I finally made the decision to buy TripIt Pro, and I feel stupid for not signing up for it earlier. My hang up with TripIt, as is with most subscription services in general, is how the “free trial” works. This will sound stupid but if a 30 day trial of a subscription service can be done without providing a credit card and just automatically expire if I do not provide a credit card after being prompted and reminded I would have started using TripIt over a year ago. I understand from a business perspective why they work the way they do which is why I resist using these services. Regardless, I broke down and signed up and could not be happier.
If right now your scratching your head wondering what the heck is TripIT stop reading this and jump to our earlier post about it. We have done several posts about TripIt so if you interested in what TripIt is these would be a great starting point.
#1 Flight Check-in Notification
Problem
Most travelers know if you fly Southwest you want to be online checking in exactly 24 hrs in advance, and I mean 24 hours to the second. In the past I would, when I remembered, create a calendar event 24 hrs 5 min before my flight to remind me to check in. This was a flawed system as I would either forget to include the confirmation number for my trip which is required for check in or I would forget to create the reminder all together. Understand if you travel frequently, sitting in a middle seat is not an option, and Southwest is the only airline that this can present a risk to for frequent travelers by checking in for a flight at the last minute. This all assumes your not Southwest A-List.
Solution
With TripIt Pro I got a notification via SMS 24 hrs 6 min letting me know that I may be able to checking in for my flight. Oddly enough TripIT Pro sent me the confirmation number and everything I needed to get checked in. I get enough advanced notice I would actually be ready to check in just before the actual time and I had everything in a text message. I should note, when I signed up for TripIt Pro I configured SMS as the method of notification. That feature alone is worth the cost of TripIt annually.
#2 Flight Delay Notification
If you’re a frequent traveler, you understand the mad dash from a client location to the airport to drop off and get gas, drop off the rental car, and get to the airport. If you’re running late you will take personal financial hits like not refueling the rental car knowing you will get charged and your company will not pay to avoid missing a flight. Flight delay notification with TripIt Pro will pay for itself in all the refueling charges I have when I think I am running late for a delayed flight.
#3 Gate Information
When I wake up in the morning for a flight it is nice to have a message with all my gate information ready to go. If I arrive at the airport and the gate has changed TripIT Pro has notified me of the updated gate information. This may sound simple but when you’re dealing with a tight connection it is nice to get the information the moment you turn on your mobile phone. Sometimes the airlines announce connecting flights but you try to remember your gate information when they announce 10 before and 15 after your information. With TripIT I know all my travel information is in my pocket, but TripIT Pro keeps that information current.
You get a 30 day free trial with TripIt so if nothing else give it a shot on your next business trip. At the very least you can use the TripIt service but from one traveler to another your going to like it.