Thank you Business Insider and Elle Hardy for this interview: 9 tips to fly cheaper and get through airport security faster

• Lisa Niver is a travel expert, author, and podcaster who’s explored 102 countries on six continents.
• She has credit cards with all the major airlines to maximize points and get free bags.
• She says TSA PreCheck and Clear are the most worthwhile traveling investments she’s made.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lisa Niver, a 55-year-old travel expert from Los Angeles. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

In the 1990s, I began working on cruise ships, starting as a youth-activities manager and working my way up to senior assistant cruise director in seven years.

After the cruise line I worked for went bankrupt, I worked as a teacher and started a travel blog, then moved into content creation and freelance journalism.

Today, I’m an award-winning travel expert and author who’s explored 102 countries on six continents.

I fly up to six times every month. These are some of my tips for traveling cheaply and quickly.

1. Don’t be tempted by skiplagging

Skiplagging, or hidden city ticketing, is when a traveler buys a multi-leg ticket with a connection to their destination city. Sometimes, this is cheaper than a direct fare to that city, so they can disembark at the layover stop.

If you get caught, you can be blacklisted from the airline. And remember: You’re checking in with ID, so you’re easily identifiable.

Many airlines have cut services in recent years, so getting banned from a major airline that flies to your city would be a huge problem. It’s not worth the gamble for relatively small savings.

2. Consider two one-way tickets instead of a round-trip ticket

I generally buy tickets with different carriers, depending on which one has the best deal. I don’t really care who I fly with, but I most often fly United, American, and Delta, and I use Southwest and Alaska for domestic travel.

My main consideration when booking flights is my schedule. I search for the best route and take whichever carrier can get me there in the most direct manner.

3. Use flight-booking websites to check prices, then go directly to the airline to book

Kiwi.com is my favorite. I look at the different routes and options and work out what’s best for me, then go to the airline’s website to book. This way I can avoid fees and go directly to the airline in the event of any changes.

While price is important, I try to fly direct to the destination to avoid layover waits and expenses. I also avoid flying into a city at rush hour, so I don’t get caught in traffic, and I don’t like landing at a time that means I’ll have to travel when it’s dark.

4. Get a credit card with the major airlines

At any given time, I usually have at least four airline cards. That way, I get airline miles and take a free bag.

I love the United Business card which has an upgrade at check-in if available. I have the Delta Amex and credit cards with American, United, Alaska, and sometimes Southwest.

Every time they offer me more miles, I switch to a new credit card, but it’s important to be organized and pay off the balances.

My friends and family who have high-level status with Delta are upset about the change in levels for loyalty members and the spending required. I’m not surprised because there have been so many issues with the clubs being too full and having lines.

I love the Private Suite lounges at the Los Angeles and Atlanta airports and the Priority Pass membership. The Amex Centurion lounges are creating more choices as well; its Miami lounge is incredible.

5. Generally, booking two weeks or more in advance gets you the best deals

I try my best to plan in advance, and I try not to fly on school holidays. Flights at these times are usually more packed.

I always book my seat ahead of time. If I can help a family sit together, I’ll move.

I know that some people believe in booking flights on Tuesdays or at night, but I just focus on getting the most direct flight at the best price.

6. Bring your own food

Being hangry on a plane ruins the whole flight experience. Some airlines are reducing their food options, and even when there are food options available for purchase, they can be pricey.

I bring so many snacks that I must look like a toddler. I usually bring cheese and crackers, vegetables, and something chocolate. I’d rather arrive with too much food than be hungry on the plane.

7. Being organized helps you get through security more quickly

The person in front of me always seems to have forgotten that they have water in their bottle. Mistakes like that mean you have to wait to get your bags checked.

I see so many men emptying their pockets to go through security. That’s asking to lose things or to forget something and have to go through security again.

I make sure that my personal bag has a zipper. That way, I can quickly and easily put away my phone, ticket, passport, and anything else I need without them getting lost.

8. TSA PreCheck and Clear are the best investments I’ve made in my traveling life

TSA PreCheck costs $78 for five years while Clear costs $189 a year. I have Global Entry, which costs $100 for five years and includes PreCheck.

I’ve always loved Global Entry and I love TSA PreCheck, but the new hack that I love even more at LAX is Clear. Clear plus TSA PreCheck has worked great for me.

Clear uses biometric data for identification, allowing you to skip the line to have your photo ID checked. You go to a specific lane to get ahead of other passengers through security. It also means you don’t have to take your shoes off, and you can leave liquids and electronics in your bag.

You pay for airports in time or money, and I’m happy to pay money for anything that lets me go through the airport faster with less drama. For someone like me who flies solo regularly, it’s priceless.

9. Airports are now essentially paperless, so be prepared

WiFi connectivity at airports can still be an issue, so after I’ve checked in via the airline app, I’ll take a screenshot of my ticket.

I also always bring a portable charger so my phone never runs out of battery. This is especially important for parents with kids who use their devices. There’s nothing worse than getting to an airport to book an Uber or call your hotel, only to realize your phone is dead.

I’ve also learned the hard way that you need to remember to charge your charger before you get on a flight.

Find out more about Lisa and her memoir, BRAVE-ish!