Six Must-Have Apps to Make Your Next Flight a Breeze

When traveling, it is always important to bring a few essentials: clothes, chargers, your phone, and maybe even a snack. That said, there should be an equivalent emphasis on essential smartphone applications. Certain apps can lead to an easier and more efficient travel experience. Here are some of the best to have for your next trip.

Your Airline's App

Whichever airline you use for your next trip, it is always great to have the conjoining app downloaded a few days before your flight. Typically, they allow you to check in and have your flight details directly on your device rather than needing to print any paper copies. American Airlines and United Airlines also will enable you to watch complimentary entertainment through the app and connect to WiFi (usually for a fee).

Streaming Services

Whether your vice is Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu, amongst others, it can be beneficial to have the streaming service installed on your device. The above allow you to download select media to watch offline and in airplane mode. This can be a nice alternative to watching the airline media or reading a variation of the safety pamphlet a hundred times.

Mobile Passport

When traveling internationally, having access to a mobile passport can save you time and stress while engaging through US Customs and Border Control. Although enrolling in the service may take a few steps, it can save time upon border re-entry. Although not active in all airports, 24 currently allow mobile entry, so it's worth checking out if it involves your typical port of entry.

Rome2Rio

A favorite of backpackers, Rome2Rio allows you to search different routes all over the globe. The app has an in-depth explanation of most places worldwide and has current information on public transit routes in most cities. Additionally, the app can show different price points for various modes of transportation, leading to easy cross-analysis for those who are picky. Although the prices of tickets may not be the cheapest through the app, they can highlight estimates of what is out there.

Google Maps

Throughout your trip, you may be wondering how to get from place to place, or you might be looking to find a place to eat, or maybe you are curious about calling the front desk of your hotel. Google Maps makes all this easier by allowing full connectivity to the city you may be visiting. Google Maps also allows you to download routes and maps for offline use, so if there is no service, there should be no problem.

Been

After your trip, you may want to remember where and when you visited the place. Been allows you to put in when and where you traveled somewhere, and puts it on both a timeline and a map, which you can export to show friends and family. This is a great place to document trips and visualize your exploration. The app also includes demographic information about every country and region globally if you are curious.