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(Merged Travel Hacking into Travel. Deleted section on Frontier GoWild Pass and saved it to memory in case of future need.)
 
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== Planning your trip ==
= Travel =


* United Basic Economy (no carry-on option) and Spirit don't have flight flexibility. You can buy flight flexibility from Spirit.
== General Flight Planning ==
* On airlines that aren't Spirit and Frontier, you can often change your flight to have more time in a place. It's often worthwhile, because it costs substantially less than flying back to the location again.


== Before purchase ==
=== Before You Book ===


====== General ======
* '''Transit to Airport''': Check if public transit is available at your departure and arrival times. Factor in cost and time for non-transit options.
* Are you going to use public transit to get to and from the airport? Have you checked if public transit is open at the departure and arrival times?
* '''Airport Selection''': Some cities have multiple airports - compare total travel costs including ground transportation.
* If you aren't getting to and out of the airport via transit, have you accounted for the cost in time and money of your other transportation method? Some cities have an airport close to the city and an airport farther away, and the additional transportation cost of the farther way airport sometimes eats up the difference.
* '''Flight Flexibility''': United Basic Economy (no carry-on) and Spirit don't offer flight flexibility. You can purchase flexibility from Spirit separately.
* [https://matrix.itasoftware.com/search ITA Matrix] is a flight search engine that is like an "advanced mode" for Google Flights. Since it doesn't rely on caching, it sometimes has more up-to-date results. It also allows more sophisticated querying.
* '''Route Changes''': On most airlines (except Spirit and Frontier), you can often modify flights to extend stays - usually cheaper than booking return trips later.


====== Youth ======
=== Search Tools ===


* [https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/mileageplus/young-adult-discount.html United Airlines] offers 5% off flights for young adults between 18 and 23 who book via the portal until December 31st, 2025.
* '''[https://matrix.itasoftware.com/search ITA Matrix]''': Advanced flight search engine with more sophisticated querying than Google Flights and often more current results since it doesn't rely on caching.
* [https://www.amtrak.com/student-discounts Amtrak] offers 15% off train tickets for students who book via the portal between 17 and 24.
* [https://www.studentuniverse.com/flights Student Universe] allows college students to book cheaper flights. (Not tested)


====== Credit Card Points ======
== Discounts and Special Programs ==


* [https://roame.travel/ Pointhound] and [https://roame.travel/ Roame] are travel search engines intended for credit card point use. (Not tested)
=== Youth Discounts ===


* High-end flights (ex. direct flights across an ocean and a continent) tend to get most value per point.
* '''[https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/mileageplus/young-adult-discount.html United Airlines]''': 5% off flights for ages 18-23 (valid through December 31st, 2025)
* '''[https://www.amtrak.com/student-discounts Amtrak]''': 15% off train tickets for students ages 17-24
* '''[https://www.studentuniverse.com/flights Student Universe]''': Discounted flights for college students


== After purchase ==
=== Credit Card Points / Airline Miles ===
* Have you set an alarm with time to get to airport + 30 minutes for last minute packing before your desired arrival time for the departure?


== Preparing for your flight ==
* '''Search Engines''': [https://www.pointhound.com/ Pointhound] and [https://roame.travel/ Roame] specialize in point redemption searches
* '''Best Value''': High-end flights (like direct transcontinental/transoceanic routes) typically offer the most value per point
* You can buy frequent flyer points at a rate of 1.6-1.9c and then purchase business and first class flights with them using 50-60K points


* '''Bring a water bottle''': Fill after security. Cabin humidity is very low (10-20%), causing dehydration. Drink water regularly during the flight. Large (preferably 24oz+).
== After Booking ==
* '''Have enough electrolytes:''' Eat sodium and potassium rich foods before your flight, on the plane, or during any layover if you have trouble retaining water.
* '''Pack extra medication''': Bring additional doses, and store it in multiple compartments, in case you lose it or extend your trip. Keep in your onboard baggage for easy access.
Long-haul flights


Set your timezone to your destination once you board the plane and start eating and drinking in sync with it
=== Pre-Flight Preparation ===


Wear comfortable clothes you want to be in for a long time
* '''Timing''': Set alarm for airport departure time + 30 minutes for last-minute packing
* '''Hydration''': Bring a large water bottle (24oz+) to fill after security - cabin humidity is very low (10-20%)
* '''Electrolytes''': Consume sodium and potassium-rich foods before and during flight
* '''Medication''': Pack extra doses in multiple compartments, keep in carry-on for easy access


Japan
=== Long-Haul Flight Tips ===


Bring as many debit cards as possible in order to obtain cash and pay for transportation cards.
* '''Timezone Adjustment''': Set devices to destination timezone when boarding and sync eating/drinking accordingly
* '''Comfort''': Wear clothes you're comfortable being in for extended periods
 
=== Destination-Specific Tips ===
 
==== Japan ====
 
* Bring multiple debit cards for cash access and transportation card payments
 
== Airline-specific tips ==
 
=== Alaska Airlines ===
The "same-day change" feature often charges you a large fee when using the regular change flight interface would be free, if your ticket isn't Basic Economy.
 
== Alternative Travel Options ==
 
=== Frontier GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass ===
''For travelers with flexible schedules who prioritize cost savings over convenience''
 
The GoWild! Pass offers unlimited flights for a fixed subscription price, with flights available for $0.01 plus taxes/fees (typically ~$14.60 domestic).
 
'''Key Features:'''
 
* Access to all Frontier domestic and international destinations
* Domestic flights: book 1 day before departure
* International flights: book 10 days before departure
* Various subscription options: annual, seasonal, monthly
 
'''Limitations:'''
 
* Last-minute booking requirements
* Additional costs for baggage and seat selection
* Blackout dates during peak periods
* Subject to availability
 
'''Route Planning Strategy:'''
 
* Use the [https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-frontier-airlines-f9 interactive Frontier route map] for planning
* Prioritize direct flights when possible
* Transform long layovers into stopovers to visit additional cities
* Check multiple airports in metro areas (e.g., Chicago: ORD/MDW, DC area: BWI/DCA)
* Compare different days - schedules vary significantly by day of week
* Check historical delay data using FlightStats or FlightAware
 
'''Booking Tips:'''
 
* Check prices frequently - discounted rates often available 24-48 hours before departure
* Treat like public transit: focus on functionality over luxury
* Build buffer time for delays
* Pack light to avoid baggage fees
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