Shecky’s

If you’re going to be frequenting the airport a lot this summer, then you’ve got to be in-the-know with these 10 travel tips that’ll help you out-clever the crowds! After all, your summer vacation essentially starts the second you hit the airport, so why not make the trip from point A to point paradise as painless, relaxing and stress-free as possible? From getting bumped up to first-class to avoiding long lines at busy international airports, here are tips that every smart travelista needs to know before jetting off this summer. Happy travels!

-Kelly Craig

1. Bumping (No, not that thing in Snooki’s hair…)

If you’re in no rush to get home, you can purposely book a flight during peak hours like Sundays between 4-7 p.m., Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, pre- and post-holidays, or even popular nonstop flights. Get to your gate early (two to three hours in advance) and with a calm-cool-and-collected smile, let the gate attendant know that you’re willing to be bumped if the flight is super booked. Most airlines treat a bumped passenger like they’re the Queen of England! If the next flight available to you is the following day, you can receive a night at a five-star hotel complete with meal vouchers and limo service, while others give extra flight vouchers or sometimes cash! Don’t be shy about asking for extras like calling cards, free admission to the airport club, meal vouchers or a first-class seat upgrade! Worst case scenario? They say no. And yes, this is all totally legal. Some policies are more lenient than others, so be sure to do your research beforehand!

Image credit: hellobeautiful.com