Travel Tips for Beginners and Frequent Fliers

Travel can be a hassle. Breeze is here to make it nicer and easier than ever before for solo, couple, friend group, and family travelers. Check out our list of comprehensive travel tips and spend your vacation relaxing instead of stressing.

Jump to:

• Tips for Booking the Perfect Trip
• How to Pack for a Flight and TSA Requirements
• How to Navigate the Airport and Security
• Enjoy Your Flight
• Holiday Travel Tips
• Travel Tips for Families
• Get Support for Your Flight  

Tips for Booking the Perfect Trip   

Hunting for a good deal? Flight prices and availability vary based on seasonality, demand, and the route you want to fly. Consider signing up for emails and following social media accounts to stay current on the latest flight deals available. Start your planning early. If you wait too long, flights could start to sell out and you’ll be left with fewer, more expensive options.  

Weekends are absolutely a busier time to travel. Do you have flexibility in your plans, want to avoid large crowds, and save money? Try looking for midweek flight options. Hotels are usually cheaper during these off-peak times as well. With the money you save, you could even extend your stay and maximize your fun time.

 

Weather delays can happen year-round. To avoid them, try booking direct flights.  The less stops you have to make, the less likely it is that you will encounter setbacks along the way. While booking a flight with a layover may be cheaper, there’s no beating the convenience a nonstop flight offers. 

Sometimes life happens and you need a quick option for last-minute travel. Whether it’s a business meeting, a family event, or a spontaneous getaway, it’s ok to book flights late when you need to. Breeze occasionally has deals on last-minute flights and we make it easy to browse them all. 

Preparing for the unexpected may help to relieve travel-related stress. Consider purchasing travel insurance ahead of your trip. Breeze partners with Travel Guard to offer coverage for your credit card-purchased trip, excluding rental cars. You can purchase this insurance on the Summary and Pay screen before final payment. 

Including secondary airports in your search can give you more options when it comes to travel. They may have more flexible travel dates available. They also typically have lower fares since less total traffic comes through the airport. Smaller airports often have more parking available and shorter lines through security. If you’re willing to drive a little farther, you just might fall in love with your regional airport and choose to fly from it more often. 

Creating an account and booking directly with Breeze as opposed to a third party provides the most streamlined experience and gets you the most bang for your buck. Quickly find your booking confirmation, make updates to your itinerary, and add extras directly from your Breeze Rewards™ account. By utilizing your profile, you can also earn BreezePoints which you can redeem to help pay for future flights.  

We offer several bundles that allow you to upgrade your experience at the best value. You can select your bundle during the checkout process or you may have the opportunity to upgrade after booking your flight, depending on availability. You can also save time and money on your trip by booking your hotel and rental car beforehand and pairing it with your other bookings. Breeze makes this super convenient by providing rental car options and unique hotel discounts when you book your flight. Bundling is almost always cheaper and takes the stress out of managing several separate bookings throughout your trip. You can also save by booking any trip add-ons ahead of time, including bags, seats, and pets. 

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How to Pack for a Flight and TSA Requirements 

The first decision to make when packing is whether you will check your bags or fly with a carry-on. Checking bags is convenient because you can pack more, you have less restrictions on what you can bring, you don’t have to lug your bags through the airport, and you can pick them up at baggage claim on your way out of your destination airport. Most airlines restrict checked baggage to 50 pounds without charging an additional fee, but also offer options for special-sized luggage. Check out Breeze’s full checklist for baggage before you fly with us. Carry-on bags are a nice option when you want to save money and you don’t need to pack as much. 

You want to be comfortable during your flight. A personal item like a backpack makes it easy to carry all the essentials you need while flying. Make sure to pack headphones, snacks, a book, entertainment, a neck pillow, and anything you may need to relax during your flight. Also, download any movies you want to watch and charge your devices ahead of time so you won’t be scrambling in the airport. Breeze also offers WiFi and free entertainment on most flights for your streaming pleasure. Pack large electronics like a laptop in an easy-to-reach space in these bags in case you need to remove them for security. 

Keep any must-have items with you in your carry-on, including medications and prescriptions. Also, many fliers travel with similar-looking luggage. Putting your name on all of your bags or adding a tag or ribbon will make them easier to identify at baggage claim. You may even consider putting an AirTag in your bag so that you can track it. 

Make sure that any liquids, gels, and aerosols that you bring in a carry-on are 3.4 ounces or less per container. They need to all fit in 1 quart size plastic bag. Put this near the top of your bag for easy access through TSA. Checked baggage usually doesn’t have a limit for liquids, gels, and aerosols. Devices containing lithium batteries such as portable phone chargers and laptop batteries typically need to be stored in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage. Review TSA’s checklist for a full rundown of what you can bring in a carry-on versus a checked bag.

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How to Navigate the Airport and Security 

Make sure to check-in starting 24 hours before your flight. Online check-in ends 45 minutes before your Breeze flight departure. You can print your boarding pass at home or download it to your phone when you check-in. You may also print it at the airport in the same place you check your bag. 

Many airports offer several different parking options for different budgets which you can reserve online ahead of time. Looking for alternative transport options to the airport? Carpool with a friend who is also traveling or ask a family member to drop you off. Several cities also have great public transportation options to get to the airport which may be cheaper. Rideshare is also usually an option in most places. 

Arrive at the airport early, at least two hours before your scheduled departure, especially during peak travel times. It’s much more relaxing to fly when you aren’t in a rush to get through security or find your gate. Pro tip – early flights make for a less crowded airport and more timely departure if you’re willing to take them. You may start checking your bags 2 hours before your Breeze flight and must do so no later than 45 minutes before flight time. 

If you don’t have luggage to check or you’ve already checked it, proceed to security. This is where you really want to budget your time. Security may have long lines at any time, but especially on weekends, holidays, and during peak travel seasons. Consider getting TSA PreCheck or Clear to beat the rush and get through security lines at the airport faster. If you are nervous about traveling through TSA or are a Guest with a disability or medical condition visit the TSA Support page to learn how they can accommodate you. Or you may call the TSA Cares toll-free number at (855)-787-2227. The MyTSA App also provides information and estimated wait times for security at various airports. 

If you have TSA PreCheck or Clear certification, look for the correct lines when you arrive. They are typically shorter. Make sure you have your boarding pass and a government-issued ID or passport ready to show the TSA officer. They may ask for these things as you go through security. Having them out and ready will make for a more seamless process.   

When you go through security with TSA PreCheck or Clear, you do not need to remove your shoes or electronics. Make sure that you do remove everything from your pockets. If you do not have TSA PreCheck or Clear, make sure to wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off and be prepared to remove any electronics larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bags. Make sure to also remove your belt and any bulky jewelry as they may set off the sensor.  

If you have extra time at the airport, consider perusing its shopping and dining options. Airports offer a variety of markets and restaurants for your entertainment. However, try to avoid overeating and drinking before boarding a flight. Sitting on a plane with limited mobility doesn’t mix well with a stomach full of greasy food or alcohol. A light, healthy snack and plenty of water can make a big difference when flying. It’s also a good idea to purchase any snacks you want for the plane and fill up your water bottle during this time. You may purchase snacks and beverages on your Breeze flight or enjoy them complimentary when you book Breeze Ascent (not including the Breeze Snack Box and Meat & Cheese plate). 

Use the departure/arrival monitors scattered around the airport to check on your flight status and gate. Arrive at the gate a little early so you can listen for any special instructions or information the gate agents provide. Flights typically begin boarding about 30 minutes before departure and gate doors will close 15 minutes before take-off. Airline staff cannot make an exception for late passengers, so make sure you aren't pushing it timewise. 

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Enjoy Your Flight 

When it’s time to board, avoid crowding the gate until your boarding group is called up. You should be able to see this boarding group on your ticket. Once you get on the plane, put your carry-on bag in the overhead bin and take your seat as quickly as possible. Put your seatbelt on and place your personal item under your seat. You can continue to use your phone but will need to switch it to airplane mode before takeoff. The quicker everyone boards, the sooner the plane can take off. 

Be kind to flight attendants and other passengers. This may seem like a no brainer, but being kind goes a long way towards making the experience better for others and yourself. People are more likely to help you in a time of need when you have shown kindness to them. As a bonus, respect others’ personal space on the plane and keep your seat area neat and clean.  

Listen for announcements from the pilot and flight attendants, especially the safety briefing given just before takeoff. If you sit in an emergency exit row, you will need to verbally confirm to flight attendants that you are 15 or older and that you are physically able to assist other passengers to exit the plane in case of emergency. If you are unable to help, let a flight attendant know and they can help you adjust your seating. 

Throughout the flight, feel free to enjoy any entertainment you brought, listen to music, or take a nap. If you want to listen to any audio, make sure you keep it on headphones to avoid disturbing other passengers. Keep the aisle clear unless you need to get up and use the bathroom. On longer flights, you may want to get up and stretch your legs periodically. If you do so, make sure the aisle is clear and be aware of your surroundings. Also, watch the fasten seatbelt signing on the plane to know whether it is appropriate to unbuckle your belt. You won’t be able to use laptops or your tray table until the plane reaches its peak altitude, but the pilot should make an announcement so you will know. On the plane, you may also have the opportunity to purchase snacks and beverages for refreshment. 

After the plane lands, stay seated until you arrive at the gate and the fasten seatbelt signage turns off. Wait your turn to exit the plane. Everyone has somewhere to be. Deplaning will go much faster if everyone waits to enter the aisle until the passengers in front of them start exiting. Make sure to take any carry-ons and personal items with you. If you see passengers near you in need of extra assistance, offer to help. 

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Holiday Travel Tips 

Take the stress out of booking holiday travel by planning ahead. Make sure you know the exact dates you need to be somewhere and start looking for flights early so you can get a spot on the best one. If you don’t have as much time to plan, traveling on the actual holiday might be your best bet. Holidays like Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Years Eve, and New Years Day generally show lower fares and have fewer crowds. 

In general, be prepared for busier airports, longer waits, and more frequent weather delays around the holidays. Plan on arriving at the airport earlier if you travel at peak times. Peak dates include the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and the few days leading up to and after Christmas. Try to travel a few days before or after these to avoid long lines and higher fares. January 8th is known as the post-holiday buffer date. Traveling after this date is generally a lot cheaper and less busy. Wait to travel after January 8th if you can. 

Worried about that special gift arriving in time for the holidays? Consider shipping it directly to your destination so it will be waiting for you when you arrive. If you need to carry it on your flight, pack it unwrapped in your luggage. This will make it easier for TSA security to identify the item and clear it. Many airports also include mini shopping malls inside where you can pick up last-minute gifts. 

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Travel Tips for Families 

Getting on a flight with babies, toddlers, or young children can be a challenge, but also a really rewarding experience. Whether you are taking them to visit family or to share a beloved travel destination with them, you should feel empowered to travel on your terms. Children usually need more time to get through the airport and to board the plane. They also require more patience to keep them happy throughout the experience. 

To make travel easier for families, Breeze offers free seat selection in our family seating for two adults traveling with one child, or for one adult per traveling child when more than one child travels. This option is available for Guests who book a Nice Bundle or No Flex Fare. We also allow families traveling with small children to board during pre-boarding. 

You may add infants under two years old as a lap companion on a Breeze flight, meaning you don’t need to purchase a confirmed seat for them. You may also purchase a confirmed seat for them by selecting a child booking on the Booking Flights screen. Make sure to bring documentation for them, either a birth certificate, passport, or vaccination record. 

Make sure to pack all the items you need for the plane and throughout the trip. Some of the most important essentials include diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, snacks, sunscreen, a first aid kit, toys/entertainment, and water. A diaper bag may count as your infant’s personal item on a Breeze flight. All Breeze planes are equipped with infant changing tables for your convenience. 

The TSA allows you to carry reasonable quantities of formula and breast milk in a carry-on that exceed the standard 3.4 ounces. They also allow ice packs or freezer packs to keep it cool. They recommend informing the TSA agent that you have such items as you go through security, to remove them and place them in a separate container for the screen process, and to transport in clear containers. You can read more about bringing formula and breast milk on a flight on the TSA’s website. 

You may also check one stroller or car seat per child at no extra cost on a Breeze flight. If you travel with two children, you can check a double stroller. Children and infants will also each have their own separate boarding pass, so make sure to print them off or download them ahead of time. If you have any additional questions about bringing children on your Breeze flight, check out our general support page for traveling with infants and children. 

Plan to arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would when traveling with children to give your family extra time to get through security, find your gate, and prepare to board the plane. Cut yourself some slack and remember that everyone has experience with children, even if it’s just that they were a child once. It’s ok if everything doesn’t go as smooth as you would like.  

If your children are old enough to understand airport processes, try explaining to them what the experience will be like. Where will their bags go when you check them? What will they need to do as they go through security? How will you find the gate? What will the boarding process be like? Answering these questions ahead of time may help them to feel more prepared when it’s time for the real deal. 

Healthychildren.org offers some tips to keep babies more comfortable on a flight so they are less likely to cry. Some ideas include bringing noise canceling headphones for them, planning your travel around their regular sleep time, changing their diaper before boarding, and giving them something to suck on, like a pacifier, to help them adjust to altitude and pressure differences. These tips aren’t foolproof but are a good starting place if you are anxious about flying with an infant. 

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Get Support for Your Flight 

Our Info & FAQs page is a great resource for learning about the Breeze experience and preparing for your trip. If you have any issues with your flight and you can’t find an answer online, feel free to chat with our Guest Empowerment Team. We hope that you have a wonderful journey and that all your travels are as simple and seamless as possible.  

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