📚 Does the "Library Hack" Really Find Cheaper Flights?

Good morning. It's Tuesday, July 21, 2026. International connections just got easier at select U.S. airports, a tiny European nation has been named the world's safest destination for solo travelers, and we're separating fact from fiction behind the viral "library hack" that's claiming to unlock cheaper flights.

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A new partnership between the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is making international connections faster at select airports by reducing the need for extra security checks and baggage re-checks.

Here's where travelers can save time:

🛂 Skip the TSA security re-check

🧳 Skip collecting and re-checking your bag

The programs are currently limited to a handful of routes, but officials expect more airlines and airports to join in the coming years—making international connections faster and less stressful. (More)

JetBlue has secured 12 daily takeoff and landing slot pairs at New York's LaGuardia Airport that were previously operated by Spirit Airlines before the carrier shut down in May. The airline also plans to move its operations to the historic Marine Air Terminal (Terminal A)—a favorite among travelers for its smaller size and quicker access—though any expansion isn't expected until 2027.

The move gives JetBlue more room to grow at one of the nation's most capacity-constrained airports and could eventually lead to more flights and better options for travelers flying through New York.

Flight attendants pass through airport security almost every day, and they say avoiding these common mistakes can make your trip much smoother:

A few extra minutes of preparation can save you time, reduce stress, and help you get through security like a seasoned traveler.

Traveling with celiac disease can be stressful, especially when language barriers make it difficult to explain strict dietary needs. After repeatedly getting sick abroad, traveler Jodi Ettenberg created detailed gluten-free translation cards that help restaurant staff understand not only which ingredients contain gluten, but also the dangers of cross-contact from shared cooking surfaces, oil, and utensils.

Today, her guides cover 23 languages and include country-specific advice to help travelers dine more safely with less anxiety. Even after becoming largely homebound due to a rare medical condition, Ettenberg continues updating these resources to help others explore the world with greater confidence.

➤ Southwest's latest fare sale is offering one-way flights from $49 on select routes this fall. The promotion runs through July 23, with travel available on eligible dates and blackout restrictions on some routes. If you're planning a fall getaway, it's worth checking fares before the sale ends.

➤ Chase Sapphire Preferred® is now offering a 100,000-point welcome bonus after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. It's one of the biggest travel credit card offers available right now, and the points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel rewards through Chase Travel. Apply here

If you're thinking about taking a solo trip, safety is probably at the top of your checklist. A new study by travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth ranked San Marino as the safest country in the world for solo travelers in 2026. Completely surrounded by Italy, the tiny republic earned the top spot thanks to its low crime rates, excellent healthcare, reliable infrastructure, and strong sense of personal safety. Nearly 90% of residents say they feel safe walking alone at night.

The report also highlighted several other destinations that are ideal for solo travelers:

Whether you're planning your first solo adventure or you're a seasoned traveler, these destinations offer a combination of safety, beautiful scenery, and peace of mind.

Does the Viral "Library Hack" Really Find Cheaper Flights?

A viral social media trend claims booking flights from a public library computer can unlock cheaper fares by avoiding cookies, browsing history, and personalized pricing. While the idea has gained millions of views, airlines say they don't use your search history to raise ticket prices.

Experts say airfare changes are usually driven by demand, seat availability, and booking timing—not who's searching. Using incognito mode or clearing cookies won't hurt, but there's little evidence that a library computer consistently leads to lower fares.

If your goal is to save money, you're better off setting fare alerts, comparing prices across multiple sites, staying flexible with your travel dates, and booking before flights start filling up.

Sometimes the best travel "hack" isn't a hack at all.

Looking for your next island escape? Travel + Leisure readers have named Dominica the No. 1 island in the Caribbean in the 2026 World's Best Awards. Known as the "Nature Island," Dominica earned top marks for its lush rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails, and welcoming locals—who readers also voted the friendliest in the Caribbean.

The rest of the top five includes:

Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or incredible scenery, these reader favorites deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.

Written by the Boarding Soon Editorial Team

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