Summer Travel Checklist: 11 Essential Steps to Ensure a Fantastic Trip

Even though summer officially begins in late June, many parts of the country are already experiencing the season. Now is the ideal time to plan for every scenario to make sure your summer vacation goes off without a hitch.

If you're looking to book a summer getaway or are in the planning stages, be sure to include these tasks on your to-do list.

Secure your travel arrangements and choose your seats today.

While we've discovered numerous domestic and international flight deals for summer travel, you may find that booking last-minute flights can still be quite costly if you don't seize these sales as soon as they appear.

If you haven't booked your flight for June, July, or August yet, it's advisable to do so sooner rather than later, especially for international trips.

A fantastic resource for finding deals is Google Flights. It allows you to set alerts for your preferred travel dates and routes, enabling you to track prices for a week or two before making a decision. Conveniently, Google Flights also provides the average fare for your trip and whether the price you're offered is competitive; plus, you'll get an email alert if there's a significant price drop after signing up for notifications.

While there's no definitive 'best' day to book flights, data suggests that traveling midweek generally increases your chances of securing the lowest fares, according to the booking app Hopper.

"To score the best deals, we suggest tracking prices using a tool like Hopper's Price Watch to set alerts for your summer trips now," advised Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper. "Enter your desired destination and travel dates, and the app will notify you as soon as prices decrease and a great deal is identified."

If you book your flight and notice a price drop before your departure, you can cancel your original reservation and rebook at the lower fare, depending on your ticket type. If a full cash refund isn't possible, you might receive a flight credit—be sure to check your booking terms and consult with your airline if you're uncertain.

Another important step when booking is to select your airline seats in advance. The longer you wait, the more crowded the plane will become, resulting in fewer seating options.

Similarly, when reserving a hotel room, ensure it's refundable so you can rebook at a lower price if you find a better rate. This advice also applies to bookings made with points.

Be sure to double-check your passport's expiration date.

While it may seem obvious, it's crucial to verify your passport's expiration date before embarking on an international journey. Most countries require at least six months of validity left on your passport.

You'll also need to consider the time it takes to renew your passport. As of December, the U.S. Department of State advises travelers to anticipate a turnaround of six to eight weeks for renewals, and two to three weeks for expedited processing.

Some countries mandate at least one or two blank pages in your passport for visa purposes. Therefore, in addition to ensuring your passport is valid, check that you have sufficient empty pages. For instance, one blank page is required for Mexico, Canada, and many European nations, while two are needed for countries like China and South Africa.

TSA PreCheck is a fast-track airport security program managed by the U.S. government, allowing prescreened, low-risk travelers to use a special security lane instead of the standard Transportation Security Administration line. Approximately 99% of TSA PreCheck users get through security in 10 minutes or less, according to the TSA.

Travelers with TSA PreCheck are not required to remove liquids or electronic devices from their carry-on bags, nor do they need to take off their shoes, belts, or light jackets before going through metal detectors.

A five-year membership for TSA PreCheck begins at $78 per person and can be renewed online for $70 per person. However, many credit cards provide up to a $100 statement credit for the TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry application fees, as long as you use that card for your membership payment.

Nearly 50 cards cover the costs associated with TSA PreCheck (and/or Global Entry), including:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($120 statement credit starting Oct. 1, 2024)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($120 statement credit starting Oct. 1, 2024)

If you have multiple international trips planned, consider applying for Global Entry rather than just TSA PreCheck. Global Entry is a program offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that facilitates quicker reentry into the U.S. after traveling abroad. Membership in Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, making it a potentially valuable investment if your summer travel includes international destinations. Starting Oct. 1, Global Entry will cost $120 for a five-year membership.

While utilizing the express security lane incurs an additional fee, it can greatly shorten the time it takes to travel from the ticket counter to your departure gate. This is particularly beneficial during peak travel periods like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day weekends.

Sign up for Clear

Though some airports, like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), may still experience long wait times even with Clear Plus, being part of this program can often save considerable time at airports such as New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

So, what exactly does this program entail?

Similar to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, Clear is a fast-track security program that operates at over 50 airports and other locations, boasting more than 14 million members across the country. Additionally, travelers can now sign up for TSA PreCheck at Clear lanes in 14 airports and counting.

To enroll in Clear, you'll need to allow the company to collect biometric identifiers, which Clear captures through fingerprint and iris scans, streamlining the identity verification step in the TSA screening process. Once you're a member, you can access a dedicated (usually shorter) security lane for quicker access to TSA agents and screening. You'll scan your eyes before a Clear representative leads you to the front of the line for the traditional security screening machines.

Clear is priced at $199 annually, which is significantly more expensive than the five-year memberships for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. However, some elite members can qualify for discounted or even complimentary membership fees.

If you hold Delta SkyMiles elite status (Diamond Medallion or Delta 360) or United MileagePlus elite status (United Premier 1K or United Global Services), you can register for Clear at no cost. Delta Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medallion members, along with United Premier Platinum, Gold, and Silver members, can access a reduced annual fee of $149. Even entry-level Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members are eligible for a discount at $179 per year.

Certain credit cards may also provide a statement credit for Clear.

Holders of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card can subscribe to the service for $149 annually.

Moreover, you can receive up to a $199 statement credit for Clear Plus membership through these American Express cards (enrollment required):

• American Express® Green Card (includes an annual statement credit for up to three family members)
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The details regarding the American Express Green Card have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

Verify that your Global Entry membership is still active

If you utilize Global Entry to re-enter the U.S. after traveling internationally, you’re likely aware of how it can expedite the immigration process. Global Entry is applicable at both land ports of entry, such as the Canadian and Mexican borders, as well as at airports. It remains valid for five years.

Prior to your journey, examine your Global Entry card for its expiration date. The expiration for your Global Entry membership, which aligns with your birthday on the fifth anniversary of your approval, is displayed in your online account and on the back of your Global Entry card.

Due to delays in processing renewals, CBP has provided grace periods of up to two years for renewals, but you must submit your renewal application through your online account before your expiration date.

Just a reminder, children cannot use Global Entry lanes with a parent unless they have their own membership. Also, remember that certain credit cards provide Global Entry credits, potentially making your membership free.

Download your airline's mobile app

No matter which airline you are traveling with, it's crucial to have the carrier's app installed on your phone (and don’t forget the TPG App).

Before you head out, make sure to download the airline's app, log into your account, and activate push notifications so you're promptly informed of any changes to your reservation. This way, you'll get flight updates as soon as they become available, which is particularly useful during irregular operations when changes may be communicated before airport announcements.

In cases of delays or cancellations, having your airline's mobile app readily available can be extremely beneficial. Not only can you receive notifications about flight changes in one convenient location on your phone, but you can also track your flight status. Some airline apps even allow you to monitor your checked luggage, request standby for an earlier flight, rebook in case of issues with your original flight, and chat with a live customer service representative if you need help.

Verify lounge access rules

There have been many recent changes regarding airport lounges. Therefore, it's essential to familiarize yourself with airport lounge access, including any guest restrictions, before embarking on your summer travels.

For instance, just because you were able to bring your entire travel group into the lounge as guests last summer doesn’t guarantee you can do the same this time.

American Express has revised the guest policy for its Centurion Lounge network. Cardholders must now meet a $75,000 minimum spending requirement annually on their eligible American Express card to bring in two guests for free. There are still options to secure guest access to Centurion Lounges, but they will incur a fee (except for children under 2, who can enter for free).

In a similar vein, Delta Air Lines has tightened its entry policies. Sky Club members traveling on basic economy tickets can no longer access Sky Clubs unless they possess an eligible Amex card that provides Sky Club access. Elite members on international flights in Main Cabin or Comfort+ seats face the same restrictions but may use their Sky Club membership for lounge entry.

In the future, Delta will restrict the number of lounge visits permitted each year.

If your credit card doesn't grant you lounge access, you might want to check out a Priority Pass lounge with a Priority Pass membership or consider paying for a reservation.

Make sure to reserve popular activities as early as you can

Regardless of your summer travel destination, it's likely that many others will be visiting the same popular spots. National parks, cabanas, guided tours, and theme park dining options often fill up quickly for summer dates. Luckily, there are several strategies to secure reservations before they are fully booked.

National parks

Several national parks, such as Arches, Glacier, Mount Rainier, Yosemite, Haleakala, Zion, and Rocky Mountain national parks, necessitate advance bookings to control visitor numbers. Other parks might require reservations for specific activities prior to your arrival.

To ensure you have the most current information for the parks you wish to visit, be sure to check the official website of each national park.

Attractions and Tours

As the temperatures increase, the number of travelers eager to explore or join guided tours at popular attractions also rises — some of these require advance bookings or timed-entry tickets for entry.

For instance, while most of Washington, D.C.'s Smithsonian museums are free to enter, a handful do require timed-entry passes that can be obtained beforehand. Other must-see experiences, like tours of government sites such as the U.S. Capitol Building, are also free but do not accommodate walk-ins; you'll need to schedule a tour via the official online reservation portal.

Disney tickets and dining reservations

Disneyland still mandates theme park reservations along with ticket purchases. In contrast, Disney World has lifted the reservation requirement unless you're an annual pass holder or buy specific promotional tickets.

While it's improbable for every park to sell out on any given day, your desired park might run out of entry slots. Therefore, it's crucial to buy your tickets and secure reservations well in advance if you're eager to visit a particular park during the bustling summer season.

Similarly, reservations at popular dining spots in Disney World and Disneyland restaurants tend to fill up quicker than you can say "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," even though they can be booked 60 days in advance. So, make sure to reserve your dining experiences promptly, especially if you're aiming for a princess dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table or fancy a futuristic cocktail at Oga's Cantina.

Cabanas at the beach and pool

Sadly, you can't secure shaded poolside cabanas with comfy loungers and fully stocked coolers just by tossing your towel on a chair and hoping others assume it's occupied.

Generally, you can book cabanas on the day of your visit, but during peak seasons, it’s wise to reserve ahead of time. This applies not only to hotels but also to cruises and water parks.

Understand your rights

What should you do if things go awry while traveling?

It's important to be aware of what you're entitled to if your airline delays or cancels your flight, as specified by the Department of Transportation.

Typically, if your airline cancels your flight, you have the right to a full cash refund. Avoid accepting a voucher for future travel unless you're confident you can utilize it.

Delays can be a bit tricky. While you're not guaranteed a refund for lengthy delays, it's always worth inquiring about it.

New regulations will outline the duration a delay must reach to be deemed "significant" and warrant cash refunds, taking effect this fall.

Moreover, depending on how you booked your travel, it’s crucial to understand any credit card protections that might be applicable. Some travel credit cards offer reimbursement for canceled or significantly delayed flights.

For instance, The Platinum Card from American Express offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance* covering up to $20,000 for eligible trips and incidents ($10,000 per trip and a total of $20,000 per eligible card in a 12-month period).

If you notice that your flight is likely to be delayed, remember that waiting in line isn't your only option for rebooking (though that’s an option as well). You can check the airline's app, visit an airport kiosk, call the airline, or connect via the airline's social media channels for rebooking possibilities. If you're stuck on hold for a long time, consider calling an international number for quicker assistance.

In the end, being your own advocate is key when issues arise; understanding the rules and your rights can help you navigate unexpected challenges.

*Eligibility and benefits may vary by card. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. For details, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Think about getting travel insurance

Travel insurance can be a wise investment, particularly for international trips. However, before purchasing, verify if your credit card already provides coverage. Many premium cards include insurance for trip interruptions, delays, or cancellations, so you might not need an additional policy.

In certain situations, purchasing additional insurance can offer extra reassurance. Depending on your selected policy, coverage might include medical evacuations or illnesses leading to last-minute cancellations, often included in "cancel for any reason" insurance.

Choose a credit card that covers your baggage fees

Airline baggage fees can accumulate quickly, especially for families or trips requiring a lot of equipment or more items than can fit in a carry-on bag.

Checked baggage fees can vary significantly, with most airlines charging around $35 for the first bag. Depending on how many bags you check, transporting luggage for yourself and your family could easily add $70 or even several hundred dollars to your travel expenses.

Fortunately, there are several strategies to avoid baggage fees. One of the simplest ways is to have the right credit card in your wallet.

Many cards, particularly cobranded airline cards, provide complimentary checked bags. This means loyal travelers can enjoy waived baggage fees and accrue extra miles simply by using a specific credit card for their flights.

Remember that each card has different rules about the number of free checked bags allowed. Even if just one bag is included, the savings can be redirected to other vacation expenses like rideshares, meals, and attraction fees.