Travel Tips, Airport updates, & black friday deals

Hey, travelers! Kevin here from Out Of Here Travel, fresh off a trip to Key West and, let’s be honest, already missing it. Michelle and I were down there last week—partly for work, partly to soak up that island vibe we love so much.
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This week’s Tipsy Tuesday is coming to you with a side of Thanksgiving cheer and a whole lot of travel intel. I’ve got stories from our trip, some juicy details on new airport terminals (yes, you read that right), and the inside scoop on Black Friday travel deals you won’t want to miss. So, grab a drink and let’s get into it.

Airport Shenanigans: What's New in Pittsburgh & Key West Airports

Traveling is an adventure, and sometimes that adventure starts before you even get on the plane. We flew from Pittsburgh down to Key West, and both airports have had some serious glow-ups since our last visit.

Navigating the New Pittsburgh Airport Terminal. 

So, you know the old routine at Pittsburgh International Airport? Park in extended parking, walk into the terminal, ride the escalator, take the train across to the outbound gates. Yeah, forget all of that. It's gone.

Last week, they opened the brand-new terminal, and it’s a whole different ballgame. If you’re parking in the extended lots, you can’t just walk over anymore. They have shuttle buses that loop around the lots—I saw about five different shuttle stations—and take you directly to the new terminal entrance. We stood at station three for maybe 10 minutes before a bus came by.

A heads-up: don’t try to go the old way. We saw some confused people. The old train is no longer in use for passengers. The good news? The new system is pretty smooth. Once the shuttle drops you off, you walk right in. The TSA line on a Friday was maybe 20 minutes, tops.

If you want to skip the shuttle entirely, they now have a new short-term parking garage that’s within walking distance. You’ll pay a bit more for the convenience, but it’s an option if you don’t want to mess with the bus. Just watch the signs as you drive in.
The Key West Airpot Gets an Update

Key West International Airport has also changed, and I have mixed feelings about it. I kind of miss the old-school charm—getting off the plane onto the tarmac, walking past those quirky Southernmost Buoy characters, and trying to sneak a picture before getting yelled at.

Now, it’s a more traditional airport. You deplane via a jet bridge (the extractable walkway thingy) and head into a modern, two-story terminal. They’ve got about four restaurants now, and for all you caffeine addicts, yes, there is a Starbucks right as you get off the plane. You can get your fix before you even go downstairs to baggage claim.

Downstairs is where you’ll find the familiar ground floor for arrivals and departures. Taxis are lined up right outside, and the Lyft/Uber pickup area is a short walk down the sidewalk. Our taxi fare to Old Town was about $18, which is pretty standard.

Getting through security on our way home was a breeze. We got there an hour early for our 11:30 AM flight and walked right through TSA. It left us just enough time to grab breakfast and an adult beverage before boarding. The new terminal is beautiful, but a little piece of that quirky Key West welcome is now a fond memory.

Black Friday Cruise Deals Are Here!

Thanksgiving week isn't just about turkey and family time. It’s also the kickoff for Black Friday sales, and the travel industry is going all out. Forget waking up at midnight to stand in line; these deals are live right now.

I just got off a training call with Celebrity Cruise Lines, and their offer is one of the best I’ve seen. They’re running a buy one, get one 75% off special. Plus, on select sailings, the third and fourth guests in a stateroom could be free. This sale runs until about December 7th.

Almost every cruise line, from AmaWaterways to Royal Caribbean and Cunard, has a promotion running. These deals pop up fast and often have deadlines in early December, so you have to be ready to act.

Why You Should Call a Travel Advisor (Like, Right Now)

You might see these Black Friday deals online and think, "I can just book this myself." And you can, but let me give you the inside scoop. Booking direct isn't always the best deal.
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When you book online, you often get a non-refundable fare and very little choice in your cabin location. You’re just another click in their system.
Here’s where a travel advisor comes in. We have access to perks and pricing that you’ll never find on a consumer website.

• Group Pricing: I recently booked two families on an Alaska cruise. The cruise line was advertising a BOGO special, but I was able to beat that price using our agency's group rates—which aren't available to the public. It ended up being a much better deal, especially for a family of four, since many BOGO deals are strictly for double occupancy.
• Extra Perks: Cruise lines give us incentives to sell their cruises. This can translate into onboard credit, specialty dining vouchers, or other special touches that you don't get when booking direct.
• Flexibility & Expertise: We can often find refundable options versus non-refundable ones. Need cabins next to each other for a big family trip? We know how to work the system to make that happen. I was able to get three out of four cabins together for that Alaska group, something that’s nearly impossible to coordinate on your own.

I’m not saying it's a guarantee every time, but working with an advisor gives you access to a whole other level of options and value.

Let’s Get Your Next Adventure Booked

Whether you’re dreaming of Alaska in 2026, Key West next spring, or a European river cruise, the time to plan is now. These deals are hot, and popular destinations are filling up fast. I was looking at Alaska cruises for July, and the interior cabins are already getting scarce.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Visit us at outaheretravel.com and sign up for our newsletter to get deals and tips sent directly to your inbox.
2. Schedule a free consultation. Let’s have a real conversation about what you want to do. No obligations, just a chat to figure out your travel dreams.
3. Let us do the work. Once you’re in our system, we can keep an eye out for deals that match your interests. When a sale like this Black Friday event pops up, we can get you booked and ready to go.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Enjoy the week, be thankful for your blessings, and when you’re ready to travel, give us a shout.