The New Tool That Could Help You Have a More Enjoyable Flight

TripAdvisor is adding an airline review platform to its already burgeoning advice on accommodations, restaurants and attractions in 48 countries.

The new platform includes both American and international carriers, so for those about to book a trip to Buenos Aires, for instance, TripAdvisor’s new airline platform could help you get a better idea of whether it’s worth it to pay extra for Aeromexico or spend less on Aerolineas Argentinas.

As with TripAdvisor’s regular reviews, consumers can share opinions on price and the experience beyond it — an invaluable tool at a time when some airlines are essentially charging families extra just to sit together.

More Ways to Score Deals

Of course, playing sleuth on TripAdvisor or other travel sites isn’t the only way to cut costs and/or have a more enjoyable vacation.

You can also research vacation packages, use multiple sources to price out your travel and consider flying during non-peak travel times if you are able to. Travel rewards cards, which often offer a bevy of perks, such as free hotel upgrades and earlier check-in, could also potentially help you save. And if you’re loyal to a particular airline, an airlines miles card can help you earn miles that you can cash in for flights. (You can go here to learn more about the best airline miles credit cards in America.)

Keep in mind these cards generally require applicants to have a good credit score, so if you don’t know where you currently stand, you’ll want to check before you apply. You can view two of your credit scores, updated every 14 days, for free on Credit.com.

Not happy with what you see? Not to worry, there are plenty of ways to beef up your credit score so you can qualify for better reward cards. You can get started by paying down any outstanding credit card debt, checking your credit report for any errors you need to dispute and not applying for any new lines of credit until your score’s had a chance to recover.