Special Edition: Travel Smarter – Avoid Long Lines, Find Great Deals & Plan Ahead

Podcast: The NewsWorthy
Host: Erica Mandy
Guest: Katie Nastro, Travel Expert and Spokesperson for Going
Date: March 28, 2026

Episode Overview

In this NewsWorthy Special Edition Saturday, host Erica Mandy interviews Katie Nastro from the travel deals platform Going. They tackle urgent travel challenges caused by record-long TSA lines, discuss how travelers can navigate these disruptions, uncover current travel trends, and share actionable tips for getting the best deals and staying protected amid a changing 2026 travel landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Worsening Airport Security Wait Times

• Impact of TSA Workforce Shortage:
  • Long lines at large, medium, and even small airports have been reported, especially in the early morning hours (e.g., Austin at 4–5am).
  • Some TSA security checkpoints have completely closed due to lack of staff, with fears resources could be redistributed away from small, rural airports.
• Potential for Further Disruption:
  • TSA administrator warned of possible small airport closures if shortages persist another month.
  • "That really cuts off transportation for people in more remote areas or rural areas." (Katie Nastro, 01:47)

2. How to Handle Security Lines and Flight Timing

• Arrival Recommendations & Real-Time Tools:

  • All travelers should plan to arrive extra early—potentially 2–3 hours—for the foreseeable future.
  • The My TSA app offers historical wait-time data (not live updates), useful for predicting peak periods (e.g., Sundays and early mornings).
  • Airlines’ own websites and social platforms can provide more current info; trending airports on social media often signal major delays.
  • "If it is [trending], it's likely it's not trending for the right reason." (Katie Nastro, 03:35)

• PreCheck & Touchless ID:

  • TSA PreCheck remains the fastest option, but benefits are maximized with Touchless ID. This must be added in advance via airline apps—can't be done at the airport.
  • "I've used it myself and I actually did a moonwalk backwards because I didn't think that I processed because it's so quick." (Katie Nastro, 04:30)

3. Spring Break & Summer 2026 Travel Trends

• Increased Demand for Beach and Outdoor Destinations:

  • High interest in Hawaii (especially Honolulu), Boise, Kalispell, and smaller airports near national parks or mountain ranges.
  • "People are looking for that outdoor adventure this year for spring break." (Katie Nastro, 05:52)

• Rise of 'Quietcations':

  • Travelers—especially younger ones—seek downtime, nature, and escapes from noise and overstimulation.
  • "Spending more time outdoors is never a bad thing...especially due to all the headlines." (Katie Nastro, 06:24)

4. Airfare Pricing and Booking Strategies

• High Airfare in Spring 2026:

  • Airfares up roughly 5% before Feb 28, with further increases expected due to record demand and oil price spikes.
  • "If airfare is going to skyrocket, I'm going to take a quick trip now because I might not be able to over the summer." (Katie Nastro, 07:32)

• Book Now—and Book Main Economy:

  • Buy summer flights as soon as possible; pick “main economy” fares for flexibility (like price drops/refunds).
  • Basic economy may be cheapest, but gives little recourse if plans change or weather causes issues.
  • "If you see bad weather in the forecast, you're sort of rolling the dice there." (Katie Nastro, 09:12)

• Tips for Getting the Best Deal:

  • Use Google Flights or deal alerts like Going.
  • Flexibility—especially with days and airports—greatly increases odds of landing the lowest fare.
  • Features like "seven days out" search windows in Going’s app can save serious money.

5. Essential Booking & Travel Safety Tips

• 24-Hour Free Cancellation:

  • Booking directly with airlines enables legal cancellation within 24 hours (if booked 7+ days in advance), giving travelers a risk-free window.
  • "Booking directly with an airline is sort of a golden ticket moment because it gives you that flexibility..." (Katie Nastro, 12:47)

• Travel Insurance & Crisis Scenarios:

  • Current global instability means travel insurance details matter more than ever—most do not cover acts of war.
  • Leverage AI to review policy fine print.
  • Foley Foundation travel safety guide is recommended for international travelers.

• Credit Card Benefits:

  • Many travel-focused credit cards offer some trip insurance or protections—always check, and make sure to book with the card.
  • "There are definite benefits to having a travel credit card, especially if you know you have trips coming up." (Katie Nastro, 15:01)
  • Note: Booking with the card is essential to claim benefits.

6. ID Requirements & Policy Reminders

• REAL ID Compliance:
  • Real ID rollout continues; now’s the time to update if you haven’t already. Passports remain valid alternatives.
  • "Anybody that doesn't have a real ID now more than ever should give you more incentive to go out and get one." (Katie Nastro, 16:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Using Tech for Monitoring:

  • "Going to the airline website directly...following them on social media...typing in your airport to see if it's trending..." (Katie Nastro, 02:33–03:36)

• On Touchless PreCheck:

  • "You cannot do this in line...add it if you haven't already done so to your traveler profile. It is really a game changer, especially now." (Katie Nastro, 03:53–04:25)

• On Changing Travel Priorities:

  • "Quietcations...that's definitely a trend that we've heard of...especially in a younger demographic." (Katie Nastro, 06:21)

• On Airline Flexibility:

  • "With so much volatility and plans changing, you want to give yourself the opportunity [for flexibility]." (Katie Nastro, 08:22)

• Book as Soon as Possible:

  • "We're not seeing crazy prices...however, the demand is there and it's likely that airfare could take some swings upwards. So best advice is get your trips booked now." (Katie Nastro, 16:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–01:12: Episode intro and TSA staffing crisis
• 01:12–03:44: How bad are airport waits, where to expect problems, strategies to cope
• 03:47–04:50: PreCheck and Touchless ID tips
• 05:07–06:42: Spring break and summer travel trends, ‘quietcations’
• 06:42–09:23: Airfare increases, best times/ways to buy tickets
• 09:23–10:18: Tips for searching and booking—flexibility and deal alerts
• 12:46–13:14: 24-hour airline cancellation rule
• 13:14–15:14: International travel safety, insurance caveats, using AI for legalese
• 15:14–16:08: Credit card protection and importance of booking with the card
• 16:22–16:49: ID requirements—REAL ID and passport guidance
• 16:53–17:12: Final takeaways on booking travel in 2026

Final Takeaway

"Best advice is get your trips booked now."
— Katie Nastro (16:53)

For more savings and alerts:
Visit going.com for flight deals and updates.
Stay informed with The NewsWorthy’s weekday news roundups.

This summary provides a comprehensive guide for anyone planning travel in 2026, from managing current TSA chaos to catching deals for memorable, safe trips.