Tips for Post Pandemic Travel
Ready for a family trip? Here are tips for post pandemic travel.
After nearly 1.5 years of being locked at home due to the pandemic, I was literally giddy to get back on a plane with the family.
Just like relearning how to ride a bike, some things were similar while others have changed.
Read on for the top 5 tips from my trip.
1. Remember to use your Flight Credits from unused tickets
There were a couple of cancelled trips for us over the last 1.5 years due to the pandemic.
Namely, a Caribbean cruise and trip to Canada due to the border not opening up.
Thank you airlines for provided us with credit!
2. Redeem your credit card awards
Every year our Delta credit card allows us for 1 free companion pass. Thank you credit card for allowing us to roll this perk into this year!
As an additional tip, these awards are sometimes transferrable beyond your immediate family. We ended up redeeming this award for our sister-in-law as their tickets were pricey.
3. Corporate Programs for Car Rentals
One of the eye openers was seeing the crazy car rental prices. Due to high demand and low supply, the new “normal” is $80/day. Ouch!
Research whether your company has exclusive partnerships with the rental car companies. For me, I am entitled to both Hertz Gold and National Emerald.
Using these memberships, the rates were back to the pre-pandemic normal of $30/day. Thus, a huge relief for the wallet!
4. Dust off your TSA Precheck
Make sure you don’t forget and apply your TSA Precheck.
If you don’t have this, seriously consider it. There were many lengthy lines – at check-in, security, car rental and shuttles.
With TSA Precheck, it was a breeze to get through the security line especially when traveling with the family. The best benefit is that it lasts for 5 years.
5. Check out your local situation with Uber and Lyft ahead of time
Typically we use Uber to get a ride to and from the airport. This saves not only time but also long-term parking costs for our longer vacations.
Due to the pandemic, both companies do not allow for a front-seat passenger. As a result, the normal 4-seat capacity Uber we need forces us into the next class of car.
Like the car rental shocker, our normal $40 trip to the airport became an estimated $140. No thanks!
Summary
You have read my top 5 tips for post pandemic travel. Hopefully these tips will save you some bucks and make your travel less stressful.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring extra masks! The airlines, airport and shuttles still require them even if you are vaccinated.
Safe Travels!
About DadMBA: Through his schooling (he does have a MBA) & more importantly being a Dad, he has provided practical advice to family & friends on finances & other life topics. He loves helping others thus the creation of DadMBA.
