There are many ancillary benefits to travel, such as giving one a different view of the world by observing and having empathy for how the locals in different countries live daily! Over the past 12 months, I’ve been fortunate to visit Ireland, Portugal, and Iceland. Next is the island nation of Cuba.
For me, travel passion runs deep! It helps me focus on the weeks before and following my trip, as well as living a more balanced life.
First, I will mention some new changes that will impact travel in 2026, then list 10 travel tips. I hope you get to use them next year!
Important FAA Federal Aviation Administration 2026 Changes:
1. Real ID: Starting February 1st, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will charge a $45 fee for passengers who arrive at security without a “Real ID Compliant ID” or other acceptable Federal ID, such as a passport, enhanced driver’s license, or trusted traveler card. The payment can be handled in advance online.
2. Passenger Rights: Rules named the “FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024” regarding automatic cash refunds from airlines due to “extended airline-caused delays” were rolled back by the current administration. This means “flight delay and cancellation” refunds will still be based on airline policies during 2026.
3. Carry-on Bags: Most airline carriers adhere to the 22 X 14 X 9-inch rule for carry-on bags; however, enforcement will be the name of the game in 2026. Airlines and airports are rolling out “digital technology” to track your carry-on bag before you roll it to the gate! American Airlines has already removed its “luggage sizers” at the gate. Bag size, weight, and batteries matter! TSA agents will be tagging bags “before” folks check in!
Now for my “Top Travel Tips” for 2026:
1. Consider Packing Cubes: I know this is a common tip; however, I would be remiss to not mention it. Cubes allow more to be packed into a bag and for easier to organize. I’m a “clothes roll-up” guy. Try one or the other, as oxygen is the enemy of space!!!
2. Consider a Handheld Scale: Airlines have weight policies on checked bags with added fees if overweight. Weigh bags at home in advance. Don’t be the person who must unzip their bag at the gate in a panic and pull clothes out with everyone watching!
3. Download the Airline App: You can always remove the app after your trip if it’s not your thing. The app is key, especially for gate and flight changes. Airlines also give you travel discount offers in the app that can save money and/or get you bonus frequent flyer miles.
4. Keep the International Service Number Handy: There have been many airline issues in 2025, causing flight cancellations. The natural reaction is to either crowd the desk or immediately call the domestic line to change your flight. Instead, call the international number, be nice, and they will help you, and you can avoid lines or “rotting” on hold.
5. Points Path: Go to pointspath.com (or Points Guy if you have an iPhone). They have a formula to convert points to dollars to help one decide if it’s worth it to use points. For example, the AA American Airlines program is valued at $1.55 per thousand points.
6. My Plastic Bag Trick: There are common stores in airports, such as “Hudson News.” Hudson News operates over 970 stores in 87 airports in the USA and Canada. Next time you buy mixed nuts and a magazine, keep the bag packed in your carry-on. Now you have more space as they (TSA Agents) assume you just bought something and will likely not bother you. TSA agents will be cracking down on “hidden totes” and other methods used to bring more “stuff” on planes.
7. Money Saving Tips: Save on domestic flights by booking within a 30-day window and a 6-month window for international flights. Save roughly 15% by booking your departure on a Wednesday and 30% by booking your return on a Tuesday. The first flight out in the morning is usually the least expensive and least likely to be delayed!
8. Consider Travel Insurance on Big Trips Across the Pond: See change #2. Big trips can cost you big $$ if flights are delayed or cancelled. Hopefully, the FAA “cash refund rules” will be enacted for 2027.
9. Buy a Soft Instead of a Hard-Shell Carry-on Bag: Airlines and the FAA, both domestically and internationally, are serious about enforcement of carry-on rules and want to charge extra for weight. I suggest a soft outer shell bag that says “FAA or TSA” compliant with spinner wheels. I prefer the TravelPro.
10. How to Cut Your Jetlag in Half: My father told me years ago that it takes 1 day for every hour of time change to recover from jetlag, and this has proven to be true.
Solution: Try to get 10-15 minutes of direct sunlight early in the morning for the first several days. This resets you circadian “sleep rhythm,” and I find it cuts jetlag recovery time roughly in half!