7 Expert Travel Hacks to Save Time and Money in 2026
Booking travel is tricky, but insiders know hacks that let them pay less and avoid delays. We spoke with travel expert Scott Keyes, founder of flight deal subscription service Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to get the inside track on saving on airfare and avoiding delays, cancellations and other headaches.
If you need to reschedule a flight, for example, Keyes advises calling the airline’s international office. The airline’s U.S. customer service line, he says, is usually tied up with other travelers and wait times can be hours long.
“The airlines have offices all around the world,” Keyes added. “You can call any one of them and get through to an agent much quicker.”
Check out more of Scott’s sage advice below.
1. Time your booking right
An essential rule for finding a low airfare price is knowing when to look for it. Keyes uses what he calls “the Goldilocks window,” the time when cheap fares are most likely to pop up for domestic and international flights.
“For domestic flights, if you’re talking peak season, it’s about three to seven months in advance,” he says. “For international flights, it’s four to ten months.”
If you’re traveling during an off-peak season, look at airfares one to three months in advance for domestic flights and two to eight months ahead for international trips.
Finding the “Goldilocks window” in the real world
Keyes tells a story about a friend who was getting married in Las Vegas at the end of March. For months, he watched a particular fare from Portland to Vegas that was just frozen at $407. At the end of December, though, he saw the price quickly decrease. Finally, in mid-January — about two months before the wedding — the fare dropped to $79.
He booked the ticket and saved $328, or more than 80% of the originally advertised fare.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a reasonable annual fee and earns flexible travel rewards, which makes it a great travel card for beginners or heavy travelers.
- Valuable welcome offer worth at least $750 in travel
- You can transfer miles to over 15 Capital One partners, including Emirates Skywards, Choice Privileges and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- No foreign transaction fees
- Lacks ongoing travel benefits such as statement credits or lounge access
- Limited bonus spending category that only applies to certain Capital One Travel bookings
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fee
2. Follow the 21-day rule
At the same time, you don’t want to wait too long before booking. According to Keyes, the fine print of your ticket includes an advance purchase requirement that states you must purchase your flight 21 days before departure to get the best fare.
“On Day 20, that flight is no longer available and the new cheapest fare is now $100 or even $200 more,” he said.
To avoid losing out, set a reminder 21 days before your planned flight as an absolute deadline for buying a ticket.
3. Check one-way flights
If you’re flying domestically, Keyes recommends checking one-way flights with different carriers before automatically booking roundtrip.
“There are times where one airline might have the cheapest outbound flight and a different airline might have the cheapest return flight,” he explains.
4. Book to avoid cancellations and delays
Canceled or delayed flights can wreak havoc on your vacation. You can’t always plan for them, but there are strategies to minimize the risks and the consequences.
Book non-stop flights: If your non-stop flight is late, you might just need to wait an hour or two. But if you have a connecting flight, the delay might cause you to miss it. “Then, you’re reliant on being rebooked and it could be a day or two until the next available flight,” Keyes said.
Pick early-morning flights: According to Keyes, early-morning flights have a higher completion rate due to better flying conditions. Plus, airplanes awaiting early flights are parked at the airport overnight, waiting and ready to go.
Avoid checking a bag: “If your connecting flight gets canceled and they need to accommodate you, it’s just much simpler if they don’t have to also try to find your bag in the belly of one plane and switch it to another plane,” Keyes says.
5. Get reimbursed by your credit card for delays and cancellations
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Access to 1,550+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass™ Select lounges (enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges – more than any other credit card company on the market* – enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
- More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
- More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
- More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
- Whenever you need us, we’re here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
Foreign transaction fee
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests.
- Up to $300 in annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase’s travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Top-tier travel and shopping protections
- High annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase TravelSM, including The EditSM and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
6. Only get a travel card if you can use it responsibly
Keyes identifies as a savvy user of travel credit cards and says he enjoys being able to score free travel and lodging through his card’s rewards.
At the same time, he doesn’t think a travel card is right for everyone.
“You need to have decent credit,” he says. “You need to be able to handle credit responsibly, treating a credit card like a debit card, not spending money you don’t have and paying off your balance every month.”
Otherwise, the interest you rack up will outweigh any benefits you’ll get from points or miles.
If you’re new to the points game, Keyes suggests getting one card, earning the welcome bonus and then spending it on free travel. After that, you can decide if it’s worth the time and effort to continue.
“If you do one card, open it up, put most of your spending on it, that’s going to get you one free flight every year,” he says. “And for a lot of people, that’s plenty.”
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase’s travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Long list of travel and shopping protections
- $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit
- Has an annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase TravelSM
- 10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
The card does charge a $95 annual fee, so make sure you’re using it enough to justify the cost.
7. Buy travel insurance
While many credit cards have extensive travel benefits, a travel insurance policy is going to offer more extensive protection, from the types of coverage offered to the dollar amount you can be reimbursed for.
Faye Travel Insurance
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Policy highlights
Faye has one single-trip plan with optional add-ons for pet care, adventure sports and damage to vacation rentals.
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Emergency medical: $250,000
Medical evacuation: $500,000
Personal effects: $150 per item (up to $2,000 total) -
Cancel For Any Reason coverage
Up to 75% reimbursement of nonrefundable trip costs if purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit.
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Pre-existing condition waiver
Available if policy is purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit.
Pros
- $2,100 per person trip delay coverage after six hours
- 100% digital claims process
- Can add coverage for pet care and vacation rental damage
Cons
- Only one plan is available
- Rates are higher than some competitors
Faye covers trip delays for up to $300 a day and $2,100 per trip standard, for delays over six hours. It even has optional pet care coverage, offering up to $2,500 reimbursement for unexpected in-trip veterinary expenses and $250 for boarding if your return trip is delayed or canceled.
USI Affinity Travel Insurance
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Policy highlights
Single- and multi-trip/annual policies, as well as cruise insurance, travel medical insurance and plans for students, groups and international travelers visiting the U.S.
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Cancel For Any Reason coverage
Add-on for Plus and Elite plans reimbursing 70% of trip costs if purchased within 14 days of booking (21 days with Plus plan). Not available in New York.
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Pre-existing condition waiver
Available with any plan purchased within 14 days of initital deposit (21 days with Plus plan).
Pros
- Medical-only insurance available
- CFAR is available for plans bought up to 21 days after booking
- No age limit
Cons
- CFAR only covers up to 70% of trip costs
- Trip delay coverage requires delay of 12 hours
USI Affinity’s InterMedical Insurance® plan combines medical and evacuation coverage and will cover trips outside of the traveler’s home country from 5 to 364 days. Premiums start at just $1.35 a day, with three coverage limits and four deductible options.
Under the Plus plan, the window to be covered by USI Affinity’s pre-existing conditions waiver is 21 days, longer than most competitors.
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For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, click here.
*Eligibility and Benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit American Express’s Benefits Guide for more details.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
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