deals

Spring break is around the corner, and Sundays are the best day to book trips, so let’s talk travel hacks. My dad worked for United Airlines, so I grew up on airplanes. I’ve explored 38 countries (and counting!) with plenty more on my bucket list. Let’s get you the best deals!

How to land the best flight deals

✈️ Check for 24-hour price drops: Booked a flight? Some airlines let you cancel within 24 hours for free. If you find a lower price, cancel and rebook. Easy savings.

🔔 Set up price alerts: Google Flights and Kayak will email you when prices drop. The best time to book? One to three months ahead for domestic flights and four to six months out for international. (Note to self: This means next week.)

📅 Fly on the cheap days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are usually the cheapest. Red-eyes and early morning flights also cost less and are less likely to be delayed or canceled.

🛫 Be flexible: Try Google’s Explore feature to spot budget-friendly dates. Skyscanner’s Cheapest Month tool is neat. Instead of choosing a date, click Flexible Dates and watch the prices fluctuate.

🛑 Hidden-city ticketing (use with caution): Skiplagged finds flights where your destination is a layover, which can save you cash. Just don’t check a bag. It won’t follow you.

VIP experience secrets

If “budget” is not in your lexicon, you can bypass many airport hassles.

PS (Private Suite) at LAX and ATL

  • Get private TSA screening and a terminal with no lines. Think velvet couches and chilled champagne. Board via a private car on the tarmac and have a similar arrival service.
  • PS costs about $4,000 for the first passenger. It’s an Amex Centurion cardholder perk, and that’s how I get to use it. I saw Kanye West and his wife about a month ago on my way back from Paris. Fortunately, she was clothed. I couldn’t bare it.

Airport Butler/Royal Airport Concierge fast-track service

Continue reading

How to get cheap flights with expert Clark Howard

Open/download audio

Money-saving guru Clark Howard is here, sharing his top-secret strategies to land the cheapest flights imaginable — and trust me, the airlines do not want you knowing these tricks. We talk about clever booking hacks, algorithms, hidden deals, and the perfect time to strike.

Toxic chemicals found in Temu products

Open/download audio

Officials flagged sandals with 11 times the legal lead limit! Google’s forcing your site to train its AI if you want it searchable. Plus, the FTC is cracking down on fake reviews, and a hack to find cheap flights online.

Most annoying people on planes

Open/download audio

Are you doing what pesters folks the most on flights? In this short podcast, here’s how not to be that guy or gal. 

Steve Jobs' $175K note, Airbnb host threats & Google Meet AI tools

Open/download audio

Plus, can your smart thermostat be controlled by the power company? Dennis from Myrtle Beach wants to know, and I give him the answer. I explore why Siri and Alexa falter with CPR, the best times to buy flights and cruises, and how tech pros use hotel TVs.