Weekly Newsletter: February 17, 2022 Edition

Flying on a budget… airline?

We appreciate budget airlines for their simplicity and affordability. That's why we found Spirit and Frontier’s merger plan particularly interesting. However, some travelers might be hesitant to try them, which is unfortunate. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What qualifies an airline as “budget”? Typically, these airlines provide just the essentials – any additional comforts will incur extra charges.

Does that imply they are less safe? Not at all. These airlines are just as safe as their larger competitors.

How does this differ from basic economy? On most flights, you typically select the basic option. However, with budget airlines, that’s the only choice available.

What’s included? What do I need to pay for? Included: your seat. Charges apply for: beverages, entertainment, snacks, printed boarding passes, and more.

Visit the Travel Hacker Blog for a comprehensive guide on flying with low-cost airlines.

The pre-check

With more destinations easing mask mandates, more places are ready to welcome back travelers, along with insights on balancing your payment options. Here are the latest travel updates.

Which places are likely to lift mandates? Hawaii is set to remove COVID-19 travel restrictions this spring.

Where are masks now optional? Starting March 1st, Norwegian Cruises will make masks optional for passengers onboard.

Which destinations are welcoming visitors? The UK is open for fully-vaccinated travelers without any quarantine or testing requirements.

Another destination ready to say “oui” to travelers. Not to be outdone, France has eased some entry requirements. Fully-vaccinated and boosted US travelers can enter without testing or quarantining.

Thinking of putting your trip on layaway? Travel brands (including Dinogo) now offer alternative payment options; here’s what to keep in mind.

Voices from the Community

Insights and stories from fellow travelers to enrich your own adventures.

Young, Black, and Exploring: Insights and Advice In honor of Black History Month, we recently spoke with our team member Sydney Powell, a talented traveler and designer. In her latest blog post, Sydney shared her inspiration for entering the travel industry and valuable lessons from her journeys abroad. For the complete story, don’t miss our Q&A feature with Sydney on the Travel Hacker Blog.