Best practices for trouble-free travel to the Lower 48

Sure, it’s still summertime. But the kids are getting ready to go back to school. So it’s time to review some best practices for upcoming trips to the Lower 48 — or beyond. Of course, these tips work for everyone.

Before you go

What’s the best time to buy a ticket? Three months out? Three weeks out? As a rule, the best prices are available three weeks in advance. If you purchase your ticket two weeks in advance or a few days in advance, you’ll likely pay more.

The best time to purchase a ticket is when you’re sure your plans won’t change. If you’re quite sure about your dates six months in advance of Christmas travel, go ahead and buy them. If your dates are flexible, you can wait a little longer to see if there’s a good deal that pops up.

For a good look at air prices to your destination, check the Google Flights tool online. You can review the history of ticket prices between two airports and there’s a price graph to review prices on specific dates.

When planning your flights, give yourself plenty of time between flights, particularly at busy airports like Seattle. Anything less than two hours is asking for trouble, particularly if you are changing airlines.

Remember: if you’re checking bags and you’re traveling on two different airlines, Alaska Airlines may not automatically transfer your bag. That’s one reason to opt for a longer layover. You may need to claim your bags in Seattle and re-check them at the counter, pay the fee and go through TSA one more time.

Check bags or carry-on? With Alaska Airlines and Delta, you get two checked bags free when traveling to or from Alaska. Alaska requires that you belong to the free Club 49 program. Delta requires that you belong to its SkyMiles loyalty plan.

Even if you plan to carry on everything you own, if you don’t board early, there’s a chance you’ll have to check it anyway. That’s because there’s not enough overhead bin space. Pack accordingly.

If you can’t get good seats when you’re making initial reservations, check back closer to departure. Plans change. Seats become available when elite-level flyers are upgraded. When checking on seats within two or three days of departure, exit-row seats often become available. Grab ‘em for extra legroom!

Comfort class

You’ll see more and more of the noise-canceling headphones on board. Get a pair. You’ll never go back. Lots of travelers use earbuds, but I like the over-the-ear cups best. There are several top-notch brands, including Bose (my favorite), Beats, Sony or Sennheiser. Shop around at Costco, Amazon or your favorite big-box store.

Lots of folks also use neck pillows to mitigate the misery of trying to sleep in economy class seats. Those don’t work for me since the seat itself only comes up to my shoulders. Other folks (mostly kids) just bring their actual pillows on board.

I recommend bringing on board a sweater or an extra layer with you. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking off from Death Valley (or Las Vegas). It’s going to be cold on board the flight — and there are no blankets.

Also recommended: portable reading lights and external batteries to charge your phone or iPad. That’s because more overhead lights are malfunctioning, as well as the USB and power ports that don’t work. I like Petzl’s portable headlamps.

One request: If you’re sitting in economy class, please don’t recline your seat. There’s not enough room. That’s the fault of the airlines, which keep cramming more and more seats on to the plane. Yes, you have a “right” to recline. But if you’re sitting in front of me, you’re going to get some excellent lumbar support — from my knees.

Miles or money?

If you’re hoarding a bunch of frequent-flyer miles, consider using them. Your miles are worth more now than they will be tomorrow. That’s because award ticket prices continue to go up, up and away. Hyper-inflation is rampant in all loyalty programs.

Miles also are very handy if you have to buy tickets within three weeks. Or within a week. Or, for particularly pricey in-state itineraries.

If you find an extraordinary deal on a ticket, it might be worth it to just buy it and earn some more miles. Or, if those first class seats aren’t available, you can save your miles for another day.

Best credit card?

I teach a class on this particular subject, since there are many variables. If you live in Alaska, the Alaska Airlines Visa card (from Bank of America) is a standout favorite. The companion pass that’s included each year is a great deal ($99 plus taxes of $23-$100).

Alaska’s credit card sign-up bonus is important — it’s been as high as 70,000 miles. There’s a $95 annual fee and a $3,000 minimum spend within 90 days, with a $6,000 annual minimum spend thereafter.

But I recommend carrying a more robust “flexible spend” card, where you can transfer points to other airline and hotel programs. If you pay rent each month, I recommend the Bilt Rewards card. There’s no annual fee and you accrue frequent flyer points when you pay rent. Transfer the points to Alaska Airlines, or a number of other airlines and hotel programs.

There’s a smorgasbord of other flexible spend cards that include lounge memberships, travel credits and other goodies. I carry the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550 annual fee), plus the Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 annual fee) card. But there are other good plans out there with American Express (particularly for Delta flyers), and Capital One’s Venture plan.

At the airport

If you haven’t applied for Global Entry, make plans to do so. The cost is $100 per person for five years. In addition to expedited re-entry to the U.S. when you clear customs, TSA Precheck is included. That will save you time at all major airports.

By the way, your Global Entry card qualifies as a Real ID-compliant document, so there’s no need to pay more for a compliant driver’s license. A passport also qualifies as a Real ID. If you don’t have a passport, get one now.

Before your flight

Never trust the food or water on the aircraft. Pack your own lunch or stop at the store for sandwiches and snackables on the way to the airport. Or, buy a snack to go at the airport. Fill up your water bottle in advance, or you’ll be stuck with boxed water on board.

I like Alaska Airlines’ fruit-and-cheese platter. But it’s expensive and I often forget to pre-order it. If you plan ahead and use your Alaska Air Visa card, you’ll get a 20% discount.

The cost of your hotel usually adds up to more than your air ticket. It’s one reason I like the flexible spend rewards cards. That way, I can move the points to a hotel program I like, including Hyatt, Hilton, Bonvoy or IHG.

If the cost of a traditional hotel is too spendy, you can drill down into vacation rental sites like Airbnb and VRBO. It’s sort of the wild, wild west, particularly with add-ons like cleaning fees, host fees and so forth.

Rental cars also can be a budget-buster. My go-to spot to compare all-in pricing on car rentals is Costco. You do have to be a member to make reservations.

If traditional car rental companies are too pricey, check with Turo.com. It’s usually cheaper than cars at the airport, but there are extra charges for delivery or airport pick-up, or even trip fees. But it’s another option when prices are high.

Sure, there are lots of extra detours when planning your getaway — or a back-to-school trip for the kids. But it’s worth it! I’ll see you at the airport.