Summary of TripIt – The Ultimate Travel Planner
If you are an avid traveller, chances are you’ll need some help organizing your itinerary and travel plans. This is where a trip planner comes in handy and the TripIt app does just that. For business travellers, TripIt is a must. There are other travel curators out there; however, we’ve found that TripIt is the one app that does it all.
Choosing Your Trip Planner
To set up TripIt, all you have to do is provide the email address that you receive your various travel confirmations from. The app will scan for any travel alerts and add them automatically to your itinerary. If you prefer to handle it manually, you can forward your reservations to plans@tripit.com. Either way, TripIt will create a master itinerary for all your upcoming travels.
We’ve had many inquiries regarding the differences between the free version of TripIt and its paid counter, TripIt Pro. To clarify, here’s a breakdown of what each version offers:
Free TripIt
If you want to give TripIt a trial run, this is a good place to start. This version is suitable for infrequent travellers who appreciate getting alerts and details about upcoming trips. Here’s what TripIt Free does:
Organize All Your Travel Plans in One Place
- TripIt will store all your confirmation numbers, contact information, and reservations in one handy itinerary, accessible anytime.
- Your master itinerary includes all your confirmation numbers, reservations, contact info, directions, and more in one location.
- TripIt Free also syncs all your travel plans to your calendar.
- You can store all your travel documents securely, eliminating the hassle of carrying physical copies.
No matter which airline or travel service you use, TripIt will gather all pertinent travel information that reaches your email. You could book through a travel agent, American Express, Kayak, or any source, and TripIt will compile it seamlessly. This feature ensures all travel information and contact details are readily available at your fingertips.
TripIt Pro
For just $49/year, TripIt Pro provides excellent value at $4.09 per month. As avid travellers, we heavily depend on our trip planner to make our adventures smoother and less stressful. Although the free version is quite functional, TripIt Pro enhances the experience significantly.
Email Alerts
With TripIt Pro, we receive timely email alerts regarding check-in times, flight delays, and gate changes. We’ve experienced moments where, while waiting to board a flight, we received alerts about gate changes before the staff does. Thus, we’re often among the first to adjust our boarding point.
TripIt also notifies users of connection risks, flight delays, check-in alerts, and terminal notifications. For example, if a taxi driver in a foreign country asks about your departure terminal, instead of searching through emails, just check the TripIt app for instant information.
Alternative Flights
We once encountered a flight cancellation in Penticton, British Columbia, while returning from a travel conference. The airport was busy, and we learned about the cancellation before most others, allowing us to promptly secure alternative tickets and make our connection in Europe.
Seat Tracker
We frequently book last-minute flights and end up with less-than-ideal seating. However, thanks to TripIt Alerts, we set up a seat tracker to notify us when preferable seats become available. This feature has saved us from uncomfortable middle seats on lengthy flights.
Track Rewards Programs
Managing rewards is made easy with TripIt Pro. I discovered I had a plethora of SPG points through the app, enabling me to book a hotel for free during an urgent stay. Without TripIt, I might have overlooked these valuable points.
By entering my account information into TripIt, it continually updates my rewards status, consolidating all check-ins into one user-friendly platform.
In summary, while TripIt Free is a practical starting point, TripIt Pro truly elevates the travel planning experience. It’s worth exploring the benefits, as a free 30-day trial is available for new users.
Lounge Buddy
For frequent flyers, lounges are essential spaces for relaxation, work, or refreshment between flights. We hold memberships with Priority Pass, American Express, and benefit from Star Alliance lounges. Nevertheless, not all lounges have equivalent services, hence why we utilize LoungeBuddy. This tool provides insight into lounge availability, reviews, operational hours, and photos.
If you lack lounge access, you can purchase a pass through TripIt Pro, which also offers a $25 lounge credit upon signing up. The best way to access various lounges is through Priority Pass.
For seamless travel planning, consider using the TripIt app on your smartphone. This innovative tool can significantly simplify your travel preparation.
