From booking flights to getting through airport security, NerdWallet’s travel pros share five costly mistakes — and how to avoid them.

Is TSA PreCheck or Global Entry worth the cost? How can you use travel credit card perks to save money on trips? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss five common travel mistakes and how to avoid them to help you travel smarter. They begin with tips for getting the most value out of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Then, they explain how you can make the most of travel credit card perks, use price alerts effectively, pack strategically, and plan layovers wisely. Along the way, they share insights on avoiding common travel pitfalls and maximizing both time and money while on the go.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

Best credit cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/tsa-precheck-global-entry 

Best credit cards for airport lounge access: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/airport-lounge-access 

Read Sally’s review of the STL Wingtips Lounge at St. Louis Lambert International Airport: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/wingtips-lounge 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry, travel credit card perks, best ways to use travel rewards, airport security tips, how to skip the TSA line, travel mistakes to avoid, how to pack light, best price tracking tools for flights, travel savings tips, travel hacks, travel rewards programs, Google Flights, Hopper, maximizing credit card benefits, avoiding baggage fees, frequent flyer tips, what not to pack for flights, how to get lounge access, how to use airport lounges, and Southwest Transferable Flight Credits.

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