Travel is more than just moving from place to place—it’s an adventure, an opportunity to connect with cultures, and a way to expand our understanding of the world. Yet, the world of travel comes with its own language—phrases, concepts, and trends that shape how we explore and experience our journeys.
At TravelHacker, our community is filled with well-seasoned experts who have seen it all, so don’t be embarrassed if they use a term you don’t know. We’ve got you covered with this guide to help you navigate the jargon and join the conversation with confidence.
Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter, an aspiring adventurer, or a curious dreamer, understanding these terms can enhance your travels, uncover hidden opportunities, and make your trips more meaningful. From the practical to the poetic, the definitions ahead will guide you through the nuances of modern travel, helping you speak the language of wanderlust and embrace the magic of discovery.
- AAdvantage: The frequent flyer program of American Airlines, offering miles for flights, credit card spending, and more. It’s loyalty at its finest—because who wouldn’t commit for a first-class upgrade? Just don’t let it lead to a lifelong relationship with airport lounges.
- Access Fee: A charge for entering premium travel facilities, like airport lounges or expedited security lanes. It’s the velvet rope of travel—you can’t get in without paying up. Think of it as the cover charge for mediocre coffee and a slightly better chair.
- Account Number: A unique identifier for loyalty program members, essential for tracking points and miles. It’s like your frequent flyer fingerprint—don’t lose it or you might end up with someone else’s vacation. Bonus: It doubles as your secret handshake in airport lounges.
- Add-on Fare: A reduced fare added to a base ticket for connecting flights, making it easier to reach lesser-known destinations. It’s a budget-friendly way to extend your trip without breaking the bank. Think of it as the travel world’s version of “but wait, there’s more!”
- Add-on Package: Optional services like extra baggage or travel insurance added to your itinerary for a fee. It’s the “would you like fries with that?” of the travel world. Just don’t let the extras cost more than the trip itself.
- Admirals Club: American Airlines’ airport lounge program offering travelers a peaceful pre-flight retreat. It’s a sanctuary of snacks, drinks, and outlets, where the Wi-Fi is as free as the pretzels. Just don’t get too comfortable—you still have to board at Gate 89.
- Aeromexico Club Premier: Aeroméxico rebranded its loyalty program from Club Premier to Aeroméxico Rewards in April 2023 to enhance customer experience and regain full control over the program. This change followed Aeroméxico’s reacquisition of the remaining 49% stake in Premier Loyalty & Marketing (PLM), the operator of Club Premier, from Aimia in September 2022, making Aeroméxico the sole owner.
- Aeromexico Rewards: The frequent flyer program of Aeromexico, offering rewards for flights and other activities. It’s a ticket to tequila and tacos at 30,000 feet. If only their points came with margarita vouchers.
- Aeroplan: Air Canada’s frequent flyer program, offering rewards for flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. Think of it as your maple-syrup-infused ticket to globetrotting. With enough points, even the frozen tundra starts to feel tropical.
- Aeroplan Elite Status: The elite-level program within Aeroplan, rewarding Canada’s most frequent fliers with perks. It’s the equivalent of VIP access, minus the red carpet—because at 35,000 feet, it’s all about the snacks and seat upgrades.
- Air Miles: Points earned through travel or spending that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more. It’s currency for wanderlust, with a conversion rate only an economist could love. Collect enough, and you’ll feel rich—until you realize how few actually buy a seat.
- AirAsia Reward Points: The loyalty currency of AirAsia’s frequent flyer program, redeemable for flights and upgrades. They’re small but mighty—much like AirAsia’s legroom. Collect enough, and you might even snag a trip where your knees aren’t in your chest.
- Aircraft Type: The model of the airplane used for your flight, which can range from spacious to “where do I put my legs?” It’s the travel trivia you didn’t know you cared about until you learned one plane has better snacks. Spoiler: It’s usually the bigger one.
- Airline Alliance: A partnership between airlines to share benefits, schedules, and lounges, making global travel smoother. It’s like a group project where everyone gets credit—except you might still end up stuck in the middle seat.
- Airline Credit Card: A co-branded credit card offering rewards and perks with a specific airline. It’s the ticket to free baggage, priority boarding, and a lifetime of checking for better offers. Be warned: You might start swiping just to earn extra miles for gum.
- Airline Loyalty Program: A rewards system designed to keep travelers coming back to the same airline for perks and benefits. It’s like a bad relationship—full of promises but often leaving you disappointed. At least the breakup doesn’t involve lawyers.
- Airline Miles: A form of currency earned through air travel or spending, redeemable for flights, upgrades, and more. They’re like Monopoly money for jet-setters, with about as much inflation. The only problem? You’ll need a small fortune to actually use them.
- Airport Code: A three-letter identifier for airports worldwide, like SFO for San Francisco International. It’s shorthand for globe-trotting, or an inside joke for geography nerds. Good luck deciphering why Orlando’s code is MCO—it’s a riddle for the ages.
- Airport Hotel: A hotel located on or near airport grounds, perfect for layovers and early flights. They’re a lifesaver when your red-eye gets delayed but don’t expect five-star amenities. At least the breakfast is usually free—even if it’s just toast and coffee.
- Airport Lounge Access: The privilege of entering exclusive airport lounges, usually granted through elite status or credit cards. It’s the VIP section of the terminal, where the Wi-Fi flows like champagne. Just don’t expect the tiny sandwiches to actually fill you up.
- Airport Priority Pass: A membership program granting access to select airport lounges around the world. It’s like a golden ticket for weary travelers seeking refuge. Just don’t expect it to save you from long layovers in airports without lounges.
- Airport Security Checkpoint: The area where passengers are screened before entering the terminal to ensure safety. It’s the land of lost belts, laptops, and dignity. At least you’ll get your steps in walking back to grab your forgotten water bottle.
- Airport Shuttle: Transportation services connecting airport terminals, parking lots, or nearby hotels. It’s a lifeline for travelers who didn’t plan ahead—or just hate walking. Bonus: It doubles as a free tour of the airport’s best traffic jams.
- Airport Taxes: Mandatory fees imposed on travelers for using airport facilities, often buried in the fine print of ticket prices. They’re the hidden cost of convenience, like a toll booth you never actually see. At least you’re not charged for breathing airport air—yet.
- Airport Transfer: Transportation services that take travelers from the airport to their final destination or vice versa. These can range from luxurious limos to shuttle buses that make you question your life choices. It’s like the final boss of your journey—will it be a smooth ride or a chaotic detour?
- Airspace Lounge: A chain of airport lounges accessible through membership or day passes, offering comfort during travel. These lounges are the traveler’s sanctuary, where the Wi-Fi flows and the snacks are… well, passable. Pro tip: Don’t get too comfy—you still have a flight to catch.
- Altitude: The elite-level program within Aeroplan, rewarding Canada’s most frequent fliers with perks. It’s the equivalent of VIP access, minus the red carpet—because at 35,000 feet, it’s all about the snacks and seat upgrades. The transition to Aeroplan Elite Status maintained the existing status levels—25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, and Super Elite 100K—while aligning them more closely with the revamped Aeroplan program. This alignment aimed to provide a more cohesive and rewarding experience for Air Canada’s loyal customers. And if you make it to Super Elite, you might just start to believe the plane was built just for you.
- Amadeus: A global distribution system used for booking flights, hotels, and other travel services by agencies worldwide. It’s like the backstage manager of the travel world, coordinating chaos so you can book that dream trip. Just don’t ask it to upgrade your seat—it’s more about logistics than luxury.
- Amex Membership Rewards: The points program offered by American Express, redeemable for travel, shopping, and more. It’s like earning candy for spending money—sweet, but still addictive. Just remember, the more you swipe, the more your bank account weeps.
- Ancillary Fees: Additional charges for baggage, seat selection, meals, and more that airlines love to sneak in. These fees are like the “fine print” of your airfare, except printed in bold at check-in. Who knew a window seat could cost as much as a window replacement?
- Annual Fee: The yearly charge for holding certain credit cards, often justified by travel perks and rewards. It’s like a membership fee for the high-flying club you always wanted to join. Just make sure you use those perks—otherwise, it’s just a donation to the bank.
- Arrival Lounge: A post-flight sanctuary offering food, showers, and relaxation for weary travelers. It’s like a spa day after the chaos of air travel, minus the cucumber water. Just don’t get too cozy—your luggage is probably still circling the carousel.
- Arrival Time: The time a flight touches down at its destination, marking the end of your airborne adventure. It’s the number you obsessively track to ensure someone’s actually there to pick you up. Bonus points if your ride doesn’t text “Here?” 20 minutes too early.
- Asiana Airlines: A major South Korean airline offering international flights and a loyalty program for frequent travelers. They’re known for their service and comfort, especially in premium cabins. If you’re flying economy, though, pack snacks and patience.
- Asiana Club: The frequent flyer program of Asiana Airlines, offering rewards for loyal customers. It’s a way to turn your international travels into future perks like free flights and upgrades. Just don’t expect the club to serve actual cocktails.
- Authorized User: Someone added to a credit card account who can use the card and earn points for the primary holder. It’s like having a sidekick for your spending habits. Just make sure your sidekick doesn’t treat your card like a Monopoly free pass.
- Availability Search: The process of checking for open seats that can be booked with points or miles. It’s a game of patience and luck, like fishing but with fewer mosquitoes. When you find a seat, it feels like hitting the travel jackpot—until you see the fees.
- Award Availability: The open seats that can be booked with miles or points, often scarce for premium cabins. It’s like finding a unicorn, except the unicorn is a lie-flat seat to Europe. Be prepared to refresh that search page like your life depends on it.
- Award Booking Service: A professional service that helps travelers book award flights using their miles or points. It’s like hiring a personal detective to uncover the best flight deals. Warning: You may never go back to DIY flight searching again.
- Award Chart: A table used by airlines to detail the number of miles or points required for a free flight. It’s the ultimate cheat sheet for travelers seeking to fly for “free” (plus taxes and fees, of course). Think of it as the menu where dessert always comes with a surprise surcharge.
- Award Flight: A flight booked using miles or points instead of cash, making your trip feel practically free. Just don’t forget that those “free” flights might still cost a kidney in fees—airports don’t waive their slice of the pie.
- Award Hold: A feature allowing travelers to temporarily reserve an award ticket without committing to payment. It’s like putting your dream trip on layaway, minus the judgmental stares from store clerks. Just don’t forget to finalize it before someone else snags your seat!
- Award Ticket: A flight ticket purchased with loyalty program points or miles instead of cash. It feels like winning the travel lottery—until you remember taxes and fees still exist. Consider it a reminder that nothing in life is truly free, especially not airfare.
- Award Ticket Taxes and Fees: Extra charges applied to “free” flights booked with miles, covering government taxes and airline surcharges. They’re the travel equivalent of hidden costs on your paycheck. At least they’re not asking for tips—yet.
- Award Upgrade: Using miles or points to move up to a higher class of service, like business or first class. It’s the closest thing to royalty most of us will experience. Just don’t let the champagne go to your head when you remember you still paid taxes on that “free” flight.
- Award Wallet: A tool for tracking loyalty program balances, expiration dates, and keeping your points organized. It’s like having a personal assistant for your miles, minus the awkward watercooler chats. Warning: It won’t stop you from obsessively checking your balance daily.
- Avios: The frequent flyer points currency used by British Airways and its partners, redeemable for flights and upgrades. They’re like Monopoly money, except these might actually get you somewhere. Just don’t expect to land in “Free Parking” without a hefty surcharge.