Holiday travel can trigger a variety of emotions. You might be excited about your holiday plans.
Perhaps you are returning home to visit family and friends. Maybe you are traveling to Europe to enjoy lights, mulled wines, and traditional Christmas markets.
You might also be looking for warmer climates if you are allergic to colder temperatures.
No matter your holiday travel style, the holidays are the busiest season you will ever experience.
Here are 10-holiday travel tips that will help you get through the thrills and spills of holiday travel.
These tips can make it easier to travel during the holiday season. They could also help you get into the habit of being a smart traveler. Start with…
1. Avoid booking the last flight of the day
Even though it isn’t near your destination, the weather can impact your flight.
You won’t be affected if there is a delay because of the weather if you avoid the last flight. Rolling delays can have a significant impact on later flights.
It can be very difficult to fly at 6 AM, but the aircraft’s early bird is often there the night before.
This reduces the chance of delays. (Especially due to weather conditions or maintenance rolling in other areas of the country.
2. Be on the lookout for your incoming flight
This can be done through the airline’s app or using Flight Aware to track and monitor your incoming flights. Why would you do this? To avoid any scheduling problems.
You will be able to modify your flight before others by recognizing delays before they are announced. This will ensure that you arrive at your destination on time.
3. Pre-Program your Airline’s Customer Support Number to your phone
It’s even better to have your airline app downloaded so it is easily accessible.
If you are certain that you will miss a connection, it is possible to contact your airline as soon as you land. (Yes, even before you get off the plane.
Bonus points: If you already have a Twitter account, make sure to follow your airline. Tweeting your airline can be the fastest way to get assistance from them.
4. Line Up Lounge Access
Access to lounges can make travel much more enjoyable and easy.
You’ll also get food and beverages free of charge, and you will have access to more outlets and space to charge your devices. The best part? The best bonus?
It is easy to access a lounge. There are several options to access lounges.
You can either buy a yearly or day pass with your favorite airline or use certain credit cards such as the Chase Saphire Reserve or AMEX Platinum.
You can also purchase Priority Pass, which grants you access to certain lounges. You will need to verify the availability via the Priority Pass app.
5. Get CLEAR, Global Entry, and TSA Precheck
TSA-PreCheck is amazing, and it includes Global Entry. You can seamlessly move through security in the same way as pre-9/11. It’s great, but sometimes it’s just not enough. That is why I love CLEAR.
CLEAR memberships allow you to cut through the TSA lines (even the pre-checking line, if pre-check is available).
It takes only a quick scan of your retina and your boarding pass, and you can cut down on the line. This could save you up to half an hour during holidays.
6. Travel insurance to cover trip delays
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you will get stuck, especially when the weather isn’t on your side.
Travel insurance is necessary to protect you from any trip delays. It is possible to get it free of charge with some credit cards.
Travel Guard, however, is my favorite choice to ensure your trip and protect you from any trip delays, lost baggage, or medical emergencies.
Your airline doesn’t cover weather issues. Only those are under their control.
If you get stranded because of the weather, you won’t be eligible for a hotel voucher. Who wants to stand in long lines for a poor hotel voucher?
Travel insurance and trip delay coverage will protect you. You can choose your hotel instead of waiting for the agent to make arrangements.
It is best to be prepared for the unexpected. What is my preference? Travel Guard’s yearly policy.
7. Ship your Luggage and Gifts
Holidays are a time when lost luggage is more common. What’s the solution? You can ship with FedEx or LugLess, which is a company that ships luggage.
You won’t have to wait in long lines to check your bag so you can get right over to security. Wrapped gifts may also be accepted by TSA.
It’s sometimes better to ship ahead and avoid losing or unwrapping gifts.
8. Avoid the regular traffic
This tip is not for everyone. If you are traveling to or from New York City, this tip may not apply to you. Instead, fly with Blade.
Lyft, Uber, and Taxi prices are comparable to Blade depending on where you live in the city.
9. Christmas Day Travel
If you have children, it is worth spending Christmas at home, even if you are on vacation. This will mean that you don’t need to carry your gifts all over the world.
Why would you do this?
Because flights are cheaper on Christmas Day, but also because the airport and planes are generally empty, it makes for a less stressful travel day.
10. Be kind
It is important to be kind, especially during holidays. Remember that holiday travel can be stressful and may cause you to encounter any problems or delays.
Honey is more effective than vinegar at the end of the day. So smile, be positive, greet your cabin crew, and smile!
Do you want to go that extra mile? You can send a small gift, such as a box of chocolates, to your flight crew.
