6 Common Flight Booking Myths—And the Real Data Behind Them

NEWS
Southwest’s Iconic Bag Policy Ends This Week

⏰ Time’s almost up! Starting Wednesday, Southwest Airlines will end its long-standing “two bags fly free” policy, a customer favorite for over 50 years.

The airline, under pressure to boost revenue, hasn’t revealed exact baggage fees yet—but expect costs similar to rivals (around $35–$40 per bag). The policy change affects most fares booked on or after Wednesday, though premium fare types and elite loyalty members will still get bag perks.

Southwest is also rolling out a new Basic fare, eliminating free changes and reducing credit expiration. The airline will phase out open seating in 2026, introducing assigned seats and premium options.

🧳 Carry-ons remain free, and bigger overhead bins are coming soon.

TRAVEL TIP
6 Common Flight Booking Myths—And the Real Data Behind Them

Booking flights can feel like navigating a maze of outdated advice and conflicting tips. But Expedia, in collaboration with ARC, debunks six common myths using real flight data to help travelers make smarter, cheaper decisions in 2025.

🔍 Key Myths Debunked with Data-Backed Truths

• Myth #1: Book as early as possible to get the cheapest fare.
  ✅ Truth: The sweet spot for booking international flights is 18–29 days before departure. Booking too early doesn’t guarantee lower prices.

• Myth #2: Weekend travel is the cheapest.
  ✅ Truth: Thursday is the cheapest day to travel internationally, while Sunday is the most expensive. Tuesday tends to be the least crowded travel day.

• Myth #3: Day of the week doesn’t affect booking prices.
  ✅ Truth: Sunday is the best day to book your ticket, saving up to 13%, while Friday is the most expensive.

• Myth #4: Holiday months are the busiest for air travel.
  ✅ Truth: July is actually the busiest month for flights—more so than November or December. February is the quietest.

• Myth #5: Summer is the most expensive time to fly.
  ✅ Truth: August is the cheapest month for economy fares, and July is the cheapest for premium tickets. March is the most expensive month overall.

• Myth #6: Flight prices keep rising every year.
  ✅ Truth: U.S. economy fares are down 2% from last year; premium ticket prices are down 5%. The cost gap between economy and premium has narrowed by 10% since 2019.

TSA PreCheck
How Do Americans Feel About TSA PreCheck in 2025?

A new survey from Upgraded Points reveals that while TSA PreCheck may not save as much time as expected, it significantly reduces travel stress. Among 1,500 travelers surveyed, TSA PreCheck users report lower stress levels and faster security processing—about 7 minutes quicker on average. The top benefits include shorter lines and not having to remove shoes, belts, or laptops. Still, 41% of non-users say they don’t fly often enough to justify the cost. Interestingly, 87% would be more likely to enroll if their credit card covered the fee. Overall, 94% of current members say TSA PreCheck improves their airport experience, especially for frequent travelers and families.

TOP SUMMER DESTINATIONS
From Vegas to Key West: 2025’s Hottest U.S. Summer Destinations

Tripadvisor’s 2025 summer travel report is in, and U.S. travelers are heading for a mix of high-energy cities and beachy escapes.

🏆 No. 1? Las Vegas, NV. Known for group trips, endless entertainment, and proximity to the Grand Canyon, “Sin City” is hotter than ever.

🌆 City favorites like New York City (#2) and Chicago (#5) offer jam-packed itineraries, while coastal classics like Myrtle Beach (#3) and Ocean City (#4) deliver laid-back vibes.

☀️ Florida dominates, with three top-10 picks: Panama City Beach (#7), Key West (#8), and Clearwater (#9). The Sunshine State continues to shine thanks to its theme parks, beaches, and road trip appeal.

Here’s the full Top 10:

1. Las Vegas, NV

2. New York, NY

3. Myrtle Beach, SC

4. Ocean City, MD

5. Chicago, IL

6. Honolulu, HI

7. Panama City Beach, FL

8. Key West, FL

9. Clearwater, FL

10. Nashville, TN

WONDERING!
✈️ How Early Should You Arrive at the Airport?

The answer to how early to arrive at the airport depends on several factors like luggage, airport size, and flight type.

For solo travelers with carry-on bags and trusted traveler programs, around 75 minutes can be enough. If you prefer a more relaxed pace—enough time to check in, get through security, and grab a snack—90 minutes is a safer bet for domestic flights.

Busy airports, holiday travel, or budget airlines often require more time, so plan on at least two hours in those cases.

For international flights, it’s wise to add extra time—typically 2.5 to 3 hours—to handle passport control and baggage check deadlines.

To avoid surprises, check real-time security wait times through apps or airport websites, and adjust your arrival time accordingly.

TOP TRAVEL CARD
5 Reasons the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Is the Best Travel Card for the Average Traveler

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Here are 5 reasons why it's a smart choice:

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2. Valuable welcome bonus – Earn 60,000 points (worth ~$1,200 in travel) after meeting minimum spend.

3. Strong rewards on everyday spending – Up to 5x points on travel and Lyft, 3x on dining and streaming, 2x on other travel.

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Whether you're planning one big trip a year or a few smaller getaways, this card offers the right mix of benefits and savings for everyday travelers. APPLY HERE