If you’ve ever watched frequent flyers breeze through the airport with ease and wondered what their secret is, you’re in the right place. The truth is, frequent travelers have a treasure trove of tips and tricks that make flying less stressful, more comfortable, and even cheaper. From scoring free upgrades to mastering packing, these insider hacks can make your next trip a breeze. Want to fly like a pro? We’ve compiled nine of the best-kept secrets that frequent flyers use to elevate their travel game—and now they’re all yours.
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1. Book Your Flights on This Day of the Week for the Cheapest Prices
If you’re tired of overpaying for flights, you’re not alone. But here’s a little-known secret frequent flyers swear by: the best day to book flights for the lowest prices is Tuesday. Why Tuesday? Airlines often launch sales and discount prices at the start of the week, typically late Monday or early Tuesday. By Tuesday afternoon, other airlines have caught on and adjusted their prices to compete, creating a small window for you to snag a great deal.
Frequent flyers know that waiting for this sweet spot can save you a significant amount on airfare. Keep an eye out for deals between noon and 3 p.m. EST for maximum savings. While booking in advance is always smart, this midweek trick can make a big difference, especially if you’re flying internationally or during peak travel seasons.
2. Master the Art of Packing Light with This One Space-Saving Hack
Frequent flyers know that the key to packing light and staying organized is all about packing cubes. These lightweight, zippered compartments come in various sizes and help you separate your clothing and essentials, making packing more efficient and your suitcase more organized.
Packing cubes allow you to compress your clothes, fitting more into your luggage without the mess or bulk. Frequent travelers often use different cubes for categories like shirts, pants, or undergarments, which makes unpacking a breeze and keeps everything in its place. You can also designate a cube for dirty laundry, so your clean clothes stay fresh throughout your trip.
3. Unlock Exclusive Lounge Access Without a First-Class Ticket
Think airport lounges are only for first-class passengers and frequent flyer elites? Think again! There’s a secret many frequent flyers use to gain access to these luxurious spaces without shelling out big bucks for a premium ticket: day passes and credit card perks.
Many major airlines offer day passes for their lounges, allowing you to enjoy the benefits like free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a quiet space to relax before your flight. These passes are often much more affordable than you’d expect—typically ranging from $25 to $50—and can be purchased either in advance or at the lounge entrance.
Another savvy trick is to check if your credit card offers complimentary lounge access as a perk. Many travel rewards credit cards, especially premium ones, include lounge memberships or offer a limited number of free visits per year. For example, cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, or various airline-branded credit cards can get you in the door without extra cost.
Using these hacks, you can enjoy a more comfortable airport experience, no matter where you’re sitting on the plane. Lounge access without the first-class price? Yes, please!
4. The Secret Trick to Scoring a Free Upgrade Every Time You Fly
Getting a free upgrade on your flight might seem like a luxury reserved for the lucky few, but savvy frequent flyers know a few tricks to increase their chances of moving from economy to business or first class. One of the best-kept secrets? Timing and politeness can be your best allies.
Frequent flyers recommend checking in as early as possible or, interestingly, waiting until just before the flight closes to check-in. Early birds show they’re serious about their trip, while last-minute check-ins sometimes snag unclaimed premium seats if flights are overbooked. Either way, it pays to be flexible and ready to jump on any opportunity that arises.
Another trick is to be polite and present yourself well when interacting with gate agents. These professionals often have the power to upgrade passengers at their discretion. A friendly, respectful attitude, along with dressing smartly (think business casual), can set you apart from other travelers.
5. How to Breeze Through Security Faster Than Frequent Flyers
Frequent flyers know the secret to zipping through airport security like a pro: TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. These trusted traveler programs are game-changers, allowing you to skip the long lines and breeze through security without removing shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids.
TSA PreCheck is a U.S.-based program that grants expedited screening at domestic airports. For a small fee and a quick background check, you can qualify for five years of quicker security experiences. The best part? You get to keep your shoes and jacket on, and there’s no need to unpack your electronics.
If you’re a global traveler, Global Entry is the next level up. It includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck but also speeds up re-entry to the U.S. through customs when returning from international trips. Global Entry members enjoy shorter lines at customs kiosks, which can be a real time-saver after a long flight.
6. Avoid Jet Lag with This Simple Pre-Flight Routine
Frequent flyers have a well-guarded secret to avoid the dreaded effects of jet lag: adjusting your sleep schedule before the flight. This pre-flight routine helps your body acclimate to a new time zone before you even step on the plane, making the transition much smoother when you arrive at your destination.
Start shifting your bedtime by an hour or two in the days leading up to your flight, depending on whether you’re flying east or west. If you’re traveling east, try going to bed and waking up earlier, while traveling west means staying up later and sleeping in. This gradual adjustment helps your internal clock sync more closely with the time zone you’ll be landing in, reducing the shock to your system.
7. Get Wi-Fi on Every Flight for Free – Here’s How
Frequent flyers have cracked the code to staying connected in the skies without shelling out for expensive in-flight Wi-Fi: credit card perks and airline loyalty programs. Many travel rewards credit cards, such as those from American Express, Chase, or airline-branded cards, offer complimentary or heavily discounted Wi-Fi on flights as part of their perks. If you’re not already using one, upgrading to a travel-focused credit card could save you big on those Wi-Fi fees.
Another insider trick is to join airline loyalty programs, which often offer free or discounted Wi-Fi for their frequent flyers or higher-tier members. Even if you’re not flying every week, signing up for these programs can still get you special offers or bonus miles to redeem for in-flight internet.
8. Choose the Best Seat on the Plane Using This Hidden Tool
Frequent flyers know the secret to scoring the most comfortable seat on any flight: seat selection tools like SeatGuru. While most passengers pick a seat based on availability, savvy travelers use these tools to identify the best spots for extra legroom, better views, or even quieter areas of the plane.
SeatGuru, for instance, provides detailed seating charts for almost every airline and aircraft. By entering your flight number, you can see a color-coded map of the cabin, with reviews and comments from past passengers. This allows you to avoid seats with limited recline, proximity to the bathrooms, or those right next to noisy galleys.
9. Never Lose Your Luggage Again with This Lesser-Known Travel Tip
Frequent flyers have a secret weapon to ensure their luggage never goes missing: luggage trackers. These small, GPS-enabled devices, like Apple AirTags or Tile trackers, can be slipped into your suitcase to track its location in real time.
By placing a tracker in your checked luggage, you can monitor your bag’s whereabouts from your phone, even if it doesn’t arrive with you. This gives you peace of mind, knowing exactly where your luggage is at all times. If your bag goes missing, you can provide precise information to the airline, helping them locate it faster and reducing the chances of it being permanently lost.
Conclusion
Flying can be stressful, but with these nine secret tips from frequent flyers, you can make your travel experience smoother, more comfortable, and even more affordable. Whether it’s snagging the best seat, avoiding jet lag, or getting through security faster, these hacks will help you feel like a seasoned traveler on your next trip. Give these tips a try, and soon enough, you’ll be the one breezing through airports like a pro.
