BOSTON – As a smart traveler you can save time and money. CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg spoke with WBZ about what you need to know as we approach the holiday travel season and the start of 2025.
Will Spirit still be alive next January?
The Wall Street Journal reports that Spirit Airlines is discussing a possible bankruptcy filing. What does that mean for the average traveler?
Greenberg says travelers should keep booking, but think ahead. “The real issue is: Will Spirit be alive next January? And right now it’s an existential threat to them. They have $3 billion in long-term debt,” Greenberg said.
Greenberg says to book Spirit flights with a credit card so you can easily get your money back if the airline ceases operations. Second, he urges travelers to come with a backup plan to reach their destination. For very cautious travelers, Greenberg suggests booking a flight on another airline that is refundable if you need to reach that original destination.
Southwest wants to change its business model
Southwest Airlines wants to change its business model. Greenberg says an investor group wants the airline to generate more revenue through premium seating, assigned seats and higher airfares.
But will the airline’s famous no-bag fee remain in effect? ‘It’s the third track for them. Will they get the luggage deal? So far they have announced that that is not the case, but you know what, at some point the auditors will take over the shelter, and in January or February you may have to deal with that,” Greenberg said.
Check your passport
Greenberg says it’s a good time to check your passport’s expiration date. Many countries will not let you enter if your passport expires in six months or less. The Department of State reports faster turnaround times with its new online renewal service, so you can skip that trip to the post office.
“The only good thing about this is you get to take your own ugly passport photo at home. You don’t have to go to Staples or CVS. And you know what they say: if you start looking like your passport photo, it’s time to come home ,” said Greenberg.
Skip the line at customs
Speaking of coming home from abroad, Greenberg says don’t wait in line at customs. Instead, you can download a free app called Mobile Passport Control, which allows you to be processed electronically and places you in an expedited queue.
The fastest program remains Global Entry. The membership process requires an application, a background check, an interview, and a $120 fee. “Who wants to wait in line for two and a half hours when you come off an international flight? No one. With Global Entry you can go straight to go to a kiosk, it basically reads your eyes, it’s all biometric now, and in two minutes you’re at the baggage claim. And if you apply for Global Entry, you get a TSA too -control in advance. It’s a win-win situation,” says Greenberg.
Courtney Cole
