The holiday season brings joy, warmth, and the promise of family reunions, and it is also one of the busiest times of the year for air travel. This holiday travel crush can lead to chaos in some airports, especially larger hub airports, where it seems everyone is rushing to make a tight connection. Throw in the possibility of bad weather shutting down flights, especially in the northern parts of the country, and it doesn’t take much to cause major problems.
Millions flood the nation’s airports throughout November and December, resulting in crowded terminals, long security lines, and potential flight delays. All of this can be intimidating, but if you use these travel tips, you can master the art of holiday travel.
Plan ahead
One of the best ways to deal with the stress of crowded airports over the holidays is to make your travel plans at the times when you have the best chance of avoiding any issues.
The best way to do this is to plan on traveling in the morning, on the first flight of the day, if that’s feasible. Sure, it means you have to get to the airport early, probably at some ungodly hour when most of the world is still in bed, but there is a payoff for that early morning. If you’re on one of the first flights of the day, you have a greater chance of getting out before problems start to slow things down and delay flights.
Also, scheduling an early flight leaves you with more options to make changes in the case of delays and/or cancellations, as there will be more flights to choose from than if you’re flying at the end of the day.
Finally, you can also plan to try to avoid the potential of winter weather throwing a monkey wrench into your travel plans. If you can’t take a direct flight to your destination, look for flights that connect through warm-weather cities like Atlanta or Charlotte rather than places like New York or Chicago. That will lower the chances of your connecting flight getting hit with delays due to snow and ice.
Pack light
Efficient packing is critical to enjoying a stress-free airport experience. Avoid checking your bags and travel with only a carry-on if you can. This will save you valuable time at the airport as you won’t need to stand in long lines to check your suitcase or wait for your luggage to arrive after your flight. You also won’t need to worry about the airline losing your bag and making your journey even more complicated.
Traveling with only a carry-on may seem intimidating, but it can be done. Consider purchasing travel-sized toiletries to comply with liquid restrictions and review your airline’s carry-on rules.
Get to the airport early
One of the top travel tips for surviving the airport during the holiday season is to arrive early. If your departure airport is crowded on a normal day, it will be especially busy during the holidays. You should plan to arrive well in advance to account for long security lines, crowded check-in counters, and parking problems.
A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before your boarding time for domestic flights and four hours for international flights. If you are flying out of a major hub such as Atlanta, New York, or Chicago, then you may want to arrive even earlier.
Consider signing up for TSA PreCheck
If you travel often, you may want to consider signing up for one of the many programs that offer expedited security screenings. These programs allow you to cut to the front of the line and offer benefits such as being able to keep your shoes on and leave your electronics and liquids in your bag.
TSA Precheck is one of the most common programs. TSA Precheck allows you to go through a special security line while keeping your shoes on and all of your belongings in your bag. For $85, you can enjoy the benefits of TSA Precheck for five years.
If you travel internationally, you should consider Global Entry. It costs $120 for five years and gives you the same perks as TSA Precheck and the added benefit of entering faster lines at customs on your way back into the United States.
Both of these programs require an application that can take a few weeks to get approved, so make sure you plan accordingly.
Pack a bag with airport essentials
Arriving at the airport prepared will make a holiday travel day much more enjoyable. Airport food can be very expensive, so bringing snacks is always a good idea. Bring an empty water bottle and a few of your favorite snacks to enjoy throughout the day.
You will also want to pack some entertainment to keep you occupied (especially if you arrive at the airport early). Make sure you fully charge your electronics and bring a good pair of headphones so you can listen to music or watch your favorite show. You could also consider bringing a book to read or a notebook and some art supplies for coloring.
If you have a connection at another airport along the way, you may want to consider packing a change of clothes. The holiday season is notorious for delayed and canceled flights, so having extra clothes on hand is never a bad idea. This way, you will be prepared for an overnight stay at the airport or a nearby hotel.
Know your rights
If your flight gets canceled for any reason other than weather, then your airline owes you some compensation. Research your airline for specific details on what they are required to offer you. Many airlines will try to make you walk away with only a voucher for future travel; however, they often owe you a full refund.
If your flight gets canceled in a city that is not your own, then you are entitled to ask for compensation in the form of meal vouchers or hotel stays. The compensation can vary by airline and what level of ticket you hold. If you have any questions about what you are entitled to, the U.S. Department of Transportation has a comprehensive list of regulations on its website.
Stay calm and flexible
The most important travel tip is to stay calm and learn to be flexible. Holiday travel can be very stressful, but everything will likely be fine. Staying calm and being nice to airport employees will go a long way. Try to embrace the adventure and peacefully solve any issues that arise. Make sure you are always informed about your flight status and be prepared to adapt your plans accordingly. Purchasing travel insurance can also provide an extra layer of protection in case of unexpected disruptions.
Surviving the airport during the holidays requires careful planning, adaptability, and staying positive. By implementing these travel tips, you can easily navigate the hustle and bustle of holiday travel.
