Denver International Airport is the third-busiest airport in the world, with more than 69 million passengers passing through its terminals in 2022.
Getting access to one of Denver’s airport lounges can improve your chances of finding more peace and quiet — or at least having a snack before you hit the skies.
Here are the lounges at Denver airport currently available for departing passengers.
Concourse A: Delta, United, Capital One and more
Denver airport’s Concourse A is home to the most airlines of the three concourses. This includes:
Air Canada.
Air France.
British Airways.
Copa Airlines.
Delta Air Lines.
Edelweiss.
Frontier Airlines.
Lufthansa.
United Airlines.
Given the number of airlines that fly into Concourse A, it should come as no surprise that it has more lounges than other concourses.
Delta Sky Club
The Delta Sky Club in Denver is located at the pedestrian bridge Y juncture on level 4, on the south end of the center core.
Open from 4:15 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. on Sunday through Friday and 4:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Denver’s Delta Sky Club lounge includes a buffet, two seating areas, a self-serve bar and other complimentary beverages.
The lounge is open to:
Delta Sky Club annual members traveling on Delta or a partner airline.
Passengers flying first or business class on a SkyTeam airline.
Diamond, Platinum, and Gold-level Medallion members traveling Delta premium select (or the equivalent from a SkyTeam airline).
Select credit card holders, including those with the The Platinum Card® from American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Terms apply.
United Club
Located near gate A26.
Open from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Offers free snacks, a full-service bar and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Access to the lounge is limited to:
Premium cabin customers on an international itinerary.
Business or first class passengers on a Star Alliance airline, flyers with Star Alliance Gold status who are flying internationally or who have Star Alliance Gold status through a partner airline.
Active U.S. military personnel.
Cards with United Club access
United℠ Explorer Card
on Chase’s website
United Club℠ Infinite Card
on Chase’s website
United Club℠ Business Card
Details
Annual fee:$0 intro for the first year, then $95.
Lounge access: Two one-time United Club passes after account opening and each year for your cardmember anniversary.
Annual fee:$525.
Lounge access: Primary cardholders get a United Club membership.
Annual fee:$450.
Lounge access: Primary cardholders get a United Club membership.
Learn more
Capital One Lounge
Located near gate A34, mezzanine level.
Open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The lounge features:
Drinks (including cocktails, wine and craft beer).
Shower suites and more.
Open with unlimited access to those with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Venture X Business. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Spark Miles cardholders who are limited to two complimentary lounge visits per year.
USO
Located on the north end of A Gates Bridge from Jeppesen Terminal.
Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The lounge includes coffee, snacks, drinks, games and complimentary Wi-Fi.
To use the USO lounge, you need to have a current active duty, Guard, Reserve or dependent ID card. Military retiree ID cards are accepted for access if space is available.
Concourse B: United Clubs
Concourse B exclusively has flights for United, which is why the only lounges here are United Clubs. Below is a list of the United lounges in the concourse.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Those with a boarding pass for same-day travel on a Star Alliance, United or a partner flight can purchase a one-time pass to a United Club in person or through United’s mobile app for $59 per passenger.
United Club – West
Located near gate B30.
Open from 6:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This United Club in Denver is the largest United lounge in the world. It measures 35,000 square feet and features a bar with craft beer, relaxation rooms, a buffet, a fireplace and a robot that takes away your used plates and glasses.
Access to the lounge is limited to:
Premium cabin customers on an international itinerary.
Business or first class passengers on a Star Alliance airline.
Flyers with Star Alliance Gold status who are flying internationally or who have Star Alliance Gold status through a partner airline.
Active U.S. military personnel.
Flyers with a United Club membership or a United Club one-time pass.
United Club
Located near gate B44.
Open from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The lounge offers a full-service bar, complimentary snacks and Wi-Fi.
Access to the lounge is limited to:
Premium cabin customers on an international itinerary.
Business or first class passengers on a Star Alliance airline.
Flyers with Star Alliance Gold status who are flying internationally or who have Star Alliance Gold status through a partner airline.
Active U.S. military personnel.
Flyers with a United Club membership or a United Club one-time pass.
United Club Fly
Located near gate B60.
Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This unique lounge gives United passengers with lounge access the ability to quickly grab sandwiches, snacks and drinks to take with them on their flight. While there is a small dining area in the lounge, it’s designed more for a quick grab-and-go experience.
Access to the lounge is limited to:
Premium cabin customers on an international itinerary.
Business or first class passengers on a Star Alliance airline.
Flyers with Star Alliance Gold status who are either flying internationally or who have Star Alliance Gold status through a partner airline.
Active U.S. military personnel.
Flyers with a United Club membership or a United Club one-time pass.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You can purchase an annual pass to United Club lounges or get access from certain United credit cards. For instance, the United℠ Explorer Card (annual fee $0 intro for the first year, then $95) includes two one-time United Club passes after account opening and each cardmember anniversary, while United Club℠ Infinite Card (annual fee $525) includes a United Club membership.
Concourse C: Centurion Lounge, Admirals Club
Concourse C is also home to the American Express Centurion lounge in Denver.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United fly into Concourse C.
American Express Centurion Lounge
Located near gate C46.
Open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Denver Centurion Lounge, which is over 14,000 square feet, features craft beer, a live-action cooking station with a chef-designed Italian menu, an immersive game experience and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Open to cardholders who have either the The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express Centurion, and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Terms apply.
American Airlines Admirals Club
Located near gate C30.
Open from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Admirals Club in Denver offers complimentary Wi-Fi, food for purchase and conference rooms.
This lounge is open to:
One-day pass holders.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.
Qualifying first and business-class passengers.
Final thoughts on Denver airport lounges
Denver has a number of lounges, including a Centurion Lounge from AmEx. Even so, the most impressive lounge at the Denver airport is United’s new United Club – West lounge.
While United does have the largest lounge presence in the Denver airport, Delta, British Airways, American Airways and Capital One also offer lounge access.
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If you’re traveling to southern Florida or connecting on a flight to further destinations, there’s a chance you may find yourself hanging out in the Fort Lauderdale airport.
With over 700 flights a day in and out of the airport, plenty of passengers want a calm place to relax while waiting for their flight. That’s where the lounges at Fort Lauderdale airport come in.
Find out what your Fort Lauderdale airport lounge options are — and how to access them — below.
About Fort Lauderdale airport lounges
The Fort Lauderdale airport may not be as big as its neighbor in Miami, but it was ranked the 17th busiest airport in the U.S. based on passenger traffic in 2022. It’s convenient for those in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Boca Raton, and both Miami and Palm Beach are within an hour’s driving distance.
Four airlines have operations bases in Fort Lauderdale: Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines. Several others, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines and various international carriers, also have flights in and out of the airport.
The lounges in Fort Lauderdale airport are all found within the airport’s four terminals: 1, 2, 3 and 4. With so much passenger traffic, you might expect many lounges to choose from; however, there are only three lounges in this airport, with an additional Priority Pass dining option.
Two lounges are linked to specific airlines, Delta and United, while the other options are accessible for certain credit card holders or Priority Pass members. Whichever lounge you choose to bide your time in, you’ll likely require a same-day boarding pass to enter.
Terminal 1: United Club lounge
Terminal 1 typically serves domestic carriers, such as Allegiant, Southwest and United, though some international flights also depart from here. There’s only one lounge in this terminal, and to access it you’ll need to be flying on United or one of its Star Alliance partners.
United Club Lounge
Located next to the escalators near Gate C1.
Open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Must have a same-day boarding pass to enter.
Amenities include Wi-Fi, snacks and a full-service bar.
This lounge is open to those flying in a United or Star Alliance premium class cabin, Star Alliance Gold elite status holders flying on a United or Star Alliance flight and those holding a United Club membership or a one-day pass.
United Club membership allows travelers to access more than 45 United Club locations around the world. Prices begin at $650 or 85,000 miles annually. Membership is also included as a benefit if you hold the United Club℠ Infinite Card.
Terminal 2: Delta Sky Club
Terminal 2 serves American, Delta and Southwest, along with a handful of other domestic and international airlines. If you’re looking for a lounge in Terminal 2, your only option is the Delta Sky Club.
Delta Sky Club
Located between gates D2 and D3.
Open from 4:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.
Access is limited to those with a same-day boarding pass up to three hours before the flight’s departure.
Amenities include Wi-Fi, a hot and cold buffet and a full-service bar.
There’s a wide range of travelers who are eligible to enter the Sky Club. Passengers booked in Delta One on domestic or international flights (excluding the Caribbean) or in a SkyTeam partner’s premium cabin receive lounge access, as do Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion and SkyTeam Elite Plus status holders.
Certain credit card holders can also gain complimentary access to the Sky Club lounge. These cards include the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, the Centurion card and The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Those who hold the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card can access the lounge for a $50 fee per visit.
Some premium class flyers or elite status holders with LATAM, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet also can receive access to the Sky Club lounge.
Finally, annual memberships to all Delta Sky Clubs are available for purchase by Medallion status holders. Prices start at $695.00 or 69,500 SkyMiles for an individual membership. Note that even if you hold a membership, you won’t be able to access the lounge if you’re flying in basic economy — unless you also hold an eligible American Express credit card.
Terminal 3: Escape Lounge
Terminal 3 is where you’ll find gates for American, Delta and United, as well as other U.S. airlines like Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit. This terminal has one lounge — the Escape Lounge — which isn’t connected to any specific airline, and therefore is open to any traveler who wants to pay the entrance fee.
Escape Lounge
Located between the E and F gates.
Open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Accessible to travelers flying on any airline.
Amenities include Wi-Fi, a hot and cold buffet, full-service bar and showers.
For most travelers, it will cost $45 to enter the lounge, or $40 if you pre-book more than 24 hours prior to your arrival.
However, access is free to anyone holding The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Centurion card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
However, those entering with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card must be traveling on a Delta flight to receive free entry.
Terminal 4: Priority Pass dining
Terminal 4 is home primarily to Southwest airlines, among others, and is lacking an actual lounge. However, Priority Pass members do have one option available to them in the form of a restaurant discount.
Priority Pass discount: Kafe Kalik
Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Located near gate G6.
Must have Priority Pass membership card and same-day boarding pass to receive discount.
Those with certain types of Priority Pass memberships can receive a $28 discount off their restaurant bill for dine-in service. Note that those who get Priority Pass memberships through a credit card, notably some American Express and Capital One cards, may not be eligible for this benefit.
If you’d like to join Priority Pass, memberships begin at $99 annually, which includes a $35 fee every time you visit a lounge. Plans that include limited free visits begin at $329 per year. However, many travel credit cards include Priority Pass Select as a benefit, which is another way to receive membership.
Fort Lauderdale airport lounges recapped
For such a busy place, there aren’t very many lounge options available at Fort Lauderdale airport. However, if you’re flying on Delta or United and are eligible to access their lounges, you’ll have a great place to relax and recharge before your flight.
For those who aren’t able to access the airline lounges, the Escape Lounge is a good choice if you don’t mind paying to enter — or if you have a credit card that gets you free access. If you’re planning to use the Priority Pass dining benefit, make sure you check the rules of your particular membership to ensure you’re eligible for the restaurant credit.
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By all accounts, Heather McKay was doing what a savvy traveler should: planning well in advance, debating hotels versus vacation rentals and comparing final prices (including those sneaky hidden travel fees).
But one stray click online led to a very costly mistake.
McKay accidentally booked a nonrefundable rate at a hotel in London for a two-and-a-half months-long stay almost a year out. The total was 7,140 British pounds. Her credit card showed the charge as about $9,200.
A simple mistake to remedy, right? Wrong. Her recourse for a refund was limited because she booked a nonrefundable rate through an online travel agency (OTA). These websites, such as Booking.com, Priceline and Expedia, make it easy to check availability and prices across travel providers, but getting a refund can be difficult if customers need to cancel or change their plans.
How it happened
Back in August, McKay was looking into housing options for her 21-year-old daughter, who was thinking of doing an internship in London for in the summer of 2024. She was considering the possibility of having her daughter stay in a hotel for two months.
“I was like, ‘I really want you to have some type of special experience after college, so let’s look at the feasibility,’” McKay says.
She logged in to her Booking.com account, found a small, studio-style hotel called the TiTiwangsa One Paddington and set arbitrary dates for two months in 2024. She had no intention of booking the room, but she needed to click through the flow to see the final price, with taxes and fees included.
This drawn-out booking flow is prone to accidents and is a tactic used by some online travel agencies, airlines and hotels to get customers to spend more money. It’s called “drip pricing,” a practice where they do not show all mandatory fees until the very end of the booking process. As recently as August, the attorney general of Texas filed a lawsuit against Booking Holdings, the parent company of Booking.com, for omitting mandatory fees from initial room rates.
McKay says she was confused when the website showed her the total in British pounds instead of U.S. dollars, and she tried different options to see if it would show the conversion. Before she knew it, she’d booked the hotel stay.
“I was like, ‘Oh my god, how did I just book that?’” McKay says, adding that she never selects nonrefundable rates at hotels.
Leaving the refund up to the hotel owner
Just minutes after the accidental booking, McKay immediately canceled the reservation online and called Booking.com’s customer service team, hoping they could reverse the charge. They said they would explain what happened to the hotel’s owner and encouraged her to dispute the charge with her credit card company, which she did.
But neither Booking.com nor the credit card company resolved the accidental charge. In emails from Booking.com, a customer service representative told McKay the hotel’s owner refused to offer a refund or even a travel voucher.
Sage Hunter, a representative for Booking.com, confirmed with NerdWallet that the refund was solely up to the hotel’s discretion because McKay had booked a nonrefundable rate.
“The onus to provide a refund rests with the hotel and not the online travel agency in this situation,” Dennis Schaal, founding editor of Skift, a travel industry news site, said. “That’s because the online travel agency is merely the middleman, facilitating the reservation on behalf of the hotel.”
He explained that Booking.com receives a commission from the hotel, usually about 10% to 25%, so the online travel agency wouldn’t have the full amount to refund.
McKay escalated the issue at Booking.com, but says she still hasn’t been offered even a partial refund from the OTA. She even called the hotel in the U.K. to try to plead her case directly. The credit card company also refused to approve the chargeback.
By the time October rolled around, it was becoming clear that McKay was not going to get a refund. She even asked if TiTiwangsa One Paddington would reinstate her stay, thinking it would be better to get something in return for her $9,200. The hotel refused once again. TiTiwangsa One Paddington did not respond to requests for comment for this story.
Hiding behind the intermediary
McKay was furious with the London hotel, which in her mind, was taking her money without providing any services.
However, hotels have the upper hand in these customer disputes when an OTA is involved. In Booking.com’s Terms of Service, it says the customer enters into a contractual agreement directly with the service provider (the hotel, in this case) and the customer agrees to the service provider’s cancellation policies.
McKay got a better-than-normal scenario in that Booking.com did try to mediate with the hotel.
“We’ve tried numerous times [to reach the hotel]. We’ve contacted them via phone, email and right now, it’s really in the partner’s court to provide that refund,” Hunter says. “It was truly a simple mistake and that’s something we’ve been advocating for on our end.”
She says the hotel has gone completely silent. Neither Booking.com nor McKay has been able to get in touch with the hotel recently. The TiTiwangsa One Paddington is still open for reservations on Booking.com, though.
Refunds on reservations made on third-party travel booking sites can get especially complicated because of the number of parties involved. In some cases, online travel agencies will point customers seeking a refund to the airlines or hotels to resolve issues themselves. And other times the airlines or hotels will push the responsibility back on the third-party booking site, leaving customers caught in the middle.
Fighting for legislation
McKay wants better consumer protections for accidental bookings like hers. There’s already a federal rule that helps prevent this with flight reservations. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines must allow customers to get a full refund if they cancel their flight within 24 hours of booking and the ticket was purchased at least seven days before departure.
But your flight must be booked directly with the airline for the federal rule to protect you, as flights booked on third-party sites are exempt from the policy. And nothing of the kind exists for hotel bookings.
There has been some progress, though, on hotel fee transparency. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden announced plans to crack down on “junk fees” like hotel resort fees, and Congress is considering legislation that would require hotels and online travel agencies to disclose fees upfront, instead of making customers click through several pages to see the final price.
In fact, McKay says she shared her story with senators and attorney generals, urging them to support the current legislation and sue third-party travel booking sites. If those requirements around fee transparency already existed, McKay could have avoided this entire debacle when she was researching prices.
“Everybody makes mistakes, and it’s not something that needs to be this costly,” McKay says. “I thought we had better consumer protections.”
Until travel companies make changes, customers need to be extra vigilant about cancellation policies when booking hotels online. Booking directly with the hotel, instead of through an OTA, has some advantages. There are less likely to be errors in your reservation, you might be able to earn hotel points or elite status, and getting a refund might be easier.
Schaal recommends booking refundable hotel rates whenever possible. It might cost more money upfront, but it saves travelers the hassle and gives them the opportunity to rebook if they find a better deal later.
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Although U.S. airlines this year hadn’t experienced the kinds of mass cancellations and operational breakdowns that plagued the industry in 2022, carriers continued to struggle. Part of that is due to a record number of people flying. According to data from the Transportation Security Administration, 2023 has seen some of the highest-ever single-day numbers of people passing through airport security checkpoints.
NerdWallet reviewed data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics about on-time percentages, cancellation rates, flight diversions, mishandled baggage, tarmac delays and involuntary denied boardings to determine the most reliable — and least reliable — domestic airlines in the U.S. in 2023.
Here’s a look at performance in each category of the data.
On-time percentage
On-time percentage is the headline statistic for airline performance, since whether a flight is late, and by how much, affects every passenger on the flight. The BTS defines a flight as “on time” if it arrives at the destination gate no later than 15 minutes after the scheduled arrival time.
Based on BTS data from January to August 2023, only one airline topped an 80% on-time percentage — and just barely. Delta Air Lines had an 80.8% on-time percentage. Alaska slipped in at 79.9% for second place.
The worst performers were Frontier Airlines, with just 62.1% of flights arriving within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time, and JetBlue Airlines, with a 65.4% on-time percentage. That means more than 1 of every 3 JetBlue flights and nearly 2 in 5 Frontier flights was delayed by more than 15 minutes during the period reviewed.
Flight cancellations
BTS data from January to August 2023 reveals an unexpected winner: Allegiant Airlines canceled 0.84% of its flights during the period. Alaska Airlines was a close second with a 0.86% cancellation rate.
Frontier and JetBlue were again at the bottom of the rankings. Frontier had a 2.87% cancellation rate, with JetBlue at 2.59%. That means Frontier canceled around 1 in 35 scheduled flights, while JetBlue canceled 1 in 39.
BTS cancellation data includes only flights that are canceled within seven days of departure, when they’re most likely to throw travelers’ plans into turmoil. Airlines aren’t penalized in this metric for canceling or rescheduling flights more than a week out — which seems to have become increasingly common.
Mishandled luggage
The more connecting flights an airline has, the more opportunities there are for luggage to get lost as bags move from plane to plane. It may not be surprising, then, that airlines with route systems that don’t rely on funneling everyone through hub airports seem to perform better at luggage handling.
Allegiant takes top marks with 0.16% of checked bags mishandled from January to August 2023, according to BTS data. Put another way, only 1 of every 610 bags checked on Allegiant Airlines was lost, delayed or mishandled. Southwest Airlines placed second (0.48%), while most other airlines came in at between 0.5% and 0.6%.
Two big legacy carriers, American Airlines (0.85%) and United Airlines (0.84%), were nearly tied as the worst-performing airlines for mishandled luggage. From a raw numbers stance, American mishandled the most number of checked bags: 591,365 — an average of more than 2,433 mishandled bags per day.
Flight diversions
Having your flight diverted to an airport other than your intended destination can be as confounding as a cancellation. Across U.S. airlines that report to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 9,722 flights were diverted from January through August 2023 — around 1 in every 359 scheduled flights.
During the period examined in 2023, the airline least likely to divert a flight — both in raw numbers and percentage of flights — was Hawaiian Airlines with 53 diversions and a diversion rate of 0.09%. Frontier was a distant second with a 0.19% diversion rate.
Percentage-wise, JetBlue was the worst performer with a diversion rate of 0.45% — or 1 of every 218 scheduled flights. Meanwhile, Southwest had the most diversions in total, with a whopping 2,293 diverted flights during the period.
Other performance metrics
The last two metrics we looked at were tarmac delays and involuntary denied boardings.
A “tarmac delay” is recorded when a plane has pushed back from the gate but doesn’t take off, or has landed but doesn’t allow passengers to get off the aircraft, for more than three hours for a domestic flight and four hours for an international flight. From January to August 2023, Hawaiian was the only major U.S. airline without a single tarmac delay. United had the most tarmac delays, 73, including one of nearly six hours.
An “involuntary denied boarding” occurs when an airline sells more tickets for a flight than it has seats available, then doesn’t get enough volunteers to take a later flight. When that happens, someone gets bumped from the flight. Allegiant and Hawaiian both didn’t have any involuntary denied boardings from January to June 2023 — the most recently reported data.
At the other end of the scale, Frontier denied boarding to 5,782 passengers, and American did it to 5,033. To put those numbers in context, all other airlines combined denied boarding to a total of 2,929 passengers.
The most reliable airline of 2023
Two airlines were nearly neck-and-neck in this year’s analysis, but Alaska Airlines barely edged out Delta Air Lines as the most reliable.
Alaska was buoyed by a second-place finish in on-time percentage (79.9%) and second-lowest cancellation rate (0.86%). A modest denied boarding rate and a dozen tarmac delays were enough to offset a middling mishandled baggage rate (0.59%) for first place overall.
Delta took top marks in on-time percentage (80.8%) and essentially zero denied boardings. However, its cancellation rate (1.6%) was almost double Alaska’s while its baggage mishandled rate (0.53%) was only modestly better than Alaska’s.
Frontier was the clear worst performer among U.S. airlines, with the worst on-time percentage (62.1%), highest cancellation rate (2.87%) and exceptionally high denied boarding rate, almost eight times that of its nearest competitor.
Meanwhile, JetBlue finished in second-to-last place with a poor showing in virtually all metrics, including the second-worst on-time percentage (65.4%) and second-highest cancellation rate (2.59%). Rounding out the bottom three was Spirit Airlines with the third-worst on-time percentage (65.94%), fourth-worst cancellation rate (2.08%) and fourth-worst mishandled bag rate (0.57%).
Methodology
For this analysis, we looked at several types of operations data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics that captured the performance of U.S. airlines from January to August 2023.
For an airline to be eligible for our analysis, it had to be a commercial airline based in the U.S. that reports data to the Department of Transportation. Also, we ranked airlines by the “marketing carrier,” not the operating carrier. That means, for example, that American Eagle flights operated by Envoy Air, Piedmont Airlines and PSA Airlines were counted toward American Airlines’ totals since passengers bought their tickets as American flights.
We used percentages and rates to avoid penalizing airlines with larger operations. For example, American Airlines may have had more than five times as many cancellations as Frontier but operated more than 10 times as many flights. So, as a percentage of all operated flights, Frontier had a higher cancellation rate.
Cancellations
Diversions
Tarmac delays per 10,000 flights
Denied boardings rate per 10,000 flights
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Brickell boasts renovated, LEED-certified and well-designed accommodations and world-class dining options. Read on to find out if Brickell, Miami is a fit.
Where is Brickell in Miami?
Brickell is a mixed residential-commercial slice of south Miami that stretches from the Miami River on its northern border to the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne on its southern. Covering the 33129, 33130 and 33131 ZIP Codes, it’s the glitzy sendoff to any traveler on their way to the swaying palms of Crandon and Bill Bragg Cape parks.
Source: Rent.
Brickell overview
Brickell is and always has been central to the narrative of Miami as a playground for the rich and famous. In the early 20th century, it became home to South Florida’s “Millionaires Row” along Brickell Avenue.
The neighborhood eventually morphed into the state’s, and one of the nation’s, largest financial districts as high-rise apartment buildings, luxury hotels and offices took center stage. Today, developers are remaking Brickell into one of the state’s most exciting urban centers.
Studio average rent: $1,854
One-bedroom average rent: $4,401
Two-bedroom average rent: $4,893
Walk score: 88
Bike score: 75
Transit score: 89
Living in Brickell
Life in Brickell is generally regarded as loud, fast and fun. Geared decidedly toward employed young professionals, the neighborhood is known for its dining and nightlife scene set amid imposing skyscrapers. This has helped the area earn its nickname: “The Manhattan of the South.”
Demographics
A famously densely populated neighborhood, Brickell is also a relatively young area, with the median resident age ringing in at 34.6 years old and the average household containing no more than 2 people (family households make up only about 28 percent of all). Almost 80 percent of the crowd is not married and almost 90 percent is white or Hispanic.
By far, management, finance and the law are the most popularly represented professions in the area, with almost a third of all Brickell residents employed in just these positions.
Education
While there is Southside and three private elementary schools in the neighborhood, joined by the downtown campus of Florida International University, Brickell is not generally considered an educational hub. It is only a short car ride from The University of Miami and a selection of other private and faith-based schools, including Key Point Christian Academy and David Posnack Jewish Day School.
Safety
Neighborhood crime data is not available, but the crime index for the City of Miami as a whole is slightly higher than the national average. This comes with a few caveats: First, local crime maps reflect that much of the violent crime driving the city’s index occurs in neighborhoods to the south and west of Brickell. Second, crime in Miami-Dade County has been decreasing steadily year-over-year since 2006. Last year, the county reported 474.3 crimes per 100,000 citizens, a 25 percent decrease from five years prior. Generally speaking, Brickell is a safe part of the city.
Recreation
From shopping at Brickell City Centre to squeezing in a run at Brickell Key Park, it would be impossible to exhaust the recreational options available to you. Not only does the area boast some of the state’s most elegant dining and nightlife, but it’s close to the attractions of Miami Beach and Downtown Miami.
Transportation
Good public transportation is another reason to live in Brickell. The combination of Metrobus, Metrorail and Metromover can connect you to most parts of Miami. Simply acquaint yourself with the orange and green lines and off you go!
Business
Miami is one of the fastest-growing economic centers in the country. The absence of a state income tax and the geographical/historical proximity to Latin America has attracted business from every sector. Most of that action is taking place in Brickell, where job growth is outpacing the national average by almost 10 percent. For any burgeoning entrepreneur, consultant or money manager, Brickell is the place.
10 things to do in Brickell
From shopping to dining, running to relaxing, there is always something to do in Brickell. Simply decide what sort of leisure the day calls for and the odds are better than good that you will certainly enjoy the day here.
Part with your time and money in any of the luxurious shops of Brickell City Centre.
Squeeze in a workout at Brickell Key Park.
Grab a scenic drink with friends on the roofs of the W or the Conrad hotels.
Indulge multiple cravings at once at Casa Tua Cucina food hall.
Bridge generational gaps at the fun and unexpected Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita lounge.
Head across the causeway to Crandon Park or Bill Bragg Cape Florida State Park to soak up the sun.
Take a stroll among the exhibits at the Pérez Art Museum.
Take in 20th-century opulence at the Viscaya Museum and Gardens.
Grab a cafecito at the iconic 24-hour Manolo and Rene Grill.
Catch a game or a show at American Airlines Arena.
Finding an apartment in Brickell
From food to fun to sun, no neighborhood captures both the history and the trajectory of Miami quite like Brickell. If you have the wiggle room in the budget and the energy to keep up with the crowd, then take a look at the rent prices in Brickell and see if you can take the plunge and call it home!
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory as of June 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
J.D. Candidate at the University of Miami Law School and Officer Candidate with the U.S. Marine Corps, Maxwell is dedicated to public service and a glutton for punishment. He’s also a glutton for pasta, avid home chef and Atlanta food enthusiast with not enough hours in the day or kitchen appliances on the shelf.
It’s hard to believe that Americans ever got by without plastic, but the credit card is less than 75 years old. There’s a good chance your grandparents could tell you about life in the days of nothing but cash or checks.
Today, about 84% of Americans have at least one credit card, which allows them to quickly and conveniently tap or swipe their way towards purchases. Unfortunately, those rectangles of plastic may make spending a little too easy: The average household has almost $8,000 in this kind of debt.
Here, you’ll learn just how the credit card came into being, as well as smart ways to manage your credit card usage more effectively.
The Origins of Credit
Here’s how the story of the first credit card goes: Businessman Frank McNamara was having dinner at a New York City restaurant in 1949 when he realized he forgot his wallet. Rather than dine and dash, he came clean and asked if he could sign for the meal and pay later.
Though some say this legendary dinner never happened, everyone agrees McNamara founded Diners Club, the world’s first multipurpose charge card, in 1950. McNamara sold Diners Club memberships to friends and acquaintances willing to pay $3 for the “sign now, pay later” privilege at participating restaurants and hotels.
Until that point, only individual stores extended credit to customers. If you couldn’t pay for, say, a dress or a new suit at the general store — and the owner knew you were good for the money — you could run up a tab and pay cash later. But the Diners Club card provided the benefit of credit at multiple locations instead of just one establishment. 💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. One question can save you many dollars.
Next Came the “Big Four” of Credit Cards
Of course, future entrepreneurs and banks wouldn’t let Diners Club monopolize the charge and credit market for long. Eventually, other cards came on the scene—most notably Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
• Visa: In 1958, Bank of America issued the BankAmericard — the first true credit card — to customers in California. While the original Diners Club card required payment in full at the end of each month, BankAmericard users could pay off purchases over time. In 1976, BankAmericard became Visa.
• Mastercard: BankAmericard got a run for its money when a group of banks joined forces in 1966 to create the Interbank Card Association (ICA). In 1969, ICA created Master Charge: The Interbank Card, which became Mastercard in 1979.
• American Express: The American Express Company has been around since 1850, but it didn’t issue its first charge card until 1958. Like Diners Club, the American Express card had to be paid in full each month. That changed in 1987 with the introduction of the Optima card, the first true credit card by American Express. (Fun fact: Elvis Presley was one of the earliest American Express card members.)
• Discover: Discover is the newest major credit card network on the scene. Sears launched the Discover card in 1986, distinguishing it from the pack by charging no annual fees and offering higher credit limits than other cards at the time.
Discover was also the innovator of cash rewards on credit card purchases—back in 1986. At that time, Discover cardholders could earn rewards of up to 1% cash back on all purchases. Incidentally, Discover Financial Services purchased Diners Club International in 2008.
How Credit Cards Have Changed Over Time
A lot has changed since McNamara’s legendary dinner. Take a look at some of the biggest shifts in the credit industry:
The Ubiquity of Credit
In the early decades, credit was curbed by restrictive interstate banking laws. But credit’s big breakthrough came in 1978, when the Supreme Court ruled to allow nationally chartered banks to charge out-of-state customers the interest rate set in the bank’s home state.
Credit expanded as a result, and today, the average American credit card holder has nearly four cards.
The Evolution of Fees
When Diners Club began, it made money by charging stores a 7% fee on all transactions. Today, credit card companies charge interest on debt, too, so they make money when you don’t pay your bill in full. This is what’s typically known as high-interest debt. How high? At the end of 2023, the average credit card interest rate was reported as 24.59%.
Also, Diners Club used to charge nominal membership fees, but by the 1980s, many credit card companies eliminated annual fees to stay competitive.
The Advent of Rewards
The ’80s also brought tangible rewards for using credit cards instead of cash. Discover pioneered cash rewards, allowing cardholders to get a percentage back on purchases charged. And in 1987, Citibank made a deal with American Airlines to give consumers reward points to use for future flights.
Today, consumers continue to use credit card rewards programs to earn cash or points for future purchases, including travel. In fact, more than 87% of credit card users have rewards programs associated with their cards.
How to Control Your Credit
Credit can be convenient and a real asset when you want to buy something you don’t have enough cash to pay for outright. It’s a powerful tool, and one that must be managed wisely. In the summer of 2023, credit card balances in America hit a new milestone, topping a total of $1 trillion. That likely means many people are carrying a significant amount of debt. To avoid having your balances soar too high, consider these ways to take control of your credit.
Build Your Credit History Wisely
It might sound enticing to pay for everything in cash (and thus stay out of debt), but most of us don’t have the cash flow to pay for college, buy a car, and purchase a home outright. Besides, even if you do have the cash to buy everything you need right now, when the day comes to apply for a loan, you’ll need a solid credit history to qualify.
If you’ve never had a single credit card or loan, your credit history is minimal, which means you pose a higher risk to lenders. In that way it pays to borrow, as long as you do so responsibly. That means spending less than you earn and paying your bills on time, every time. Whenever possible, pay off your credit card in full every month.
Consider Prefinancing
Of course, credit cards aren’t the only way to pay for purchases and build a strong debt payment history. Prefinancing (getting access to a sum of money in advance of a purchase), such as taking out a personal loan, is another option. When you apply for a loan, you’re requesting a specific amount of money from a lender and agreeing to repay that loan over a predetermined period of time.
How credit cards work is a different process. When you pay on credit, the credit card network (e.g., Visa) pays the merchant (e.g., Home Depot) for your purchases, and you pay the network back for your purchases each month. If you don’t pay your balance in full, you’ll be charged interest on future payments.
Between the two options, prefinancing may offer the benefit of lower interest rates and shorter loan terms, helping you get out of debt quicker. After all, if you don’t have a system in place to pay off purchases in a reasonable time frame, credit card debt can haunt you for a long time.
Think about it: If you’ve racked up $15,000 in credit card debt at an interest rate of 20%, and make a payment of $300 each month, it will take you 109 months (9+ years) to pay off your debt, including $17,635.48 in interest, by the way. (You can use a credit card interest calculator to see how your own debt stacks up.)
Understand Your Credit Score
Whenever you borrow money via a personal loan or use your credit card, your lenders and creditors send details of those transactions to three major national credit bureaus (Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®). That information is then used to assess your creditworthiness, which is expressed as a three-digit credit score that represents the risk you pose to lenders.
The higher your credit score, the less risky you are in their eyes. FICO® scores are the ones used most often in lending decisions in the United States, with scores typically ranging from 300 (poor) to 850 (exceptional).
Your credit score comprises five categories, and each one has an impact:
• Payment history: Late or missed payments drag down your score.
• Amounts owed: High balances can hurt you; maxing out your credit cards is even more damaging.
• Length of credit history: A long history can increase your score.
• Credit mix in use: A healthy mix of credit cards, student loans, a mortgage loan, etc., can boost your score.
• New credit: Opening several credit accounts in a short period of time can damage your score.
💡 Quick Tip: Swap high-interest debt for a lower-interest loan, and save money on your monthly payments. Find out why SoFi credit card consolidation loans are so popular.
Build Your Credit Score
If your credit score isn’t where you want it to be, there’s good news: Scores aren’t set in stone. Try these tips to build yours:
Getting out of Credit Card Debt With a Personal Loan
Sometimes the problem is bigger than a low credit score. Unfortunately, some people get so deep into debt that it’s hard to find a way out on their own. One option: A personal loan to pay off credit card debt. This kind of loan usually allows you to consolidate high-interest credit card debt into one lower-interest loan with a fixed monthly payment.
Balance-transfer credit cards are another potential avenue to get out from under debt. Keep in mind, though, that these likely charge balance transfer fees, and your interest rate will be considerable after the promotional period. On the other hand, if you shop around, you may be able to find a personal loan that doesn’t charge origination or other fees.
You might also benefit from free or low-cost financial counseling from a nonprofit organization, such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).
The Takeaway
Clearly, Americans have become accustomed to and perhaps even reliant on credit cards since they were developed almost 75 years ago. When managed effectively, credit cards are valuable tools to help you pay for the things you need and to sustain the lifestyle you want.
If, however, you feel weighed down by credit card debt, start taking steps to control your credit, rather than letting it control you. Consider your options, such as balance transfer credit cards or using a personal loan, to help you pay off your balance.
Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.
With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
SoFi Loan Products SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .
Over the past two years, travelers have packed airports, hotels and destinations with a fervor that earned the post-pandemic trend a label: “revenge travel.”
Demand from leisure travelers soared at hotels in 2022 as travel restrictions subsided. This year, Americans flocked to popular European cities faster than they did in 2019. From June to October 2023, TSA recorded seven of its 10 busiest days ever at U.S. airport checkpoints — and then the all-time single-day record for passenger traffic was set on Nov. 26.
Now, there’s a lingering question as 2024 approaches: Might revenge travel finally end?
Industry leaders split on the future of revenge travel
Ask 10 people in the travel industry, and you may get 10 different opinions.
At one end of the spectrum, some airlines continue to report that travelers are more than willing to pay for high-end business class seats, especially on long-haul overseas flights.
“Our core customer base is in a healthy financial position,” Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, said during the company’s most recent earnings call (a sentiment United Airlines executives noted on their third-quarter earnings call, too).
Some hotel executives are echoing the optimism. Despite economic uncertainty, “The consumer is still generally holding up well,” said Leeny Oberg, Marriott’s chief financial officer, during the company’s November earnings call.
But other companies are starting to notice some changes.
Some airlines have reported decreased demand in recent months, contributing to financial losses. For instance, Southwest Airlines is pulling back on plans to keep growing its flight schedule in 2024, noting leisure travel trends have looked less strong and more like pre-pandemic times in recent months.
“There is no doubt that there is a slowdown occurring,” says John Grant, chief analyst at travel data firm OAG. “We’re talking about a softening. We’re not talking about a nosedive.”
Reasons revenge travel may not last
Consumer costs mounting
Though inflation has cooled from its peak in June 2022, many everyday expenses such as groceries and rent remain more expensive than before the pandemic.
Plus, consumers now face high interest rates, resumed student loan repayments and, for many, a smaller pandemic savings cushion, says Cara McDaniel, a professor specializing in macroeconomics at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business.
“Life is looking a little less affordable,” McDaniel says. “People, even if they are OK, might not be feeling the urge to splurge. So I imagine that’s going to drag on travel.”
A return to ‘normal’
There’s also the theory that a return to more traditional routines is inevitable.
“People traveled more frequently, or spent more on extravagant vacations after being unable to do so during the pandemic. Now, most travelers are reverting to regular travel spending habits,” Emmy Hise, senior director of hospitality analytics at data firm CoStar, said in an email.
She noted that hotels at popular U.S. vacation destinations started seeing demand slide this past spring — though while still outpacing 2019.
Why revenge travel could stick around
More approachable travel prices
According to NerdWallet’s most recent Travel Price Index, the overall cost of travel in October was down about 2% from the same month in 2022, helped primarily by cheaper airfare.
As airlines have hired staff and brought planes back into service, the supply and demand equation is more favorable for consumers than it was a year or two ago.
During this fourth quarter of 2023, the eight largest U.S. carriers are flying with nearly 17% more seats compared with the fourth quarter of 2021, according to airline scheduling data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
To entice travelers to buy tickets, Southwest executives told analysts they’ve had to offer cheaper tickets on less crowded days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Other airlines (particularly low-cost carriers) have offered steep discounts and promotions of late, too.
For travelers, more approachable prices could be reason enough to book another trip.
Bucket lists still unsatisfied
Several industry leaders have also cited an enduring willingness from consumers to spend on travel and sacrifice other purchases instead.
Michael Daher, vice chair and U.S. transportation and hospitality leader at consulting firm Deloitte, said in an email that his team has tracked an “overall decline in financial well-being” over the last year, including still growing concerns about savings.
But, he added, the company’s survey data also suggests consumers hope to travel nonetheless, perhaps merely electing to fly on a cheaper ticket type, like basic economy.
“We may be moving from ‘revenge travel’ to a period of reprioritization that values travel highly,” Daher said.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
It’s not likely you can travel with an expired passport, as a passport is generally required for international air travel. It also doubles as a valid form of ID for domestic U.S. travel.
If you realize your passport has expired and you have immediate travel plans, you’ll need to check the rules for the country you’re visiting and quickly submit an application for a new passport.
Learn why and when you need a passport to travel, how to renew your passport and what the rules are for traveling with an expired passport.
Why do you need a passport to travel?
A passport is a standardized form of government identification for those traveling internationally, though it can often be used for identification purposes domestically, too.
Passports ensure that travelers are who they say they are when entering or leaving a country or in other situations when identification is necessary. In most circumstances, everyone entering or leaving a country by land, sea or air needs to have their own passport, even if they’re a child, toddler or baby.
Generally, U.S. passports must be valid for six months beyond the traveler’s departure date to enter another country. However, some countries allow entry to travelers with only three months’ validity on their passport, and others have different regulations altogether. It’s important to verify the country’s rules where you’re planning to travel to ensure you can enter.
How do you renew a passport?
If your passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago, you must apply for a new one. Child passports for those under 16 expire after five years and cannot be renewed.
To renew your passport, follow these steps:
Complete a passport renewal application (Form DS-82).
Get passport photos taken.
Mail in your completed application and photos along with your current or expired passport and the required fees.
Currently, it takes up to 10 weeks to get a new passport or renew an existing one. However, there are ways to reduce the time it takes to get a new passport if you need it faster.
Expedited processing. By choosing expedited processing for an additional $60, your passport can be issued in three to five weeks.
Expedited delivery. Applicants can pay $19.53 for expedited delivery from the U.S. Postal Service. This upgrade delivers your new passport to you one to two days after it is mailed.
Urgent travel. This service is available by appointment at a passport agency and is for those with urgent travel plans within the next 14 days (or five days if you’ve already applied by mail). There is no fee for the appointment but spots are limited.
Emergency. In life-or-death situations that require travel within 72 hours, you may be able to obtain a passport the same day or the next day.
Passport expeditors or courier companies are another option to get your passport more quickly. These private, third-party companies are allowed to submit expedited passport applications on behalf of their customers. These agencies typically charge additional fees on top of the standard application and expedited service fees.
Can you fly with an expired passport?
Typically, travelers are required to have valid identification when flying. However, the rules can vary depending on whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.
Can you travel domestically with an expired passport?
A passport isn’t required for U.S. citizens traveling within the United States. If you’re flying within the U.S. and your passport has expired, it’s best to use another form of government identification. Forms of ID that are accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the airlines include state-issued driver’s licenses, state-issued ID cards and military ID.
If you’re traveling with an expired passport and don’t have one of the forms of ID listed above, you may still be able to fly if your passport hasn’t expired more than 12 months ago. However, you may be asked to show secondary forms of identification to prove your identity.
Can you fly with an expired passport to another country?
Traveling internationally requires a valid passport to depart the U.S. and/or return from a foreign country.
There are a few exceptions for passengers traveling within the Western Hemisphere. These include a NEXUS card when returning from Canada, a Merchant Mariner Document when traveling on official business or a Military Identification Card when traveling on official orders.
Traveling with expired passport rules during COVID
During the pandemic, the U.S. government issued a temporary order allowing those with an expired passport to fly home to the U.S. This rule granted travelers with passports expiring on or after Jan. 1, 2020, to return directly to the U.S. until June 30, 2022. This exception has since expired and is no longer valid.
What if your passport expired and you need to travel tomorrow?
If you’re traveling within three business days because of a life-or-death emergency of one of your immediate family members, you may be able to get a new passport the same day. Here’s how to get a passport quickly for next-day travel:
Get documentation of the emergency. This could be a death certificate, letter from a mortuary or a letter from a hospital explaining your family member’s condition. It must be translated by a professional if it’s not in English.
Obtain proof of your upcoming travel, such as an airline ticket or itinerary.
Complete a passport application and get passport photos taken.
Call the National Passport Information Center at (877) 487-2778 during business hours or (202) 647-4000 during non-business hours.
Explain your situation and why you need to travel right away.
If you qualify, the center will assist you in making an appointment at an eligible passport agency. Note that an appointment is not guaranteed.
Bring proof of the emergency and travel plans, your passport application and payment for all necessary fees to your appointment.
Flying with an expired passport recapped
Travelers must have a valid passport when traveling internationally. However, if your passport has expired, you have a few options to get a new passport faster than the standard seven to 10 weeks it currently takes. The fees and process required will depend on how quickly you need your new passport.
In life-or-death situations, you may be able to get a new passport the same day if your international travel is within three business days.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Inside: Balancing a shoestring budget is possible and provides great rewards. With savings and budget strategies, you will find genius tips to manage your finances smartly!
With the rise of economic inflation, a growing number of people are finding the need for shoestring budgets to effectively navigate through their expenses.
Whether it’s planning for a low-cost holiday, initiating a frugal home makeover, or launching a start-up business with minimalist funds, the concept of a shoestring budget comes into play.
Moreover, it’s not only limited to low-income families but also extends to larger households and entrepreneurs that need to strategically lessen costs to achieve their goals. This is how many people reach financial independence sooner.
Then, let’s talk about a shoestring budget – an effective tool used to stretch finite resources, manage money wisely, and achieve financial goals, all while minimizing expenses.
If you’re familiar with the feeling of every dollar in your wallet counting, then this blog post is for you.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What is a Shoestring Budget?
A ‘shoestring budget’ means to accomplish a task or a project within a very limited or bare minimum budget. The shoestring budget work strategy involves curbing discretionary spending dramatically to take care of high-priority expenses.
Understood across various contexts like travel, events, and lifestyle, the term implies an approach of resourcefulness and discovery of low-cost alternatives to achieve desired results.
Not exclusive to households with low incomes, working with a shoestring budget expresses the art of making what’s deemed impossible possible, navigating time constraints, and maximizing minimal available funds.
Shoestring Budget Idiom Definition
According to Merriam-Webster, the official definition of a shoestring budget is: 1
“involving a relatively small amount of money for planned spending.”
‘Shoestring Budget’ Origin
The phrase ‘shoestring budget’ has an intriguing origin story that dates back to the 1800s in the United States. Fact-checks reveal that this term is indeed a reference to the precarious nature of a thin and weak shoestring, metaphorically implying a scarce and strained budget.2
Several theories have been proposed regarding its original use.
One theory suggests that the term ‘shoestring gambler,’ meaning someone gambling with a limited budget, might be the precursor to the idiom.
Another theory, based on British history, suggests that prisoners would lower a shoestring out of their cell to collect small donations from passersby, symbolizing the idea of managing with few resources.
Despite the debates around the phrase’s exact origins, it is undisputed that it signifies a tight budget situation.
How to live on a shoestring budget?
Living on a shoestring budget can be challenging but doable with a bit of dedication and planning.
Start by reviewing your regular expenses per month.
Cut down on unnecessary expenses as much as possible.
Monitor your small, daily expenses as they can add up significantly over time.
Refinance any existing debt to reduce interest payments.
Renegotiate contracts with utility providers, subscription services (consider uninstalling unused ones), or insurance for better rates.
Shop at thrift stores or choosing used items over brand new can also help you save.
The key to surviving a shoestring budget is self-control and determination to avoid impulsive spending.
Your goal is to prioritize essential needs over wants – a no spend challenge will help you with this. Remember, regular tracking and analysis of your personal site usage can provide valuable insights to manage your budget better.
How to travel on a shoestring budget?
Embarking on an adventure while on a shoestring budget requires creativity and pre-planning.
Be flexible with your travel dates, destinations, and mode of transport to take advantage of the best deals available.
Consider options such as budget airlines, off-peak travel times, and less touristy locations.
Staying in budget accommodations, or even trying out housesitting, can significantly cut down your lodging costs.
Eating at local fresh markets rather than restaurants will not only save you money but also provide a more authentic experience.
Plan your daily activities; consider free local events, parks, and attractions.
Always carry a water bottle to avoid buying expensive drinks.
With careful planning, traveling on a shoestring budget can make your journey all the more rewarding and memorable.
How to Save Money on a shoestring budget?
Saving money while on a shoestring budget might appear challenging, but it’s not impossible. Begin by monitoring your expenditures and identifying areas where you can potentially save money. Also, consider substituting costly activities with more affordable or free ones.
Every small action counts when you’re on a shoestring budget, and these savings accumulate over time. Remember, consistent small savings can make a significant difference in the long run.
Starting a business on a shoestring budget
Starting a business on a shoestring budget requires careful financial planning and innovative thinking. Indeed, it may sound challenging, but numerous shoestring startups have surged to success by optimizing their business budgets. It is all about crafting a solid business plan that clearly delineates your budget and the efficient utilization of each dollar.
Maintain focus on essential expenses only. These expenses might include mandatory licenses, essential software for business operations, or even crucial industry-specific tools. Leverage your personal and professional networks for free advice and resources.
Also, make the most of free or low-cost online marketing strategies as these can be vital to shoestring business budgets. You can use effective strategies, like using different social media platforms for marketing or creating a blog, to broaden the reach of your business.
Remember, having the capital to start is important but it’s secondary to a truly novel idea, intense hard work, and a strategic approach. So, let your creativity thrive and work passionately towards growing your business.
Shoestring Budget Examples
Shoestring Vacation
Wedding or Honeymoon
Home Improvement
Business on a Shoestring Startups
Savings Goals
Financing your Next Car
A shoestring budget is not always related to bigger projects. It can also refer to the scenario where the money required for daily expenses, buying an item, or completing a project isn’t enough. Here, the person has to be creative and find ways to stretch the money to make ends meet.
Practical Tips for Surviving on a Shoestring Budget
In this section, we will present practical advice for managing a shoestring budget, derived from case studies of my readers and my own personal experience who have thrived despite financial limitations.
Whether you are budgeting on a low income or looking to reach FI number faster, this guide has you covered.
1. Starting with a Budget: Your First Step
Before you embark on your journey of living on a shoestring budget, the first step is to define a realistic budget.
Understand your total earnings and list all your monthly expenses.
Identify which expenses are necessary (rent, utilities, groceries) and which are discretionary (eating out, entertainment).
Now create a spending plan such that it covers all necessities, allocates some amount towards savings, and leaves a little for leisure.
A well-defined budget will be your roadmap to financial management success.
Remember, the goal is to live within your means but also to ensure you aren’t depriving yourself.
2. Make Saving Automatic
A proven way to save money on a shoestring budget is to make saving automatic.
In such a method, you can set up an automatic transfer when you get paid. Another idea is to use Acorns, which rounds up purchases made with your debit card to the nearest dollar and deposits the change daily into your savings account.
Essentially, you’re saving without even noticing it! These little amounts add up over a period and can really bolster your savings.
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3. Cut Back on Expenses
One of the most effective ways to operate within a shoestring budget is by reducing expenses. These can be small lifestyle changes, like cutting back on takeaways and preparing meals at home, walking or cycling instead of driving short distances or canceling unused subscriptions.
Specifically, you are looking to cut back your flexible expenses the most.
4. Look for Ways to Make Extra Money
Alongside cutting back on expenses, we continually stress the importance of finding ways to supplement your income. This could be from a side hustle, passive income, part-time job, or even a pay raise.
This additional income can help ease pressure on your shoestring budget. Also, it might provide an opportunity to explore new interests or passions. By diversifying your income streams, you make your financial situation more secure and flexible in unexpected circumstances.
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5. Utilize Free Resources
When it comes to saving money on a shoestring budget, the key is to utilize free resources and focus on essentials before spending money.
Thankfully, there are many vital ways to do this:
Find free things to do without spending money.
Use your local Buy Nothing group to find items before spending your hard-earned cash.
Learn and enhance your skills through free or low-cost online platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube.
Leveraging such resources can have a significant impact on your budget, leading to substantial savings for other meaningful expenses.
6. Look for Deals and Coupons
Another wise strategy when operating on a shoestring budget is seeking out deals and using coupons whenever possible. This game-changing approach can be applied to your grocery budget, dining, clothing purchases, and even travel.
Search for coupons in newspapers, magazines, or on coupon websites. Perhaps, subscribe to newsletters from your favorite retailers, a move that will provide straightforward access to information about sales and discount codes. Be mindful while shopping online or in stores, and always remember to rein in impulses, checking for any available discounts before purchasing.
Moreover, take advantage of holiday sales or Amazon Prime Day for larger purchases. Taking a little extra time to hunt for the best deals can significantly cut down your expenses and help you stick to your shoestring budget.
7. Utilize Household Resources
Leveraging what you already have in your household is another fantastic way to save money.
For instance, before running to the grocery store, take stock of what’s in your pantry and design meals around these items.
Also, consider repurposing and upcycling household items. An old ladder can turn into a chic bookshelf; jars can be used for storage.
Optimizing utility usage by switching off lights when not in use and limiting water usage can also reduce bills.
Start treating everything in your house as a resource with a specific purpose and value, including leftover food, old clothes, and used furniture. Every household item utilized efficiently can add up to visible savings over time.
8. Get Rid of Unnecessary Expenses
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of managing a shoestring budget is identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenses. These could include subscriptions to magazines or online services that you hardly use, dining out frequently, or buying expensive coffee daily.
Analyze where your money is going every month. You’d be surprised how the smallest changes can have a big impact on your budget. Eliminating even a few unnecessary monthly expenses can add up to substantial yearly savings.
Remember, the key is not to deprive yourself of everything but to find that balance between living comfortably and within your means.
9. Reduce Your Monthly Rent or Mortgage Payment
Want to slash a significant expense of your shoestring budget by considering ways to reduce your rent or mortgage payments? Could you move to a more affordable area or a smaller property?
For homeowners, look at refinancing your mortgage or negotiate better terms, resulting in lower monthly payments. Always remember to check if any fees would apply before proceeding with refinancing.
If relocation isn’t an option, consider renting out a spare room in your home or offering it on a vacation rental site.
If you are a renter, look at becoming a permanent housesitter.
Lowering these substantial expenses can make a huge difference in your budget, allowing you to allocate funds to other pressing areas, save, or even invest in building wealth.
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10. Be Creative When Paying Bills
When managing a shoestring budget, it can be helpful to get creative with the way you pay your bills. Sometimes, splitting payments between paychecks or paying on certain days can make managing your budget easier.
You could also consider bill negotiation services or check if you qualify for reduced rates based on your income. If meeting all payments becomes too strenuous, communicate with your service providers about it. They may have hardship programs or payment plans to assist during tough financial periods.
Remember, the key is to avoid late fees or penalties that could further strain your budget.
11. Leverage Technology to Save Time and Money
Make the most of technology to manage your shoestring budget. There are numerous mobile apps and online resources to help you track your expenditures, save money, pay bills, and even invest.
Budgeting apps can help you keep track of your income and expenditure, warn you when you’re nearing your limit, and provide valuable insight into your spending habits. Digital wallets can help you make secure transactions without the fear of losing cash.
Moreover, there are apps and websites to compare prices of different products, get the best deal alerts, apply instant coupons, or even earn cashback like Rakuten.
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12. Participate in a Mini Savings Challenge
As a fun and effective way to boost your savings, consider embarking on a mini savings challenge! These challenges break the intimidating concept of saving into manageable, small steps. They can vary based on duration and the amount you’re aiming to save.
For example, in a 52-week challenge, you save $1 in the first week, $2 in the second, and so on, until you’re saving $52 in the 52nd week. By the end of the year, you’ll have saved $1,378!
Not only does it make saving fun, but it also allows you to develop a consistent saving habit, crucial when budgeting on a shoestring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you’re fortunate enough to have a budget that’s more than a shoestring, the principles discussed still apply. Having more resources doesn’t mean you should ignore opportunities to save and invest wisely.
So, whether your budget is minimal or ample, consider adopting these healthy financial habits to achieve your financial goals. Make sure to sock away any extra money into a savings or investment account so you aren’t tempted to spend it.
Starting to invest on a small budget involves several key strategies. You must pay yourself first each and every time you are paid.
Set up an auto savings plan through a high interest savings account to make sure you start earning interest.
Contribute enough to your 401(k) to take full advantage of your employer’s match, if available, and consider mutual funds with an initial investment as low as $500.
Pick one solid company wherein you believe data and financials are stable enough to invest in, and buy 1 share.
If you receive a work or tax refund bonus, allocate it towards your investments instead of immediate spending.
Key Takeaways: Managing Money Well on a Tight Budget
Managing finances on a shoestring budget can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies in place, it can become a way to achieve financial health.
This is something I did when I was a stay-at-home mom looking for ways to make money.
In the grand scheme of things, managing a shoestring budget is less about the money and more about your mindset. Yes, limited resources can present challenges, but your attitude and creativity can make a difference.
Embracing frugality, taking control of your financial choices, and building resourceful strategies can turn your constraints into opportunities.
Money comes and goes, but the ability to manage it effectively is a life skill that will always be beneficial. The real wealth lies in your ability to live within your means and make the most of what you have – turning your shoestring budget into a stepping stone towards financial independence and stability.
Remember, every journey starts small.
Day by day, these tips can help you improve your financial stability and achieve your goals, regardless of your budget size.
Source
Merriam-Webster. “on a small/tight/shoestring budget.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20a%20small%2Ftight%2Fshoestring%20budget. Accessed December 5, 2023.
Grammarist. “Shoestring Budget – A Creative Expression for Limited Money.” https://grammarist.com/idiom/on-a-shoestring-and-shoestring-budget/. Accessed December 5, 2023.
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Flying can be anxiety inducing for some, and when traveling with a baby in tow can be its own stressor. If you’re traveling Spirit Airlines with a baby for the first time, you may have quite a few questions. How much does a ticket for a baby cost? Can they travel on my lap? Is there an age requirement to travel? The list of questions can be long.
Here’s a closer look at the Spirit Airlines infant policies, including how its car seat and stroller policies work.
Spirit Airlines infant policy
The Spirit infant policy states that a baby at least 7 days old but younger than 2 years of age counts as an infant, and an infant can sit on your lap for the duration of the flight for free — no ticket purchase required.
After their second birthday, you will be required to purchase your child their own ticket and seat. That includes if your kid turns 2 between your outbound flight and your return home. If that happens, you’ll have to purchase a seat for them for the return flight.
🤓Nerdy Tip
If your child is just under 2, travel with a copy of their birth certificate or passport in case the airline asks for confirmation of their age.
Other requirements for traveling with an infant on Spirit:
A lap infant can only sit with a passenger 15 or older.
Only one infant is allowed per passenger.
Infants 6 days old and younger won’t be permitted to board.
Lap children aren’t allowed in exit rows or the rows immediately in front of or behind.
You are required to check in with an agent at your gate before boarding.
Can you bring a stroller on spirit airlines?
On Spirit Airlines, a stroller is always free to check either at the check-in counter or at the gate (if you need it in order to travel through the airport).
You’re allowed one stroller per child, but you can also opt for a two-seater if you’re traveling with more than one kid.
Can you bring a car seat on Spirit Airlines? Are they free?
The Spirit car seat policy states you can check one car seat at the gate or the ticket counter per child free of charge.
If you don’t want to hold your baby on your lap the whole flight, you can also bring an FAA-approved car seat on board for your child assuming it physically fits in the seat. To do this, however, you will have to purchase a ticket for your infant.
If you do plan to go this route, check to make sure the seats on your aircraft are large enough to accommodate your car seat. Standard seats on Spirit planes can range from 15.5 inches to 17 inches wide, but upgrading to a wider Big Front Seat is also an option.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Don’t try to bring a rear-facing carseat if it’s over 25 inches tall; Spirit won’t allow it onboard.
Also important to note is that collapsible cribs or pack-and-plays won’t be checked for free. You’ll have to pay for those items. Peruse Spirit’s baggage fees for pricing.
Can I bring a carry-on diaper bag?
There’s no official Spirit diaper bag policy; the airline treats these items as any other type of baggage or carry-on. That means your diaper bag can count as your personal item, which is free.
Alternatively, you can pay for a carry-on during booking or at check-in if the included personal item isn’t enough. You’ll save cash if you pre-pay for this allowance in advance.
Remember to measure and weigh your personal items and carry-on before you leave home, so you’re not surprised and hit with an unexpected fee once you arrive at the airport. A personal item can’t be larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches and a carry-on must be within 22 x 18 x 10 inches.
How to add a lap child on Spirit Airlines
If you’re ready to book travel with your infant — whether you want them in your lap or in a car seat in their own seat — Spirit makes it simple to do so. When booking online at Spirit.com, simply enter your preferred dates and routes, then select the dropdown menu at the top left of the flight search bar that says “Adult.”
When an option window pops up, you can enter the number of children traveling with you and their dates of birth. Check the “seat required” box if you want them to have their own seat and the minor will be counted as a child and be charged a ticket price accordingly.
Leave the “Seat Required” box unchecked, and as long as the date of birth is within the last 24 months, the child will be counted as an infant and not charged for a seat.
If you’d like to purchase a separate seat for your baby, keep the checkmark in the “Seat Required” box.
Click “Save,” then “Search flights,” and continue the flight selection process as usual.
Spirit baby policies, recapped
Flying Spirit with a baby is simple to book, and it’s free if they qualify as a lap infant (under age 2). Strollers and car seats can be checked for free at the ticket check-in counter or at the gate. If you would like your child to travel in their carseat, you will need to purchase a separate ticket for them. Either arrangement can be made during the booking process on Spirit’s website.
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