Travel questions, answered.

In most cases yes. US legacy carriers waived change fees on Main Cabin fares in 2020. Basic Economy remains non-changeable. Fees on European and Asian carriers vary from 0 to over 300 dollars depending on fare family.

In the US, airlines must allow free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, as long as the flight is at least 7 days away. This applies to all fare types, including Basic Economy.

No. Commercial airline tickets are non-transferable. Some low cost carriers permit name changes for a fee - Ryanair charges 115 euros at the airport.

When the airline cancels your flight, significantly changes your schedule, denies you boarding involuntarily, or if you cancel within the 24 hour rule window. In the EU and UK, additional cash compensation may apply under EU261/UK261.

US DOT requires refunds to credit cards within 7 business days. Complex refunds involving travel agencies can take 6 to 12 weeks in practice.

Yes, but only after the airline has failed to refund within a reasonable window. Filing too early usually results in rejection.

Depends on the country. Doha, Dubai, Singapore, Frankfurt allow airside transit for most nationalities. The US always requires a transit visa or ESTA. China requires a full visa unless you qualify for 24/72/144 hour visa-free transit.

The EU's new travel authorisation for visa exempt travellers - a quick online form, 7 euros, valid 3 years. Not a visa but required for entry.

Yes if you are a visa exempt traveller including Americans, Canadians, Australians. 10 pounds, valid 2 years, apply via the UK ETA app.

Schengen requires 3 months beyond planned departure. Thailand, Indonesia, and many others require 6 months. The UK only requires validity for the length of stay.

Yes. Every child, including infants. US child passports are valid 5 years, not 10.

Report to the local police, contact your embassy immediately, and request an emergency travel document. Most embassies issue one in 1 to 3 working days.

2 hours for domestic flights, 3 hours for international. Peak hours at major hubs (Heathrow 06:00, JFK 17:00) can need an extra 30 minutes.

In most cases no - mobile passes are accepted almost everywhere. Some smaller regional and Asian airports still require paper. Ryanair charges 55 euros to print at the airport.

Airline lounges belong to a carrier or alliance and are accessible via ticket class or elite status. Priority Pass is a paid membership that grants access to a global network of independent lounges.

Emergency medical, medical evacuation, and named cancellation reasons. Change of mind is not covered unless you buy a Cancel For Any Reason upgrade.

Usually yes but only if declared. Not declaring is the top reason claims are rejected.

Some do - Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and several UK cards. Coverage typically requires you to have paid for the trip on the card.

Only if your passport doesn't require a visa to enter that country, or you have a transit visa. Also allow enough time to clear immigration both ways.

Yes. Singapore Changi, Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) all offer them under certain conditions.

90 minutes for domestic, 120 minutes for international on a single ticket. 4+ hours if the connection is on separate tickets.

Slowly. Airports with CT scanners - London City, Amsterdam, most Italian airports - allow larger liquids. Rollout has been paused in some places.

Yes with a TSA-approved lock. Non-TSA locks may be cut for inspection.

Report at the airport before leaving. You get a Property Irregularity Report reference and can claim reasonable expenses under the Montreal Convention.

Preboarding is for passengers who need extra time - people with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, active military.

Group 1 is normally for elite frequent flyers and premium cabin passengers. Airline credit cards often include priority boarding too.

You board with the last group. On a full flight, overhead space may be gone.