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01.27.25 SAVE More On Airfares / Your Privacy & Vehicle Data Collection

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January 27, 2025

TLDR: Three lesser-known airlines to consider for flight deals are discussed. Discussion on privacy concerns also takes place regarding cars spying and data sharing.

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In this episode of the Clark Howard Show, Clark discusses strategies to save money on airfares and highlights critical privacy issues concerning vehicle data collection. Listeners are guided through intelligent travel advice and informed about how their car might be "spying" on them. Here are the key takeaways from the discussion.

New Airlines & Travel Hacks

Discover Hidden Airline Deals

  • Identifying Alternatives: With major airlines like American, United, and Delta dominating U.S. air travel, alternative airlines can offer significant savings. Clark highlights three lesser-known airlines: Allegiant, Breeze, and Avello.
  • Targeting Niche Markets: These airlines often serve smaller, less popular airports, connecting travelers to vacation destinations and family visits for lower fares. Examples include Allegiant's leisure routes and Avello’s flights from New Haven, Connecticut, which often provide fares at a fraction of the cost compared to major airlines.
  • Direct Flights: Allegiant, Breeze, and Avello mainly operate non-stop flights on select days, sidestepping complicated layovers that frequently lead to cancellations.
  • Challenges in Booking: Be cautious about booking flights with limited frequency. Cancellations can leave travelers stranded, as these airlines may not operate daily.

Vehicle Data Collection: Are You Being Spied On?

Understanding Privacy Concerns

  • The Reality of Data Collection: Modern cars are equipped with technology that tracks driving behavior, location, and even personal data. Clark discusses a tragic incident involving a soldier whose vehicle data was accessed rapidly by authorities, raising ethical concerns about surveillance.
  • Consumer Awareness: Many consumers are unaware of what information automakers are able to collect and sell. This practice often occurs without clear consent, buried in lengthy terms of service agreements.
  • Call for Legal Protection: Clark emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive federal privacy laws to protect consumers from unwarranted data sharing. Without these protections, companies prioritize profit over consumer rights.

Ask Clark: Listener Questions

Addressing Identity Theft and Financial Security

  • Victims of Identity Theft: Clark addresses concerns from listeners who have suffered from identity theft, including inadequate responses from banks. He stresses the importance of freezing your credit to prevent further harm after such incidents.
  • Bank Accountability: Listeners should know they can file complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if they feel ignored or cheated by large financial institutions. Banks like Chase and Bank of America may not prioritize customer service due to their size.

Evaluating Financial Products and Services

  • Store Credit Cards: Clark advises against signing up for store credit cards, which often come with hidden fees and lower overall rewards compared to traditional credit cards.
  • Navigating Credit Inquiries: For those with frozen credit, applying for store cards usually results in rejection without impacting one's credit score, which is an advantage for responsible consumers.

Final Thoughts

As Clark wrapped up the episode, he encouraged listeners to seek out untapped resources in travel to maximize savings and remain vigilant about personal privacy regarding their vehicles. He empowered listeners with advice on coping with identity theft and navigating complex financial decisions.

Key Takeaways

  • Consider alternative airlines for more economical flight options.
  • Understand the privacy implications of vehicle data collection and advocate for better legal protections.
  • Stay informed about identity theft protections and options for managing financial products responsibly.

Listeners are reminded to access additional resources available through Clark's platforms for ongoing financial advice and consumer advocacy to "save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off."


This summary encapsulates the essential insights discussed in the podcast, focusing on travel savings and data privacy, empowering everyone to make informed financial decisions.

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