Millionaires At Airports: Do They Skip Customs Lines?

Flying is an experience that is accessible to people from all walks of life, including millionaires. While some millionaires opt for private jets, others choose to fly commercially and may even sit in coach. Millionaire businessman Mark shared five airport hacks in a TikTok video, which received over 2.7 million views. These hacks included taking a picture of luggage before check-in, bringing an empty water bottle, using a credit card for free airport lounge access, using an Apple AirTag in luggage, and emailing copies of travel documents. These strategies demonstrate ways to save money and enhance the travel experience, showcasing that even millionaires may seek efficiency and value when travelling.

Millionaires who fly commercial

While many millionaires and billionaires fly in private jets, there are some who opt to fly commercial. Self-made millionaire Barbara Corcoran, for instance, chooses to fly coach to save money. She tells CNBC Make It:

> I think everybody is cheap in some way. [...] I'll never spend money on a business class or a first-class ticket. Forget about it. I'm always in coach. I just couldn't fathom justifying that.

Corcoran also shares that she has a routine that makes her feel "better than everybody in first class", such as bringing a pre-packed gourmet meal. Similarly, multimillionaire Arik Kislin, who is a part-owner of a private jet company, sometimes chooses to fly commercial for economic reasons and the convenience of more flight options.

In addition, some millionaires and billionaires fly commercial due to the importance of location to their success. Cristobal Young, in his book 'The Myth of Millionaire Tax Flight', argues that location is very important to the world's richest people, and that their actual migration is surprisingly limited. This suggests that while some millionaires may have the option to fly private, they choose to fly commercial due to the convenience of flying into major business hubs.

Other examples of millionaires and billionaires who have been known to fly commercial include Azim Premji, CEO and majority shareholder of Wipro, who is famous for flying economy class, and a friend of someone on an online forum, who is a multi-millionaire and flies commercial on any trips over 1500 miles.

Photographing luggage before check-in

Taking photographs of your luggage before check-in is an important step in ensuring that you are prepared in case of lost, damaged, or delayed luggage. Here are some reasons why you should do it and some tips on how to go about it:

Firstly, it is a common occurrence for airlines to damage or lose luggage during transit. Having photographs of your luggage can help in the compensation process by providing evidence of its condition and contents before check-in. This can expedite your claim and make it easier to receive reimbursement for any losses or expenses incurred due to delayed or lost luggage.

Additionally, taking pictures of the inside of your luggage and its contents can aid in filing police reports in the unfortunate event of theft. It is advisable to take multiple photographs or even a video recording of the items you pack, speaking through them as you go, to create a comprehensive inventory. This will not only help with claims and reports but can also serve as a reminder for yourself, ensuring you don't forget to pack anything important when returning home.

To effectively photograph your luggage before check-in, follow these steps:

• Lay out all the items you plan to pack on a bed or floor.
• Take a picture of your suitcase or bag, as this can help with luggage identification and insurance claims.
• Capture photographs or a video of the items inside your luggage from different angles. A video recording allows you to verbally list and describe each item, providing clear evidence of their presence and condition before your trip.
• Store these visual records in a safe place, such as with copies of your passport or other important travel documents, so that you can easily access them during your trip if needed.
• If you have particularly valuable items, consider taking separate photos of them to provide clear evidence of their existence and condition.

Remember, while airlines have liability limits for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage, they may require proof or receipts for valuable items that were inside your luggage. Having photographs can strengthen your claim and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Using a credit card for airport lounge access

Airport lounges offer an escape from the chaos of busy terminals, providing a respite from the more chaotic aspects of air travel. They are designed to cater to premium passengers and frequent fliers. One of the easiest ways to gain access to a variety of airport lounges is by using a credit card that grants lounge access. The level of luxury and the associated rewards, bonuses, and annual fees will vary from card to card. With the right card, you and your travel companions may be able to access lounges for free or for a small fee.

When choosing a credit card with airport lounge access, it is important to consider your travel patterns. Most major airlines offer lounges in large cities and their hub airports, while smaller airlines may have lounges in their main destinations. Some credit cards offer complimentary or discounted access to specific lounge networks, so it is important to ensure that the card you choose matches your travel patterns. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offers complimentary Priority Pass™ Select Membership lounge access to 1,300+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwide.

Additionally, some credit cards offer access to their branded lounges, which can be helpful when dealing with flight changes or delays. The New United Club℠ Card, for instance, provides unlimited access to United Club airport lounges for less than the price of a stand-alone membership. It also offers benefits such as bonus miles, free checked bags, and a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck.

It is worth noting that credit cards offering free or discounted lounge access may come with higher annual fees or membership costs. However, the benefits may pay for themselves if you fly regularly. Before applying for a credit card with airport lounge access, consider your travel frequency, your preferred airlines, and who you typically travel with.

Tracking luggage with an Apple AirTag

Apple AirTags are a great way to keep track of your luggage when travelling. They are small, lightweight, and easy to set up, and can give you peace of mind when you're transiting in a different country or have a tight connection time.

To use AirTags for luggage, you will need an iPhone or another Apple product, as they are designed to work exclusively with Apple devices. You will also need to enable your phone's Bluetooth and turn on precise location in your settings. Setting up the AirTag is simple: remove the silver disc from its sleeve, take out the plastic insert, and place it next to your phone. The phone will pair with the AirTag automatically, and then request that you share your location and create a name and icon for the AirTag in your phone. You can buy special luggage tag accessories from Apple, or simply place the AirTag inside your luggage for safekeeping.

Once your AirTag is set up, you can track your luggage through the Find My app. The AirTag sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby Apple devices in the Find My network. These devices send the location of your AirTag to iCloud, which you can then view in the app. The whole process is anonymous and encrypted to protect your privacy. If you lose your luggage, you can put your AirTag into Lost Mode, and when it is detected by a device in the network, you will automatically get a notification.

AirTags are water-resistant and durable, but it is still recommended that you keep them protected from the elements when travelling. They have a long battery life, but you should regularly monitor the power source's level via the Find My app after the first 12 months of use.

Emailing copies of travel documents

Passport

Passports are the most crucial document when travelling internationally. It is essential to have a legible copy of the passport's information page, which includes your name, photo, and other personal details. Email this copy to yourself, and also consider saving it in a secure cloud service or on your phone. That way, if your passport is lost or stolen, you can easily access the copy to expedite the replacement process at your country's embassy or consulate.

Driver's License

If you plan to drive during your trip, having a copy of your driver's license is important. Make sure to copy both the front and back and store the digital copy in an easily accessible location. This will come in handy if you realise you've left your physical license at home or lost it during your travels.

Travel Insurance and Health Insurance

Unexpected situations can arise during your trip, and having easy access to your insurance information is crucial. While most insurance plans are issued electronically these days, it's still a good idea to email yourself a copy of the key pages outlining your coverage and policy details. That way, you can quickly refer to them if needed, especially when dealing with customer service or medical providers in a foreign country.

Tickets

Although most tickets are now electronic, there may be situations where you need paper tickets. In such cases, it's wise to make copies of those tickets and keep them in separate locations. If you lose your original ticket, you can present the copy, along with your identification, to the customer service desk to obtain a replacement without much hassle.

Tourist Visas

Many countries now accept electronic visas, but for those that require physical visas, it's essential to have a backup. Scan the physical visa and save a copy to your phone or a secure cloud service. This will ensure that you can still enter your destination country even if you misplace the original visa.

Remember to keep the digital copies of your documents separate from the original documents. By taking these simple precautions, you can ensure a smoother and more secure travel experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip!

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