What is the best day of the week to fly?

Tuesday

Deciding what day of the week is best to fly can be trickier than figuring out which flight time best suits you, as it relies more on other travelers’ decisions than your personal preference. According to Kayak, travelers can find “cheaper fares mid-week, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays often being more affordable days to fly out and return home.” Rachel Mumford, Kayak’s UK Travel Expert, tells us that “mid-week flights tend to be less popular amongst both leisure and business travelers, so airlines often lower prices to fill seats.”

“The best day of the week to fly, for leisure, is a Tuesday, in my view,” says Paul Charles. “This avoids the weekend city break travelers and the families, so you tend to get better seat availability. Having said that, it depends on the destination you’re going to.”

As a general tip, Charles advises to consider flying indirect when planning your itinerary. “Not only to often get a cheaper seat, but also to actually enjoy your journey a bit more,” says Charles, “Having a transit stop can enable you to take a walk in the airport terminal, get some steps in, browse in shops and even enjoy a walk in a tropical rainforest, such as at Singapore’s Changi Airport. Slowing down your journey can lead to a less stressful one.”

Friday

“Choosing which day to travel depends on the aim of your holiday,” Sophie Knight, CNT’s visuals editor, says. “If I’m doing a weekend away, I hate wasting valuable holiday days, so I try to book my flights accordingly—leaving Friday after work and returning late on a Sunday. Obviously, these tend to be the more expensive flights, so I try to keep an eye out for cheap flight deals.”

Sarah Allard, digital director, is with Sophie here. “I’m a big advocate of maximizing annual leave and getting in as many trips in a year as my 25 days (and bank holidays) will allow. A European city break is hard to beat, so I’m more than happy to set my alarm for an ungodly hour on a Friday morning, whizz to the airport, and jet off to my chosen destination in time for a mid-morning coffee and pastry.”

Must you fly out on other days, there are still ways to game the week to tip the odds in your favor. “Flying on a Saturday evening, instead of a Sunday evening, can ensure you get to your destination before the crowd and also often get a cheaper flight, especially if you’re flying in a premium cabin,” says Charles.

What is the best month of the year to fly?

“I think the best month of the year to fly for leisure is October,” says Paul. “It is past peak season, you still get frequent services before the winter timetable change, it’s still warm in Europe and getting warmer in Africa, and flight prices are more reasonable.”

This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.

If you’ve ever settled into your seat as a flight prepares to land, you might ask yourself, “Why do planes dim the cabin lights?” It can feel a little dramatic, sort of like the plane is setting a mood, but this isn’t an aesthetic choice. There’s a precise safety reason behind it, and it applies to takeoff too.

Dimming the lights is standard procedure during what aviation professionals call the critical phases of flight, which is the moments when, statistically, most in-flight incidents occur. “We dim the cabin lights before takeoff and landing mainly for safety,” says Anubha Jaiswal, a senior cabin attendant with IndiGo. “These are the most critical phases of a flight, and if there’s ever a need to evacuate, your eyes need to already be adjusted to the outside lighting conditions, especially if it’s dark outside.”

It comes down to a basic principle of human biology. The eyes take time to adjust from bright light to darkness. In an emergency, that adjustment delay, which can be anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes depending on the contrast, could make a critical difference. “When the lights are dimmed, your eyes adapt more quickly, so you can see emergency exit signs, pathways, and instructions clearly without that sudden adjustment delay,” Jaiswal explains.

There’s an outward-facing benefit too. Dimming the cabin also allows passengers and crew to see outside the aircraft more clearly, which proves helpful for spotting anything unusual on the tarmac or during approach. “It’s an important safety measure to ensure a faster and safer response in case of an emergency,” says Jaiswal.

The practice is mandated by both the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) for night operations, and most airlines apply it as standard procedure regardless of time of day, because even on a bright afternoon flight, conditions outside can change quickly on approach. It’s a small adjustment, but with a clear purpose. Because in the 90 seconds that aviation regulators say an aircraft must be fully evacuated in an emergency, every second of preparation counts.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller India.

Travel Debates is a series in which our editors weigh in on the most contentious issues that arise in-transit, like whether you should ever switch seats on a plane or if you should check your work email while on vacation.

Few components of travel these days are as reliably lawless as the boarding process. The moment it commences, myriad travelers swarm from their seats into a jumbled suggestion of a queue line to rival that of a celebrity closet sale on the Lower East Side. Heedless of their zone assignment and the congestion they cause, these loiterers have been dubbed “gate lice” for their astonishing ability to remain put even as others attempt shuffling past—and for airlines’ complacency in letting it slide.

Though we’ve all done it and judged it, the past few years have seen several major players make moves to end the madness. In 2024, American Airlines implemented technology at over 100 US airports to signal when passengers attempt to board before their assigned group, who are then sent back with a dose of public humiliation as punishment. Gate agents are taking matters into their own hands, with one at Delta recently announcing all passengers who tried boarding early would voluntarily check their luggage. But what could a lice-less world look like? And why are travelers so pressed to get on the plane, bags and all, in the first place? Below, commerce editor Meaghan Kenny, visuals and editorial production intern Clare Dolan, travel bookings commerce editor Jamie Spain, and associate news editor Hannah Towey unpack the vice—or shameless virtue?—of being a gate lice.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

The virtue of patience?

“I must admit, I tend to roll my eyes when I see hoards of gate lice running straight to the gate desk as soon as the first boarding group is called. Let’s be real. There’s no way all of you are in boarding group one. And I get it, everyone wants to make sure their carry-on bag has a spot in the overhead compartment and they’re anxious to get settled in their seat. But that assigned seat of yours isn’t going anywhere, and more likely than not, there will be a space for your bag. I’ve been in the last boarding group a countless number of times and have only been forced to check my bag on a full flight maybe three times. When every person rushes the gate, it creates chaos: The agents working there are overwhelmed and travelers who are actually in that correct boarding group are unfairly jumped ahead of. I say wait your turn! Head to the desk when your boarding group is called and the whole thing goes a whole lot smoother.” —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor

…or the vice of being lice?

“It really depends on the trip I’m going on and the mood I’m in the day of my flight. Yes, I have been guilty of being a gate lice, but at the same time, it’s one of my biggest pet peeves at the airport. I have definitely judged hovering travelers in the past; we all have tickets, we will all get on the plane before it leaves, and no one will take your seat. When I fly, I try to tell myself these reminders, but a defensive eagerness to get to my destination still manages to come out. And, honestly, if other people are going to hover, I will too.” —Clare Dolan, visuals and editorial production intern

The terms “comfort” and “economy seats” can often seem diametrically opposed, especially when it comes to long-haul routes. The idea of spending a lengthy flight in a cramped seat at the back of the plane is enough to make even the most adventurous traveler rethink their plans.

But not every affordable flight lives up to the bad reputation of stingy legroom, sparse cushioning, and limited recline. In fact, there are economy cabins that offer a decent amount of comfort, if you know where to look. A growing number of airlines are beginning to rethink economy seats on their longest routes to better accommodate fliers with roomier legroom pitch, wider seats, and inventive design features that maximize every square inch of space.

Below are 13 of the most comfortable economy class seats for long-haul flights. We’ve rounded up these specific airlines, planes, and cabins based on metrics like seat dimensions, convenient touch-points, and thoughtful amenities. It’s important to remember that these are still standard economy seats, so they don’t offer some of the more exciting bells and whistles that might be found in premium economy or business class cabins. However, the seats on this list are all respectable options for flying on a multi-hour flight when an upgrade might be out of reach.

JetBlue is one of the best US carriers when it comes to legroom, even in economy.

Brett Moen/JetBlue

JetBlue Airbus A321

The New York-based carrier is one of the top US airlines in terms of legroom. Its Airbus A321 long-range planes, used for its transatlantic routes to Europe, are no exception. In regular economy, called “Core” on JetBlue, expect to see 32 inches of pitch and 18 inches of width, and 3 inches of recline at your seat. You’ll also find a headrest with adjustable wings and power outlets (though not enough for every passenger to have their own charging port). On planes that also feature Mint business class, the Core cabin has 102 seats in a 3-3 layout, so the one drawback is a potential lack of elbow room as the A321 is just a single-aisle plane.

Japan Airlines Airbus A350-1000

Much of the attention on board JAL’s A350 plane, which debuted in January 2024, is focused on its luxurious first and business class suites. But even the back of the plane offers fliers a respectable amount of comfort. In the regular economy cabin, seats offer about 34 inches of legroom pitch and more than 18 inches of seat width, making them one of the roomiest long-haul economy options on the market. Plus, in the fully upright position, the seats sit back at a deeper angle than standard economy seats—before you even engage the recline function, which also offers several more inches of tilt. Extra features include a large 13-inch 4K entertainment screen, water bottle pouch and separate cupholder, power outlet, and USB-A and -C charging ports. The only downside to the cabin is that the 155 seats in regular economy are laid out in a 3-3-3 configuration, which means more dreaded middle seats. But the rows are spaced far enough apart that economy passengers shouldn’t feel too cramped. You’ll find these jets operating nonstop routes from New York JFK and Dallas Fort Worth to Tokyo Haneda.

All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

Another Japanese carrier that offers one of the most comfortable economy class seats is All Nippon Airways. Its coach cabin aboard its Boeing 797-9 Dreamliners that fly between Tokyo and Los Angeles offers relatively spacious seats with 34 inches of legroom pitch and 17.3 inches of width. The seats also come with a built-in footrest—a rarity outside of premium economy—plus several inches of standard recline. Instead of the seat simply tilting back, however, the seat pan also slides forward so as not to intrude too much on the passenger behind, giving each flier a bit more space. The seats are in a 3-3-3 layout, so avoiding the tight middle seat could be tough; though extra features like universal PC power ports and USB ports at every seat, thick cushioning, and a headrest that adjusts up and down, should help ease the pain.

The high ceilings and wide body of the double-decker Airbus A380 jets help to create an airy, spacious feel.

NurPhoto/Getty

Emirates Airbus A380

Emirates’ double-decker Airbus A380 jets are the stuff of aviation legend—even on the lower level in plain old economy. The cabin class offers seats with 34 inches of pitch, 18 inches of width, and a solid four inches of recline. With a total of 399 standard economy seats configured in a 3-4-3 layout, the cabin sounds like a crunch. But if you keep in mind what an enormous, superjumbo jet the A380 actually is—with higher ceilings and a wider footprint than most jets—those numbers start to sound a lot less stress-inducing. In fact, fliers who’ve experienced the A380 in economy consistently say that the cabin has an airy and spacious feel, despite its high passenger capacity. There’s also a padded adjustable headrest, a 13.3-inch entertainment screen, and over-the-ear headphones provided at each seat. From the US, you can catch Emirates A380s flying from Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York JFK, and Washington Dulles to Dubai, and also on special fifth freedom routes, like between New York JFK and Milan.

Singapore Airlines Airbus A380

Singapore’s economy class aboard its Airbus A380 planes is another spacious cabin, even if you’re riding all the way at the back of the superjumbo jet. The pitch in regular economy is a respectable 32 inches, and seats are a roomy 19 inches wide. When it’s time to relax after meal service, you’ll find the seatback able to recline six inches, which is quite a deep angle rarely found outside of premium economy class. (But don’t worry, the seatback entertainment screens have adjustable angles so you can keep watching even if the person in front of you fully tilts back.) Just like aboard Emirates’ A380, Singapore’s economy class on this double-decker plane is laid out in a 3-4-3 seating chart, but with the A380’s wider body and higher ceilings, it shouldn’t feel too crowded. Extra touch points at the seats adding to the convenience and comfort include a cup holder to free up the tray table space, phone storage, and a soft six-way headrest. You can find the A380 on the airline’s long-haul routes from Singapore to Hong Kong, London, Tokyo, and Melbourne, as well as its fifth freedom flights between New York and Frankfurt, among other destinations.

The exterior rows of Hawaiian’s A330 main cabin are ideal for couples hoping to avoid the middle seat, thanks to its 2-4-2 configuration.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330

These efficient Airbus jets fly the majority of Hawaiian’s long-haul routes, like its nonstop flights from New York to Honolulu (which may not technically be an international route, but at more than 11 hours each way, it’s one of the longest domestic flights in the US). Seats in the A330’s Main Cabin offer 31 inches of pitch, which is quite a bit tighter than what other airlines offer on this list. But if you can score a seat on the edges of the cabin, your spot is likely to feel a bit more spacious. That’s because the rows are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration, making the seats nearest the windows on either side a prime pick for couples or other travel duos. All 192 economy seats also offer seat width between 16.5 to 18 inches and a several inches of recline. If you’re worried about legroom, you could spring for one of the 68 Extra Comfort seats, which offer 36 inches of pitch, but those usually cost a couple hundred dollars extra on the airline’s longer routes.

Delta Boeing 767-400ER

With an average age clocking in at more than 23 years old, Delta’s Boeing 767-400ERs are certainly older planes. But when it comes to comfort in economy class, don’t count out these workhorse jets that fly many of Delta’s transatlantic routes out of Atlanta and New York JFK, among other long hauls. The Main Cabins on these old-reliables accommodate 156 seats that each offer 31 to 32 inches of legroom pitch, 18 inches of seat width, and three to four inches of recline. What’s more, the seating chart is configured in a 2-3-2 layout, eliminating middle seats on the edges of the cabin for more breathing space near the windows. Additional features like an adjustable headrest, USB ports, and a sizable entertainment screen make the flight feel smoother, even in the cheapest seats.

The new Swiss Senses economy seats on the Airbus A350 offer an extra inch of knee space, thanks to the seatback’s molded design.

Swiss Airbus A350

Zurich-based carrier Swiss launched a brand new economy cabin concept in March 2025 called Swiss Senses. The new product features seats upholstered in tasteful checked beige material and offer 31 to 33 inches of seat pitch, with an extra inch of knee space, thanks to the seatback’s molded design. The roomy seats are up to 19.5 inches wide with a 6-inch recline. Additional conveniences include a 6-way adjustable headrest, USB charging port, a 13.3-inch entertainment screen with Bluetooth connectivity, and a cupholder. Cabins on the Airbus A350 jets—the first aircraft to receive the new cabins—are configured in a somewhat-cramped 3-4-3 seating layout. But the airline is also retrofitting its A330 jets with the Swiss Senses product, and those cabins feature a more favorable 2-4-2 configuration. The first A350 plane debuted on Swiss’ Zurich-to-Boston route in November 2025, and the carrier is rolling out the cabin to its other long-haul routes throughout the US in phases.

Qantas Boeing 787-9

On its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets, Australian carrier Qantas offers an economy cabin with solid design elements to maximize passenger comfort. Each of the 166 seats in the cabin have 32 inches of pitch and are 17.2 inches wide. The cabin is designed in a 3-3-3 seating arrangement, so armrests could become a battle ground. But that drawback is balanced out by other design perks. A shelf for personal electronic devices and a water bottle holder help maximize space, and every passenger has a large 12-inch entertainment screen. The highlight of the economy cabin might be the unique “footnets” located under every seat. This small hammock is essentially a mesh footrest that gives a bit of extra support to fliers’ feet and legs. Combined with the seats’ six-inch recline, passengers have a good chance of getting some meaningful rest on board. As an added bonus, economy passengers have access to a self-service area where they can grab drinks or snacks at any time during the flight. US-based travelers can find the airline’s 787-9 planes on routes from Dallas, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

Cathay Pacific’s economy class on its Airbus A350-1000 planes feature a dark mode option for watching movies while the cabin lights are dimmed.

Courtesy Cathay

Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific was awarded the mantle of World’s Best Economy Class in 2025 by Skytrax. Looking at the seats on its Airbus A350-1000 planes, it’s easy to see why. Each seat in the jet’s economy cabin is 18 inches wide and offers 32 inches of legroom pitch with up to six inches of recline. Seats are configured in a 3-3-3 layout with design elements like an adjustable leather headrest, a dedicated shelf for personal devices, cupholder, and personal USB port, making each spot feel more efficient and comfortable. Entertainment screens have also been thoughtfully designed with a dark mode for watching movies while the cabin lights are dimmed (without waking your neighbors). In the US, Cathay operates its A350-1000 out of Dallas, New York, Chicago, and Boston.

For flying between the US and Asia, Korean Air’s superjumbo A380 jets offer roomy economy cabins.

Getty

At some point, nearly all travelers will experience the demoralizing task that is searching for cheap flights when there are none: Anxiously setting price alerts, comparing alternative airports, and desperately attempting every travel hack that comes across your TikTok feed. Amidst the frantic goose chase, you may find yourself asking a simple question with a complicated answer. Is there a best day of the week to buy airline tickets?

In recent years, this type of booking strategy has become largely passé. That’s because airline pricing models have become infinitely more complex. “Many moons ago, when airlines would load schedules once or twice a week, on a certain day you were able to snag the better priced inventory early,” says Katy Nastro, a spokesperson and air travel expert at flight deal site Going.com. “Those days are long gone, and airlines are pricing and repricing in real time, multiple times a day, mostly based on demand and inventory.”

However, there is some data that purports that some days of the week will, on average, have less expensive airfare than others. According to a 2026 report from Expedia, for example, Friday is the cheapest day of the week to book airline tickets, with fares slightly reduced by an average of 3% compared to other days.

The timing of when you purchase a flight ticket can indeed add up to significant savings, but it’s not necessarily the day of the week that’s the deciding factor. Here’s what travelers should know about when to buy airline tickets to find affordable flights.

It’s booking windows—not specific days—that really count

Instead of asking if there’s a best day to buy airline tickets, the more relevant question travelers should be asking is how far in advance should I buy airfare? Purchasing airline tickets during a prime booking window is one of the sure-fire ways to find reasonable prices, pricing data shows. Going calls these “Goldilocks Windows,” or times when the pricing is just right to find a deal.

During peak seasons like summer or winter holidays, travelers should plan to book 3 to 7 months in advance for domestic trips and 4 to 10 months ahead for international flights, according to Going’s data. Outside of peak times, those windows shrink to 1 to 3 months for domestic flights and 2 to 8 months in advance for international trips.

“People need to think of booking airfare as working with a bell curve,” Nastro says. “The windows are the framework for when the odds are highest of you finding a great price. Book too early or too late and you are sitting on the edges of the curve” and deals become harder to find.

However, cutting it even closer can also have its perks. Expedia’s data shows that international travelers can save an average of $190 on airfare if they book 31 to 45 days before a trip, as compared to six months ahead. Travelers willing to gamble and book an international flight less than two weeks out might find the biggest discounts: Expedia found that booking just 8–14 days ahead can save international fliers an average of $225.

Check monthly price data for reliable intel

When it comes to the best days to book airline tickets, it might be worth browsing for flights in July, when airfares are 18% cheaper than in December, one of the most expensive months to book, according to Expedia.

Flying during off-peak months can help keep ticket costs low. August, for instance, is one of the most affordable months to fly, with airfares 29% cheaper on average than flying during a peak month like December, Expedia’s report says. International destinations see some of the biggest price cuts during this month, and travelers can save an average of $120 per ticket by flying in August, per Expedia.

Emirates has become the first airline in the world to offer comprehensive travel cover to many international passengers traveling through and to Dubai, following months-long regional uncertainty that continues to affect regular travel insurance.

The new insurance product includes conflict-related medical expense protection, free 30-day trip extension, airline-managed hotel stays and support during disruption. Under the policy, supported by Travel Guard, it also promises to rebook passengers on other airlines during conflict-related cancellations at no extra cost. Emirates customers can purchase the cover at the time of booking or add it to existing bookings.

With many Gulf countries subject to the highest level of government travel warning due to the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, passengers traveling to and transiting through regional hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have often found themselves uninsured. Emirates’s Comprehensive Travel Cover is not affected by any change to government travel advice.

Emirates’ president, Tim Clark said: “Emirates is pleased to offer an enhanced travel insurance product that is as comprehensive as it is reassuring for a wider range of situations. With strong demand for travel in summer, we are proud to offer our customers added confidence in planning their journeys to and through Dubai when they book with Emirates.”

Emirates’ announcement is intended to give passengers more confidence when considering travel to the region. Currently, approximately 40,000 passengers transit through Dubai International Airport daily, which is down from a pre-war figure of 100,000 per day.

Etihad Airways is also set to offer insurance to international passengers visiting the UAE. Last week, the airline announced it had partnered with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) to provide free health insurance for all its international passengers landing in the UAE.

The complimentary coverage, provided by Daman (part of PureHealth), will be available from July to December 2026 and will offer cover for 15 days, giving tourists ample opportunity to explore the capital.

In a statement, Antonoaldo Neves, the chief executive officer at Etihad, said, “Giving comprehensive medical insurance with every eligible Etihad ticket means our guests can focus entirely on experiencing the extraordinary Emirati hospitality Abu Dhabi has to offer. This is what it looks like when an airline and a destination truly invest in their visitors.”

Before details of Emirates’s insurance product were announced, the airline’s president Tim Clark revealed its plan in an interview with the Financial Times on June 11. Clark told the UK newspaper that the airline would create a “reasonably priced” policy that would guarantee travelers getting back, “irrespective [of whether it’s] on Emirates or not.”

“I think one of the big concerns (for travelers) is that if they get caught overseas and they can’t get back,” Clark says. The airline, which made a profit of $6.6 billion between March 2025 and March 2026, is working with insurance companies “to do the right thing.”

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the full resumption of air traffic on May 2, lifting the remaining restrictions on the country’s airspace. Emirates is currently flying to 138 destinations worldwide, while Etihad is serving over 80 routes.

A version of this story originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller ME.

For fliers who haven’t encountered it before, SSSS on a boarding pass stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection. It’s the Transportation Security Administration’s method of selecting passengers for additional security checks—and no amount of frequent flying, elite status, or pre-approval through a Trusted Traveler Program such as Clear, NEXUS, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck guarantees immunity.

I learned this the tedious way in 2021, after my husband and I returned from a month-long trip to Türkiye and the Republic of Georgia. The international leg was smooth enough: We flew directly from Istanbul to Dallas and breezed through immigration without issue. The trouble began immediately afterward, when we tried to check in for our connecting flight home to Minneapolis.

First, the airline app wouldn’t issue our boarding passes. Then the self-service kiosk rejected us, too. It wasn’t until an airline agent printed our tickets that we saw it: the dreaded SSSS stamped across both of our boarding passes.

The TSA agent who scanned our boarding passes asked us to step aside while he radioed his supervisor. “We got a quad,” he said. That’s TSA shorthand for SSSS.

The screening was extensive: My husband and I were separated from our shoes, coats, and electronics; asked to pass through a metal detector and body scanner; and then subjected to a full-body pat-down. Our hands and feet were swabbed for trace explosives. Every inch of our carry-ons was unpacked and scrutinized; same for the checked luggage. The TSA agents were polite and professional, but the delay nearly caused us to miss our flight.

At first, I wrote it off as an annoying one-time hiccup. Then it happened again. We were SSSS’d flying from Dallas to Minneapolis, from Minneapolis to New Orleans, and from New Orleans back to Minneapolis. Each time, the first sign of trouble was the same: We couldn’t check in online or at a kiosk and had to see an agent for printed boarding passes. Each time, the extra screening added a fresh layer of stress to an already tight airport timeline.

While some groups of travelers are all too familiar with being flagged for invasive TSA screenings, others glide through security without incident—that’s when an SSSS code can come as a real surprise. And even when the process itself is quick, it can still throw off the delicate choreography of getting to the gate and settling in for a long flight.

What triggers SSSS on a boarding pass?

“Years ago, you could travel like a rock star to wherever you liked, on short notice, with no itinerary, pay in cash, stay overnight in party destinations, and do it all on a one-way ticket,” says Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director, Americas at World Travel Protection. “The world has changed.”

One common misconception, says Harrison, is that national aviation authorities like the TSA are the first screening line for passengers. It’s actually the airline. “When you book a plane ticket in today’s digitized world, your airline submits your name, gender, and date of birth to the TSA for clearance,” he says. “Airlines are motivated to ensure you are TSA-approved before you take to the skies [because] there are fines for allowing uncleared passengers onto aircraft.”

Travelers might be marked for booking one-way tickets, buying flights at the last minute, paying in cash, flying to or through countries deemed higher-risk, changing an itinerary frequently, or having a name that resembles someone on a Department of Homeland Security watch list. Sometimes, the selection appears to be random.

You’ve probably heard of the Chase Sapphire Preferred—either because you have this credit card, or because you’ve traveled with someone who does.

For less than $100 a year, this travel card comes with an annual hotel credit, generous complimentary travel insurance, and neat rewards on dining, online groceries, and travel expenses.

If this wasn’t compelling enough, the Chase Sapphire Preferred actually just got better: As of June 10, 2026, new and existing cardholders will get even more benefits with no increase to the $95 annual fee. Here’s everything you need to know about the updates.

A $100 annual hotel credit more than covers the card fee

The Chase Sapphire Preferred hasn’t been updated in several years. Out of the new perks, the two best changes are the $100 annual hotel credit, and the bonus rewards on gas and EV charging expenses as well as vacation home rentals.

Cardholders also get a $100 annual credit toward hotels booked through Chase—double the previous amount—and statement credits worth up to $120 once every four years to cover the cost of Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS enrollment for expedited airport security screening. The $100 hotel credit alone gets you ahead of the card’s $95 annual fee, and goes much farther toward covering the cost of an average night’s stay than the previous $50. (If you’ve already used your Sapphire Preferred credit for 2026, you’ll receive an additional $50 to spend before your next card anniversary.)

Pay for your next vacation with elevated rewards

Starting June 15, 2026, new and existing Sapphire Preferred cardholders will earn 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on gas and EV charging purchases as well as vacation home rentals, including Airbnb and Vrbo. Earning 3 points per dollar on gas and EV charging also makes current fuel prices feel a little more bearable, while the same elevated rewards rate brings Airbnb and Vrbo purchases on par with hotel stays and other traditional housing.

Furthermore, cardholders will also get complimentary emergency evacuation and transportation travel insurance coverage on eligible claims, as well as a one-year Apple TV+ subscription if they activate this benefit by December 31, 2026.

All of these new perks are in addition to the Sapphire Preferred’s many existing benefits, which include earning 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase; 3 points per dollar on dining and online groceries; no foreign transaction fees on purchases made internationally; and generous travel insurance protections on flights, hotels, and rental cars that you purchase with the credit card.

A no-brainer for families and casual travelers

With these new benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred becomes a no-brainer for families and casual travelers who need a credit card that works for both everyday expenses as well as travel. The bonus categories allow you to quickly rack up points on food, transportation, and other little expenses that add up in no time—funding your next big family vacation or getaway before you know it.

If you only take a big trip once or twice a year, the Chase Sapphire Preferred makes far more sense in your wallet than a pricy credit card with luxury travel perks. Premium travel credit cards like the Amex Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve often focus heavily on rewards for airfare and hotel spending. However, infrequent travelers often turn to road trips when flight prices trend upward, especially when traveling with a family.

Two drawbacks primarily impact points and miles fans

There are, however, two major downsides to the Sapphire Preferred’s newest update: Chase to Hyatt transfer rates are decreasing, and the 10% anniversary bonus is going away. While this news is a bummer for points and miles aficionados, everyday travelers and cashback rewards fans will barely notice the change.

That’s not to minimize the current disruptions. But it helps explain why many tourism operators are viewing the situation as disruptive but manageable.

“From the operators we work with in Bolivia, the message is consistent: this is not unprecedented, and it is not, from their perspective, a cause for serious alarm,” says Alice Farkas, a marketing and communications specialist at Aracari Travel, which operates in Bolivia.

What does this mean for my trip?

For most visitors, the answer depends on how much you plan on traveling internally within Bolivia.

Bolivia’s marquee attractions remain open. Travelers are still visiting the Salar de Uyuni, exploring Sucre’s colonial center, spending time on Lake Titicaca, and exploring the Amazon. Hotels and tour operators continue to welcome guests.

However, the complicating factor is transportation within the country, as classic Bolivia itineraries often involve long travel days between destinations, many of them by road. When protests close a major route, what would normally be a straightforward road trip could become significantly delayed—or require rerouting altogether.

“There is also a fuel shortage nationwide, which means that even where road travel is technically possible, many vehicles simply cannot operate,” says Farkas, adding that they recommend travelers look into flights where they may otherwise have driven. “Air travel is experiencing some delays for the same reason, but it remains the most reliable way to move between cities right now.”

Should I cancel my trip to Bolivia?

At the moment, most operators say no.

“At this point, we are advising travelers to modify rather than abandon their plans,” says Farkas. “For those with itineraries that include La Paz, adjustments are sensible. For travelers heading to Uyuni, Sucre, Santa Cruz, or the Amazon, there is no reason to change plans.”

She added that her company recommends avoiding La Paz as a destination for now, or using it only as a transit point.

Similarly, rather than telling Americans to avoid Bolivia altogether, US officials are urging travelers to avoid protest areas, monitor local developments, prepare for transportation disruptions, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get alerts from the US embassy or consulate.

Browne recommends checking in regularly with tour operators, hotels, and transportation providers before departure and throughout a trip, as conditions can change quickly. Travelers should also build additional flexibility into their schedules, particularly if they are moving between multiple destinations.

What to know about travel insurance

Travelers should also review the fine print of their travel insurance policies before departure, says Lee Thompson, co-founder of adventure tour operator Flash Pack.

“The point people miss is insurance,” Thompson says. “Once a government advises against travel to a region (meaning Level 3 or 4), most policies covering it stop being valid. So you’re not just weighing risk, you could be traveling completely uninsured.”

Travelers with trips booked independently may want to contact their insurer directly to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered before departing.

It’s worth noting that the State Department did also update its advisory in April to add a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for the country’s Chapare Province, a coca-growing region in central Bolivia that has long faced issues related to narcotrafficking. The warning is unrelated to the current protest movement and applies to a Central Bolivia region that most international visitors are unlikely to encounter on a typical Bolivia itinerary.

For now, operators say Bolivia remains very much open to tourism. But visitors should arrive with realistic expectations about travel delays—and a willingness to adapt if plans need to change.

Travel Debates is a series in which our editors weigh in on the most contentious issues that arise in-transit, like whether you should ever switch seats on a plane or if you should check your work email while on vacation.

You’ve got TSA PreCheck and Clear, your travel partner does not. To stay or to leave, goes the modern moral dilemma. Sacrifice time (and clean socks) in the name of a shared journey or go solo in an ever-so-slightly shorter queue, emerging on the other side with a bottle full of water yet a heart racked with shame. Or you just might be the PreCheck-less traveler who knows very well your partner’s enrolled yet still guilts them into sticking it out with you—a punishment for their planning ahead.

This patience-testing, potentially combustible situation is one we’re very familiar with at Traveler. Should you ditch your travel companion if they don’t have TSA PreCheck? Are you inclined to use what you’ve paid for—or are you set on leaving no man behind? Is there a way, dare we say, to use your lack of PreCheck to your advantage? Below, senior features editor Rebecca Misner, global digital director Arati Menon, destinations senior editor Shannon McMahon, and senior visuals editor Pallavi Mohan Kumar weigh in on all that could go down at the security crossroads.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

See you on the other side?

“Hard yes. Unless your companion could use a hand or is traveling with young kids (in the latter case, if this person also happens to be your spouse or partner, really not cool to leave them with the stroller, diaper bag, squirming kids). Otherwise, ditch away. Getting through security is often stressful, especially at airports where you’re still taking out your laptop or seemingly putting every item in its own bin. A little alone time for both parties during a potentially high-stress point—especially at the start of a trip that you’ll have plenty of togetherness on—isn’t a bad idea. The kind thing to do, if you’re first through, is to go get in the coffee line or scout the best food options.” —Rebecca Misner, Features Director

Think of the traveler you once were…

“I have plenty of family members who don’t have TSA PreCheck, so my answer is easy: I wait with them. Now, I should probably disclose two things. First, I have a planet-sized guilty conscience, so leaving a loved one to the regular security line while I breeze through would haunt me all the way to my destination. Second, I vividly remember instances (not dissimilar to this) where I was the one with the weaker passport in the travel hierarchy, and had folks willingly stand with me in the much longer immigration queue. That kind of solidarity sticks with you. To me, it’s a small price to pay for traveling together—and racking up brownie points as the favorite family member or best friend.

That said, I do have a larger question, perhaps for another discussion: what happens when everybody gets TSA PreCheck and the balance tips the other way? If everyone gets the privilege lane, who ends up waiting with whom? Is there a new hierarchy?” —Arati Menon, Global Digital Director

…and the traveler you have become

“I usually don’t mind being separated from my husband or travel partner while traveling—it’s fine to have some alone time and pair up later. But recently I gave birth to twins and am a first-time mom, and so I think that really upends things. My days of saying to him ‘see you on the other side’ are over. With one baby I think we would both say that ditching the other is grounds for divorce, so with two, you better stick with me and take those shoes off. If we’re alone somehow though and his TSA PreCheck has lapsed while I still have mine? See you on the other side with a coffee, like Becca said.” —Shannon McMahon, Senior Editor, Destinations