While flying is essential in helping travelers get where they need to go, it can also, at times, be a hassle. Organizing your documents, flight delays, missed connections, expensive parking garages, and keeping up with TSA requirements can really give you a headache when trying to plan a trip. Luckily, these 10 great apps for frequent fliers can help make your next flight stress free.
GateGuru
GateGuru is a savior for those wanting to make the most out of their airport time on the day of their flight. Not only can you check important flight information like real-time flight status and airport security wait times, you’ll also be able to navigate airport amenities like the best eateries and souvenir shops with photos, reviews, and tips. Other features include viewing travel itineraries, downloading airport maps, access to a High Flyers status program, and social media sharing.
Available for Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Free. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a flight search app that has one of the largest databases out of these types of apps. The app allows travelers to search over 600 airlines, each checking split ticket options involving multiple airlines to get you the cheapest fare. The app will also help you figure out the cheapest places to fly to as well as which travel dates will save you money.
Available for Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Free.
FlyersRights.Org
FlyersRights.org is a non-profit airline consumer organization that represents passenger rights. This app helps inform passengers about what their rights are, new laws, key contacts like airline numbers, government agencies, and media outlets, and safety information like what to do if you are ever stranded on a tarmac (the creator of the organization, Kate Hanni, was once stranded for 9 hours with her family, leading to the birth of FlyersRights.org).
Available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. $0.99.
Next Flight
NextFlight is a great app to have during those times when you either miss a flight or want to check if a more convenient flight time is available. You’ll be able to enter your flight itinerary and then will be shown a list of available flights for that day as well as the two days following. There are over 1,200 airline carriers in their system as well as more than 4,300 airports around the world, making your chances of finding a flight alternative pretty high.
Available for Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. $2.99.
TripIt
As a frequenet flier and traveler, I’m a big fan of TripIt, as it allows me to not have to print out 20 different confirmation e-mails that will undoubtedly get lost exactly when I need them. Instead, you simply forward your necessary itinerary information to plans@tripit.com. From there all of your reservations and meetings will be organized by date and time so that you will always know when and where you need to be.
Available for Blackberry, Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Free.
Kindle
During a flight there’s a lot of time to kill, and while reading is a fun way to do this, it can be annoying to carry thick paperbacks and heavy hardcovers that take up a lot of space. That’s why I love the Kindle app; it allows me to download my favorite books, magazines, and newspapers while only taking up as much space as my iPad does. You can browse and buy over 1,000,000 books as well as hundreds of newspapers and magazines, while also getting to read the first chapter of each book before you decide to purchase it.
Available for Blackberry, Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Free.
Hipmunk
While Skyscanner is great for finding the cheapest flight (Hipmunk is, as well), this app is my favorite for helping to find the most comfortable flight. They have a unique “agony” filter that will list your search results in such a way as to show you which ones will be the least agonizing (shorter duration, less stops) and which ones will have you pulling out your hair mid-air.
Available for Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Free.
BestParking
BestParking is an excellent app for U.S. travelers who want to find the cheapest and most convenient parking areas to keep their cars. The app reviews garages, parking lots, and even decodes street parking signs to help you save money. Before arriving you will know hours of operation, if there is a valet service, contact information, and acceptable payment methods. Plus, their newest version also has a “mobile coupons” feature for New York City.
Available for Blackberry, Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Free.
Airport Car Rental
Airport Car Rental is a very helpful app for travelers who need to use a car. This global app allows users to enter in their reservation requirements, including if they need to drop off the vehicle in a different location, and then compare and contrast different deals. You can browse by category (i.e. economy, full size, SUV, luxury) or simply peruse all of the available vehicles.
Available for Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Free.
My TSA
My TSA is a helpful tool for keeping up with all of the changing rules and regulations in air travel. Once you choose your airport, you’ll be able to see flights delays and security checkpoint wait times, as well as helpful traveler’s guides with categories like “Food and Gifts”, “Traveling with Children” and “Pack Smart”. My favorite feature of the app, however, is the “Can I Bring” button, where you can enter an item and immediately find out if you can bring it in your carry-on or checked bag.
Available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Free.