Airline Apps to Download

Your airline's app (must-have)

• American Airlines — best for status & upgrades.
• Delta — most reliable. Great gate-change alerts.
• United — strong international.
• Southwest — A-list boarding requires app at 24-hour check-in.
• JetBlue — clean, simple.
• Alaska Airlines — top-rated app for usability.

Use the app for: digital boarding pass, real-time delays, free in-flight messaging, gate changes (often pinged BEFORE airport speakers announce).

TSA & airport apps

• MyTSA — security wait times by airport. Tells you what's allowed in a carry-on.
• FlightAware — real-time flight tracking. See if your delayed plane is even at the airport yet.
• Mobile Passport Control (US Customs) — skip Customs lines on return. Free.
• TSA PreCheck app — manage application + renewal.

In-flight tips

• Free messaging — Most US airlines: free iMessage/WhatsApp/Facebook Messenger texts in flight.
• T-Mobile customers — free in-flight wifi on most US airlines.
• Pre-download Netflix shows — over wifi at home, watch on plane without paying for wifi.
• Airline app entertainment — most have free movies/TV via app on your own device.

Day-of checklist

1. 24 hours before — check in via app, save boarding pass to Apple/Google Wallet.
2. 2 hours before — leave home (3 hours for international).
3. App — verify gate, security wait time.
4. Add boarding pass to Apple Wallet — no internet needed at gate.
5. Charge phone to 100% — long flights drain it.
6. Bring portable charger ($20 Anker) — outlet seats not guaranteed.

If your flight is delayed/canceled

• Check airline app FIRST — already may have rebooked you.
• Call 1-800 number while waiting in gate-agent line. Whoever answers first wins.
• Use Twitter/X — DM the airline. They respond fast publicly.
• Federal rules (2024) — if airline cancels or delays 3+ hours, you're owed FULL REFUND, no fees. Even on non-refundable tickets.
• Don't accept a voucher unless you want one.