Travel Guides

Google ITA Flight Matrix Guide – Tips, Tricks & Hacks

March 4, 2021 by Lauren Graves

The ITA Flight Matrix is the software that powers Google Fights and other popular booking portals.

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Planning on booking a flight soon but not sure of the best way to find a flight?

Look no further than Google.

But instead of using the standard web search engine you know and love and coming across numerous advertisements and sponsored results to sift through, try using the advanced flight search engine created by Google’s very own travel information software company, ITA Software.

If you’re wondering why you’ve never heard of the ITA Flight Matrix, it’s probably because you’ve been using one of the many search engines powered by its groundbreaking technology.

Though the ITA Matrix functions as its own entity and can be used to search flights, the software behind it is actually used by countless other flight search engines. If you’ve ever visited search platforms and online travel agencies (OTAs) like Google Flights, Orbitz, Expedia, Priceline, or Kayak or airline sites like United and Delta to find flights, you’ve indirectly used the ITA Matrix.

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How Google Acquired ITA Software

Google and the ITA Matrix were not always the power couple that they are today. Though the company ITA Software was created by MIT grads in the 90s, it wasn’t until 2010 that Google announced plans to absorb the online air travel broker and its Matrix for a cool $700 million.

After this smart business move on Google’s part, the original Matrix tool was reimagined into Version 3.0, a more convenient and up-to-date translation of the original. The software that started it all, called QPX, was kept intact for use by corporate customers, but it was also rolled into Google’s own separate airfare search entity created in 2011, Google Flights

Google’s all-in-one flight search engine might sound like science fiction, but it’s a very real and very useful tool that also happens to be free to use. By extending its business to include cutting-edge search software, Google made finding travel information easier than ever for flyers and airlines alike.

Google’s ITA Flight Matrix is the most robust flight search vehicle on the market today. Using the Matrix, users can select for flights by route, price, airline, and any other detail they desire in mere seconds. Here’s how to use the prolific but surprisingly accessible search engine to find your next flight.

How To Use The Flight Matrix For Best Results

Before Google’s acquisition of ITA Software, the user flight-shopping experience was messy and confusing with a single flight search resulting in pages and pages of competing outputs to choose from.

Fortunately for consumers now, it doesn’t get more user-friendly and customizable than Google’s ITA Flight Matrix, which allows travelers to tailor every aspect of their flight to fit their specific itinerary needs and search for the most affordable travel options. Plus, the ITA Matrix is straightforward and un-intimidating to use. Here’s how to build your whole search using the Flight Matrix search engine. See the empty search page below.

Selecting for Round-trip, One-way, or Multi-city Trips

To begin your search, simply toggle to select for your type of trip at the top of the Matrix site, where 3 options are organized into separate tabs: round-trip, where you purchase one ticket for both departure and arrival; one-way, where you purchase one ticket for only your departure; and multi-city, a round-trip option where you can choose separate cities for departure and arrival.

If you’re not sure what type of trip you want to take before you start your search, no need to worry. The search tool will auto-populate most of your selections between tabs so indecisive users don’t have to keep starting over.

Choosing City of Departure

The Google Flight Matrix allows users to specify exactly which airport they’d like to depart from using either a city name or airport code and filling in the Departing from search box. If you don’t know your desired airport’s code, find it at https://www.world-airport-codes.com/.

Searching a city that contains multiple airports will show all airports when you type the city’s name into the search bar. Choose “All airports” at the top of this list if you don’t have a preference.

Travelers can even use the name of a state for this search and see every airport in that state. This might be a good option for anyone that wants the cheapest flights and has some flexibility as to where they can go to take off.

Choosing Destination City

Choosing a destination city is no different than choosing a departure city in the Google Flight Matrix. Using the Destination box, just search the airport you’d like to land in, again by either a city name or airport code.

The “Nearby” option to the right of the Departure from and Destination boxes lets you search airports outside of the city you’ve chosen within a specified radius than ranges from 25-2000 miles—you can even select all of the options that pop up.

Users looking for round-trip flights can choose separate departure and destination cities/airports or opt to use the same. The “Reverse route” option swaps the destinations of arrival and departure.

Optional Advanced Routing Codes

Airport routing codes might sound a little intimidating, but they are just an advanced flight search option in the Matrix that you may or may not want to use to quickly specify your exact preferences.

Using only routing codes, you can indicate how many stops you wish to make, which airline you’d like to use, where you’d like to connect, your itinerary duration, and more. Find out how to determine the routing codes for travel searches below.

Specifying Dates In The Matrix

There are a few options you’ll want to be aware of when inputting your flight dates into the Matrix. First, in the Dates section, you’ll want to select either Search exact dates or See calendar of lowest fares.

When you toggle the mm/dd/yy Outbound Date o r Return Date box, a calendar will automatically pop up. Use this to find the dates you’re looking for.

Outbound Departure Date

For every date you select in the Google Flight Matrix, you have the option of also stipulating your preferred time of departure. These time brackets include:

● Early morning (before 8:00 AM)

● Morning (8:00 – 11:00 AM)

● Midday (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

● Afternoon (2:00 – 5:00 PM)

● Evening (5:00 – 9:00 PM)

● Night (after 9:00 PM)

You can select as few as one or all of these boxes. Don’t mind getting up early? Let the Matrix filter for early morning and morning flights to avoid airport traffic. Fares tend to fluctuate according to flight time, so if you’d like to see all of your options, check each time box or select “No preferred times” below.

Return/Arrival Date

When choosing your return/arrival date, you can specify your preferred time of arrival just as you could specify your preferred time of departure. Another handy feature of the entire dates section is the On this day only drop-down box. As you might guess, this lets you decide whether to open your search to include dates outside of your given range in your search results. These options include:

● On this day only

● Or day before

● Or day after

● Plus/minus 1 day

● Plus/minus 2 days

Take advantage of any flexibility you may have here to save money.

Filling In Number of Adults

When you get to the Adults section, be prepared to give the exact ranges of all passengers you anticipate being in your party. Those flying with adults only (between the ages of 18 and 61 years old) can just choose the number of adults from the menu and move to the next section.

Click Children, seniors if you’ll be taking anyone under 18 years old and/or above 61 years old with you because this will open up age selection options. Just like other flight search engines, the Google Flight Matrix wants to know how old your party’s passengers will be. Why? Because some airlines have certain age restrictions. For example, some require you to have tickets for passengers under the age of 2, others don’t. Some define adults and children differently.

Let the Matrix do the dirty work of weeding out the flights that won’t work for your party. All you have to do is select the appropriate number of passengers in each age bracket:

● Adults (18 – 61 years)

● Seniors (62 and over)

● Youths (12 to 17)

● Children (2 to 11)

● Infants in seat (under 2)

● Infants in lap (under 2)

Many airlines will ask that you either purchase your infant a separate seat or keep them in your lap for the duration of your flight.

Cabin Type Options

The Cabin section asks you to pick your flight type. Most airlines offer four classes of cabin types, and the Flight Matrix uses these as well: cheapest available (economy), premium economy, business class or higher, and first class.

Each flight class offers different services and accommodations to its passengers. Economy class—also known as coach or standard—is, of course, the most affordable option and first class is on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Economy flyers can expect only the most basic amenities, narrow seats and walkways, and minimal snack and beverage selections. Premium economy is a step better and business class a step better than that.

First class flyers usually enjoy spacious seating, luxury entertainment, privacy doors or even rooms, and fine dining. The Google Matrix is interested in your cabin preferences primarily so that it can cater your results to your budget. After all, you don’t want to see first class flights if you have a premium economy budget, do you?

Choosing Your Desired Number of Stops

Choose the number of stops ideal for you using the Stops box and selecting from the following:

● No limit

● Non-stop only

● Up to 1 stop

● Up to 2 stops

You will notice that the stops selection alone drastically changes your search results.

Extra Stops Allowed

Remember that the Matrix is designed to search all possible options for you, and if you allow it to hunt for even better deals, it will. Essentially, the difference between Stops and Extra stops is just is the difference between what you’re okay with and where you absolutely put your foot down.

If, for example, you’d prefer to keep your itinerary to 1 stop but you’d go as high as 2, choose 1 stop for Stops and up to 1 extra stop for Extra stops. This will guarantee that you aren’t passing your limit while also showing more flight choices.

Selecting Options In The Other Section

Toward the bottom of your Matrix search, you will see boxes to check in the Other section. These are “Allow airport changes” and “Only show flights and prices with available seats”.

Both of these boxes are automatically checked in the interest of saving you money, but you can uncheck “Allow airport changes” for a simpler itinerary or “Only show flights and prices with available seats” if you’re willing to risk not getting a spot on your flight.

What To Do When You Get To Currency

The Currency box search page is an optional advanced feature, but you can use it to show flight fares in a different currency. The currency you will see defaults to the currency of sales or departure city, so if you’re leaving from the United States, flight prices will be shown in USD or U.S. dollars.

When would changing this box come in handy? Say you have been on an international trip in Europe for a while and are ready to book a flight home to the United States. Your fares in the Matrix will be given in euros unless you change them to dollars, which you might prefer if that is the currency you are most comfortable using.

What Is The Sales City?

At the very bottom of the Google Matrix search box is the Sales option. The default for sales city is departure city, but international flyers might find cheaper flight options by changing sales city.

Sometimes, due to currency exchange rates, flight prices are different in different cities for no apparent reason. If you play around with currency and sales city, you might get lucky and find slightly lower fares.

Flight Search Example: Understanding and Filtering Results

To understand what your search and results will actually look like when you use the ITA Matrix to find a flight, take a look at this example.

This is the search page for a trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. The results page is shown below.

Look at the different drop-down menus above the results. Filtering options include Price, Airline, Depart, Arrive, Duration, From/To, Stops, a nd Advisory. These choices will allow you to not only sort your results in various ways but also change aspects of your trip without having to go back and edit your whole search.

Select departure time and compare prices.

Want to change your departure time window? Simply select Depart and click the boxes you’d like to see results for.

Want to see the shortest or longest possible flights? Select Duration and toggle the sliders as needed.

You will notice that the Matrix automatically filters prices by low to high, showing the cheapest flight options first in orange type. If you hover your cursor over the prices for any of the flights, a box showing the exact price per passenger and the total cost will appear. Click on a price to see that flight’s itinerary.

Remember flights can’t be purchased directly from the ITA Software.

Comparing Airline Options

Using the Airline menu, you can select for and/or delete airline options from your search. “All airlines” is automatically selected, but you can check and uncheck boxes as you please. If for some reason you prefer not to fly through American Airlines, for instance, uncheck its box and these flights will no longer appear in your search.

Because different airlines price their flights differently, analyzing all fares across airlines might be smart. Some frequent flyers through a particular airline can use this feature to ensure that they can put miles and points toward the price of their flight.

Saving Money Using The Google Flight Matrix

There are a few simple rules you can follow to save more money using the Google Flight Matrix before you’ve even gotten to the results page. Use search strategies such as the following to make sure that your results only include the most economical options out there.

Fly economy—select this option from the Cabin section.
Be flexible—open up your search to include more days and times (choose “Plus/minus 2 days for Dates and “No preferred times” for outbound and return flights).
Allow stops, airport changes, and connections.
Avoid hidden fees (keep reading to see how).
Take advantage of the See calendar of lowest fares feature.
Try entering a few different currencies and sales cities.

Follow these steps in your search and use the hacks provided later in this article, you’re sure to get the best value on your next flight.

Price Differences Between The Matrix And Google Flights

So, are prices the same between across the Google Flight Matrix API (Application Programming Interface) and Google Flights? Not quite, but the Matrix is more accurate.

Until Book With Matrix, users could not book using the Matrix. And while they still can’t purchase directly from ITA using Book With Matrix, they can input their selected itineraries to find the exact flight they’re looking for. Because this redirects users to travel agency and airline sites, these prices are always up-to-date and what you see in the Matrix is what you’ll get.

Google Flights, on the other hand, doesn’t usually reflect changes when airlines update prices. Because of this, you might be shown a fare that’s no longer offered and you won’t see the true price of a flight until you prepare to check out.

As for other flight comparison sites, you can expect similar, if not the very same, fares between these and the Matrix. For the same round-trip premium economy flight from Chicago to L.A. shown in this article, the total price is $2639.40 across:

The ITA Matrix
Flight Network
Priceline
Expedia
United Airlines

How To Use Routing Codes In The Google Flight Matrix

Routing codes can restrict your options so that you see only precisely what you want to see, but how do you know what codes to use? You don’t have to be a computer programmer or tech wiz to use advanced routing language, but it might take a little practice to craft coded queries. Here are all of the possible input options.

Using routing code syntax may help you drill down to your ideal flights quicker.

By clicking “Advanced routing codes,” you can input codes and narrow your search quickly and accurately. Every flyer is different and has different preferences, and the Matrix leaves room for all of these. Here are a few real examples for reference. (Note: Find an airline’s two-letter code using IATA’s code search tool.)

Routing Code Examples

These example queries came directly from a Google Help page devoted to ITA Routing Codes.

● A direct flight through American Airlines: [AA] or [C:AA]

● Up to three flights, at least one through US Airways: [F? US F?]

● Two connections or less: [X? X?]

● Two connections or more: [X X+]

● A flight on US Airlines followed by a flight on United Airlines: [US UA]

Keep in mind that you will have to input your codes into the right box for each part of your flight. If, for instance, you are flying round-trip and don’t want to make any stops on the way back (Destination flight), you will need to input this code into the Returning routing code box beneath your second flight as opposed to the Outbound routing code box beneath your first flight.

Extension Codes

In addition to the standard routing codes shown above, users can use extension codes to sharpen their searches even further. These can limit the number of stops, establish minimum connection times, and even prevent overnight flights from being displayed. See these below.

You can have a routing code, an extension code, or both—just be sure to plug your codes into the right boxes.

Extension codes, like routing codes, are a helpful advanced feature of the search engine. Some flyers, for instance, might want a specific connection point so they can drop in a friend’s city for a cup of coffee—they would use [X:___] and fill in the blank with the code for the connecting city—and they could even specify a minimum connection of 1 hour using [/ minconnect 60] to make sure they have sufficient time to visit.

Think you’re ready to try coding for yourself? Try this example: You’re willing to make a single stop on your flight anywhere other than New York City, and you’d like to avoid this stop being either red-eye or overnight. What would the code be?*

Tips And Hacks For Booking Flights

In the past, tickets couldn’t be purchased directly from ITA Software. Now, however, there is the almost too-good-be-true BookWithMatrix tool (which is not affiliated with Google or ITA Software). This program redirects users to booking sites right from their search. If you thought building the perfect search was easy, wait until you see this part.

To book your chosen flight through Matrix, follow these steps:

Select the flight you want by clicking its price. This will direct you to a page titled “Itinerary Details”.
Highlight the entire itinerary page by clicking CTRL + A. Once the whole page is highlighted, click CTRL + C to copy.
Input this itinerary into the BookWithMatrix toolbar by clicking CTRL + P.

Note that “BookWithMatrix” is not actually affiliated with the ITA matrix or Google.

This is how your page will appear once you’ve followed the above three steps. Now you should be ready to book your flight and all you have to do is navigate to the Book With… button and choose from a couple of flight booking sites that use the Matrix, such as Flight Network and Priceline. But before you do that, make sure you know exactly what you’re agreeing to.

Airplane tickets are tricky. Hidden fees and bloated prices can quickly overwhelm even the savviest travelers, but don’t let them trip you up or catch you off guard. When it comes to actually booking, there are many hacks for ensuring that you are getting the best possible fare using your search results. Follow these tips and tricks for best results.

How To Quickly Spot Hidden Fees

One money-saving booking trick is to know how to spot hidden fees. Most flights come with hidden fees and unexpected expenses that you often wish you’d known about ahead of time. For your next flight, you can. Save money by avoiding bogus charges associated with:

● Checking luggage

● Prebooked seats

● Reservation changes

● In-flight Wi-Fi

● Payment card type

Some flight fees are unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for them. Find out before y ou book what you will be charged for checked and carry-on bags (most airlines offer carry-ons for free, but not all), what payment types come with additional service fees, whether there is a cancellation or change charge (and what it is), and which in-flight amenities are not complimentary. Usually, important flight information is included in a detailed separate document or page attached to a ticket booking screen. Scan this thoroughly if you don’t want any charges sneaking up on you and look into the common ones listed above.

Identifying Economy Class Flights

Perhaps it goes without saying, but choosing economy class is often going to save you the most money and one of the easiest cost-cutting hacks to use. This, well, economical option is designed for people that are willing to sacrifice comfort and convenience for savings.

Economy class flights are denoted with many labels, including third class, coach class, steerage, standard economy, and budget economy. Airline booking codes for economy class include O, Q, N, S, G, V, L, M, K, H, and Y. If you see one of these, your ticket is an economy ticket, and you’re probably getting the lowest fare possible.

The Google Flight Matrix makes identifying economy class flights easy by allowing you to search for this cabin type exclusively (see section about cabins above).

Using The Full Calendar For Lowest Fares

Remember that See calendar of lowest fares s ection of the Matrix? Here’s how to take full advantage of that. The results page lists the cheapest options right at the top, but you can see even lower fares by selecting See calendar of lowest fares in the Dates section of your search. You will then need to type in your departure date and approximate length of stay.

What this does is show you fare prices for an entire month or more, with ticket prices for your trip displayed on each day. Select one of these days as your exact departure date and your arrival date will be automatically chosen based on the length of your stay. This feature lets users see fare fluctuations all in one place without having to edit their search over and over again to hunt for the lowest fares.

Comparing Two, One-Way Hacker Fees

One trick that’s trending among thrifty air travelers is known as the hacker fee or fare. This is the process of piecing together two individual flights on separate airlines to form a round-trip in order to save money.

To try this hack, pull up a round-trip flight in one window, one-way departure flight in another, and a one-way arrival flight in a third. Select the cheapest fare options for each and do a side-by-side comparison of itinerary prices. To ensure that you are actually seeing the lowest prices, use the calendar above.

Booking Flights Using Airline Points And Rewards

Loyalist flyers with miles to use and cardholders with airline points might want to know how to use the Matrix to book flights using their rewards. This process is simple.

First, if there’s a particular airline you must use to redeem rewards, filter your results or search to include only that airline. Next, find the best flight for your trip and input your itinerary into Book With Matrix. At some point during your booking and checkout process, there should be an option to use points and rewards.

If there is not an option to redeem rewards on the websites linked through Book With Matrix, just save a copy of your Matrix itinerary and show it to a travel agent or airline representative. They will be able to use the provided fare codes to find the right flight for you and walk you through cashing in on miles and points. This tip will guarantee that your hard-earned points aren’t wasted.

Should You Use The Matrix To Book Flights

The Google Flight Matrix can handle the most complex travel plans and navigate the entire scope of flight search data for you, condensing only relevant results into a useful and easy-to-navigate page. This powerful search tool can make tedious components of travel significantly easier to manage, and you stand to lose nothing by using it (it’s free, remember?). Soyes, youshouldbeusingtheMatrixtofindandbookflights.

If you’re like the 4 billion and counting passengers turning off electronics and fastening their seat belts for lift-off each year, odds are good that you’ll be taking to the sky soon. And if you do, save yourself the stress of endless searching by using the Google ITA Matrix. Once you learn how to use this search engine, you’ll never go back to your previous methods of finding flights.

*Answer: [~NYC / -overnight;-redeye] with ~NYC in the routing code box and -overnight;-redeye in the extension code box.

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Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees, Policies & Loopholes

February 20, 2021 by Lauren Graves

As with many budget airlines, bags are not included when flying with Spirit Airlines in 2021. This includes both carry-ons and checked bags. If you would like to bring bags with you on your trip (and who travels without some form of luggage?) it will cost you.

Therefore customers flying with Spirit Airlines will need to factor in the cost of their luggage to get a full view of the flight’s price tag.

On top of that, the closer you get to your flight’s departure, the more it will cost to add luggage. So planning ahead can save you money.

Here is everything you’ll want to know from size allowances to baggage fees and more, for this budget airline.

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Spirit Airlines Carry-On Rules

Spirit Airlines gives their customers one free personal item per flight but — unlike many other major airlines — charges for standard carry-ons.

A personal item like a laptop, small backpack, or purse must not exceed the dimensions of:

18” x 14” x 8” or 40 linear inches (height + length + width)

While carry-ons must not exceed the dimensions of:

22” x 18” x 10”

Exactly how much passengers are required to pay per carry-on depends on a few factors. These factors include date, flight route, and booking type. Use the Spirit Bag-O-Tron to figure out your exact carry-on fee. Alternatively, if you’d just the approximate averages, below is our table of what you can generally expect for carry-ons. We obtained these approximate values based on over two dozen searches.

Time bag added to booking	Standard	$9 Fare Club
During Booking	$40	$31
Before Online Check-In	$50	$41
During Online Check-In	$50	$41
Reservation Desk	$60	$60
At the Gate	$65	$65

Remember that these are only typical prices and your fees could be different. The price of a carry-on bag for a standard passenger ranges from $37 – 76 and for a $9 Fare Club passenger from $23 – 76. The sooner you add a bag to your reservation, the more money you’ll save.

Becoming a member of the Spirit $9 Fare Club (called the $9 Fare Club not because it costs $9 to join but because a 60-day trial membership used to cost $9) is also a great way to save on baggage fees. This club offers its members discounted prices and exclusive deals, and it costs $59.95 to join in 2021 and $69.95 to renew annually.

Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Rules

Checked bags through Spirit Airlines may be a maximum size of 62 linear inches and a maximum weight of 40 pounds. Frequent flyers know that this weight restriction is slightly low when compared to that of other airlines, but that a 62-inch total length is fairly standard. Keep this in mind when flying Spirit.

Like carry-ons, checked bags are charged differently for standard passengers and $9 Fare Club members and prices also vary based on booking. This price breakdown shows what most people will pay per checked bag.

	Bag	Standard	$9 Fare
During Booking	1	$35	$26
	2	$45	$36
	3 – 5	$85	$76
Before Online Check-In	1	$45	$36
	2	$55	$46
	3 – 5	$95	$86
During Online Check-In	1	$45	$36
	2	$55	$46
	3 – 5	$95	$86
Reservation Desk	1	$55	$55
	2	$65	$65
	3 – 5	$105	$105
At the Gate	1 (only)	$65	$65

You’ll notice that all passengers checking bags at the gate are only allowed one piece of checked luggage. Checked baggage fees are also dependent on route and travel dates, but fluctuate less than the prices for carry-ons. The Bag-O-Tron will be a useful tool when calculating checked baggage fees, as well.

There are certain flight restrictions you’ll need to know about if you plan to either fly to or from South America at any point during the year or internationally between December 1st and January 10th. If either of these applies to you, see the list of special restrictions for such flights at the bottom of this page.

Spirit Airlines Excess Baggage Fees

Use the chart below to see how much you can expect to pay by pound for your bag.

A passenger may not bring a bag measuring more than 80 linear inches and/or weighing more than 100 pounds aboard a Spirit flight (unless under special circumstances), but bags under these limits and over the standard dimensions are allowed to be checked. Passengers will just have to understand that oversize and overweight checked baggage is charged an additional fee.

Spirit Airlines Oversize and Overweight Fees

Weight range	Fee
41 – 50 pounds	$30
51 – 70 pounds	$55
71 – 100 pounds	$100
63 – 80 linear inches	$100
80 + linear inches	$150

Examples of items that may count as checked bags or carry-on luggage but that could incur oversize/overweight fees include:

Musical instruments
Sports equipment
Bicycles
Wedding dresses
Art Supplies

Mobile and medical assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes can be checked free of charge at the gate. For a complete list of restriction exceptions, read the Spirit Contract of Carriage. Note that any oversize/overweight equipment not packed securely with the rest of your baggage will be charged separate fees. That means you should do your best to pack bulky items like hockey sticks safely within your bags.

Flying families will want to know that guests are allowed one FAA-approved car seat and one stroller aboard their flight for no additional charge. If these do not fit on board, they will have to be checked at the gate (again, this is free to you). See this list of seat dimensions for various types of Spirit aircraft if you would like to ensure that your child’s car seat will fit on your plane, in their designated seat.

Get Your Baggage Fees Reimbursed

No matter what baggage fees you are charged for a Spirit flight, you can get reimbursed for these if you’ve got the right credit card. Credit cards that reimburse travel fees include:

The Platinum Card® from American Express: $200 annual reimbursement
American Express® Gold Card: $100
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: $200
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: $300
Citi Prestige: $250

Get 1 Free Checked Bag Through Spirit

Unless you are in the military, there is no way to get free checked bags through Spirit Airlines. Even Spirit Airlines Mastercard holders and members of the $9 Fare Club are charged for every carry-on and checked bag. Spirit’s Bare Fare guarantee is what keeps flights ultra low-cost, but it’s also what makes obtaining baggage waivers and additional discounts difficult.

The only free allowance on a Spirit flight is a personal item and unless your baggage includes medical devices or strollers, you will be charged baggage fees. You’ll have to find other ways to save on flights through Spirit Airlines, like joining the $9 Fare Club and adding bags to your reservation right away.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Fee Exceptions

As mentioned, active-duty military personnel are the only passengers that qualify for free checked bags. These individuals are allowed two free checked bags and one free carry-on, so long as they present valid identification.

Knowing Spirit Airlines Baggage Policies

Spirit Airlines is a company already known for offering affordable flying rates, but you can save yourself even more money by learning about their baggage policies. By knowing what counts as oversize or overweight bags and taking advantage of opportunities to check your bags for less, you can keep more of your cash for spending wherever you go rather than on how you get there.

13 Things To ALWAYS Have in Your Toiletries Kit

January 19, 2021 by Lauren Graves

Whether you’re packing for a long trip or a quick weekend getaway, it’s easy to leave things behind and realize it too late. Make a habit of packing a toiletries kit with the essentials, and you’ll never have to make an emergency trip to the drug store as soon as you arrive at your destination again.

If possible, keep the following items in your designated toiletry kit at all times. Purchase duplicates and travel-sized versions of your favorite items so that you don’t have to move them back and forth whenever you leave and get home. And with all of that in mind, here are the top 13 items to always have in your toiletries kit.

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Additional Face Masks

This one is crucial for 2021 as the ongoing concern of COVID-19 is still present throughout our lives.

As mask mandates remain, these items become absolutely essential for your everyday life. Be sure to pack plenty of extra masks in case you misplace one or more. We’ve all seen masks on the ground littered about over the last year or so, and I’m sure we’ve even misplaced a few ourselves (I know I have), so be sure to keep several additional ones in different places throughout your luggage and person. You don’t want to keep them all in one container in the off-chance the entire container goes missing.

Medications

This one’s going to vary a lot from person to person, so there’s really not a one-size-fits-all approach to packing meds in your toiletries kit. This is why medication should be one of the first things you think about when you get to packing.

Obviously, if you take any prescription meds, get those in your kit first and double-check that they’re there as you’re walking out the door. Next should come anything you take every day like a vitamin or supplement, and lastly, medication to manage any pain or discomfort you may experience during your trip. Almost everyone has had a perfectly nice outing spoiled by a headache or stuffy nose, so bring any painkillers, antihistamines, or acid reducers you can see yourself needing while you’re gone.

People who take a lot of different pills, vitamins, or supplements should think about getting pill organizers for trips. Travel-sized versions of these are easy to find online and at any store. Keep in mind that medically necessary medications such as inhalers, ointments, and liquids—items that would otherwise be restricted—are fine to bring, you’ll just need to have them checked with TSA.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

This combo counts as one item because, really, what good is one without the other?

You may love your electric toothbrush when you’re at home, but ditch that for something smaller that won’t leave your toiletry bag. Get a designated travel toothbrush—ideally one that comes in its own case, bonus points if it’s compact. Foldable toothbrushes that collapse are a great, affordable choice. As for toothpaste, any travel-sized kind will do, but toothpaste tablets are a convenient option too. These often come in reusable metal tins, so they’re a favorite among eco-conscious travelers.

If you want to go the extra mile in keeping your breath fresh while traveling, grab some disposable mini toothbrushes. No water necessary for these—perfect when you want to freshen up on a plane.

Shampoo and Conditioner

No matter where you’re staying, you’ll be glad to have your own hair products when you’re there. Hotels and resorts do usually provide complimentary shampoo and conditioner, but it’s rarely as good as you hope it will be. These days, you can buy mini versions of just about any brand of shampoo, but if you can’t find your favorite, just grab a small reusable squeeze bottle the next time you’re at the store.

Many people like to take shampoo bars with them because there’s no risk of spillage and they last much longer than regular shampoo. Whatever you decide, remember the TSA restricts all liquids in your carry-on to a maximum of 3.4 ounces.

First Aid Kit

You should never be without a first aid kit of your own when you’re traveling, but that doesn’t mean you have to try to pack an entire pharmacy into your toiletry bag. Just stick to the essentials: bandages, antibiotic ointments, tweezers, gauze, and some sort of antiseptic. Nail clippers would also be a great addition. Grab a first aid pouch or box that completely closes and bring along anything you use regularly at home.

Again, choose these items wisely to ensure that you will be allowed to bring everything. For example, instead of bringing a bottle of antiseptic that would have to count toward your liquid limit, grab some antiseptic wipes. And rather than pack a gel ointment, choose one that is more like a balm or cream.

Deodorant

Bringing deodorant is a no-brainer, but it’s also an item that’s easy to forget (and awful when you do leave it behind). Purchase a deodorant specifically for traveling and make sure it never leaves your toiletry kit.

Try to avoid gel- or spray-type deodorants if you can as both of these fall under the liquids category. Instead, stick with a tried and true solid deodorant—travel-size, of course—or pick up some deodorant wipes, which are excellent for long trips and travel well.

Face Wash

If face wash is normally part of your daily routine, don’t forget to bring some along when you travel. Try to choose a face wash that is as gentle as possible to avoid having to moisturize frequently, and make sure you test whatever kind you get before leaving for a trip to avoid an adverse reaction (a situation made exponentially worse when you’re on an airplane).

Facial cleansers, like shampoo and conditioner, are easy to get in bar form as well. Plenty of brands are even approved as facial and body bars, and two-in-one options like this should always be purchased when they are available.

In lieu of face wash or sometimes in addition to, many people like to pack disposal face wipes when they travel. This is especially great if you’re going to be in a plane or car for an extended period of time and you won’t have access to a sink. Look for some that double as makeup removers if this is something that would be useful to you.

Earplugs or Headphones

If you’re the type of person that has trouble falling asleep when there’s noise happening around you, don’t forget to put something to dim the sound in your toiletry kit.

The only issue is that headphones, especially the noise-canceling ones, can be a bit bulky. Try to find some foldable ones that come in a hard case to save space and money (as it’s easy for headphones to get broken when they are loose in your bag). These are not at all hard to find at affordable prices through online retailers, and you probably don’t want to travel with more high-end items than you need to anyway. If you prefer, noise-canceling, bluetooth earbuds are widely available too.

As for earplugs, this item can actually function both to block out sound and to reduce pressure in your ears when flying, if you pick the right ones. Look for plugs marketed as aviation earbuds or airplane earbuds for this; these are often disposable. If you’re sensitive to pressure changes and think saving your ears from relentless popping sounds nice, you’re going to want to make sure a pair of aviation earbuds makes it into your toiletry kit as well.

Comb and/or Hairbrush

Forgetting a comb or hairbrush on a trip, though fixable with a quick visit to the nearest store, is a hassle. Make sure this travel essential is in your trusty toiletry kit.

There are many travel hair brushes to choose from that take up less space than a typical hairbrush. Some are simply shrunken-down versions of the standard, some have no handles at all, and others fold into themselves. If you find a good one that comes with a case, grab it to save yourself time picking hair off of everything in your toiletry kit and generally keep things more sanitary.

If you’re a comb user, a collapsible one should do just fine. Look for one that is anti-static to and suitable for your hair type to cut down the time it takes you to get ready in the morning even more.

Multi-Purpose Balm

While lotion and moisturizer are technically permitted in carry-ons as long as they do not cause your liquids to exceed 3.4 ounces total, it can be difficult to keep all of your items under this tight limit. This is why you should bring a multi-purpose balm in place of lotion or cream, which is better anyway because it’s much more versatile. Cosmetic items in solid form do not have to comply with any volume or weight restrictions.

A good multi-purpose balm can often be used safely on your hands, body, face, and lips. Some can even be applied to your hair or used as ointment. Everybody knows how dry airplanes can get, and a balm can solve a lot of the problems this may create for you.

Trimmer or Razor

You may not need to bust out the razor or trimmer for a short business trip, but you certainly don’t want to get caught without one when you really need it.

Electric razors or trimmers are permitted in your carry-on or checked luggage, though these aren’t always the easiest to travel with. Disposable razors are more portable and also permitted as long as the blade part is completely covered and secured in your bag. Safety razors are only allowed when they do not have blades. Do NOT bring any blades not contained in sealed individual cartridges in your carry-on. If you must bring these, you’ll need to get them checked.

If you bring shaving cream, aftershave, or any other type of shaving products, they’ll count toward your liquid limit of 3.4 ounces.

Sunscreen

You may not usually use sunscreen year-round, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy of a place in your toiletry kit. And really, you should be using it no matter the season, especially if you’re going to be flying.

Believe it or not, your skin is at a much greater risk of being damaged by the sun when you are flying than when you are on the ground. This is because the sun’s rays are more intense at higher altitudes, and airplane windows don’t always help much with this. A lot of people swear by applying sunscreen whenever they fly to protect their skin, and this is something you should be doing too if you’re not already.

Hand Sanitizer

Last but not least, pack sanitizer to keep yourself safe from germs. The last thing you need when traveling is to contract a cold that could have easily been prevented with a scrub of sanitizer after touching a communal doorknob, handling money, and before eating.

Single use hand sanitizer wipes are a solid option and not better or worse than a regular gel or liquid sanitizer, and the same goes for hand sanitizer spray. Whatever you prefer is fine, as long as you have something. As you’ve probably experienced once or twice, you can’t always count on hotels and airports having their sanitizer dispensers fully stocked.

At least for now, you don’t have to worry about hand sanitizer affecting your liquids allowance. Per the TSA’s current COVID-19 travel guidelines, every passenger is allowed to bring up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizer without penalty. However, if you do decide to bring this much, know that you will need to check it with TSA.

Remember that, besides sanitizer, all of your liquids, gels, and aerosols must not exceed 3.4 ounces. Additionally, anything that falls into these categories must be packed together in a one quart size baggie that seals completely. Failure to do this may result in your items being confiscated and/or check-in being delayed. Keep this bag in your toiletry kit for faster check-in.

Final Thoughts

A good toiletry kit can take some of the guesswork out of packing and alleviate some of the stress that comes with remembering you left something important at home. Having these 13 must-have items in your travel bag will put you in good shape to have the best trips possible, every time.

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The 12 Most Luxurious First Class Airline Cabins in the World [2021 Edition]

January 13, 2021 by Lauren Graves

First class flying first became a thing back in 1955 when TWA offered two separate services on its Lockhead constellation aircrafts.

Today, almost all major airlines offer some form of premium seating separate from typical economy seats.

That said, the level of luxury, comfort, amenities and overall pampering can vary drastically by airline.

So we’ve put together our top 12 list of most luxurious airline cabins in the world. This list is not necessarily in descending order from best to worst, but just a collection of the most noteworthy first class flights available in 2021.

Keep in mind that many first class flight offers are being pulled due to the ongoing concern of COVID-19, so we will do our best to keep this list updated as offers become added or discontinued.

Etihad Airways – The Residence

If it weren’t for the windows in the cabin, the Etihad Airways’ Residence, may have you believe you’re actually in some tiny, yet luxurious, hotel room rather than 30,000 miles in the sky.

What gives this cabin that feel?

For starters, the seating. With cozy double beds and armchairs you’ll wish you had at home, sleeping on this plane may even be easier than sleeping on the ground. You’ll also fly in complete privacy, have a bathroom—outfitted with a shower—all your own, and be waited on by a server from the comfort of your cabin. But what really makes this choice stand out is the size. Each of this cabin’s three rooms (yes, three rooms!) is completely private and large enough that you can walk around comfortably, and you can head to your bedroom when you’re ready to call it a day without having to convert any recliners.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York NY (JFK) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) = USD $23,067.35.

🍷🍱 Food and Drink: Customizable meals curated by top chefs (ex. Abu Dhabi farmed caviar and sea bass) and expert wine pairings to go with them.

🖥 🚿 🛎 Perks: Three-bedroom apartment measuring 45 square feet, private shower, 27-inch flat-screen TV, personal butler.

Take a 3D tour of The Residence here.

Singapore Airlines Suite

Singapore Airlines is a crowd favorite when it comes to flying in comfort and being treated like royalty, and we agree that it offers one of the best luxury flights out there. Though more similar to a standard first-class flight than the Etihad Airways experience above, this is still a truly unforgettable cabin.

This flight promises private cabins with lush seats and in-flight accommodations designed to make you feel over-the-top pampered. You’ll only need to share a bathroom with a few people and there are sliding privacy doors in every compartment. Also worthy of mention are the countless storage options provided to guests in each cabin, most of which are padded and closeable to accommodate fragile and delicate items as needed.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York NY (JFK) to Singapore, Singapore (SIN) = ~USD $23,000.

🍾 🥩 Food and Drink: Bottomless Dom Perignon champagne and gourmet meals that can be chosen in advance (ex. Dim sum including lobster dumplings and fish congee).

🖥 🛍 Notable Perks: 32-inch TV, Italian leather upholstery, adjustable lighting, sliding doors, ample storage.

Emirates – First Class

The next time you need to take a long-haul flight and want to really do it right, check and see if Emirates airline of the United Arab Emirates has a First Class route available. Designed in partnership with travel and tech industry giants Mercedes-Benz and Panasonic, these cabins put most other luxury cabins to shame.

These cabins are surprisingly roomy at 40-square-feet and highly customizable, letting you toggle everything from lighting and temperature to the angle of recline on your seat/bed. And if all of this isn’t enough to help you sleep like a baby, you can step into the shower spa attached to your cabin for a rinse and unwind with a movie and drink. Don’t forget to use the high-end toiletries left for you—like the pajamas, skincare products, and blankets—for the full effect.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (DXB) = ~USD $13,600.

🥃 🍗 Food and Drink: Regional a la carte meals and canapes (ex. Arabic mezze and grilled lamb cutlets), extensive fine wine selection, and Dalmore King Alexander III whiskey.

🖥 🚿🧴 Notable Perks: Onboard shower spa, Byredo skincare, mini bar, privacy doors, vanity, TV with 4,000 channels, adjustable temp.

Take a 3D tour here of Emirates First Class here.

Air France – La Premiere

Air France takes luxury flying seriously, and it shows. The La Premiere cabin displays all of the class and sophistication France is known for in both design and hospitality. Four private suites in pleasing neutral tones and decadent materials await first-class passengers in La Premiere cabins, and every detail is as luxe as it gets.

When you fly La Premiere with Air France, you’ll get a memory foam seat that transforms into an extra-long bed, a touch screen TV equipped with free streaming, more storage than you’ll probably need, and curtains for privacy. And of course, the French cuisine is memorable, to say the least. These cabins are known for providing high-quality accommodations and sparing no expense when it comes to in-flight goodies (bathrobes, beauty products, you name it).

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Paris, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) = ~USD $16,500.

🍷 🍖 Food and Drink: French cuisine curated by Michelin chefs (ex. foie gras terrine and simmered veal with verbena) and high-end wine and champagne.

🖥 🛏 🧺 Notable Perks: 24-inch touchscreen TV and entertainment system, extra-long bed, cloakroom, ottoman, bathrobes, and high-end amenities and bedding.

Cathay Pacific – First Class

Cathay Pacific’s first-class cabin boasts the widest seats offered by any airline at 36” across, but that’s far from where the luxury stops. This cabin features ultra-comfortable reclining seats in roomy suites that, while not 100% private, are only connected to the suites behind and in front of them, giving them a secluded feel.

These suites are also notable for having ottoman’s with seat belts in them, or buddy seats, so you can invite another passenger to have a meal with you if you’re traveling with someone. But food is where Cathay really pulls out all the stops. From champagne and caviar on mother of pearl spoons to some of the highest-quality fish and cuts of meat available, inflight fine dining with Cathay is sure to wow even the most difficult-to-impress travelers.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Hong Kong = ~USD $20,000.

🍺 🍲 Food and Drink: Asian-inspired and global cuisine on an a la carte menu (ex. marinated abalone and peking duck with black truffle) and fine tea and alcoholic beverages including Betsy beer.

🖥 🎧 🧺 Notable Perks: Extra-wide seats, cotton pajamas, mattress topper, adjustable television, closet, Bose noise-canceling headphones.

Lufthansa – First Class

Another airline that knows how to spoil its passengers is Lufthansa, a German airline that provides a next-level first-class cabin chock full of services and extras. Routes all around Europe and across the globe are available in limited supply with this top carrier.

This cabin is a little more unassuming in appearance than some of the others on this list, but don’t take that to mean that it’s any less comfortable. The recliner/beds deserve the attention they get, because they’re somehow even cozier and more inviting than they look, thanks to the German engineering that brought them to life. Lastly, the food is not only incredible in quality and presentation but also curated with inspiration from the region you are traveling to or from, making for a unique dining experience you won’t soon forget.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) = ~USD $7,000.

🍷 🍲 Food and Drink: “Vinothek Discoveries” wine selections, caviar service, and multi-course meals (ex. caviar and seared beef filet).

🖥 🎬 🎧 Notable Perks: Personal assistant, amenity kit, ergonomic seating, television with over 100 movies and 200 TV channels, Bose noise-canceling headphones.

Qatar Airways – First Class

Another big player in the luxury flying game is Qatar Airways, the flag carrier of Qatar in the Middle East. Qatar Airways also offers a business class that you’d never know wasn’t top-tier first, called QSuites. Be sure to check this option out too if you’re going to be flying globally in the near future.

What makes this cabin special is not one thing in particular but a collection of many carefully thought-out details. The first thing you’ll notice when you board is how aesthetically pleasing the whole cabin is, with everything in sharp neutrals and rich accent colors. Next, you’ll likely take in the large television that can be found in your mostly-private suite and the countless amenities from Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio of Italy that await you. Not to be outdone by the others, Qatar also offers stellar food and drink options that passengers can select before flying. The seat isn’t too shabby either, especially when you kick back with your complimentary slippers.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Qatar (DOH) = ~USD $15,000.

🍸 🥗 Food and Drink: A la carte menus featuring vegan and non-vegan choices (ex. parsnip soup and rack of lamb), caviar service, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

🖥 🎬 💻 Notable Perks: Frette linens and duvet, TV with 4,000 movies and channels, onboard Wi-Fi, Bric’s (reusable) amenity kits.

Qantas – First Class

Next on this list is the premier Australian airline Qantas’ first-class cabin. Each swiveling pod is extra-wide and features privacy walls on every side, so you’ll likely see other passengers only when you board and get off the plane. When you’re ready to turn in, ask for the turndown service and watch your recliner be transformed into a plush bed outfitted in Sheridan linens.

This cabin may not have the square footage or total privacy that some of the others on this list can offer, but it does have inflight entertainment, in-seat massages for every passenger, and plenty of storage. And you can’t forget about the fine dining or this airline’s dedication to sustainability. First flyers can enjoy slipping into bamboo socks and opening complimentary hygiene and skincare products free of plastic packaging.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Sydney, Australia (SYD) = ~USD $5,000.

🥂 🍤 Food and Drink: A la carte options and tasting menu-style meals (ex. Lobster cocktail and seared blue eye), award-winning wine and champagne pairings recommended by a “Sommelier in the Sky.”

🖥 🎬 🍿 Notable Perks: In-seat massages, sustainable amenities, Sheridan linens, inflight entertainment including new release movies and TV shows.

Japan Airlines – First Class

The Japan Airlines first-class cabins are sophisticated and notoriously well-kept, making this another no-brainer on our list. Each seat measures 23 inches across and has its own privacy dividers on every side. Storage is not only ample but thoughtfully designed, and you’ll love the configuration of your cabin when it comes time to kick back with your seat on an ottoman.

Your personal TV is equipped with fan-favorite shows and movies, and you’ll get a pair of Bose noise-canceling headphones to use. On top of that, Japan Airlines showers first-class passengers in amenities. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll love this airline for both the quantity and quality of its food. You’ll be treated to several appetizers inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine and a lengthy list of (superb) a la carte entrees to choose from.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Tokyo = ~USD $26,000.

🥂 🍣 Food and Drink: Numerous Japanese small plates and entrees (ex. Dainomono and scallop with spicy cod roe) and champagne (including Louis Roederer Cristal).

🧴 👘 🎧 Notable Perks: Choice of hard or soft mattress pad, pajamas, Japanese skincare products, amenities Etro, Bose noise-canceling headphones.

ANA – The Suite

ANA or All Nippon Airways, another Japanese airline, deserves a spot with the best-of-the-best. Each cabin is ultra-private with high walls and sliding doors, roomy for even the lankiest of flyers, and has an extra-wide seat measuring 33 inches across.

Many passengers in this cabin are impressed by the cuisine, which offers both Japanese and Western choices, all expertly prepared and exquisitely presented. Also fan-favorites are the pajamas and cardigans offered on every flight, the high-resolution personal televisions that span a whole wall, and the seat/bed often touted as one of the most comfortable available in luxury flying.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Tokyo = ~USD $23,500.

🍾 🍜 Food and Drink: Japanese and Western gourmet menus (ex. Foie gras bowl and simmered duck in soy sauce) and drinks including Krug champagne and wine chosen to compliment available dishes by experts.

🖥 💡 🚪 Notable Perks: Sliding door, Samsonite amenity kits, 43-inch 4K TV, adjustable partitions for middle seats, adjustable lighting.

British Airways – First Class

The British Airways First Class cabin is stylish and features staggered cubicle-style seating for increased privacy. Passengers will find many high-end amenities awaiting them at their seats, which are cushioned with foam for long-haul comfort.

British Airways prides itself on providing great service and amenities, including inflight entertainment, pajamas, toiletries, and more. Wi-Fi is available for a small additional charge. The food in this cabin is phenomenal and has been improved upon greatly in recent years, so you don’t want to miss out on what’s cooking. The TV at every seat, though a little smaller than some of the others at 15 inches, comes with ports for your devices and noise-canceling headphones.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to London, England (LCY) = ~USD $13,000.

🍾 🍤 Food and Drink: Pre-packaged British a la carte cuisine (ex. king prawns and Welsh lamb shank), tea, and Laurent Perrior Grand Siecle champagne.

🖥 🚪 💡 Notable Perks: Sliding door, ottoman, personal adjustable TV, adjustable lighting, Temperley London pajamas, Elemis amenity kits.

Virgin Atlantic – Upper Class

Wrapping up our list of greats is Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class cabin, which offers first-class travel renowned for its extra-long beds and great crew. This British airline travels to the United States, several parts of Europe, Central America, a few countries in Africa, and select Asian and South Asian destinations. Seats are connected in rows but angled away from each other and with partitions between each.

Meals can be pre-selected (but please note that this feature is not currently being offered due to coronavirus travel restrictions) and there is something for every palate on the menu. Another thing to love about this choice is that it is more widely available than some of the others on this list, though still a little hard to come by at times. The earlier you check for an upper class ticket, the better.

💸 Price: From New York, NY (JFK) to London, England (LCY) = ~USD $18,000.

🍷 🍝 Food and Drink: Gourmet meals that can be pre-selected (ex. spicy butternut soup and seafood linguine), full-service bar serving Berry Bros. and Rudd wine, and Eric Lanlard Mile High Tea with refreshments.

🖥 🎬 🎮 Notable Perks: Adjustable lighting, amenities, personal TVs with movies and games.

12 Sleeping Tips for Redeye Flights That Actually Work

November 17, 2020 by Lauren Graves

12 helpful tips for surviving your red eye flight (below).

Red eye flights typically depart after 9 PM and arrive at their destination as early as 5 AM and get the name “red eye” from the fact that passengers on them often get little to no sleep and have red eyes by the end. But despite the name and its implications, you can actually sleep on a red eye, and better than you might think. Not all routes offer red eye flights, but many long and/or popular flights (e.g. between big cities, from the eastern to the western side of the country, etc.) do.

A red eye flight might not be your first choice, but there are definitely advantages to flying when most of the western world is sleeping. For one, they are often cheaper, sometimes by quite a bit. Airlines don’t want to fly their planes below capacity if they don’t have to, and they price overnight tickets accordingly. For another, they give you more time at your destination that can be spent on work or leisure. They are also often less crowded because they’re not appealing to as many flyers.

If the idea of saving money and time appeals to you, here are 12 things to do to improve your quality of sleep when you board a plan for a red eye flight.

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Don’t Sit in the Aisle

If you can help it, try not to sit in an aisle seat on your red eye flight. As everyone on your plane gets up in the middle of the night to take turns using the claustrophobic bathroom, you’ll be glad you aren’t seated in the highest-traffic part of the plane. Try to avoid sitting right next to the crew too.

A window seat is obviously ideal, but you’ll want to try to get one of these as far in advance as possible—about 50% of people prefer window seats, but there are only so many to go around. You might be able to switch to an open middle seat if your flight isn’t crowded, which is more likely on red eye flights. But whatever you do, don’t sit too close to the restroom.

Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones (or Earplugs)

Noise-canceling headphones or some good old-fashioned earplugs will be your best friend on a red eye.

If you find yourself traveling through the night often, it would probably be worth investing in a quality pair of headphones that blocks out all outside noise (i.e. crying babies in the row next to you, chatty aisle neighbors, etc.). Then, put on some relaxing classical music or white noise if that’s what helps you fall asleep at home and you’ll almost be able to trick yourself into thinking you’re not on an airplane. Try a free app like Calm for some sleep-friendly soundscapes.

Just be careful not to abuse the headphones by watching movies or videos when you could be sleeping. If possible, get this out of your system before you board your plane.

Hit the Gym

If you’re lucky enough to have a gym at your airport and you have an hour to spare before your flight, don’t be afraid to use it. Quality of sleep improves when you tire your body out with a good workout session. Moderate exercise done at least an hour before sleeping has been proven to help you sleep more deeply and wake less often.

Just don’t overdo it—for some, working out too intensely—e.g. cardio, weightlifting, etc.—shortly before going to bed actually has a negative impact on quality of sleep.

But if you’re gym-less, don’t sweat it. Even a long walk around the airport is great for getting your body ready to shut down.

Save the Caffeine for the Morning

If you normally go for a second (or third) cup of coffee in the afternoon to power through the rest of the workday, try to refrain on the day of your flight. Experts recommend drinking caffeinated beverages no fewer than four to six hours before you plan to sleep. By depriving your body of the caffeine it expects, you force it to become tired and you’ll easily fall asleep right away when you board your plane.

Try some caffeinated black or green tea instead of coffee if you don’t want to deal with total caffeine withdrawal symptoms, and some hot chamomile or peppermint tea right before bed to promote sleep.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Likewise, be careful not to eat anything that’s going to hinder your ability to get some shut-eye on your red eye. You may be fine to eat whatever you want for dinner when you’re sleeping at home, but when you’re sleeping on a plane, your body can use all the help it can get resting.

Avoid heavy foods like cheese and carbs, acidic fruits and veggies, and anything with a lot of added sugar for the best quality sleep. And if you’re eating dinner at the airport, try to grab a bite to eat as early as possible. Many people sleep better after giving their stomachs a few hours to digest a meal.

Clean Up

Part of the reason sleeping on a plane is so uncomfortable is because you often feel dirty. When you don’t get a chance to shower before your flight and then have to board a plane that has seen hundreds of passengers, it’s easy to feel a little—grimy. This is why it’s smart to bring personal hygiene products for red eye flights.

Even if you’re taking a short trip and don’t plan to stay at a hotel, it’s a good idea to pack a small bag of toiletries for your flight. Facial cleansing wipes, a toothbrush, and mouthwash can go a long way in making you feel more comfortable. Mimic your typical nightly routine as best as you can in the airport bathroom.

Change into Something Comfortable

Don’t make the mistake of boarding a late-night flight in your work clothes. Restrictive suits and scratchy tights won’t do you any favors when it comes time to try to sleep through your route because your body won’t be able to differentiate between day and night, work and rest. Bring pajamas or sweats and anything else that makes you feel cozy at home.

You never know how warm or cold a plane will be. Layer up and bring more than you think you’ll need. And make sure your feet are comfortable too—red eye veterans can often be seen sliding on a pair of slippers or thick socks before bed.

If you have an important meeting or work event to attend shortly after arriving at your destination, it would be a good idea to arrive at the airport in your comfortable clothes and keep your professional clothes nicely packed away in a separate, wrinkle-proof bag. That way, you’re only changing your clothes at the airport once and you lower your risk of losing any articles of clothing in the bathroom.

Bring a Blanket

Many airplanes provide blankets to passengers on red eyes, but why use one of these when you can pack one of your own? Travel blankets fold up to occupy very little space and they are lightweight. Plus, they’re usually more inviting than what the airline has to offer. Try one of these affordable options from TripSavvy’s best of 2020 travel blankets lineup.

You could even try using your travel blanket to sleep at home for a week before your red eye flight. This way, the blanket will feel familiar and your body will associate it with sleep. After all, as you’re probably noticing, getting quality sleep on an airplane is really all about convincing your body that you’re somewhere other than an airplane.

There is also no guarantee that your plane will have enough blankets for everyone. Unless you’re one of the first passengers to board, there is a very good chance that you won’t even get a blanket before they’re gone.

Arrive Early

Still, you should try to be one of the first to board for other reasons.

Give yourself plenty of time to check in and get on your plane. If you cut it close to your departure time, you’ll be rushing to get on the plane and get your luggage put away, and the adrenaline this fills your body with is not exactly ideal for sleeping. Keep the process as frustration-free as possible and avoid potential mishaps by playing it safe and getting there with time to spare.

Pack Light

Aside from the sleep-friendly items on this list like pajamas and a travel blanket, try to pack as light as possible. By not bringing a bulky carry-on, you’ll give yourself more room to stretch your legs. And by not traveling with too many suitcases, you’ll be able to easily grab your stuff when it’s time to get off your plane and get to a coffee shop as quickly as possible.

Prioritize bringing the things that are going to help you sleep and whatever you must have with you at your destination. Everything else can stay at home.

Put Technology Away

Electronic devices like laptops and e-readers are usually great for long flights, but they have no place on red eyes.

Research has shown that using technology before bed reduces the amount of melatonin in your body. This hormone helps to regulate your sleep-wake cycle and having less of it in your body at night makes it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep because your body thinks that you’re supposed to be awake. The blue light emitted by smartphones, laptops, and tablets has been linked with melatonin suppression.

If possible, put all electronic devices away 30 minutes to an hour before you hope to fall asleep. Reducing your stress levels before bed and avoiding artificial light can also help to increase your melatonin levels.

Don’t Forget the Neck Pillow!

Everyone who’s ever flown knows what a difference a neck pillow can make when sleeping. Even if you don’t take many red eye flights, you need a good neck pillow.

Shop around to find the right neck pillow for you. If you like memory foam at home, find one that’s memory foam. Maybe you’d prefer something microfiber that’s soft to the touch, a pillow that wraps around to provide support for your chin, or an inflatable pillow that takes up less space when you’re not using it. Neck pillows are inexpensive and easy to find, but it’s worth taking the time to pick a great one.

If having trouble falling asleep is normal for you, bring an over-the-counter sleep aid for good measure in addition to doing these 12 things. There are plenty of natural options available including melatonin supplements and valerian, a flower that can be taken in low doses to help you relax. You can also take a medication like Tylenol PM or ZzzQuil, but these should be used sparingly as a rule so that you don’t develop a dependence on them.

Final Thoughts

Getting decent sleep on even a short red eye flight is possible when you take the necessary steps to get comfortable and feel rested before your flight. Doing even just a few of the things on this list is sure to improve your inflight sleeping experience and hopefully reduce some of the apprehension you may feel about flying at night.

So while you are unlikely to get the best sleep of your life on a red eye flight and still might touch down with bags under your eyes, consider purchasing a red eye ticket the next time you fly. And don’t forget to follow these 12 tips for getting to sleep and staying asleep on an airplane.

13 Tips for Sleeping Comfortably and Safely at the Airport

October 6, 2020 by Lauren Graves

Sleep safely and comfortably at any airport with these tips.

When you find yourself stuck at the airport overnight due to an unfortunate layover or sudden change of plans, the last thing you want to have to worry about is getting a good night’s sleep. That’s why it’s important that you be prepared for this possibility and have a few tricks in mind for making this uncomfortable experience as comfortable—and safe—as possible.

Here are 13 things you can do to sleep safely and comfortably the next time you find yourself stuck at the airport for the night.

Pack a Sleep Kit

Get into the habit of taking a sleep kit with you every time you fly. You never know when a flight will be delayed or canceled last minute, and no one wants to have to go 24 hours without brushing their teeth.

Essential toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and hairbrushes are likely already packed somewhere in your luggage, but it wouldn’t hurt to pack these separately so that they are easily accessible. Other items that might make you feel more at home—sound machines, eye masks, slippers, etc.—should also come along.

A sleep kit is easy to throw together and can minimize the discomfort associated with staying in a new place unexpectedly. Sure, you won’t need to use it at the airport most of the time, but many of the items are probably coming with you on your trip anyway. Don’t pack anything that you wouldn’t typically use to sleep and you won’t need to worry about additional baggage fees.

Keep in mind that some airports provide complimentary toiletries and items such as shampoo and blankets, but you can’t always count on this. You can ask ahead of time before a flight or just play it safe and bring a sleep kit.

Try a Hotel or Sleep Pod

You could always stay in an airport hotel or sleep pod, but not all airports offer these conveniences, and using them is not cheap. However, if these are available to you and you don’t mind investing the extra cash into a night of uninterrupted rest, this is probably the most comfortable you’re going to get. Otherwise, try some of the other tips on this list.

Most nap rooms or sleep pods can be rented by the hour and typically run anywhere from $20 to $40 per hour. Rooms are often upwards of $150. Both of these are often in short supply when they can be found at airports, so get to them as quickly as possible because they are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Sleep Near Your Gate

Sleep next to your gate and set an alarm prior to boarding.

If you’re stuck sleeping in the airport, you’re going to naturally want to look for a restful place to rest in a quiet corner with low foot traffic.

But although no one wants to get woken up all night by lights, other passengers, and staff members, it’s even worse to miss a flight. Don’t give in to the temptation to find somewhere isolated to doze off. Not only is this less safe due to decreased security, but it’s a good way to miss the flight you waited all night for when exhaustion sinks in and you oversleep.

If your flight was canceled or delayed for one reason or another, chances are good that other passengers on your plane are going to be in the same boat as you, and sticking around the people you’ll be traveling with lets you take cues from other passengers when it’s time to go. Benches and seats are obvious choices for comfortable sleep, but you’ll need to claim these fast or you’ll wind up roughing it on the floor.

Change into Cozy Clothes

Take advantage of your packed suitcase and get those sweatpants and hoodies out the moment you learn that you’ll be spending the night at the airport. Find the nearest restroom and change as soon as possible—wearing cozier clothing makes a world of difference in making you feel more at ease. Most people won’t even bat an eye at a tired-looking passenger in pajamas at the terminal.

Visit a Gym or Lounge

Depending on what airport you’re in, you might have access to a top-notch airport fitness center or swanky lounge with a shower. Such luxuries are complimentary with many first-class and business tickets, but any passenger can purchase a pass most of the time. For a relatively small fee, you can get a hot shower at the very least. Some lounges and fitness centers also have pools, saunas, and jacuzzis. You’ll feel almost normal once you’re clean.

Treat Yourself

Treat yourself to anything that will relax you. This could be a manicure or pedicure, a facial at a nearby spa, a movie on your phone, or a comforting meal at one of the many food joints in the airport. Stress and tension are usually already high when flying, and they’re going to be made even higher when you’re inconvenienced by spending a night at the airport. Stick to your nightly routines as closely as possible and you’ll fall asleep much more easily.

Give yourself a break and do a little more for yourself than you normally would. Find somewhere comfortable to settle in and do your best to block out your surroundings. And when you wake up, whenever you wake up, celebrate with a fresh cup of coffee—or two.

Ask for a Cot

Not every situation warrants an airport hauling out the cots, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Often, airports reserve cots for times when large masses of passengers are stranded—perhaps by inclement weather causing many flight delays, federally mandated travel restrictions like what we’ve seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, etc.—, but you might be able to get one even if you just have a long layover. Use a courtesy phone or go to a counter to ask personnel for sleeping accommodations. These are almost always free of charge, but they are in limited supply.

Please note that courtesy cots are just one of many types of accommodations airports regularly provide to stranded travelers. Many airlines also offer hotel vouchers, meal tickets, complimentary shuttle rides, and other services and discounts to passengers whose flights have been delayed or canceled.

Sleep in Shifts

Those traveling in parties of two or more are at an advantage when it comes to sleeping at the airport because they can sleep in shifts. Take turns sleeping with the people in your party so that there is always someone keeping an eye on the group and their luggage. This will make you all less vulnerable to theft and ensure that at least one person is keeping track of the time. Use timers and alarms so that everyone is able to get a bit of shut-eye.

If you’re traveling alone, look for other passengers turning in for the night and set up camp near them. You don’t have to work out a shift sleeping deal with strangers, but solidarity never hurts.

Set Alarms

If your flight has been assigned a new departure time or you know exactly when your layover ends, set an alarm for an hour before this. This will give you time to gather your belongings and get yourself ready to board the flight. If your new flight time has not yet been announced or you’ve been told to stand by, you’re better off taking short naps and getting an update before going back to sleep than turning in for a full night’s rest.

Again, if you’re traveling alone, sleep near your gate as close to other parties as is possible and comfortable. That way, if for some reason your alarm doesn’t wake you up or there is an unexpected change to the flight, you’ll be woken up when the other people on your plane start moving around and preparing to board. Alternatively, if you don’t have a smartphone or watch, write a note on a piece of paper stating when you would like to be woken up and airport staff or passersby are likely to help you out.

Sanitize Your Chosen Location

The bench you’re going to be calling a bed for the next several hours has seen thousands of passengers come and go. It doesn’t take long to wipe it all down with cleaner, and this extra precaution is well worth it. Ask the airport staff if you can borrow cleaning supplies or sanitize with hand sanitizer at the very least. You’ll be able to sleep more peacefully when you know your area is free of disease-carrying germs. In addition, avoid direct contact with public surfaces as much as possible (i.e. lay your jacket down on the floor or seat before laying on it). That shower mentioned earlier? Might not be a bad idea to squeeze it in after sleeping.

Sleep on Top of Your Stuff

A comfortable sweatshirt on top of a duffle bag can make a great pillow!

Airport theft is a very real problem, and keeping your valuables safe should be your number one concern when it comes time to sleep at an airport. If you don’t have the option of sleeping in shifts with others in your party and keeping watch over your luggage, you may just have to sleep on top of it. In this case and many others, it pays to travel light.

Many weary travelers use their soft-sided suitcases as pillows and it’s a good idea to keep your arm wrapped around the straps of the rest of your bags. That way, should someone try to take advantage of your compromised situation and swipe a bag, you will be roused awake before they can make off with your belongings.

Remember not to travel with too many valuable items if you can help it. Items that you would not be comfortable leaving unattended in a busy coffee shop while you run to the restroom might not need to come with you to a busy airport.

Store Your Luggage

Some airports can store your luggage—for a fee, of course. If you’re traveling with a lot of bags, traveling alone, or just don’t want to have to worry about keeping track of your stuff all night, it might be worth it to hand over a little extra money to store your luggage until your flight. Look for luggage lockers, and if your airport doesn’t have those, check with the lost or left luggage counter. They might be willing to keep an eye on your bags for a price.

Luggage lockers are surprisingly affordable most of the time. For example, LockerLink lockers by SmarteCarte—found at thousands of airports—are just $4 for the first hour and $1 for every hour after that. You can store your bags for a couple of days or a couple of hours, and you’re likely to sleep much better when you’re not worried about protecting your things. Even if you just rent a small locker for your wallet or purse, you’ll be glad you did.

Keep Your Boarding Pass Close

You may or may not have to answer for yourself if you’re woken up by a security guard.Many security guards let snoozing slide without so much as a second glance, but others take precautions against non-passengers sneaking in and will ask to see your boarding pass to confirm that you are a passenger if they see you sleeping. Rather than try to hide from security somewhere remote and risk being thrown out, keep your pass and identification close by so that you can get right back to sleep if interrupted.

If you travel a lot, it’s not a bad idea to research the different policies and practices in place for stranded travelers at the various airports you frequent. Some airlines are a lot more accommodating of overnight guests than others, and you could use this information to make decisions about where to fly. Airline sleepovers can either be painfully awkward or not that bad, and it pays to know ahead of time what will or will not be available to you when you have no choice but to sleep at the airport.