Important Basic Travel Terminology

1. Layover vs. Stopover: A layover is a short stop (usually less than 24 hours) at a connecting airport during a flight. On the other hand, a stopover is a deliberate interruption of a journey for more than 24 hours at an intermediate point.
2. Nonstop vs. Direct flight: A nonstop flight flies from the departure city to the destination city without stopping. On the other hand, a direct flight may make stops along the way, but passengers stay on the same plane.
3. Boarding pass vs. Itinerary: A boarding pass is a document or code on your smartphone that allows a passenger to board a flight, while an itinerary is a detailed plan of travel that includes flight details, accommodations, and other important information.
4. Checked baggage vs. Carry-on baggage: Checked baggage is the luggage stored in the cargo hold of a plane and retrieved at baggage claim upon arrival. Carry-on baggage is smaller luggage that can be taken on the plane and stored in overhead bins or under the seat.
5. Red Eye Flight: A red-eye flight is a late-night or overnight flight that arrives early in the morning. The term comes from the fact that passengers often arrive at their destination with red, tired eyes.
6. One-way vs. Round-trip: A one-way ticket is for travel from one destination to another, while a round-trip ticket includes travel to and from the same destinations.
7. Connection vs. Transit: A connection is a stopover where passengers change planes or flights, while a transit refers to the process of passing through an airport on the way to another destination without leaving the airport. Unfortunately, these days, you often need to go out and back through security.
8. Basic Economy vs. Economy vs. Premium Economy: All I can say s read the fine print. Each flight provider has different definitions and hence restrictions.

Here is some other travel terminology to be clear about when planning your trip.

1. Visa vs. Passport: A visa is a document that grants permission to enter and stay in a foreign country for a specific period. On the other hand, a passport is an official document issued by a government that verifies the identity and nationality of the holder. It must be valid for over six months upon return,
2. Travel insurance vs. Health insurance: Travel insurance is a policy that provides coverage for unexpected events that can occur while travelling, such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen luggage. Health insurance, however, provides coverage for medical expenses incurred within the holder’s home country. Best to use the term medical travel insurance to be clear about what you want.  See this article for more information.
3. All-Inclusive vs. Full Board: An all-inclusive package typically includes all meals, drinks, and activities at a resort or hotel, while a full board package only includes meals.
4. Single vs. Double Occupancy: Single occupancy means that one person occupies a hotel room or other accommodation, while double occupancy means that two people share the same room.
5. Gross vs. Net Price: The gross price is the total cost of a travel product or service, while the net price is the cost after any discounts or commissions have been deducted.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming you know what is meant. Not only read the fine print but verify the definition to be certain.

Check out this list of travel terminology from A to Z.