How many travel traps and annoyances have you encountered in 2023? Lost luggage, booking scams, rising prices – and let’s try to forget the bingo card of summer disruptions, airport failures, strikes and delays.
But you can get ahead of the game in 2024. From avoiding the most expensive day to fly to free lounge access and useful gear, a panel of experts share their advice for traveling smarter this year. And if last summer’s outage repeats, compulsory purchases will make it more bearable.
Never travel long distance on Friday
UK Flight Center Aviation Manager Justin Penny warns that if you’re flying out of Europe it’s always more costly to travel just before the weekend. “This is because of the corporate booking window: Business travelers want to get home before the weekend, and airlines know they’re willing to pay more for that.
“As a result, prices are always more expensive on Friday flights. “If you travel on Saturday instead, you can save hundreds of dollars on long-distance routes.”
Penny says short-haul travel is different because European airlines know Britons are more likely to commute on different carriers, so competition keeps prices lower. “But no matter where you go, booking at the last minute is never a good idea,” says Penny. “It’s almost always more expensive than booking in advance.”
Watch out for hand luggage liquid ‘catching’
In 2024, the 100ml liquid hand luggage rule will finally end (at least in some airports). Airports have been given until June to upgrade their screening technology to a system that does not require liquids to be limited to 100ml or placed in a plastic bag at airport security, although some, including Manchester and Gatwick airports, believe early 2025 is a more realistic deadline.
But be warned when you return to Britain: “If your destination airport does not have the relevant technology, you will not be able to take oversized liquids in your carry-on luggage on the return leg.” Telegraph TravelGreg Dickinson.
“A number of the EU’s 347 airports are using the new technology and the decision to extend liquid allowances on flights is a government matter, meaning most passengers will have to wait a while to feel the benefits of the rule change.”
Scan your important documents
If you’re unlucky enough to lose your passport, vaccination records or insurance documents while abroad, having backup digital scans is incredibly useful.
Having remote access is vital when traveling, so don’t just save them on your desktop at home: Create a folder in Google Drive (free) that can be accessed from any internet-connected device worldwide. Just make sure you memorize your login information.
Put an air tag on your luggage
This summer has been rife with baggage disruptions at airports across the UK, from disruptions in baggage handling technology to staff shortages causing “mountains of bags” that take two weeks to clear.
If you’re an iPhone user, you have no excuse not to put an Airtag in your bag. Apple’s battery-powered tracking device emits a Bluetooth signal that can be located via the Find My app; It weighs just 11 grams and location updates are provided in near real-time. Android users should consider Samsung’s SmartTag or Tile Pro.
Use the lounge pass for breaks
If you’re worried about flight delays or planning a long layover, purchasing lounge access in advance will give you unlimited meals, a convenient place to relax, and free Wi-Fi; No matter how late your flight is delayed, you can linger there.
You don’t have to be traveling business class to gain entry. No1 Lounges sells lounge passes at Gatwick terminals from £28 per person, Heathrow from £34 and Birmingham from £32; It also provides additional savings for Virgin Flying Club members (free to join).
Some bank accounts, such as the NatWest Reward Black account and the Barclays Travel Plus Pack, also offer customers free lounge privileges. The Amex Preferred Rewards Gold card entitles users to four free visits to airport lounges each year.
Pay in local currency with your credit card
When you’re abroad, credit cards are not only faster and safer than cash, but they’re also generally cheaper (especially if you buy cash at the departure airport – a big no-no). But make sure your card, like the Halifax Clarity Credit Card, Bip Credit Card (both MasterCard) and Barclaycard Rewards Visa, uses real-time exchange rates and doesn’t charge transaction fees.
Always ask to pay your card in local currency at the checkout, says Nick Trend. Telegram‘s consumer travel expert: “It is becoming increasingly common for shops, restaurants and ATMs abroad to offer the choice between a payment already converted to sterling as an alternative to the amount displayed in the local currency. Choosing the pre-converted rate will almost certainly cost you more.
“I’ve checked the comparison several times over the years and it was always more expensive. Always choose local currency.”
Make the most of your points
Avios and other frequent flyer programs can be confusing, but you’re missing out if you don’t sign up, says Rob Burgess, founder of the Points website Head for Points.
“British Airways is committed to advancing its Avios scheme in 2024. You will soon be able to pay for 100 per cent of your flight with Avios, whereas you now still need to pay taxes and duties in cash.”
“Avios Only” flights will be long-haul, starting from Dubai in mid-term October 2024: “Every seat in every cabin will be bookable with Avios on a given service,” says Burgess. “You will even see Finnair adopt Avios as its loyalty currency in February, following Qatar Airways in 2021.”
Burgess says travel and hotel loyalty credit cards will continue to grow as other rewards cards, such as cash back, continue to reduce their rewards. “Why settle for 0.25 percent cash back when you can earn more valuable travel points? “At least two new airline and hotel payment cards will be launched next year.”
Beware of booking scams
Holiday booking cons are on the rise: Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, says there has been a 41 per cent increase year-on-year. More than £15.3 million was stolen from Britons in travel-related scams last financial year, peaking in the summer months: from May to August alone, criminals defrauded holidaymakers out of £4.6 million.
From losing £3,500 on a non-existent ski holiday to unknowingly paying criminals posing as airlines on social media, Telegram Readers shared how they stumbled upon some of travel’s most complicated downsides. A must read for anyone booking a holiday online.
It warns that you should be wary of fraudulent payment requests for hotel reservations, even if received through official channels or apps. Telegraph Travelconsumer champion Gill Charlton. “If the message includes a payment link, it may have been sent to a fake “mirror” site. Hover your cursor over the link and you can find the real target. Booking.com will never ask customers for credit card information or payment card verification via text message or email.”
Don’t wait to book your car rental
If you must rent a car, avoid price increases by listing the car as soon as you book your trip. “Typically, people tend to book a rental car just a few weeks before they hit the road,” Trend says; “This is a big mistake”.
“To get the best price, you need to plan six months in advance, especially for summer trips when cars are in short supply and especially for trips at peak times. If prices drop or deals arise, you can avoid missing out by booking with a company that offers free cancellation. You can cancel and rebook later.”