Summer travel checklist: 11 things to do to make your trip great

Although summer doesn’t officially start until late June, it already feels like the season across much of the country. Now is the best time to ensure you’ve planned ahead for all eventualities to ensure your summer vacation goes smoothly.

If you need to book a trip for this summer or are currently in the planning phases, add these to-do items to your checklist.

Book your travel, and select seats now

Although we’ve found many domestic and international flight deals for travel throughout the summer, you’ll likely find that booking last-minute airfare will still be very expensive if you don’t take advantage of these sales as soon as they come up.

If you still need to book a flight for June, July or August, it’s better to do so sooner rather than later, especially if heading abroad.

A great tool for finding deals is Google Flights. It allows you to set an alert for your ideal travel days and itineraries. You can then monitor prices for a week or two before pulling the trigger. Handily, Google Flights will also tell you the average airfare for your journey and whether the price you’re being offered is a good one; you’ll also receive an email if the price drops drastically and you’ve signed up for alerts.

While there’s technically no magical best day to book flights, statistically speaking, traveling midweek usually gives you the greatest chance to score the cheapest flights, according to the booking app Hopper.

“To find the best deals, we recommend monitoring prices using a tool like Hopper’s Price Watch to set price alerts for your summer trips now,” said Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper. “Plug in the destination and dates you’re eyeing, and the app will alert you as soon as prices drop and a good deal is detected.”

If you book your flight and see the price drops ahead of your departure date, you can cancel your original flight and rebook it at a cheaper price, depending on your fare type. If you’re unable to get a full cash refund, you may be able to get a flight credit — check the terms of your booking and chat with your airline if you’re unsure.

Another thing to do when booking is to choose your airline seats in advance of flying. The longer you wait, the more packed the plane will get and the fewer seat choices will be available.

Similarly, if you reserve a hotel room, make sure it’s refundable so you can rebook it at a lower rate if you see the price drop. This logic also applies when booking with points.

Triple-check your passport expiration date

This may seem obvious, but it is always important to check your passport expiration date before an international trip. Most countries require at least six months of validity.

Additionally, you’ll need to factor in how long it takes to renew your passport. As of December, the U.S. Department of State has told travelers to expect a six- to eight-week turnaround time for passport renewals and two to three weeks for expedited service.

Some countries require at least one or two empty pages in your passport if you need a visa, so, in addition to making sure your passport isn’t expired, ensure you have enough blank pages. For example, one empty page is required for Mexico, Canada and many European countries, while two are necessary for countries such as China and South Africa.

Sign up for TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is an expedited airport security program administered by the U.S. government in which prescreened, low-risk travelers use a designated security line rather than the regular Transportation Security Administration line at the airport. Approximately 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers pass through security in 10 minutes or less, according to the TSA.

TSA PreCheck travelers do not need to remove liquids or electronics from their carry-on luggage or remove their shoes, belts or light jackets before passing through metal detectors.

A five-year TSA PreCheck membership starts at $78 per person and can be renewed online for $70 per person, but many credit cards offer up to a $100 statement credit for the application fees associated with TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry as long as you pay for your membership with that card.

Nearly 50 cards cover TSA PreCheck (and/or Global Entry) fees, including:

If you have several international trips coming up, you may want to apply for Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck. Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program allowing expedited reentry into America after international travel. A Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck, so it may be worth the higher fee if your summer travel plans include some international trips. Starting Oct. 1, the price of Global Entry will be $120 for a five-year membership.

While going through the express security lane does come with an extra cost, it can significantly reduce the time it takes to get from the ticket counter to your departure gate. This is especially important during busy travel times like Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.

Enroll in Clear

Although some airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) still have long lines, even when you use Clear Plus, being a member of this program can often save you a ton of time at airports like New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

But what exactly is this program?

Like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, Clear is an expedited security program available at more than 50 airports and other venues, with more than 14 million members nationwide. Plus, travelers can now also enroll in TSA PreCheck at Clear lanes at 14 (and counting) airports.

To sign up for Clear, you’ll need to allow the company to catalog bio-identifying features (which Clear does through fingerprint and iris scans) to automate the identity verification step in the TSA screening process. Once enrolled, you can enter a separate (often shorter) security lane with speedier access to the TSA agents and security screening. You’ll need to scan your eyes before a Clear representative escorts you to the front of the line for the traditional security screening machines.

Clear costs $189 per year, making it much pricier than a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. However, some elite members are eligible for reduced or even free membership fees.

If you have Delta SkyMiles elite status (Diamond Medallion or Delta 360) or United MileagePlus elite status (United Premier 1K or United Global Services), you can enroll in Clear for free. Delta Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members and United Premier Platinum, Gold and Silver members can pay a reduced rate of $149 annually. Even entry-level Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members qualify for a discount at $179 a year.

Some credit cards will also give you a statement credit for Clear.

Anyone with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card can pay $149 per year for the service.

Additionally, you can get up to a $189 statement credit for Clear Plus membership via these American Express cards (enrollment required):

The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Check your Global Entry membership to make sure it’s valid

If you use Global Entry to enter the U.S. after an international trip, you already know that it can make the immigration process very speedy. Global Entry works for both land ports of entry — like border crossings for Canada and Mexico — and airports. It’s valid for five years.

Before you travel, check your Global Entry card for the expiration date. The expiration date for your Global Entry membership (which always falls on your birthday following the fifth anniversary of your approval date) appears both in your online account and on the back of your Global Entry card.

Due to delays in processing renewals, CBP has extended grace periods of up to two years for renewals, but you must submit your renewal application online in your account before the expiration date.

As a reminder, children cannot go through Global Entry lanes with a parent without membership. Remember that select credit cards offer Global Entry credits, so your membership may be free.

Download your airline’s mobile app

Regardless of which airline you are flying, it’s essential to install the carrier’s app on your phone (and don’t forget the TPG App).

Before you leave home, download the airline’s app, log in to your account and set up push notifications so you’ll quickly know if there are any changes to your reservation. This will ensure you receive updates about your flight as soon as they’re made available, which is especially helpful during irregular operations where updates will sometimes appear before they are announced at the airport.

In situations involving delays or cancellations, having easy access to your airline’s mobile app can be a huge help. In addition to receiving flight change notifications in one easy-to-access spot on your phone, you can track your flight. Some airline apps will even let you track your checked luggage, request to be placed on standby for an earlier flight, rebook yourself if something goes wrong with your original flight and chat with a live customer service agent should you need assistance.

Double-check lounge access policies

A lot has changed recently when it comes to airport lounges. As such, you’ll want to read up on airport lounge access, including guest restrictions, before you set out on your summer travels.

For example, just because you could bring the rest of your travel party into the lounge with you as guests last summer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to do that this time around.

American Express has updated the guest policy for its network of Centurion Lounges. Unless cardholders hit a $75,000 minimum spending requirement on their eligible American Express card annually, they can no longer bring two guests in for free. There are still ways to ensure guest access to Centurion Lounges, but you’ll have to pay (unless your entire travel party is younger than 2; little ones can still enter for free).

Similarly, Delta Air Lines recently made its entry rules stricter than ever. Now, Sky Club members flying on basic economy tickets no longer have access to Sky Clubs unless they have an eligible Amex card with Sky Club access. Elite members on international flights in Main Cabin or Comfort+ seats are subject to the same restrictions but can use their Sky Club membership to access Sky Club lounges.

Eventually, Delta will limit the number of visits you can make to lounges each year.

If you can’t enter a lounge with your credit card, you could consider visiting a Priority Pass lounge with a Priority Pass membership or by paying for a reservation.

Book high-demand activities as soon as possible

No matter where your travels take you this summer, others are likely headed to the same vacation hot spots as you. National parks, cabanas, tours and even theme park restaurants book up early for summer dates. Fortunately, there are a few tips for snagging reservations before they sell out.

National parks

Certain national parks, including Arches, Glacier, Mount Rainier, Yosemite, Haleakala, Zion and Rocky Mountain national parks, require advance reservations to manage crowds. Other parks may require you to book select activities before you arrive.

To be sure you have the latest information for the parks you plan on visiting, check each official national park website.

Tours and attractions

As temperatures rise, so does the number of travelers wanting to visit or take guided tours of popular attractions — some require advance reservations or timed-entry tickets for guests.

For example, most of Washington, D.C.’s Smithsonian museums are free to visit, but a few require timed-entry passes that you can acquire in advance. Other must-dos, such as tours of government buildings like the U.S. Capitol Building, are free to visit but do not accept walk-ups; you’ll need to request a tour through the official online reservation system.

Disney tickets and restaurant reservations

Disneyland still requires theme park reservations in addition to purchasing a ticket. However, Disney World no longer requires reservations unless you have an annual pass or purchase certain promotional tickets.

It’s unlikely that every park will sell out on any given day, but it is possible that the park you want to visit will run out of entry slots. Because of this, it’s vital that you purchase your tickets and make your reservations far in advance if you have your heart set on visiting a certain park during the busy summer months.

Likewise, reservations for popular Disney World and Disneyland restaurants often book up faster than you can say “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” despite the fact that they’re available 60 days in advance. As a result, you’ll want to lock in your dining reservations as soon as possible, especially if you are planning a princess dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table or want to indulge in a space-age cocktail at Oga’s Cantina.

Beach and poolside cabanas

Unfortunately, you can’t reserve shaded poolside cabanas with cushioned loungers and fully stocked coolers by throwing your towel over a chair and hoping everybody else who walks by will think it’s already taken.

Typically, you can reserve cabanas on the day of your visit, but during busy times of the year, you may want to do it beforehand. This doesn’t just include hotels; you’ll also want to remember to do this for cruises and water parks.

Know your rights

What happens if something goes wrong when you’re traveling?

You should know what you are entitled to if your airline delays or cancels a trip based on rules outlined by the Department of Transportation.

In general, if the airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full cash refund. Don’t just accept a voucher for future travel (unless you are sure you can use it).

Delays can be a bit more complicated. You are not necessarily guaranteed a refund in the event of a long delay, though it never hurts to ask for one.

New rules, which define how long a delay can last in order to be considered “significant” and require cash refunds, come into effect this fall.

Additionally, depending on how you booked your trip, you’ll want to know of any credit card protections that may apply. Some travel credit cards offer compensation in the event of a canceled or long-delayed flight.

For example, The Platinum Card from American Express provides trip cancellation and interruption insurance* for up to $20,000 of a covered trip and incident ($10,000 per covered trip and a maximum of $20,000 per eligible card in a 12-month period).

If you realize your flight is likely to be delayed, know that standing in line isn’t the only way you can get rebooked (though you may want to try that, too). You can also check the airline’s app, visit an airport kiosk, call the airline or reach out via the airline’s social media channels for rebooking options. If you decide to call and are stuck on a long hold, try dialing an international number for faster service.

Ultimately, you are your best advocate when things go wrong; knowing the rules and your rights will help you get out of a bind when the unexpected happens.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Consider purchasing travel insurance

Travel insurance may be worth paying for, especially if you are traveling internationally. Before investing in travel insurance, though, check if it’s already covered with one of your credit cards. Many premium cards offer trip interruption, delay or cancellation insurance, so you may not need to buy a separate policy.

However, in some cases, you may still want to buy extra insurance for added peace of mind. Depending on your chosen policy, you may receive coverage for situations like medical evacuations or illnesses that cause last-minute cancellations (many of which are part of “cancel for any reason” insurance).

Get a credit card that pays for your bags

Airline baggage fees can quickly add up, particularly for families and those taking trips that require a lot of gear or more items than can fit in a carry-on bag.

Airline checked baggage fees vary greatly, with most starting around $35 for the first checked bag. Depending on how many bags you check, bringing luggage for yourself and your family can easily add an extra $70 or even hundreds of dollars to your travel costs.

Luckily, there are a few ways you can avoid paying baggage fees. One of the easiest involves having the right credit card in your wallet.

Some cards, including most cobranded airline cards, offer free checked bags. That means that travelers who are loyal to a particular airline can both benefit from waived checked bag fees and earn additional miles just by paying for their flights with a certain credit card.

Keep in mind that the rules vary by card regarding how many free checked bags are allowed under the benefit. Even if only one bag is covered, the money you save can go toward other vacation expenses, such as ride-hailing services, meals and attraction fees.

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