The Vacation Planner

28/06/2024

https://youtube.com/shorts/ynkgw9l1KkM?si=WtGkqu8xAA3CL3pd

21/05/2024

21/05/2024

🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

Chillin' in Jamaica! If you're seeking peace and tranquility....from the to the of our whatever you seek you will find

29/10/2023

📍Corso del Popolo, Chioggia

23/10/2023

2024 is the year of the extended vacation.

If You’re living and working in the United States 🇺🇸 And even if you only get 15 days of paid time off a year, you too can take part.

Just ask John Liang, of johnsfinancetips on TikTok, who explained how everyone can take at least 54 days off next year.

Liang’s got a secret: he understands the power of federal holidays.

It should be noted that you’re not actually getting more days off following Liang’s advice. Instead, he’s suggesting a method to max out long weekends and other holidays typically given as paid time off by employers. We say “typically” as we understand not everyone gets these days off, and not everyone works a Monday to Friday schedule. So, be warned that this advice only works if you already get weekends and federal holidays off. But if you do, keep scrolling to learn how to extend those weekends.

To start the year, Liang suggested taking Jan. 2 off to give you four consecutive days off. Then, he suggested taking Jan. 16 off, the Tuesday after Martin Luther King Day, for another four-day weekend.

In February, he said to ask for Friday, Feb. 16, off to give yourself a four-day weekend for President’s Day. You’ll have to wait until May to take off more time, but that’s OK, because, as Liang explained, you can ask for May 24 off, the Friday before Memorial Day, for a nice long four-day weekend.

Now comes June, where one of the biggest opportunities of the year can be found for paid time off. Liang suggested taking June 17, June 18, June 20, and June 21 off to sandwich Juneteenth celebrations. This will give you nine consecutive days off.

And, in 2024, July 4 falls on a Thursday, so taking Friday, July 5, off will give you another four consecutive days off.

In September, you can also request Tuesday, Sept. 3, the day after Labor Day, for a four-day weekend. In October, Liang noted to just enjoy the long weekend on Indigenous People’s Day without asking for additional time.

Then, in November, Liang noted we have Veterans Day on Nov. 11 for another three-day weekend. And if you request the Friday following Thanksgiving off (Nov. 29), you get another four consecutive days off.

Finally, in December, he noted we could all get another nine consecutive days off just by requesting Dec. 23-24 and Dec. 26-27 off around Christmas.

“My biggest piece of advice,” he added, “is to try to get these requests in early.”

21/10/2023

❤️

23/09/2023

If you want a good deal on airfare for the fall and winter holidays, get ready to book.
“The best time to book is between today and the second week of October, as prices are low and there are a lot of seats left to book,” said the lead economist at Hopper, Hayley Berg.

Now is the time to start monitoring prices and decide what your travel plans will be so you can book at the best price quickly.

Here’s what to know.

‘Prices will start to rise after about Oct.14th’
Travelers are seeing cheaper flights this year. Domestic round-trip fares over Thanksgiving are averaging $268 per ticket, down 14% compared to last year. For Christmas, prices are about $400 round-trip, down 12% from last year, per Hopper data.

Ticket prices will go up as more travelers book their trips and flights come closer to selling out. While there may be some deals available through the end of October, don’t wait it out if you have set travel dates in mind between school or work.
“Prices will start to rise after about Oct. 14th for both Thanksgiving and Christmas trips,” Berg said. “Plan to book as soon as possible, as prices will rise each day as the holidays approach.”

Flight prices are likely to spike significantly each day in the last three weeks ahead of each holiday, Hopper anticipates.

Secure your flight and confirm your seating

Weather and air traffic disruptions caused a lot of turmoil for holiday travelers last year. Given the demand for holiday flights, it’s worth planning with the potential for such delays or cancellations in mind.

Fares will likely become increasingly competitive as travelers wait, “judging by the number of people traveling this year,” said Elizabeth Ayoola, a personal finance writer at NerdWallet.

“Those determined to avoid the summer crowds and heat may be planning to travel during the holidays, driving prices up,” said Ayoola.
Holiday travel numbers are expected to resemble or surpass results from 2019, wrote Phil Dengler, co-founder and head of editorial and marketing of travel site The Vacationer.

Take one of the first flights of the day if possible. You’re two times more likely to be affected by flight delays or cancellations after 8:00 a.m., Berg said.
While nonstop flights are often more expensive, they can help travelers bypass the risk of missing connections due to a flight disruption.
Travelers might also look into travel insurance, and brushing up on your rights if your travel plans are interrupted.

Moreover, if you are not flexible on the specific flight you need to take, “ensure you have a seat on your desired flight,” Berg added.

While picking your seat can come at an additional cost with most airlines, it may serve as a peace of mind for travelers.

31/08/2023

Ever tried to sleep on a plane while a baby or young child wails behind you? Well, your days of suffering may soon end, thanks to a new policy on one European airline.

Corendon Airlines (based in Turkey) will begin piloting a kid-free zone on flights during a 10-hour route from Amsterdam to Curaçao.

While regular seats on the flight will cost customers around $49, seats in the "Only Adult" zone will be double for about $108 USD.

Each flight will have nine seats in the sectioned-off adult area (which will also include extra legroom).

Passengers must be at least 16 years old to purchase the tickets and sit in the section.

Would you pay extra to sit in a kid-free zone on a flight? 🤔✈️
Tell us in the comments!

30/08/2023

Airlines might soon require plus-sized passengers to step on the scale or provide their weight

This move, outlined in a recent FAA advisory, aims to update passenger weight data to better account for rising obesity rates in the US. The goal is to prevent small aircraft from exceeding weight limits.

The FAA wants to assess current average weights to ensure flight safety.

The proposed mandates, as reported by AirInsight Group, would require airlines to conduct surveys to determine standard average weights for crew, baggage, and passengers through random selection.

29/07/2023

Where’re you planning to visit on your next vacation?

29/07/2023

Starting in 2024, a spontaneous overseas holiday in Europe will require European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) approval for visitors, including summer jet-setters from the US. The new requirement is aimed at enhancing security and screening travelers before their arrival in Europe.

This means travelers will need to apply for ETIAS authorization online before their trip. The process is expected to be simple and quick, but it will be essential for travelers to plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey to European destinations.

20/07/2023

These Are the Safest Countries in the World in 2023

It may seem hard to determine which are the safest countries in the world, but for many travelers, the question is top of mind. A sense of security in a destination can be vital when selecting a place to visit—whether that's because you're a solo traveler, moving around with small children, or worried about discrimination. To help quantify the topic of safety, the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP) has released its annual Global Peace Index (GPI), a data-driven measurement of global peacefulness.
The 2023 results are broadly similar to the 2022 rankings (more details on that below) but there have been some movements in the list—with a couple of new additions, too. The most peaceful country in the world, however, remains the same for the 16th year running.

The report notes that while some factors (such as the death toll from terrorism) have improved over time, the amount of COVID-19-related violent incidents—riots in response to lockdown, targeted physical assaults, etc.—from 2020 to 2021 were off the charts. In fact, there were at least 158 countries that recorded one or more violent incidents directly related to the pandemic during this time.
To assemble the list, the IEP ranks 163 nations using three domains of peacefulness: the level of societal safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization. Within those domains, the organization looks at 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators, including incarceration rates, homicide rates, deaths from internal conflict, perceptions of criminality, and more. The scores are then averaged for an overall composite—the lower the score, the safer the space.

Below, you’ll find the 10 safest countries in the world, along with each country’s score (one being the most peaceful, five being the least).

10. Switzerland
Switzerland rounds out the list of the top 10 peaceful countries in the world—despite the fact that it ranks among the highest weapons exporters per capita. It's clearly safe enough in other areas to land in such a high ranking, though.

9. Japan
Japan is the ninth most peaceful country. It comes second (after Finland) in safety and security rankings, which positions it strongly to rank on this list. Japan reopened its borders fully after the pandemic just this year

8. Slovenia
Slovenia broke into the top 10 for the first time in 2020 and managed to stay there since, thanks to extremely low crime rates and terrorism risk. The country dropped from its 2022 ranking of five to spot eight, but whether you’re just generally into beautiful places or want to explore some of Europe’s best castles and lakes, Slovenia has plenty to offer—including the guarantee that you'll sleep well at night.

Slovenia has a distinct lack of violent crime and internal conflict. Getty

7. Portugal
Portugal has made significant strides in peacefulness in recent years. In 2014, the country was transitioning out of financial crisis and was ranked 18th on the GPI. Today, it is a beacon of economic resurgence and low crime rates. Add to that a Mediterranean climate and affordable healthcare, and it’s little wonder so many people decide to retire in Portugal in their golden years. It has dropped three places since last year's rankings, but still makes the top 10.

6. Singapore
Singapore is a new entry on the list, ranking in the top five in categories such as safety and security (number four) and ongoing conflict (number three). It's the second-placing country in the Asia Pacific region.

5. Austria
Another stalwart in this list, Austria ranks at number five this year—dropping one place since 2022. For inspiration for your next (or first) trip, see our guides to the Austrian capital—including a local's take on the country.

4. New Zealand
New Zealand is down two places from the 2022 listing—it's now number 4 on the list, but was number 2 in the 2022 ranking. It's the safest country in the Asia-Pacific region, though, and there were improvements in this year's data—especially in terms of violent demonstrations, the incarceration rate. and terrorism impact indicators. But there were big drops in militarization, especially the importing and exporting of weapons.

3. Ireland
Ireland has jumped five places since last year, leaping from number eight to round out the top three. In 2022, the country was a new addition to the top 10. This means that all of the top three safest countries of the world this year are in Europe.

2. Denmark
Up one spot since 2022 when it ranked third, Denmark is in second place in the 2023 Global Peace Index. The nation stands out for its well-functioning government, low levels of corruption, and equitable distribution of resources. Interestingly, Denmark also ranks second in the list of the happiest countries in the world.

1. Iceland
Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world for the 16th year in a row—it's held the position since the inception of the index in 2008. The Nordic nation has some of the lowest military spending and international conflict rates in the world (not having any shared borders helps). There has been a four percent deterioration in the country's score since 2008 though, which the report attributes to increased homicide and terrorism risks.
By Sara James /CNTraveler

20/07/2023

Frontier Airlines is commemorating its 29th anniversary with a special treat for customers, offering flights as low as $29. To secure these discounted rates, tickets must be purchased online at FlyFrontier.com by 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 20.
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12/07/2023

03/07/2023

Travelers are typically allowed to bring a personal item and a carry-on bag with them in the airplane cabin. While you might think it's a good idea to place your passport in a secure pocket of your carry-on suitcase where it's less likely to get lost, this could be a major mistake.

The issue arises when a gate agent or flight attendant lets you know that you'll need to check your carry-on bag at the gate. In most cases, gate-checking happens when there's a full flight that won't have enough overhead bin space for everyone. Typically, gate agents will ask passengers to voluntarily gate-check before boarding begins, but if not enough bags are checked then, passengers in later boarding zones may be required to gate-check.

When you gate-check a carry-on bag, your bag will be tagged to your final destination, then brought by a member of the ground crew from the gate to the cargo hold of the plane. From that point, you won't be able to retrieve your bag until you reach the baggage claim. If you've put your passport in that bag, and you're traveling internationally, that means you probably won't have your passport on your person when you get to border control, which occurs before baggage claim at the airport. And if you don't have your passport, you probably won't be getting into the country.

"If you accidentally gate-check your bag and it has your passport in it, the best thing to do is approach an airline customer service representative at the gate where the plane arrived to inform them of what happened," In some cases, airport staff might be able to locate your bag and bring it to you for you to complete your immigration process. But you'd have to be somewhat lucky for that to happen.
In many cases, there might not be anything the airport staff can do.

Another option would be to contact the embassy at your destination and hope they might help you find a solution, but since you won't be able to actually enter the country, that might prove difficult. According to Simple Flying, one passenger who lost their passport during a flight to Japan was presented with the option of applying for a special visa to enter the country without a passport. But, if granted, that would likely trigger extra security on all flights moving forward — not an ideal situation.
More likely than not, if you show up at a border without a passport, you'd be turned away from the country and sent back on the first flight to your country of origin. And who knows when your gate-checked carry-on with your passport inside may follow.

If you accidentally gate-check your passport on your flight home from an international destination, that's somewhat of a different story. In that case, you may be able to work with border patrol officials to establish your identity and be let into your home country. But this is entirely up to the discretion of the agents. In any event, it'll certainly take some time, and it's not going to be a particularly pleasant process.

The bottom line: always, always, always keep your passport on your person or in your personal item — one that will never be gate-checked. And for the same reason, you should always keep pertinent travel documents like visas and vaccination records, as well as crucial medications or medical equipment, with you at all times.

28/06/2023

More than 2,000 flights were delayed in the United States on Tuesday and nearly half as many canceled as airports across the country continued to deal with weather-related issues ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend.

The flight disruptions, which started over the weekend and continued to spill into the start of the week, saw more than 2,600 flights delayed as of Tuesday afternoon and more 1,000 flights canceled, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

Scott Keyes, the founder and chief flight expert of Going.com, reported poor weather will cause a “significant backlog” for travelers over the July 4 holiday weekend as cool, rainy weather is expected along the Northeast over the weekend, according to The Weather Channel, and excessive heat warnings continue to plague the South.

That punishing heat is expected to stretch east through the weekend, according to The New York Times, blanketing parts of Texas all the way to parts of Florida in oppressive temperatures.

“Storms are hitting the East Coast at the worst time: right as the July 4th travel weekend begins to takeoff,” Keyes reported “Expect long lines, few empty seats, and lengthy hold times to get ahold of customer service phone agents.”

Travelers who need to call their airline look up the international phone number instead of the U.S. number since they tend to be less busy. Travelers can also consider switching to an early morning flight, which is less likely to suffer delays since the aircraft is typically there from the night before.

Tuesday’s flight issues followed severe weekend thunderstorms that stretched from Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi, to the Ohio Valley, as well as an intense heat wave from Arizona to Louisiana.

To exacerbate problems even more ahead of the holiday weekend, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has warned flight problems could become even more common with the expanded rollout of the 5G network planned for July 1, The Associated Press has reported. That’s because planes that are not fitted with updated equipment won’t be allowed to land during poor visibility (like bad weather).
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28/06/2023

Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas is a mammoth 365 meters long (nearly 1,200 feet) and will weigh a projected 250,800 tonnes. For comparison, that’s like trying to keep two CN Towers afloat.
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When it sets sail on Caribbean waters in January 2024, it will comfortably hold some 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew. The boat’s piece de resistance will be the world’s largest waterpark at sea. Named Category 6, it’ll feature six record-breaking water slides, but guests who want a more leisurely experience can also relax in the boat’s seven pools and nine whirlpools.

It’s being built at Meyer Turku shipyard, one of Europe’s leading shipbuilders, in Turku, Finland. At an on-site press panel earlier this year, Royal Caribbean International president and chief executive Michael Bayley told media that the vessel was on track to join the Royal Caribbean fleet on October 26, ahead of its 2024 debut.

The current title holder of world’s largest cruise ship is another vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Wonder of the Seas, which made its inaugural voyage just last year and is a slightly teensier 1,188 feet in length, with a mere 18 decks to explore.

Royal Caribbean International is pitching Icon of the Seas as the cruise line’s evolutionary peak, using the latest technology and building on 50 years of learnings through the company’s history.
“We are positioning it as the ultimate family vacation and when you step back and look at all the energy and time that has gone into creating this ship it is mind-blowing,” Bayley said.

The Icon completed its first set of sea trials on June 22, according to a Royal Caribbean statement.
“During her first set of sea trials, Icon of the Seas traveled hundreds of miles, during which the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested,” the statement said. “Everything was done on time as outlined in the schedule, despite her departure being delayed due to wind conditions.”

The ship promises more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained, many of which are included in the cruise fare. With 20 decks and eight neighborhoods to explore, the idea is to cater to every type of vacationer, with everything from areas dedicated to young families, to adults-only spaces such as Royal Caribbean International’s first dueling pianos bar.

There are 28 different types of accommodations, with more categories for families, more layouts with ocean views and more space for group travelers. The cruise line says it’s the longest timeframe it’s ever dedicated to “designing the perfect home base.”

Icon of the Seas is also Royal Caribbean International’s first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology, as part of the company’s move to a clean-energy future.
2,600 workers per day

Some 2,600 workers have been grafting on Icon of the Seas each day. For the sea trials, hundreds of specialists were on board to assess performance over four days.

Royal Caribbean says a second set of sea trials is scheduled for later in 2023.

Buzz about the ship is such that advance sales have been record-breaking. Michael Bayley is reported to have described Icon of the Seas during the company’s quarterly financial results as “literally the best-performing new product launch we’ve ever had.”

Icon of the Seas will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami all year round. Every sailing will include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island destination, as well as its new expansion, Hideaway Beach.
Cr: CNN

21/06/2023

😉

20/06/2023

📍Best Cities in Europe 🌆

12/06/2023

Flight attendants are the unsung heroes of travel✈️
Even during turbulent times, they keep us comfortable, safe, well-fed, and hydrated. Most importantly, they do all of this with a smile on their face. And, though they stay very busy during the flight and are racing to catch their next one, they still manage to stay in-tune with their passengers — and have picked up on their countless in-flight woes, especially when it comes to luggage.
Internally, there’s a long, unspoken list of things flight attendants never pack and an equally long list of ways they pack strategically:

Relying on a flimsy paper tag
What to do instead: Slip an Apple AirTag in your bag
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Many airlines give out free paper name tags to stick on your checked luggage, and they have a tendency to fall off. Even if you use a real tag, it’s useless when it comes to tracking your bag. That’s why Lisa Wilkes, a flight attendant of 13 years, advises passengers to put an Apple AirTag in the suitcases they're checking. “If anyone takes the wrong suitcase, you can track it instantly”

Footwear takes up a ton of room in suitcases
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So you’ll save space by wearing your largest shoes during your flight. Pick up a lightweight pair of shoes from a thrift shop that employs people with disabilities. But, if you’re looking for something that can be delivered to your doorstep before your flight, consider Toms Slip-On Shoes, which also have a feel-good component.

Bringing oversized hand luggage
What to do instead: Get a carry-on bag you’re confident will fit
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This is especially true if you’re flying on discount airlines that will penalize you with hefty checked baggage fees. I personally love the brand Tripp for carry-on luggage and you could consider Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 International Expandable 21-Inch Carry-On Suitcase 🧳
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Trying to sneak on with overweight bags
What to do instead: Invest in a portable luggage scale
According to Kinsella, almost every flight sees one or two passengers going over the weight limit with their bags. “That sometimes leads to heated debates at the check-in counter, with extra fees or a last-minute repack being the options," she warned. You can avoid this, however, if you have a portable luggage scale like the best-selling Etekcity Luggage Scale. It’s small, accurate, and easy to use; simply hang your bag on it and hold it up, and it will show what your bag weighs in both pounds and kilograms. On Amazon, it has nearly 45,000 five-star ratings. One shopper wrote,“This has been a lifesaver and has made traveling less stressful.”

Using flimsy luggage with breakable components
What to do instead: Invest in a bag that can take a beating
Before she founded In-Flight Insider, Carolyn Paddock was a flight attendant for both commercial airlines and private jets. One phenomenon she witnessed was passengers using bags that were either low quality and/or on their last legs. “Cheap bags can and do give out mid-trip,” according to Paddock, who cites busted zippers, wheels that fall off, and broken handles being common occurrences. That’s why she recommends making a “decent investment” in your luggage by opting for something like Tumi’s International Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On Suitcase. At $895 it’s not cheap, but it has protective bumper rails and impact-resistant side panels. It also comes with a five-year limited warranty.

06/06/2023

Canada on Tuesday said it will allow visa-free travel to “known travelers” from 13 countries, including St Vincent and the Grenadines passport holders.

A “known traveller” is someone who currently holds a Canadian visa, obtained one over the last 10 years or holds a valid United States visa.

The “known travelers” will be granted an electronic travel authorization that is valid for five years, or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

The visa-free travel has been extended to Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts-Nevis, Panama, Argentina, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Morocco, Seychelles, Thailand and the Philippines.

Did your country make the list?
Let’s chat in the comments 💬

06/06/2023

It's the eve of your departure — the day before you leave for that long-overdue vacation you've been dreaming of for months. But before you embark on your trip, there are some important steps for you to take.

Here are 11 items to cross off your to-do list before you head out.

Alert your credit card company.
To ensure your credit card works while you're traveling, your credit card company needs to know your travel plans. If you've waited this long though, you may have to call instead of submitting an online form.

And there's one other very important thing. "Make sure you have enough available credit on your credit cards," said Tammy Levent, CEO at Elite Travel Management
Contact your cell phone company.
Traveling abroad? Call your service provider to help you set up the cheapest plan for making calls, sending text messages, and accessing Internet from your smartphone. Many cell phone companies — including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile — offer affordable day passes to U.S. customers for International talk, text, and data plans.

Notify your home security system operator.
"If you're leaving two weeks or longer, it's a good idea to tell your local police department you'll be gone," Levent said. "If you ask, they may do extra runs by your house."

Confirm all reservations.
Double-check all your reservations: your flight, hotel, car rental, restaurants, attractions, and any other services or experiences you've planned. You don't want any surprises at a check-in counter.
If you have access to a printer, it's not a bad idea to print out confirmations. If you don't, write down confirmation numbers (and customer service phone numbers) and keep the paper easily accessible in your wallet or carry-on.

Make advance payments on bills that have due dates during your trip.
Don't want to get hit with late fees? Make sure all credit cards, housing expenses (e.g., rent, utilities), and other monthly bills will be paid on time.

Check the weather.
This may seem like an obvious one, but "many travelers forget to do it," said Levent. Check the forecast for your destination and your hometown when you'll be returning, and pack appropriately.
Eat, throw out, or give away any perishable food.
The last thing you want is to return home to a stinky fridge. Also, run the dishwasher, take out the trash, and clean the sink to be sure there's no food in the drain that could rot or attract bugs while you're away.

Leave an itinerary with a friend or family member.
Your emergency contact should have a copy of your travel plans, Levent advises.

Clean out your wallet.
Sift through your wallet and remove any items you don't need on your trip. Leave loyalty cards, gift cards, extra credit cards, and any other unnecessary contents at home.
Place a hold on your mail delivery.
This is a smart move if you're going away for more than a couple days, Levent says. Alternatively, you could arrange for a neighbor to collect your mail until you get home.

Bring in outdoor furniture.
Don't leave any outdoor wares (e.g., patio chairs, cushions, pool equipment) unguarded, especially lightweight items that are easy for thieves to steal.

29/05/2023

Before boarding an airplane, airport security takes you on a journey: Find the right line, show your ID, take out your laptop, and remove your shoes. It’s poetic in a perverse way that these often-confusing airport security rules are simplified and sped up by two similarly bewildering programs: TSA PreCheck and Clear.
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There are two primary components of airport security: ID verification and luggage-and-body screening. Clear speeds up the former, and TSA PreCheck speeds up the latter. They are complementary.
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What is TSA PreCheck?
Run by the government’s Transportation Security Administration, TSA PreCheck aims to quickly get you and belongings through security at 200-plus airports in the U.S. More than 85 airlines participate, and they will indicate TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass, which grants you access to the dedicated lane. Once a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) verifies your ID, you can leave your shoes, belt, and jacket on, and keep your laptop and liquids in your carry-on luggage. You can also walk through a metal detector rather than the full-body scanner.
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The program doesn’t guarantee you’ll get through security faster, and, indeed, so many people are now clued into TSA PreCheck that the line can sometimes be as long as (or even longer) than the general public queue. But generally, you’ll have a smoother experience than if you had nothing.

What is Clear?
Clear is a private membership program that expedites document and identity screening. Available at more than 50 airports, the program allows you to quickly verify your identity at biometric security kiosks using fingerprints and eye scans. When your ID is confirmed, a Clear representative escorts you directly to the luggage and body scanner line, skipping over everyone waiting for an agent to check their physical IDs. It’s not limited to airports — you can bypass parts of security at stadiums and arenas (think Barclays Center, Yankee Stadium, and the BMO Center) at Clear kiosks.

Sports and music fans might find this perk compelling.

How much does TSA PreCheck and Clear cost?

TSA PreCheck costs $78 every five years, which the TSA recently lowered from $85. (It’s also automatically included with Global Entry approval, another program entirely.) Clear costs $189 per year. Some credit cards offer one or both for free or for a discount, so look into your perks to see if they tip the scale one way or the other.

Do you need TSA PreCheck if you have Clear?
If you want to keep your shoes on, Clear won’t help you. Clear is only for speeding up identity verification. There’s no one stopping you from applying for both, though.

Can you use Clear and TSA PreCheck together?
Yes. If you’re a frequent flier, it might make sense to get Clear so you can zip through identity verification and then get placed on the TSA PreCheck luggage screening line, where you can keep your shoes on, leave your laptop in your bag, and skip the scanner.

How do you apply for TSA PreCheck and Clear?
For TSA PreCheck, you’ll need to fill out an online form, pay the application fee, and go for an in-person interview — which includes a background check — at one of the hundreds of enrollment centers. You receive a Known Traveler Number when approved, which you’ll add to reservations. Anyone over age 12 can join; children under 12 can use the lanes with a parent or guardian who is a member.

Clear similarly requires online enrollment and an in-person element. You can finish the application at a Clear airport location, where an ambassador will help you answer a few identifying questions; scan your fingerprints, eyes, and identification documents; and take a profile picture. Children under 18 can use the Clear lane if they’re traveling with a member.

Is TSA PreCheck better than Clear?
While TSA PreCheck and Clear both have separate queues that can help cut down on the time you stand in line (and Clear has some added benefits for sports and music fans), TSA PreCheck exists at more locations, is less expensive, and allows you to skip the rigamarole of removing your shoes, belt, and laptop in front of a TSO who is seemingly tired of telling people to put their belongings in a bin.