Boston – Travel savvy can save you time and money. CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg talks to WBZ about the holiday travel season and what you need to know as 2025 begins.
Will Spirit be alive by next January?
The Wall Street Journal reported that Spirit Airlines is considering the possibility of filing for bankruptcy. What does that mean for the average traveler?
Greenberg says travelers should continue to book, but they should also think ahead. “The real question is, will Spirit be alive by next January? And now it’s an existential threat to them. They have $3 billion in long-term debt,” Greenberg said. Ta.
Greenberg says to book Spirit tickets with a credit card so you can easily get your money back if the airline suspends operations. Next, he advises travelers to make a backup plan to get to their destination. For very cautious travelers, Greenberg suggests booking a flight on another airline that is refundable if you need to reach your original destination.
Southwest is considering changing its business model
Southwest Airlines is considering changing its business model. Greenberg said the investor group wants to boost airline profits through things like premium seats, reserved seats and higher airfares.
But will the airline’s famous baggage-free fares continue? “This is a third rail for them. Will they get into baggage trading? Right now they’ve announced that they’re not going to get into baggage trading, but you know, at some point, they’re going to get into baggage trading. is going to take over the asylum, and we may have to deal with that by January or February,” Greenberg said.
Please check your passport
Greenberg says it’s a good time to check your passport’s expiration date. Many countries will prevent you from entering the country if your passport expires within six months. The Department of State reports that the new online update service will reduce turnaround times and eliminate the need for trips to the post office.
“The good thing about this is you can take an ugly passport photo of yourself at home. You don’t have to go to Staples or CVS. And, you know what they say, if it starts to look like your passport photo, It’s like, ‘It’s time to go home,”’ Greenberg said.
Skip the customs line
If you’re returning from overseas, Greenberg says avoid getting stuck in customs lines. Instead, you can download a free app called Mobile Passport Control, which allows the process to be processed electronically and provides faster response times.
The fastest program is still Global Entry. The membership process requires an application, background check, interview, and $120 fee. “When you get off an international flight, who wants to wait in line for two and a half hours? There’s no one there. With Global Entry, you go straight to the kiosk. It basically reads your eyes. It’s all biometric now and within 2 minutes you’re at baggage claim which is the best thing ever and if you apply for Global Entry you get TSA pre-screening too so it’s a win-win. ” Greenberg said.
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