Elevate Your Journeys: Essential Travel Resolutions for an Unforgettable 2025 Experience!

A new year is on the horizon, and many of us are contemplating resolutions to enhance our lives. As you reflect on these objectives, remember to incorporate improvements for your air travel experience in 2025.

One certainty is that as we look towards 2025, the public’s relentless desire for travel shows no indication of diminishing. “I believe that individuals genuinely want to travel now. Perhaps it’s somewhat about ‘Hey, I couldn’t travel for a couple of years. So now I’m going to travel,'” TSA head David Pekoske shared with TPG in a recent discussion.

Indeed, we witnessed unprecedented crowds during the Thanksgiving holiday, achieving a new daily record for passengers screened at U.S. airports. It is anticipated that the upcoming year will also set further travel milestones.

Here, then, are our seven prime suggestions for the new year of travel.

Discover the best airfare deals

There’s no reason you should pay the full fare for an airline seat when discounts are plentiful. Visit TPG’s deals page for the finest airfare rates. You may also subscribe to our daily newsletter for the most recent offers and updates.

Moreover, sign up for deal notifications from your preferred airlines. Utilize platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Hopper to look for affordable fare options.

Currently, the site that receives the most utilization from TPG team members is certainly Google Flights.

Utilize the search bar to locate the least expensive (or best) flights. Google will also indicate whether prices are normal, elevated, or low at the moment; it will even provide email notifications if prices rise or fall on specific routes you have chosen. As illustrated in the example below, Google indicates that prices are average for this search for flights from San Francisco to Bozeman, Montana.

Additionally, it offers some enjoyable tools for identifying an inexpensive getaway nearby or globally. By clicking the “Explore” button on the sidebar and entering your departure airport, Google Flights will provide you with a map or a list of the most budget-friendly locations.

Related: 11 tactics to discover budget airfare

Naturally, we appreciate points promotions even more, so we frequently share points deals. There are also numerous additional new tools for locating points, such as Points Path.

This is a complimentary browser extension that reveals award costs alongside cash fares for selected airlines in Google Flights. It informs you which transferable points can be utilized with the supported airlines, recommends when to utilize points compared to miles, and advises on when to secure a paid fare. After choosing an itinerary, you have the option to either book a paid fare as you normally would with Google Flights or redeem an award directly through the airline’s loyalty program.

Related: How to leverage the Points Path extension to evaluate cash and award prices in Google Flights

Install airline applications

A key recommendation I have for travelers is to install the mobile application for any flights you are taking.

Having these applications can be extremely advantageous if your flight is postponed or canceled, as airlines utilize them to inform you about flight modifications. Additionally, you can receive notifications concerning delaysflights and book new ones as required.

Certain airlines even permit you to make your own rebooking through their app.

They frequently also provide affordable upgrade options, making it worthwhile to explore the app on days when you’re not flying.

Of course, airline apps serve additional purposes as well. For instance, at American Airlines, it’s your gateway to entertainment. On United, you’ll be required to input your credit card details directly into the app if you wish to buy anything from snacks to Wi-Fi during your flight — a nuisance for some passengers.

Related: Here’s what actions to take if your flight is canceled or postponed

Prepare a contingency plan

In the current era of packed flights and crowded airports, along with airline debacles, it’s wise to have a backup plan and perhaps even a backup to the backup in case situations turn unfavorable.

Safeguard yourself during the reservation process by attempting to find a nonstop flight instead of one with layovers. Even if it comes with a slight premium, you can eliminate the possibility of missing connections and reduce the risk of your luggage being lost by the airline during a changeover.

Furthermore, you might want to consider booking one of the earliest flights in the morning. Such flights are less prone to afternoon thunderstorms and tend to be more punctual.

Related: Your flight has been canceled or delayed — here’s what you should do next

In the event your flight experiences a significant delay or cancellation, aim to be ahead of others from your flight who are also trying to rebook.

Approach the customer service counter (or the lounge counter if you have access). Additionally, reach out to the airline over the phone or through social media. During major disruptions, the airline’s social media team can often assist you more swiftly than a phone or in-person representative can. It’s essential to utilize every resource available during operational issues.

Several airlines even feature live chat options to assist with managing delays and cancellations.

I always keep an alternative strategy in mind for instances when a flight faces cancellation or delay. Familiarize yourself in advance with which other airlines service the same route you are taking in case something goes amiss. Thus, when communicating with an agent to rebook you, you will be aware of the other flight choices.

Retain any expense receipts you accumulate during delays or cancellations. You’ll require solid documentation in case of significant disruptions like those experienced by Southwest Airlines passengers during the 2022 holiday period.

And remember, occasionally the wisest choice is to abandon the plan altogether. If there’s a significant storm or technical crisis, it may be prudent to forego the journey or at the very least postpone it.

New regulations state that you are entitled to a complete refund for any trips you cannot undertake, including weather-related issues.

Read more: Legislation influencing the future of the travel sector

Obtain Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

One of

one of our preferred methods to navigate through the airport is through Trusted Traveler initiatives like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

If you journey domestically or abroad, invest $120 for five years of Global Entry. Arriving at an international airport — like Dulles International Airport (IAD), where numerous flights arrive in the late afternoon to early evening — enables you to bypass lengthy customs and immigration queues by utilizing Global Entry kiosks. You’ll be on your parking shuttle while others are still in line.

Related: 14 things you should know regarding Global Entry

The highlight of Global Entry is the automatic enrollment in TSA’s PreCheck program. Examine your wallet — your credit card might cover the enrollment cost.

Another significant advantage of having Global Entry or PreCheck is the increasing number of airports introducing biometric or touchless security lanes. The stipulation? You must be registered in a Trusted Traveler program to participate. Here’s our comprehensive guide to how it operates.

Prepare for the TSA checkpoint and comfort

You certainly do not want to be held up at a TSA checkpoint due to having unsuitable items in your carry-on bag. Download the MyTSA app to verify what you are permitted — and prohibited — to carry in your carry-on or checked baggage. (If you require a new carry-on bag, here are some of our top picks.) Purchase travel-sized containers for liquids and gels of 3 ounces that will fit into a quart-sized plastic bag.

Related: 10 strategies to expedite airport security

Select footwear that is simple to remove and put on for a swift passage through the checkpoint.

As comfort is essential while traveling, what you don for your flight is crucial. Opt for garments constructed from elastic materials, like cotton knits or blends. Carry lightweight knit or fleece cardigans to maintain warmth in chilly aircraft cabins or to serve as a pillow during overnight flights.

You might consider keeping these items in your under-seat bag: a Kindle, headphones, earbuds, a charger for electronic gadgets, an empty water bottle, medications (both over-the-counter and prescription), a travel wallet, compact toiletries, hand sanitizer, tissues, lip balm, lotion, and a jacket or oversized scarf for frigid cabins.

Related: Stay calm and carry on: The finest carry-on luggage for various types of trips

Select your seat carefully

When airlines permit you to select your seat during flight booking, take advantage of it — but be ready to pay. Explore platforms like SeatGuru and AeroLopa to help steer clear of the much-dreaded middle seat, a bustling galley, or the restroom. Choosing your seat also means you will not disturb your fellow travelers by compelling them to move.switch positions.

Related: What is the optimal place to sit on an aircraft? Here’s how to select your spot whenever you travel by air

Of course, TPG wishes for you to be situated at the front section of the aircraft. Yet even in premium class, you might have to invest more for specific superior seats. It’s always wise to verify the seating chart.

Additionally, if your ticket indicates that you will board last for a flight, think about paying to board the plane after the elite passengers have entered. This will guarantee ample space in the overhead compartments for your larger carry-on luggage, and it allows you time to arrange yourself in your seat. Keep in mind that some airline credit cards provide priority boarding as a benefit of holding the card.

Bring your own snacks

Avoid wasting cash on overpriced food at the airport or boarding your flight with a rumbling stomach while hoping to purchase overly processed snacks after takeoff. Full meals on flights — aside from international ones — have essentially vanished. Certain airlines provide buy-onboard options, but for the majority, you’re fortunate to receive peanuts or pretzels. Instead, prepare your own snacks, such as fruit, granola or energy bars, cheese and crackers, veggie chips, or sandwiches to combat hunger during your flight.

Final thoughts

Traveling is challenging enough these days with soaring numbers of travelers taking to the skies. However, adopting effective travel resolutions can make your journeys more enjoyable and less anxiety-inducing in 2025 and onwards.

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