Trump’s Travel Ban: What It Means for U.S. Travelers

“Chaos at the airport!” You’ve seen those headlines and TV shots the last few days, and you know they’re accurate. You also know that, at least for now, the new immigration rules are under legal challenge, with an uncertain outcome. Most U.S. travelers will not be affected directly. The 90-day blanket entry ban targets citizens

Senators Call Out Airlines for Flight Disruptions

The recent computer meltdowns at Southwest and Delta, two of the country’s most efficient and financially sound carriers, resulted in thousands of cancelled and delayed flights, disrupting the lives of hundreds of thousands of travelers. And they were just the latest incidents in what has come to seem like a systemic problem. Why? And what

These Are the Airlines That Actually Care About Customer Service

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), customer service satisfaction in the travel industry declined in 2025. The airline sector had the highest drop at 4%, down from a score of 77 to 74. Between economic uncertainties, operational difficulties, and service inconsistencies, satisfaction has decreased among business travelers and high-value customers. Related: Airline Fees:

The First Facial-Screening Biometric Terminal Just Opened at This U.S. Airport

Get ready for your close up. Delta Air Lines and the Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport have opened the nation’s first optional biometric screening checkpoints, which use facial recognition scanning to expedite the airport process from check-in to boarding. The technology is being used at the airport’s international terminal: Terminal F. In an announcement, Delta said Atlanta “customers flying

Those Samsung Smartphones, Still Smokin’

In a blow to smartphone giant Samsung, and a scare for a plane full of passengers, Southwest flight 994 last night was evacuated when a Galaxy Note 7 overheated and began smoking. According to USA Today’s report , the phone in question was a replacement for the owner’s original phone, which was among 1 million

The Most Popular Memorial Day Destinations for 2019

May is here, which means Memorial Day–the unofficial start to summer–is just around the corner. Memorial Day isn’t the biggest travel holiday of the year, with many people choosing quick, local getaways (read: driving, instead of flying). Still, it’s a popular time for air travel as well, and  CheapOAir  is out with  its list  of

How to Find Out If Your MacBook Pro Has Been Banned from Flying

Fly often with your MacBook Pro? Not so fast. Apple recently issued a recall of over 400,000 MacBook Pro laptops , citing a tendency for the batteries to overheat and pose a fire hazard, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took notice. Those affected laptops are now also banned from being brought on aircraft, both

Can Border Agents Search Your Phone?

As more U.S. citizens and visa holders report troubling experiences at U.S. ports of entry—including detainment and device searches —concerns about digital privacy are becoming a significant factor in international travel planning. If you’re planning an international trip, it’s important to know your rights upon reentering the U.S., and how Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

TripAdvisor Bans Sales of Tickets to Many Wildlife Attractions

TripAdvisor (owner of SmarterTravel.com) is among a select few corporations that wear their social conscience on their sleeves, due in large part to the conviction and efforts of company founder and CEO Steve Kaufer. The company’s latest initiative, announced this week: a ban on sales of tickets to animal attractions “where travelers come into physical

The Best Frequent Flier Programs for 2025

Savvy travelers know the value of a good airline loyalty program. With perks like airport lounge access, seat upgrades, and free or discounted travel, it pays to rack up those frequent flier miles. WalletHub recently released their annual study ranking the best frequent flier programs to help travelers decide which airline best meets their needs.