Summer is finally here, and now is the best time to plan ahead for all eventualities to ensure any upcoming travel goes smoothly.
If you need to book a trip for this summer, are currently in the planning phases or already have that big trip set, add these to-do items to your checklist.
Book your travel, and select seats now
Although we’ve found many domestic and international flight deals for travel throughout the summer, you’ll likely find that booking last-minute airfare will still be expensive if you don’t take advantage of these sales as soon as they come up.
If you still need to book a flight for late June, July or August, it’s better to do so sooner rather than later, especially if heading abroad.
A great tool for finding deals is Google Flights. It allows you to set an alert for your ideal travel days and itineraries. You can then monitor prices for a week or two before pulling the trigger. Handily, Google Flights will also tell you the average airfare for your journey and whether the price you’re being offered is a good one; you’ll also receive an email if the price drops drastically and you’ve signed up for alerts.
While there’s technically no magical best day to book flights, statistically speaking, traveling midweek or on Saturdays usually gives you the greatest chance to score the cheapest flights.
If you book your flight and see the price drops ahead of your departure date, you can cancel your original flight and rebook it at a lower price, depending on your fare type. If you’re unable to get a full cash refund, you may be able to get a flight credit — check the terms of your booking and chat with your airline if you’re unsure.
There are also new tools that use artificial intelligence to watch your flights and automatically issue you trip credits. I’ve used both pAiback and Junova and have saved nearly $1,000 this year already.
Another thing to do when booking is to choose your airline seats in advance of flying. The longer you wait, the more packed the plane will get and the fewer seat choices will be available.
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Similarly, if you reserve a hotel room, make sure it’s refundable so you can rebook it at a lower rate if you see the price drop. This logic also applies when booking with points.
Triple-check your passport expiration date
This may seem obvious, but it is always important to check your passport expiration date before an international trip. Most countries require at least six months of validity.
Additionally, you’ll need to factor in how long it takes to renew your passport. As of May, the U.S. Department of State has told travelers to expect a four- to six-week turnaround time for passport renewals and two to three weeks for expedited service.
Some countries require at least one or two empty pages in your passport if you need a visa, so, in addition to making sure your passport hasn’t expired, ensure you have enough blank pages. For example, one empty page is required for Mexico, Canada and many European countries, while two are necessary for countries such as China and South Africa.
Related: Can you renew online? Yes, you can: Online passport renewal is now widely available
Sign up for TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is an expedited airport security program administered by the U.S. government in which prescreened, low-risk travelers use a designated security line rather than the regular Transportation Security Administration line at the airport. Approximately 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers pass through security in 10 minutes or less, according to the TSA.
TSA PreCheck travelers do not need to remove liquids or electronics from their carry-on luggage or remove their shoes, belts or light jackets before passing through metal detectors.
A five-year TSA PreCheck membership starts at $76.75 per person, but many credit cards offer up to a $120 statement credit for the application fees associated with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry as long as you pay for your membership with that card.
Nearly 50 cards cover TSA PreCheck (and/or Global Entry) fees, including:
If you have several international trips coming up, you may want to apply for Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck. Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program allowing expedited reentry into America after international travel. A Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck, so it may be worth the higher fee if your summer travel plans include some international trips.
While going through the express security lane does come with an extra cost, it can significantly reduce the time it takes to get from the ticket counter to your departure gate. This is especially important during busy travel times like Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.
Enroll in Clear
Although some airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) still have long lines even when you use Clear+, being a member of this program can often save you a ton of time at airports like New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
But what exactly is this program?
Like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, Clear is an expedited security program available at more than 60 airports and other venues, with more than 41 million members. Plus, travelers can now also enroll in TSA PreCheck at Clear lanes at more than a dozen airports.
To sign up for Clear, you’ll need to allow the company to catalog bio-identifying features (which Clear does through fingerprint and iris scans) to automate the identity verification step in the TSA screening process. Once enrolled, you can enter a separate (often shorter) security lane with speedier access to the TSA agents and security screening. You’ll need to scan your eyes before a Clear representative escorts you to the front of the line for the traditional security screening machines.
Clear+ costs $209 per year, making it much pricier than a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. However, some elite members are eligible for reduced or even waived membership fees.
If you have Delta SkyMiles elite status (Diamond Medallion or Delta 360) or United MileagePlus elite status (United Premier 1K or United Global Services), you can enroll in Clear at a substantially reduced rate. Delta Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members and United Premier Platinum, Gold and Silver members can pay a reduced rate of $169 annually. Even entry-level Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members qualify for a discounted rate of $199 a year.
Some credit cards will also give you a statement credit for Clear.
Anyone with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card can pay $169 per year for the service.
Additionally, you can get up to a $209 statement credit for Clear+ membership via these American Express cards (enrollment required):
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Check your Global Entry membership to make sure it’s valid
If you use Global Entry to enter the U.S. after an international trip, you already know that it can make the immigration process very speedy. Global Entry works for both land ports of entry (like border crossings for Canada and Mexico) and airports. It’s valid for five years.
Before you travel, check your Global Entry card for the expiration date. The expiration date for your Global Entry membership (which always falls on your birthday following the fifth anniversary of your approval date) appears both in your online account and on the back of your Global Entry card.
As a reminder, children cannot go through Global Entry lanes with a parent without membership. Remember that select credit cards offer Global Entry credits, so your membership may be free.
Related: How to renew Global Entry membership
Be Real ID ready
Real ID is a government-approved identity document that was required to fly as of May 7, 2025. Hopefully, you already have a compliant form of identification. You can tell if your driver’s license or ID is Real ID-compliant by looking for the star in the upper right or left corner, as shown in the image above.
If you don’t have a Real ID-compliant ID, there are a few work-arounds that will allow you to fly until you obtain a Real ID.
For example, you can use a valid passport book or card, a state-issued enhanced driver’s license, a Global Entry card or one of the following:
- Permanent resident card
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Border-crossing card
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- HSPD-12 personal identity verification card (federal employees and contractors)
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization card (I-766)
- U.S. merchant mariner credential
If you are traveling with one of the above noncompliant documents, we recommend also bringing additional identifying documents, like a bank statement and a Social Security card, to further prove your identity. Without a Real ID, you could still technically be denied boarding, but having multiple forms of ID should help.
There’s also a government program called ConfirmID, but it will cost you $45.
Download your airline’s mobile app
Regardless of which airline you are flying, it’s essential to install the carrier’s app on your phone.
Before you leave home, download the airline’s app, log in to your account and set up push notifications so you’ll quickly know if there are any changes to your reservation. This will ensure you receive updates about your flight as soon as they’re made available, which is especially helpful during irregular operations where updates will sometimes appear before they are announced at the airport.
In situations involving delays or cancellations, having easy access to your airline’s mobile app can be a huge help. In addition to receiving flight change notifications in one easy-to-access spot on your phone, you can track your flight. Some airline apps will even let you track your checked luggage, request to be placed on standby for an earlier flight, rebook yourself if something goes wrong with your original flight and chat with a live customer service agent should you need assistance.
You’ll also see upgrade offers in the app.
Double-check lounge access policies
A lot has changed recently when it comes to airport lounges. As such, you’ll want to read up on airport lounge access, including guest restrictions, before you set out on your summer travels.
For example, just because you could bring the rest of your travel party into the lounge with you as guests last summer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to do that this time around.
For example, American Express cardholders with Centurion Lounge access can only bring up to two guests for no additional cost if they hit a $75,000 minimum spending requirement on their eligible American Express card annually. Alternatively, you can pay to bring guests into the lounge (children under 2 are free).
Delta Air Lines has also tightened entry rules for its network of Sky Clubs. Now, SkyMiles members who get Delta lounge access via a cobranded credit card have a set number of annual club visits they can make (between 10 and 15, depending on which card you carry). If you run out of visits, you can still enter the lounge for $50 per visit. Or, you can pay your way to unlimited Sky Club visits through the end of the following Medallion year (Jan. 31) if you spend $75,000 or more during a calendar year on one of the eligible credit cards.
Similarly, United Airlines introduced more restrictive access rules to its United Club lounges. Travelers using a one-time pass can only enter a United Club up to three hours before their flight’s scheduled departure time (this does not apply to connections, only departures), and they cannot share one-time passes with other travelers.
Your best bet for guaranteeing lounge access is a Priority Pass lounge membership. Many U.S. credit cards offer Priority Pass access benefits called Priority Pass Select. Typically, two guests can accompany you to the Priority Pass lounge for free, though this can vary based on specific lounge policies and which card you carry.
Book high-demand activities as soon as possible
No matter where your travels take you this summer, others are likely headed to the same vacation hot spots as you. National parks, cabanas, tours and even theme park restaurants book up early for summer dates. Fortunately, there are a few tips for snagging reservations before they sell out.
National parks
Certain national parks, including Haleakala and Rocky Mountain, require advance reservations to manage crowds. Other parks may require you to book select activities before you arrive.
Check each official national park website to ensure you have the latest information about the parks you plan to visit.
Tours and attractions
As temperatures rise, so does the number of travelers wanting to visit or take guided tours of popular attractions — some require advance reservations or timed-entry tickets for guests.
For example, most of Washington, D.C.’s Smithsonian museums are free to visit, but a few require timed-entry passes that you can acquire in advance. Other must-dos, such as tours of government buildings like the U.S. Capitol, are free to visit but do not accept walk-ups; you’ll need to request a tour through the official online reservation system.
Disney tickets and restaurant reservations
Disneyland still requires theme park reservations in addition to purchasing a ticket. However, Disney World no longer requires reservations unless you have an annual pass or purchase certain promotional tickets.
It’s unlikely that every park will sell out on any given day, but it is possible that the park you want to visit will run out of entry slots. Because of this, it’s vital that you purchase your tickets and make your reservations far in advance if you have your heart set on visiting a certain park during the busy summer months.
Likewise, reservations for popular Disneyland and Disney World restaurants often book up faster than you can say “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” despite the fact that they’re available 60 days in advance. As a result, you’ll want to lock in your dining reservations as soon as possible, especially if you are planning a princess dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table or want to indulge in a space-age cocktail at Oga’s Cantina.
Beach and poolside cabanas
Unfortunately, you can’t reserve shaded poolside cabanas with cushioned loungers and fully stocked coolers by throwing your towel over a chair and hoping everybody else who walks by will think it’s already taken.
Typically, you can reserve cabanas on the day of your visit, but during busy times of the year, you may want to do it beforehand. This doesn’t just include hotels; you’ll also want to remember to do this for cruises and water parks.
Know your rights
What happens if something goes wrong when you’re traveling?
You should know what you are entitled to if your airline delays or cancels a trip based on rules outlined by the Department of Transportation.
In general, if the airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full cash refund. Don’t just accept a voucher for future travel (unless you are sure you can use it).
Delays can be a bit more complicated. You are not necessarily guaranteed a refund in the event of a long delay, but new rules put into place better define how long a delay can last to be considered “significant” and require a cash refund.
Related: Know your rights and protect your privacy: What citizens need to know about reentering the US
Additionally, depending on how you booked your trip, you’ll want to know about any credit card protections that may apply. Some travel credit cards offer compensation in the event of a canceled or long-delayed flight.
For example, the American Express Platinum Card provides trip cancellation and interruption insurance* for up to $20,000 of a covered trip and incident ($10,000 per covered trip and a maximum of $20,000 per eligible card in a 12-month period).
If you realize your flight is likely to be delayed, know that standing in line isn’t the only way you can get rebooked (though you may want to try that, too). You can also check the airline’s app, visit an airport kiosk, call the airline or reach out via the airline’s social media channels for rebooking options. If you decide to call and are stuck on a long hold, try dialing an international number for faster service.
Some airlines also now have chat features.
Ultimately, you are your best advocate when things go wrong; knowing the rules and your rights will help you get out of a bind when the unexpected happens.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Consider purchasing travel insurance
Travel insurance may be worth paying for, especially if you are traveling internationally. Before investing in travel insurance, though, check if it’s already covered with one of your credit cards. Many premium cards offer trip interruption, delay or cancellation insurance, so you may not need to buy a separate policy.
However, in some cases, you may still want to buy extra insurance for added peace of mind. Depending on your chosen policy, you may receive coverage for situations like medical evacuations or illnesses that cause last-minute cancellations (many of which are part of “cancel for any reason” policies).
Related: The best travel insurance policies and providers
Get a credit card that pays for your bags
Airline baggage fees can quickly add up, particularly for families and those taking trips that require a lot of gear or more items than can fit in a carry-on bag. Airlines have been busy raising bag fees recently.
Airline checked baggage fees vary greatly, with most starting around $45 for the first checked bag. Depending on how many bags you check, bringing luggage for yourself and your family can easily add hundreds of dollars to your travel costs.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can avoid paying baggage fees. One of the easiest involves having the right credit card in your wallet.
Some cards, including most cobranded airline cards, offer free checked bags. That means that travelers who are loyal to a particular airline can benefit from waived checked bag fees and earn additional points or miles just by paying for their flights with a certain credit card.
Keep in mind that the rules regarding how many free checked bags are allowed under the benefit vary by card. Even if only one bag is covered, the money you save can go toward other vacation expenses, such as ride-hailing services, meals and attraction fees.
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Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.
