It Looks Like the Airline Award Close-In Fee Might Finally Be Dead.

January 15, 2020 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

Got tons of miles? Need to use them last-minute? Let’s charge a bucket on the close-in fee.

Money Plastic Reference Charts

How Do the Credit Cards Stack Up in Terms of Travel Insurance?

October 9, 2019 Erica Ho 2 minute read

It’s a popular option these days, against buying travel insurance as a standalone option.

Cars Ground Loyalty Reference Charts

A Quick Overview of Car Rental Loyalty Programs

September 3, 2019 Erica Ho 1 minute read

Frequent flyer programs get all the attention, but it really should be all about the car rentals.

Airlines Flights Guides Health Reference Charts Transit

The Complete Guide To Bringing an Emotional Support Animal Onboard

June 7, 2018 Erica Ho 1 minute read

Cute miniature horses can stay onboard, and the world is better for that.

Airlines Flights Money Reference Charts Transit Trip Planning

The Cheapest Airline for Checking Lots of Baggage

May 15, 2018 Erica Ho 1 minute read

Now that Virgin America no longer exists, its probably a good time to revisit those checked baggage fees.

Airlines Flights Money Reference Charts Transit

A Quick Guide to International Basic Economy Flights

March 13, 2018 Erica Ho 1 minute read

British Airways is in pretty much in the midst of turning itself into a ~~low-cost~~ American airline.

Hotels Lodging Money Reference Charts

This Chart Outlines Every Major Hotel Chains’ Cancellation Policy

January 18, 2018 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

Times’ achangin. That includes hotel cancellation policies, which before, often let guests get away with murder. (Not literally, though, scarily, seems to have been a thing of late.)

Airlines Flights Reference Charts Transit

The Best Place to File an Airplane Complaint Might Surprise You

November 28, 2017 Erica Ho 1 minute read

They know. They know nobody snail mails anything anymore.

Connectivity Countries Money North America Reference Charts Technology

The Best Prepaid Plan for Visiting the United States

September 8, 2017 Erica Ho 1 minute read

Now welcome to one of the few countries in the world that charge you for not only sending a text but *receiving* a text.

Airlines Airports Bags Reference Charts

Here’s What Airlines Will Compensate You for Lost Luggage

August 1, 2017 Alisha Steindecker 1 minute read

There’s one thing that all airlines appear to agree on: reimbursement for lost baggage. Because there are laws.

Airlines Flights Reference Charts Seating Transit

Dude, Where Have All the Advance Seat Assignments Gone?

June 13, 2017 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

Turns out most airlines no longer give away assigned seating. In fact, it is now the exception rather than the rule, and expect to pay for it.

Airlines Featured Features Flights Reference Charts Transit

Here’s a Comprehensive Overview of Basic Economy Fares* (They Suck.)

June 7, 2017 Alisha Steindecker 1 minute read

If you want to cheap it out, basic economy fares may be the wrong choice for that next adventure.

emergency Money Plastic Reference Charts

Here’s What To Expect If You’ve Lost a Debit Card Abroad

May 2, 2017 Erica Ho 1 minute read

Count those blessings if you have Wells Fargo. Now about the other banks.

Airlines Flights Reference Charts Security Transit

Does TSA PreCheck Work With International Flights?

April 17, 2017 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

The short answer is yes, the long answer is only with select airlines.

Airlines Flights Food Reference Charts Transit

Believe It or Not, Almost Every Airline Offers Free Snacks (For Now)

December 6, 2016 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

Between all the flip flopping with airline policies, I’ve had more consistent Tinder dates.

Reference Charts Transit

These Handy Charts Will Help You Brave the Soul Suckiness of It All

November 22, 2016 MH Staff Less than a minute to read

It’s a roundup but I don’t want to work — can you blame me? Besides, we’ve only covered these thing umpteen times already (and do a fairly good job of keeping it all updated).

Airlines Flights Loyalty Reference Charts Transit

How To Get Flight Credit Even If You Weren’t a Frequent Flyer Member Before

November 21, 2016 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

There’s no bigger sin than a wasted mile.

Airlines Loyalty Money Plastic Reference Charts

The Credit Cards You Should Pick Based on Airline Frequent Flyer Program

November 2, 2016 Erica Ho 5 minute read

Bla bla bla Chase Sapphire Reserve. But kinda pointless if you’re an Emirates flyer.

Connectivity Featured Money Reference Charts Technology

Here Is Every Major (and Some Not-So-Major) International Cell Plan Option for Traveling

October 4, 2016 Sam Wright Fairbanks 2 minute read

There are a lot of data plans out there (call and text too, but c’mon). It’s easy to get overwhelmed, so to make things a bit easier, here’s a chart with the details on international plans provided by major cell companies in the U.S.

Airlines Flights Itinerary Reference Charts Trip Planning

A Comprehensive List of Airlines That Offer Free Stopovers

April 5, 2016 Sam Wright Fairbanks 2 minute read

Two destinations for the price of one? Say goodbye to stagnating in waiting areas and hello to a bonus trip.

Packing Reference Charts Technology Trip Planning

Exploding Batteries! Can You Bring Portable Batteries Onboard?

February 22, 2016 Sam Wright Fairbanks 1 minute read

Everyday technology can EXPLODE IN YOUR FACE, apparently. Turns out it’s nothing new.

Hotels Lodging Money Reference Charts Travel Trip Planning

The Only Way To Avoid Hilton’s Sneaky Cancellation Fee

January 25, 2016 Erica Ho 1 minute read

In late 2015 Hilton announced that it would be unrolling a new fee—$50 to cancel a room reservation. But, there is a simple way to become exempt from that rule.

Airlines Flights Reference Charts Transit Travel

Credit Cards that Get Free Checked Bags

January 13, 2016 Sam Wright Fairbanks Less than a minute to read

I would give up my firstborn to avoid baggage fees. Seriously. Especially if I’m traveling with more than two items.

Airlines Flights Gear Money Popular Posts Reference Charts Technology Transit Trip Planning

That One Time You Forgot Headphones for the Plane Ride

January 11, 2016 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

There are a couple of options here for in-flight headphones, one that includes being at the mercy of screaming children. Hmmm.

Cars Ground Reference Charts Transit Trip Planning

The Full Lowdown on Car Rental Grace Periods

December 10, 2015 Sam Wright Fairbanks Less than a minute to read

So you rented a car and everything went without a hitch. You got a great deal, used the checklist before leaving the lot, fueled up and saved the receipts. All that accomplished only to run in to traffic on the way back. Bummer.

Airports Features Flights Guides Hacks Packing Reference Charts Security

This Is Your Bible for Surviving the Holiday Travel Season

November 23, 2015 Erica Ho 1 minute read

Because all of those other guides out there are SO TIRED. I GOT IT. ITS LIKE THE HUNGER GAMES.

Airlines Flights Reference Charts Tools

This Travel Tool Outlines Carry-On Policies for 250 Airlines

September 15, 2015 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

Bag manufacturer Maxwell Scott Bags recently released this little nifty tool that outlines carry-on restrictions for over 250 airlines. I’m pretty sure it’s got most people’s needs covered.

Airlines Guides Reference Charts Trip Planning

The Go-To Guide for Pets on Planes

August 31, 2015 Miranda Ashton 3 minute read

Just because dogs are man’s best friend doesn’t mean they can share the seat next to you. Furry, feathered friends have to follow airline rules, even if they don’t follow house rules…

Cars Ground Reference Charts Trip Planning

A Quick Guide to Rental Car Pick-up and Drop-Off Services

August 26, 2015 Catey Condit 1 minute read

Katy Perry blasting from the radio, sunglasses in check. But how to get to the rental car first without, umm, having a car?

Airlines Flights Money Reference Charts Transit Trip Planning

The Only Airline Standby Policies Chart You’ll Ever Need

August 12, 2015 Miranda Ashton 2 minute read

It’s not a get-out-jail-free card like it used to be. If you want the flexibility for free you might just have to get status.

Cruises Packing Reference Charts Sea Trip Planning

The Official Boozing Policies for the High Seas

July 28, 2015 Miranda Ashton 3 minute read

It’s time we revisited cruise line alcohol policies so you don’t get caught redhanded — and God forbid, accidentally get the booze DESTROYED.

Airlines Flights Reference Charts Trip Planning

The Real Cost of the Same-Day Change Fee

July 8, 2015 Erica Ho 2 minute read

There’s a new standby option in town and it’s called the same-day change fee.

Airlines Documentation Flights Reference Charts Trip Planning

How To Postpone Travel Plans When Jury Duty Calls

May 26, 2015 Erica Ho 2 minute read

A couple of months ago, I got a summons in the mail. And it conflicted directly with a trip I had scheduled.

Connectivity Reference Charts Technology Travel Trip Planning

Who Has the Cheapest Calling Rate Overseas?

April 13, 2015 Erica Ho 1 minute read

In which we pit the two heavyweights, Google Voice and Skype, against each other.

Airlines Flights Food Popular Posts Reference Charts Travel Trip Planning

The Picky Eater’s Guide to Airline Food

April 9, 2015 Melissa Roskowski 2 minute read

It takes extra planning, constant ingredient checking and explaining that chicken is, in fact, meat when traveling as a vegetarian.

Airlines Flights Reference Charts Travel Trip Planning

How To Cancel a Trip If Someone Dies

March 25, 2015 Erica Ho 1 minute read

If you’re reading this, it’s not good. It means something bad has happened to someone you care about and someone I care about.

Packing Reference Charts Trip Planning

This Is How Long Travel-Sized Toothpaste Will Last You

March 3, 2015 Karina Martinez-Carter 2 minute read

Ever since Erica answered the all-important question of how long travel-sized shampoo lasts, I’ve been wondering about the life expectancy of other travel-size items. Like… how long should a travel-size toothpaste last?

Money Packing Reference Charts Travel Trip Planning

The Real Cost of Luggage Delivery Services

February 23, 2015 Erica Ho 2 minute read

Luggage delivery services are silly because I figure it’s just cheaper to fly it back on the plane. But there comes a time where you’ve gotta back it up.

Food Packing Reference Charts Travel Trip Planning

The Guide to Carrying on Holiday Foods and Goodies

November 25, 2014 Karina Martinez-Carter 2 minute read

Thanksgiving and the holidays: It’s peak travel time, peak chow time, and, if you’re like me and wanting to cling for a taste from home, peak traveling with chow time.

Packing Reference Charts Trip Planning

How Long Travel-Sized Shampoo Will Last You

November 18, 2014 Erica Ho 2 minute read

Ever get ready for a long trip and wonder whether that travel-sized bottle of shampoo is going to cut it? Should you throw in another bottle just in case?

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