With increased security, high costs, long lines and constant delays, Americans are becoming more and more frustrated at the airport. Jean talks with Today show travel editor Peter Greenberg about how to ease the headache of traveling and save some money on future trips.
How to Travel More Efficiently:
Avoid weekends and instead travel midweek, when airports are less crowded.
Save yourself time and headaches by sending your bags to your destination before you leave. "If you follow my advice and do a three-day-in-advance discount, it's about $45 a bag," Peter says. This way, you don't have to wait for your luggage at baggage claim upon your arrival.
When problems arise, don't stand in line. "It is the worst thing to do because by the time you get to the front of that line, all your options have evaporated," Peter says. Instead, carry with you the phone numbers of airlines so if there is an issue, you can protect yourself by exploring options on the phone.
Tips for Traveling on a Budget:
If you're traveling internationally, choose to visit places where the value of the dollar is fairly strong. Destinations like Turkey, Switzerland and Croatia haven't switched over to the Euro and are more budget-friendly, Peter says.
If you're traveling internationally, get your hotel to guarantee your rate in U.S. dollars so you are not affected by a further slide of the dollar against a foreign currency, Peter says.
Start comparison shopping for flights 45 to 60 days in advance. Airline computers are intentionally set up not to give you a deal outside of that time frame because they are looking at the law of supply and demand, Peter says.
