How many pitfalls and pitfalls while traveling have you faced in 2023? Lost luggage, booking scams, rising prices – and let’s try to forget the summer of disruptions, a bingo card full of airport disruptions, strikes and delays.
But in 2024 you can get a head start. From avoiding the most expensive flying day to free lounge access and useful items, a panel of experts share their advice for traveling smarter this year. And if we get a repeat of last summer’s disruption, the must-buys will make it more bearable.
Never travel long distances on Friday
If you’re flying outside Europe, it will always cost more to travel just before the weekend, warns Justin Penny, head of aviation at Flight Center UK. “This is due to the business booking period: business travelers want to go home before the weekend, and airlines know they are willing to pay more for that.
“As a result, prices for Friday flights are always more expensive. If you travel on Saturdays instead, you can save hundreds of euros on long-distance routes.”
Short-haul travel is different, says Penny, because European airlines know that Brits are more likely to fly back and forth on different airlines, so competition keeps prices lower. “But no matter where you go, last-minute booking is never a good idea,” says Penny. “It almost always works out more expensive than booking in advance.”
Beware of ‘catching’ liquid in hand luggage
In 2024, the 100ml hand luggage liquid rule will finally come to an end (at least at some airports). Airports have been given until June to upgrade their scanning technology to a system that does not require liquids to be limited to 100ml or placed in a plastic bag at airport security, although some – including Manchester and Gatwick airports – have warned that early 2025 is a more realistic timeframe.
But if you’re returning to Britain, be warned: “If your destination airport does not have the relevant technology, you will not be able to take your oversized liquids in your hand luggage on the return journey,” advises Telegraph travelby Greg Dickinson.
“A fraction of the EU’s 347 airports are using the new technology, and the decision to extend liquid emissions allowances on flights is a government matter, meaning most passengers will have to wait a while before they can enjoy the benefits of the will experience rule change.”
Scan your most important documents
If you are ever unlucky enough to lose your passport, vaccination certificate or insurance papers while abroad, having digital backup scans is incredibly useful.
It’s essential that you have remote access while you’re traveling, so don’t just save them to your home desktop: create a folder on Google Drive (free), which can be accessed from any internet-connected device around the world . Make sure you remember your login details.
Airtag your luggage
This summer saw baggage issues at British airports, from glitches in baggage handling technology to staff shortages causing ‘bag mountains’ that took up to two weeks to clear.
If you’re an iPhone user, there’s really no excuse not to pack an Airtag in your suitcase. Apple’s battery-powered tracking device emits a Bluetooth signal that can be located through the Find My app; it weighs just 11 grams and the location updates are provided in near real time. Android users should consider Samsung’s SmartTag or Tile Pro.
Use a lounge pass for layovers
If you’re worried about flight delays or planning a long layover, purchasing lounge access in advance gets you unlimited dining, a decent place to relax, and free Wi-Fi—and you can hang out there no matter how late your flight is delayed is.
You do not need to travel in business class to gain access. No1 Lounges is selling passes to lounges in Gatwick terminals from £28pp, Heathrow from £34 and Birmingham from £32 – with additional savings for Virgin Flying Club members (free to join).
Some bank accounts also offer customers free lounge benefits, such as the NatWest Reward Black account and the Barclays Travel Plus Pack. The Amex Preferred Rewards Gold card allows users to get four free airport lounge visits every year.
Pay in local currency with your credit card
Abroad, credit cards can not only be faster and safer to use than cash, but often cheaper too (especially if you buy currency at the departure airport – a big no-no). But make sure yours uses real-time exchange rates and doesn’t charge transaction fees, like the Halifax Clarity Credit Card, Bip Credit Card (both MasterCard) and Barclaycard Rewards Visa.
Always ask at the cash register to pay with your card in the local currency, says Nick Trend, The Telegraph‘s consumer travel expert: “It is becoming increasingly common for foreign shops, restaurants and ATMs to offer the choice of a payment already converted into British Pounds, as an alternative to the amount being displayed in the local currency. Selecting the pre-converted rate will almost certainly cost you more.
“I’ve checked the comparison several times over the years and it has always been more expensive. Always choose the local currency.”
Make the most of points
Avios and other frequent flyer programs can be mind-boggling, but you’re missing out if you don’t sign up, says Rob Burgess, founder of points website Head for Points.
“British Airways is committed to continuing its Avios program into 2024. You will soon be able to pay for 100 percent of a flight in cash with Avios, while now you still have to pay taxes and fees in cash.”
Long-haul ‘Avios only’ flights will be operated, starting to Dubai in mid-October 2024: “every seat, in every cabin, can be booked with Avios for a particular service,” says Burgess. “You will even see Finnair adopt Avios as a loyalty currency in February, following Qatar Airways in 2021.”
And loyalty credit cards for travel and hotels will continue to grow as other rewards cards, such as cash back, continue to reduce their rewards, Burgess says. “Why settle for 0.25 percent cashback when you can get more valuable travel points? At least two new payment cards for airlines and hotels will be launched next year.”
Beware of booking scams
The disadvantages of booking holidays are increasing: a 41 percent increase year-on-year, says Action Fraud, the national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime. More than £15.3 million was stolen from Brits in travel-related scams last financial year, with a peak in the summer: from May to August alone, criminals defrauded holidaymakers of £4.6 million.
From losing £3,500 on a ski holiday that didn’t exist, to unknowingly paying criminals posing as airlines on social media, Telegraph readers have shared how they fell for some of the most advanced drawbacks of travel. It is essential reading for anyone booking a holiday online.
You must be vigilant against scamming payment requests for hotel bookings even if received through official channels or apps, warns Telegraph travel‘s consumer champion Gill Charlton. “If the message contains a payment link, it may be a fake ‘mirror site’. Hover your cursor over the link and the real destination can be found. Booking.com never asks customers for credit card details or payment card verification by text message or email.”
Don’t wait to book car rental
If you need to rent a car, avoid price increases by arranging it as soon as you book the trip. “People usually only book a rental car a few weeks before departure,” Trend advises; “This is a big mistake.”
“To get the best price you really need to plan six months in advance, especially for summer trips when there is a shortage of cars and especially for rush hour travel. When rates drop or deals become available, you can avoid missing out by booking with a company that allows free cancellation. Then you can cancel and rebook.”