10 Hacks, Apps, and Tips for Flying in 2026

Smarter ways to fly this year

New year, new travels! As 2026 kicks off, there’s one big question on every frequent traveler’s mind: when’s the next trip? From sunny beach escapes to wellness retreats and big-city getaways, the start of a new year brings fresh motivation to plan trips. And with the right hacks, apps, and tips, flying in 2026 can be smoother, less stressful, and easier on your wallet.

Here’s a round-up of our favorite travel advice for a year of fresh adventures.

• Check one-way tickets

  When you’re buying your fares, compare the price of roundtrip tickets vs. one-way. You may be able to save $$$ by booking a couple of one-way flights on different airlines.

  In big cities like New York, which have multiple airports, it might even be cheaper to fly into one airport and out of another. Just make sure you factor in travel costs as some alternative airports may be outside of the city. You don’t want to save money on flights only to spend it on a pricier ride-share!

• Download airline apps

  Your airline’s app can be the ultimate stress-saver when you’re flying in 2026. Most apps include features for you to manage flights, check in, pick your seat, and even purchase in-flight entertainment. You can also find gate numbers and updated departure times, all in one place.

  Bonus: It’s usually the easiest and fastest way to rebook your flight if there’s a delay or cancellation.

• Leave the seat assignments for later

  Don’t buy assigned seats when you book your flight! Quite often, you’ll be able to buy those same seats for less as you get closer to your travel date. And airlines may even reduce the price of upgraded seats. But it’s a gamble. Window seats and exit rows may sell out, especially on busy travel dates or to popular destinations. So only leave the seat purchases for a later date if you truly don’t mind where you sit.

  The exception? If you’re flying with kids, pick seats early so you can be sure you’re all sitting together.

• Pack smart with PackPoint

  Not sure what to squeeze into your suitcase? We’ve got you! Or rather, PackPoint does. This app builds a customized packing list based on your destination, plans, and the weather forecast. So you’ll have everything you need, without overpacking.

• Screenshot your boarding pass

  Having your boarding pass sent via text/email or saved to an airline app is super convenient—until it suddenly isn’t. If there are any WiFi issues, you’ll find yourself scrambling for a printed pass. And some airlines will charge extra for that.

  Screenshot your boarding pass at home, save it to your Favorites album, and boom! No fumbling and no stress, just easy-peasy boarding.

• Search Google Flights

  You guys, this is hands-down the best app for booking your flight! It’s a great tool for comparing routes and tracking prices. Just choose your departure and destination cities, then use the calendar to find the cheapest days to fly.

  Google Flights is even better if you haven’t locked in a destination or travel dates. Enter your departure city and let their “Explore” feature do the work for you!

• Ship your luggage

  2026 travel resolution: skip airport hassles and headaches! Ship your stuff to your final destination with LugLess. No more hauling through the airport, risking overweight luggage fees, or wasting time at baggage claim. And all for less than the price of the average checked bag.

• Stress-free flying in 2026? Accomplished!

• Store items in Apple or Google Wallet

  Both of these apps function in pretty much the same way. You guys can use them to store everything from boarding passes and digital IDs to attraction tickets and credit cards, all in one easy-to-access place.

• Take advantage of free stopovers

  Have extra vacation time or want to check out someplace new? Some airlines will let you book free or low-cost stopovers (usually 24 hours or more) in their hub cities. It’s a great way for you guys to turn one trip into two without paying for the extra flight!

• Use MyTSA

  One of the biggest unknowns when you’re flying in 2026 is getting through TSA. Not the process itself (we all know what to expect!), but the timing. Will you get through in 10 minutes, or is there a long wait?

  Take out the guesswork with the TSA Mobile app, which shows both historical and live, crowd-sourced wait times. You can also double-check what’s allowed in carry-ons and read up-to-date screening guidelines.

If you’re flying in 2026, these hacks, apps, and tips will save you time, money, and stress. Happy travels!