Is a Clear Membership Worth It? Here’s How to Try It for Free to Find Out

While the Global Entry application fee has risen to $120 for adults, it has been eliminated for children under 18. Before October 1 of this year, the fee was $100 for anyone applying, regardless of age. So, while there has been a 20% increase for adults, anyone under 18 can apply for Global Entry for free—as long as their parent or guardian is also applying or is already a member. In the past, if your kids did not have Global Entry, they would have to go through the long customs line even if you had it. Now, it is much easier to get your kids Global Entry.

Flying a relatively small and unknown airline is always somewhat of a risk when it comes to the experience you're going to have both on the ground and on board — my recent nonstop flight on Azores Airlines from New York City to Madeira, Portugal, was no exception. But a surprising upgrade bid for an extra seat in my row for 80 euros ($88) made all the difference in my experience flying across the Atlantic.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Tobi Oluwole, a 30-year-old former sales manager at a Big Tech firm who recently relocated to France. His former employer is known to Business Insider but is not named for confidentiality. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

More than seven decades ago, the S.S. United States — a ship bigger than the Titanic — made its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, breaking the trans-Atlantic speed record.

It's that time of year again: Time to use any credits that will expire at the end of the year, plan any last mileage runs or mattress runs for elite status and start thinking about your points-and-miles strategy for next year. It's also a good time to see what loyalty program and credit card changes are happening next year.

Sep 30, 2024 • 6 min read

As a beer aficionado, I've been to my fair share of brew festivals throughout the US, several of which were "Oktoberfest" themed.

According to the trade group Cruise Lines International Association, 10% of cruisers go on three to five vacations at sea a year.

To survive cold weather at home, you likely have a favored Big Coat. But whether it’s a flowy wool trench that grazes that ground or a bulbous puffer that makes you a dead-ringer for the Michelin Man, it’s probably unsuited for life in transit. When you’re traveling on a plane, a truly big coat can make getting yourself through security and squeezing yourself into ever-shrinking basic economy plane seats a real hassle.

There are multiple hiking trails that lead to the ancient city of Machu Picchu: the Ancascocha Trail, the Salkantay Trail, the Lares Trek, etc. But the most popular of them all is the Inca Trail, and to hike it, you need a permit.

At a time when most airlines, budget or otherwise, are determined to make you pay through the nose for any piece of luggage you want to bring with you on a flight, Avelo Airlines, is going against the grain. Since May 25, 2024, Avelo, a US-based budget airline, lets adult passengers departing from Sonoma County Airport (STS) fly with one case of wine for free. As of September 16, 2024, however, the airline will be expanding its Wine Travel Free program to and from all its routes in the Western US.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Wednesday, September 25, and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.