The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with family gatherings, festive decorations, and… crowded airports. Unfortunately, the winter holidays are one of the busiest travel periods, and last year, nearly 8 million people took to the skies during the Christmas season alone! With so many people flying, airports and airlines can feel like a pressure cooker, making holiday travel stressful for even the most seasoned travelers.
But don’t worry – a bit of preparation and a few handy tips can make your holiday travel smoother, easier, and more enjoyable. Here’s how you can beat the crowds and reduce travel stress.
1. Have Patience
Holiday travel is challenging for everyone involved, from airline agents and TSA officers to fellow travelers and flight crews. Everyone is trying to reach their loved ones, and emotions can run high.
It’s easy to feel frustrated, but practicing patience can make a huge difference. A smile or a kind word to the person at the ticket counter or the stressed-out traveler next to you can go a long way. By staying calm and empathetic, you’ll feel better, and your patience may even help make someone else’s day.
2. Get to the Airport Early
If there’s one rule to abide by during holiday travel, it’s this: arrive early. Even with TSA PreCheck, expect longer-than-usual lines at security. Extra time means you won’t be rushed if things don’t go as planned.
Missing a flight because of a long security line is a terrible way to start the holidays, so give yourself plenty of wiggle room. Remember, airlines typically close the boarding door 15 minutes before departure – don’t risk getting left behind!
3. Book the First Flight of the Day
Whenever possible, aim for an early morning flight. The earlier your flight, the lower the chances of delays piling up. If cancellations or rescheduling happen, you’ll have more rebooking options throughout the day. Flights later in the day are more likely to be impacted by earlier delays or weather issues, so catching the first flight can mean the difference between getting to your destination on time or being stuck in an airport lounge.
4. Mind Your Connection Times
If you’ve booked your holiday travel with a reliable agency like Butler Travel, you’re already one step ahead. Good travel agents prioritize convenient connection times, ensuring you have enough time to make your connecting flights.
But be careful if booking independently! Some airlines offer extremely short connection times, as short as 35 minutes. If your inbound flight runs late, or if you’re seated at the back of the plane, a short connection could lead to a missed flight – and lots of added stress. Aim for at least an hour between connections whenever possible.
5. Travel with Just a Carry-On
To simplify your travel experience, consider packing only a carry-on bag. Checking a bag means waiting at baggage claim, and during the holiday season, baggage delays or lost luggage are unfortunately common.
Not to mention, if a delay or cancellation leaves you stranded, you’ll want to have your essentials and a change of clothes at hand. Ship any holiday gifts ahead of time – it’s easier than carrying them through airports, and it’ll keep your bag lighter and easier to manage.
In Summary
Holiday travel doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning, patience, and a few smart choices, you can avoid unnecessary headaches and focus on what really matters: spending quality time with loved ones. So as you get ready to hit the skies this holiday season, remember these tips to make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Safe travels, and happy holidays!