Having forgotten to pick up bananas today and realizing that the nearest Trader Joe’s market is over five miles away, I decided to pop into the Whole Foods store next to my gym.  Now while the bananas would have cost less than a dollar at Trader Joe’s, the trip to Whole Foods cost over $30 (I bought some chocolate and a few other items) – I told myself this is the price of convenience.  This made me think about all of the justifications, trade-offs and money spent on travel convenience.   The travel industry has always been able to take advantage of convenience (access, time, VIP perks, etc.) and profit heavily from it – especially from me! They will continue to “help” the traveller by offering new products to save you time and frustration – a special service just for you the customer (note sarcasm).  As the airlines continue to tweak their websites and bundle products, it all gets confusing even for me, a seasoned traveler to know what to pay for and what not to.  At the end of the day, the airlines are getting more of your money well above the “ticket cost”.

Some “travel convenience” products (ways to take more of my money) during my travels in the past year:

Global Entry Program with TSA Pre-Check

I LOVE THIS PROGRAM!!!  I chose Global Entry over just Pre-Check given my international travels (hey it’s $15 extra!) This is the Disney fast pass equivalent for US customs & immigration.  The process is a bit lengthy – application, background check, interview and fingerprinting. with a $100 fee (good for 5 years and worth every single penny). Once enrolled, you have kiosk entry at the international airports. Go to the kiosk line (like an ATM, scan passport and fingerprints, answer questions and get your ticket which enables you to jump the line at immigration to exit quickly.   When I land in Philly at the same time as five USAirways Caribbean flights and can get from the plane to the sidewalk with my checked luggage in under 30 minutes – totally worth it.  When I can do the same thing at JFK -bonus points!

UPDATE: Now with Pre-Check access, Global Entry is even a better deal, shorter security lines although be prepared for glares from the others in line as you pass by (in New Orleans, the Pre-Check line was empty vs. the other four lines chock a block with passengers waiting)

Airline priority fees 

Each airline seems to change what this means and bundles it so be sure to read the fine print for your airport. Access to quicker security line in Philly. The priority line is chock full of business travelers and often longer so paying this fee is hit or miss. It generally depends on how much you want to make your flight time. If you have an early flight and know the lines will be long, I would consider this (at least in Philly).

UPDATE: See Global Entry above, I use Pre-Check to avoid paying the priority fee now.

Priority boarding

This gives you zone 2 boarding which after boarding what seems like a million people with status, preferred this, that or the other, families, etc.  you think who’s left to board the plane?  well me and people up to zone 10 or so.  Zone 2 pretty much ensures you get carryon space above your seat.  Downside if you sit on the aisle, like I do, is more people passing you in the aisle hitting you with their bags, more time sitting on the plane and other things – plane fun!

UPDATE:  With the American Airlines credit card, I am afforded Zone 2 boarding for all flights, saving me time and money and providing early access to overhead bins which can negate the baggage and need for priority boarding fees.

Airlines Choice Seats

I prefer to be on the wing and away from the bathroom lines so I try to get the free seat whereever possible however I’ve rethought this choice.  On recent flights, I paid $17-31 to sit up front in coach on the aisle in an American Airlines Choice Seat and each time the row was empty!  So I had three seats to myself to enjoy the added space – totally worth it to be on the aisle or at the window.  Now you need to monitor this and get strategic in my opinion.  I’ve also taken advantage of the first class upgrade when it’s offered for a fair price on the way home from vacation – for me, it’s not a savings as I have free checked bag but for some the free checked bag, priority boarding/access and meal might make it a good deal.  Your mileage may vary on this one.

The Airport Lounge Day Pass

Unless you have status or are flying international business class, you won’t get into the airport lounge with a few exceptions (credit card day pass or Alaska Airlines domestic first class access, etc.).  Domestically, the lounges in my experience are just a nicer place to sit and wait for your flight while working (nicer bathrooms too).  The free food and drink in the past are essentially gone save some snacky things.  I’ve never paid for a day pass (usually starting at $35+).  I enjoy the lounges when I have access to them and deal when I don’t. In Philly, the BA Lounge served dinner to passengers flying in Club World and First – for others, they have free drinks and food but its a small space vs. the American Airlines lounge in Terminal A, which is massive but has snacks only.

Baggage fees

Where needed, here is my money – it is what it is and I’d rather not deal with the stress of security and lugging the bag. I generally have my carryon with camera equipment and laptop and my handbag already so I often check luggage on holiday. For me, it is easier when on a direct flight.  The key is direct flights, no changes.  And Chicago. My flights to Chicago have always been delayed so having carry-on only allows me to do standby or change to an earlier flight which you can’t do with checked luggage.

UPDATE: With the airline credit card, one checked bag is generally free (still subject to weight limits).  Great benefit when I use it.

Hotel breakfast

If my tour leaves at 7am, the majority of the time, I am eating at the hotel as many restaurants are not open at 6am (unless there is a 24 hour diner).  I resigned myself long ago that the $30 hotel breakfast (buffet or ala carte it always seems to be $30) is a necessary evil – I need to eat before my day tour/adventure.

Airline Plane Food – A Travel Convenience You Don’t Need

I travel with a food intolerance so I bring my own food when I travel to ensure compliance.  With the plethora of food options in the airport ranging from healthy to junk food, there is no reason, in my opinion to pay for food on the airplane.  Food that is packaged (not healthy) or catered on board.  The airline is not in the food business they are in the transit business so save your money and bring your own food or buy at the airport.   My flight snack bag usually contains a sandwich from Corner Bakery or Panera, fruit, cashews, power bars and cookies.  Just don’t bring smelly food onboard and all should be fine.

So these are a few of my travel conveniences and just like tonight’s bananas – they cost much more than I anticipated but were oh so convenient – saving time, frustration although not saving money.  Easy is never free it seems.  What travel conveniences do you pay for, avoid, etc.