Travel hacks
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Refill your bottle from the hotel tap if you are in a country where tap water is safe to drink.
It is free and often strictly regulated.
- Ensure you are in a place where tap water is safe (excluding places like Flint, MI).
2 people, independently
If you suspect an airline will cancel your flight, do not cancel it yourself first.
Cancelling forfeits your right to a refund, leaving you with only travel credit.
one person who lived it
Check hotel conference rooms for water coolers, especially after hours when nearby stores are closed.
You may not be able to buy water nearby and do not want to pay high prices for hotel water.
one person who lived it
Check the luggage scale's readout before placing your bag on it.
Ensure it is tared to zero.
one person who lived it
Move heavy items from checked bags to carry-ons or pockets to distribute weight.
Stay under limits if right up to or over the weight limit.
one person who lived it
Go to any available agent desk rather than staying at the gate for your canceled flight.
Any agent can help you rebook, not just those at your original gate.
one person who lived it
Check your airline's app before arriving at the airport to select your own seat, such as an exit row.
This allows you to secure a better seat assignment in advance.
one person who lived it
Start conversations with agents by acknowledging that the situation is not their fault.
This approach makes agents more willing to help you to the extent they can.
one person who lived it
Ask ticket counter agents to waive change fees, particularly if you are within 24 hours of departure.
Agents sometimes have leeway to make exceptions.
one person who lived it
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If you are concerned about hygiene, avoid drinking from water fountains with exposed nozzles or using ice machines.
Some people report that these fixtures are often filthy and neglected by cleaning staff.
- Others question whether there is evidence that they are actually dirty or uncleaned.
one person who lived it
Check conference floors for water stations to refill your bottle.
Some hotels have these stations available even outside of active meetings.
one person who lived it
Book an alternative flight immediately to ensure you reach your destination, then fight the airline for compensation afterward.
Compensation rights are structured but do not happen immediately.
- Specifically noted for EU cancellations.
one person who lived it
While waiting in line at the airport during a cancellation, simultaneously attempt to rebook via the app or website.
Whichever method succeeds first will resolve the issue faster.
one person who lived it
Take individually sealed earbuds provided by Hyatt properties for personal use.
They are intended for guests to keep.
one person who lived it
Avoid specifically requesting compensation in your complaint letter.
Asking directly may lead the airline to believe that is your only motive for complaining.
one person who lived it
Buy a large jug of water from a grocery store or gas station upon arrival instead of buying individual bottles at the hotel.
3 people, independently