Latest news with #JesseNeugarten
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
7 of the Best Freebies You Can Get in Economy—Meals, Alcoholic Drinks, and Toys Included
Key Takeaway Even in economy, passengers can score perks like alcoholic drinks, amenity kits, and Wi-Fi, depending on the airline and route. Flight attendants are more likely to grant requests after the main service, especially when passengers are polite and patient. Just because you're flying economy doesn't mean you can't enjoy a few special perks. Even if these extras aren't always widely advertised, they're often available if you ask. As Dollar Flight Club founder and CEO Jesse Neugarten points out, "Many travelers don't realize that even in economy, a polite request can get you a few helpful extras." However, Quinn English, founder of FreeQuinnt Flyer, explains that not all routes are created equal when it comes to economy freebies. For example, he notes that longer flights are more likely to offer extra perks. Similarly, Neugarten adds that "international routes almost always offer more perks than domestic ones." Additionally, English points out that "full-service airlines like Delta, United, and American are going to be the most generous with freebies in economy." On the other hand, both he and Neugarten tell Travel + Leisure that budget carriers tend to be far more limited in what they offer, which makes sense, given their focus on keeping costs (and ticket prices) as low as possible. When asking for freebies, remember that a little kindness and patience go a long way. As English notes, "The most important thing to remember is that most airlines aren't overstaffing flight attendants on each flight, so they have a pretty heavy workload, especially during boarding, getting ready for takeoff, and landing." With that in mind, those probably aren't the best times to make requests. Instead, wait until after the main service has finished and the cabin has settled down—that's when flight attendants are most likely to have the time (and bandwidth) to help. If you're ready to take your in-flight experience to the next level, keep reading to discover the best airline freebies you can score in economy.
Time Out
6 days ago
- Business
- Time Out
This NYC airport has the best lounge for foodies, says new ranking
Calling all travelers who judge an airport not by its TSA lines but by its truffle toast: New York's JFK just scored big in a new roundup of the world's best airport lounges for food lovers. According to the latest list from Jesse Neugarten of Dollar Flight Club, the Chelsea Lounge, a joint venture by American Airlines and British Airways in Terminal 8, ranks among the globe's top seven lounges for gourmet dining. And we're not talking sad buffet spreads. The Chelsea Lounge's à la carte menu is a true pre-flight indulgence, featuring seasonal dishes crafted by chefs tied to the James Beard Foundation like chilled English pea soup, curry sweet potato bisque and roasted salmon alongside British nods like afternoon tea and New York-style toffee cheesecake. Not bad for something you can order in airport socks. At the center of it all is a circular Champagne bar that's basically a travel influencer's dream. Premium pours from the likes of Moët, Roederer and Krug 170ème Édition (which retails for $200-plus) flow freely, backed by a full roster of wines, whiskeys and cocktails. Access to the Chelsea Lounge is, unsurprisingly, exclusive. Entry is reserved for Flagship First and Flagship Business Plus passengers on American, or First Class travelers on British Airways long-haul flights. Certain elite loyalty members like ConciergeKey and BA Club Gold also get through the velvet rope. What makes the lounge even more appealing (beyond the champers)? Its ambiance. Travelers can dine fireside with table service, creating a restaurant-like experience that feels miles from terminal chaos. And with JFK's Terminal 8 upgrades complete, the space itself is a sleek, art-filled retreat. Rounding out the ranking were lounges at CDG (Air France's Michelin-starred La Première Lounge took top honors), Istanbul, Dubai and LAX. But for New York-based globetrotters with a taste for the finer things, Chelsea Lounge is the city's high-flying culinary heavyweight.
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Travel + Leisure
04-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Overbooked Flight? The Airline Could Owe You Over $2,000—Plus, How to Avoid Getting Bumped in the First Place
The only thing worse than fighting for overhead bin space on a fully packed flight? Finding out you've been denied boarding altogether. Unfortunately, this frustrating experience is more common than you might think. Sometimes, airlines sell more seats than they can actually offer—leaving unlucky passengers without a spot on the plane, in a situation often referred to as 'bumping.' While the practice may seem questionable, it's actually a routine part of airline operations, especially during peak travel seasons. The good news? You're not entirely powerless in these scenarios. Here's what to know—and what to do—if it happens to you, plus how to reduce your chances of getting bumped in the first place. While it may sound surprising, it's completely legal for airlines to overbook flights, and, according to Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, they do so "all the time." He continues, telling Travel + Leisure , "Airlines are legally allowed to sell more tickets than there are seats on a plane because they know some people won't show up." Think of it as a numbers game based on historical data. "Most of the time, it works out, but every now and then, too many people show up, and someone has to get bumped." If no one volunteers to give up their seat, airlines follow specific criteria to decide who gets bumped. "It's not random," says Neugarten, who tells T+L that those who checked in last, booked basic economy fares, or don't have assigned seats are usually first in line. Solo travelers are also more likely to be selected since they're easier to rebook. On the flip side, he says, "If you have elite status, paid a higher fare, or checked in early, your chances of being bumped are much lower." Passengers sitting on a plane. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure If you do get bumped, don't fret. Instead, remain calm and stay at the gate. Neugarten recommends asking the gate agent for a written explanation of your rights, as they're required to provide one. Then, check the airline's app for alternative flights. "In many cases," he says, "you can rebook yourself faster than waiting in line." You'll also want to ask the gate agent about compensation and what they can offer to help get you to your destination—whether that's a seat on the next available flight, a meal voucher, or even a hotel stay if you're delayed overnight. Ultimately, Neugarten encourages anyone who gets bumped to speak up and ask questions. "You have more power than you think," he tells T+L. And remember: just because you're bumped doesn't mean you have to stick with the same airline. "Always ask if they can put you on another airline," he adds. "Many gate agents can do it, but they won't unless you ask." Another important thing to keep in mind, per Neugarten: "If the new flight arrives more than an hour later than your original one, you may be owed money." Here's the gist: If the airline gets you to your destination within an hour of your original arrival time, you won't receive any form of compensation. However, under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, if you're delayed by one to two hours on a domestic flight (or one to four hours on an international flight), you're entitled to 200 percent of your one-way fare, up to $1,075. Delays longer than two hours domestically (or more than four hours internationally) can earn you 400 percent of your one-way fare, up to $2,150. It is important to note that this compensation only applies to passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding—in other words, bumped. "If you're asked to volunteer your seat, that's a different story," says Neugarten. In those cases, you can (and should!) negotiate. "Ask for cash instead of a voucher, and don't be afraid to request meal or hotel accommodations if needed," he advises. But why push for cash? It's simple: Vouchers can expire, come with blackout dates, or be loaded with restrictions that make them harder to use. And finally, Neugarten emphasizes: "Always get the deal in writing." This is where things get a bit complicated. "Most travel insurance won't cover overbooking directly," says Neugarten. "But if getting bumped causes a domino effect—like missing a prepaid hotel night or a connecting flight—you might be able to file a claim under trip delay or trip interruption coverage." For frequent travelers, he recommends looking into providers like SafetyWing, which "offer monthly coverage and can help with some of the headaches that come from delays or rebooking." As with anything travel-related, read the fine print carefully so you know exactly what's included. One of the simplest ways to protect your seat is to check in as early as possible. "The earlier you check in, the less likely you are to lose your seat," says Neugarten. This is especially important if you're flying basic economy, traveling solo, or don't have an assigned seat—all of which, as previously mentioned, can make you more vulnerable to getting bumped. As stated above, having a confirmed seat helps keep you off the dreaded bump list. Selecting your seat ahead of time signals to the airline that your spot is claimed, potentially helping to keep you off the bump list. That said, there are no guarantees, and you could still get bumped. Neugarten explains that "busy travel days like Sundays and holidays are more likely to be overbooked." So, if your schedule allows, opt for less popular travel times, like midweek flights or early-morning departures. Not only are these flights typically less crowded, but you're also less likely to face overbooking-related disruptions. It pays to be loyal, especially when it comes to avoiding getting bumped. "Frequent fliers and elite members are less likely to be bumped," says Neugarten. Even entry-level loyalty status can sometimes offer an edge when seats are limited. "Even within economy," says Neugarten, "basic fares are at the bottom of the priority list," which means passengers in this fare class are among the first to be involuntarily denied boarding when a flight is oversold. If you're especially concerned about getting to your destination on time, it's often worth paying a bit more for a standard economy ticket. You'll get more flexibility—and a higher chance of keeping your seat.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled, According to Air Travel Experts
Download your airline's app, sign up for text alerts, and track your flight on websites like FlightAware to find out if your flight is delayed or canceled. Try to book the earliest nonstop flight of the day to minimize your chances of delays or cancellations. If your flight is canceled, act fast using the airline's app to are few travel moments more deflating than racing through security, grabbing overpriced snacks, and hustling to your gate—only to find your flight has been canceled and the line to speak with an agent is already snaking around the concourse. (Although let's be frank: Getting that dreaded cancellation alert while you're en route to the airport isn't much better.) Whether it's due to weather, crew shortages, or an unexpected mechanical issue, flight cancellations can throw even the most carefully planned trip into chaos. The silver lining? With a few savvy strategies—and the right information—you can skip (some of) the stress by staying one step ahead. According to Dollar Flight Club founder Jesse Neugarten, the easiest and fastest way to find out if your flight has been canceled is by checking your airline's app or website. For the most up-to-date information, he recommends setting up email or text alerts as soon as you book; airlines usually send updates there instantly if your itinerary is impacted. Additionally, says Neugarten, tools like FlightAware "give you an extra layer of visibility." Simply enter your flight number, and you'll see real-time updates from the FAA and airline data systems. The platform also lets you track the aircraft's inbound journey, offering real-time insights on whether your plane is arriving on time—or if it's already delayed. As Neugarten explains, "If the plane that's supposed to become your flight is delayed in another city, you'll often see the writing on the wall before the airline officially tells you." He suggests checking FlightAware both the night before and the morning of your flight for early warning of delays or cancellations "well before they hit the airport monitors." When it comes to rebooking a canceled flight, time is of the essence. As soon as you receive word of a cancellation, Neugarten advises pulling up the airline's app or website to review rebooking options—even before getting in line at the gate. "Airlines usually load alternate flight options right into the app when a cancellation happens, and sometimes you'll even get rebooking offers without asking," he says. Options tend to fill up fast with everyone scrambling to get on the next flight, which is why it's imperative to act fast. In the event of a cancellation, you can also try dialing the airline's customer service line. "Here's a pro tip," says Neugarten. "If the U.S. line has long wait times, try calling their help desk in another country like Canada or the U.K." Per the pro, these representatives can often help, and the hold times are usually shorter. If you booked through a third-party platform—such as Expedia or Kayak—or a travel agent, Neugarten recommends reaching out to them as well, since they "may have access to different rebooking systems or waivers." Finally, don't rule out switching airlines. "Sometimes," says Neugarten, "It's smarter to take the refund and book a new flight on a different airline, especially if your original airline is having a larger meltdown." "Under new federal regulation, when a flight is canceled (or significantly delayed), you are entitled to either a refund or a rebooking," says Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights). This applies to any airline as long as the flight is departing, arriving, or traveling within the U.S. The reason for the disruption—whether it's within the airline's control or due to external factors like severe weather—doesn't matter; the same rule still applies. (More information can be found and verified on the U.S. Department of Transportation website.) Before requesting your refund through the airline's website, app, or customer service team, you'll need to decline any alternative transportation or travel credits offered. If the airline still refuses to issue the refund, it's recommended to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Keep in mind that the above information applies only to domestic flights. Rules and regulations regarding international flight cancellations are a little murky. However, passengers flying to or from Europe may be entitled to up to roughly $700 under EU air passenger protections if their flight is delayed by more than three hours. In these cases, Neugarten suggests utilizing tools like AirHelp and Compensair, which 'make it easy to file claims and only take a cut if you get paid.' While no one can predict with certainty whether a flight will be canceled, there are smart strategies you can use to mitigate your risk. Here's how to set yourself up for better outcomes should your travel plans get disrupted. You know what they say: The early bird gets the worm—or, in this case, the on-time takeoff. Both Nastro and Neugarten tell T+L that early departures are more likely to leave on schedule. As Neugarten explains, that's because "they haven't been affected by delays building throughout the day." While flying nonstop may not always be feasible—especially if you're headed somewhere remote—it's almost always the safer bet when it comes to avoiding cancellations. The reasoning is simple: "Fewer legs mean fewer chances for something to go wrong," says Neugarten. While they may come with more crowds, larger airports often have more resources—extra gates, spare aircraft, larger crews, and more frequent flights on similar routes. That means if something goes wrong, you're more likely to be rebooked quickly or accommodated with alternate options. On the other hand, smaller regional airports may have fewer flights per day, limited ground staff, and longer wait times for assistance. Before booking your flight, Neugarten recommends using tools like Google Flights or FlightAware to see if your flight is frequently delayed and/or canceled. This provides a clearer picture of which routes or airlines are more prone to disruptions, helping you make a more informed decision prior to purchasing a ticket. Similarly, airlines are required to report their percentage of canceled flights to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. This data offers valuable insight into an airline's overall reliability—and can help you choose a carrier with minimal canceled flights. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
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Travel + Leisure
30-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled, According to Air Travel Experts
There are few travel moments more deflating than racing through security, grabbing overpriced snacks, and hustling to your gate—only to find your flight has been canceled and the line to speak with an agent is already snaking around the concourse. (Although let's be frank: Getting that dreaded cancellation alert while you're en route to the airport isn't much better.) Whether it's due to weather, crew shortages, or an unexpected mechanical issue, flight cancellations can throw even the most carefully planned trip into chaos. The silver lining? With a few savvy strategies—and the right information—you can skip (some of) the stress by staying one step ahead. According to Dollar Flight Club founder Jesse Neugarten, the easiest and fastest way to find out if your flight has been canceled is by checking your airline's app or website. For the most up-to-date information, he recommends setting up email or text alerts as soon as you book; airlines usually send updates there instantly if your itinerary is impacted. Additionally, says Neugarten, tools like FlightAware "give you an extra layer of visibility." Simply enter your flight number, and you'll see real-time updates from the FAA and airline data systems. The platform also lets you track the aircraft's inbound journey, offering real-time insights on whether your plane is arriving on time—or if it's already delayed. As Neugarten explains, "If the plane that's supposed to become your flight is delayed in another city, you'll often see the writing on the wall before the airline officially tells you." He suggests checking FlightAware both the night before and the morning of your flight for early warning of delays or cancellations "well before they hit the airport monitors." A passenger checks flight information on an information board at the it comes to rebooking a canceled flight, time is of the essence. As soon as you receive word of a cancellation, Neugarten advises pulling up the airline's app or website to review rebooking options—even before getting in line at the gate. "Airlines usually load alternate flight options right into the app when a cancellation happens, and sometimes you'll even get rebooking offers without asking," he says. Options tend to fill up fast with everyone scrambling to get on the next flight, which is why it's imperative to act fast. In the event of a cancellation, you can also try dialing the airline's customer service line. "Here's a pro tip," says Neugarten. "If the U.S. line has long wait times, try calling their help desk in another country like Canada or the U.K." Per the pro, these representatives can often help, and the hold times are usually shorter. If you booked through a third-party platform—such as Expedia or Kayak—or a travel agent, Neugarten recommends reaching out to them as well, since they "may have access to different rebooking systems or waivers." Finally, don't rule out switching airlines. "Sometimes," says Neugarten, "It's smarter to take the refund and book a new flight on a different airline, especially if your original airline is having a larger meltdown." "Under new federal regulation, when a flight is canceled (or significantly delayed), you are entitled to either a refund or a rebooking," says Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights). This applies to any airline as long as the flight is departing, arriving, or traveling within the U.S. The reason for the disruption—whether it's within the airline's control or due to external factors like severe weather—doesn't matter; the same rule still applies. (More information can be found and verified on the U.S. Department of Transportation website.) Before requesting your refund through the airline's website, app, or customer service team, you'll need to decline any alternative transportation or travel credits offered. If the airline still refuses to issue the refund, it's recommended to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Keep in mind that the above information applies only to domestic flights. Rules and regulations regarding international flight cancellations are a little murky. However, passengers flying to or from Europe may be entitled to up to roughly $700 under EU air passenger protections if their flight is delayed by more than three hours. In these cases, Neugarten suggests utilizing tools like AirHelp and Compensair, which 'make it easy to file claims and only take a cut if you get paid.' While no one can predict with certainty whether a flight will be canceled, there are smart strategies you can use to mitigate your risk. Here's how to set yourself up for better outcomes should your travel plans get disrupted. You know what they say: The early bird gets the worm—or, in this case, the on-time takeoff. Both Nastro and Neugarten tell T+L that early departures are more likely to leave on schedule. As Neugarten explains, that's because "they haven't been affected by delays building throughout the day." While flying nonstop may not always be feasible—especially if you're headed somewhere remote—it's almost always the safer bet when it comes to avoiding cancellations. The reasoning is simple: "Fewer legs mean fewer chances for something to go wrong," says Neugarten. While they may come with more crowds, larger airports often have more resources—extra gates, spare aircraft, larger crews, and more frequent flights on similar routes. That means if something goes wrong, you're more likely to be rebooked quickly or accommodated with alternate options. On the other hand, smaller regional airports may have fewer flights per day, limited ground staff, and longer wait times for assistance. Before booking your flight, Neugarten recommends using tools like Google Flights or FlightAware to see if your flight is frequently delayed and/or canceled. This provides a clearer picture of which routes or airlines are more prone to disruptions, helping you make a more informed decision prior to purchasing a ticket. Similarly, airlines are required to report their percentage of canceled flights to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. This data offers valuable insight into an airline's overall reliability—and can help you choose a carrier with minimal canceled flights.
