Lisa Niver, a renowned travel expert, author, and podcaster, has successfully explored 102 countries on six continents. Her extensive travel experience has led her to optimize her traveling strategies, maximizing points and benefits by using credit cards with major airlines. Moreover, she strongly believes that TSA PreCheck and Clear are the most valuable investments she has made for traveling purposes.
In the 1990s, Lisa began her career in the travel industry, initially working on cruise ships as a youth-activities manager and eventually climbing up the ladder to become a senior assistant cruise director within seven years. However, when the cruise line she worked for faced bankruptcy, she transitioned into teaching, started her own travel blog, and ventured into content creation and freelance journalism. Today, Lisa has gained recognition as an award-winning travel expert and accomplished author, having visited numerous countries across the globe.
With her frequent flying routine of up to six trips each month, Lisa has acquired a series of tips for traveling on a budget and efficiently. Here are some of her most effective tips:
1. Skiplagging Temptation: Despite the allure of skiplagging, Lisa cautions against this practice. Skiplagging involves purchasing a multi-leg ticket with a layover and getting off at the layover stop instead of proceeding to the final destination. However, if caught, travelers risk being blacklisted by the airline. Considering the consequences and the relatively small savings, Lisa advises against taking the risk.
2. One-way Tickets: Lisa prefers purchasing two one-way tickets instead of a round-trip ticket. She prioritizes booking the carrier that offers the best deal and the most direct route, regardless of the airline. Her go-to airlines include United, American, Delta, Southwest, and Alaska for domestic travel.
3. Booking on Flight-Booking Websites and Directly with Airlines: Lisa recommends using flight-booking websites like Kiwi.com to compare prices and options. However, she suggests going directly to the airline’s website to avoid additional fees and for easy handling of any changes. While price is a factor, Lisa prioritizes flying directly to the destination, avoiding layovers and landing at inconvenient times.
4. Major Airline Credit Cards: With a focus on maximizing benefits, Lisa always holds at least four airline credit cards at any given time. This allows her to accumulate airline miles and enjoy free baggage allowances. She specifically mentions the benefits of United Business, Delta Amex, American, United, and Alaska credit cards. However, she advises being organized and paying off balances to maximize credit card benefits effectively.
5. Advanced Booking: Lisa suggests planning and booking flights at least two weeks in advance to secure the best deals. Additionally, she avoids flying during peak travel times and school holidays when flights tend to be more crowded. While some people believe in specific booking times, Lisa prioritizes the most direct flight at the best price.
6. Bringing Your Own Food: To avoid hunger on flights, especially with reduced food options and expensive airline snacks, Lisa recommends bringing a variety of snacks. She personally packs a sandwich, sweet and savory snacks, and extras to ensure she’s well-fed throughout her journey.
7. Organizational Skills for Quick Security Clearance: Lisa emphasizes the importance of being organized to save time at airport security checkpoints. She highlights observations of travelers who forget about water bottles in their bags or men emptying their pockets, causing delays. To expedite the process, Lisa ensures her personal bag has a zipper for quick access to essential items like her phone, ticket, and passport.
8. Investing in TSA PreCheck and Clear: Lisa considers TSA PreCheck and Clear to be the best investments she has made for hassle-free travel. For a cost of $78 over five years, TSA PreCheck offers expedited security screening, while Clear, priced at $189 annually, allows travelers to skip the ID verification line. Clear, when combined with TSA PreCheck, alleviates the need to remove shoes or take out liquids and electronics from bags. Lisa is willing to pay for faster airport experiences as a regular solo traveler.
9. Digital Preparedness: As airports become increasingly digitized, Lisa advocates for preparedness. Since WiFi connectivity can be unreliable, she recommends taking a screenshot of the ticket after checking in using the airline app. Additionally, she advises travelers to bring portable chargers to ensure their phones remain powered, especially for parents traveling with children who rely on their devices for entertainment. Lastly, Lisa warns that charging the charger before boarding a flight is crucial to avoid any inconveniences.
By implementing these expert tips from Lisa Niver, travelers can optimize their travel experiences, save money, and navigate airports more efficiently for a stress-free journey.
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