12 TIPS FOR SMOOTHER HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Airports will be busy

Yay, holiday travel is back with no travel restrictions and will be extra busy this year.  However, airlines and airports are still dealing with lower staffing, changing weather and other unforeseen factors can easily disrupt your best plans.

​Check out these 12 tips to make you and your loved one’s air travel easier and smoother….

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1)   PLAN AHEAD - Airports will be crowded, reserve parking and transportation in advance and arrive early to allow extra time for long lines (minimum of 90 minutes for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights)
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2)      BOOK EARLIEST FLIGHTS OF THE DAY - Airports are less congested in the early morning and most flights have a better on-time performance. When delays happen, you will have extra time and more options in the day to make it to your destination 

Always have your phone with you

3)   A CELL PHONE AND APPS ARE A SAFEGUARD FOR TRAVEL - Downloading and setting up these mobile apps before your travel will immediately make your overall travel experience much smoother:​

1. ​a.     Airline’s App – Allows you to check-in, get your digital boarding pass, constantly monitor your flight information and will have an easier time to rebook if flight cancellations or changes are needed
2. b.   My TSA – Get advance scoop on security wait times at the airport and other helpful information
3. c.    Airports Apps - Know where restaurants, ATMs, retail stores, customer service desks are located along with transportation options and maps of the airport
4. d.      Shared Ride Apps - Lyft, Uber, etc., (suggest having both) 
5. e.      Public Transportation - Train, buses, subways, mass transit and any public transportation you may be using
6. f.     Weather Apps – know when that storm is coming and could affect your travel

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4)     Keep Calm and Carry-On -  Use your airline's app to upgrade your boarding group number to have better access to storage and whenever possible, carry-on all your luggage to save lots of time,  extra charges and potential hassle of missing luggage.

Just try carrying on your luggage once you'll be hooked at how much easier your air travel becomes.  (Pro Tip- Wear those heavy jackets and boots onboard to save luggage space).

5)     TAKE EXTRA MASKS AND WIPES - Keep them handy and be sure to always wipe your seats, arm rests and seatback trays, getting sick over the holidays is never fun 
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6)    CARRY CLEAR PLASTIC BAGS - Avoid using dirty plastic bins when  passing through Airport security screening by storing your personal items such as wallets, phones and keys in clear plastic bags inside your carry-on-bags till you get through security

TSA Trusted Traveler Program

1. 7) Enroll in  TSA TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAMS - This will make a huge impact in easing the time and stress of passing through airport security.   Programs are valid for 5 years and some credit cards even cover this cost…Makes a great present to yourself and family members (Pro-Tip - we prefer the Global Entry program that includes international travel plus domestic TSA Pre benefits).  


2. More info here: Official Trusted Traveler Program Website | Department of Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

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8)      BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE -  Flying makes you dehydrated so always having access to your own water supply.  Most airports now offer convenient water stations so filling up your own water bottle is very easy (Pro tip: we prefer insulated stainless-steel tumblers to keep drinks colder or hotter longer and these also make great gifts). 
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9)     CARRY HEALTHY SNACKS - in Ziplock bags in case flights are delayed and don’t have time to wait in food lines (nuts, protein/granola bars, dried fruit, baked chips, cereal, trail mix along with chewing gum and hard candies to suck on if your ears get plugged)

10)     LIMIT ALCOLHOL - While it is the season to celebrate, limit your alcohol until you get home as excessive drinking and flying never mix well (just watch the evening news)

11)  DRESS COMFORTABLY - Your short flight could be delayed so be ready for a longer experience by always dressing in smart, comfortable clothing with closed toed shoes and bring a travel pillow to sleep along with an extra comfy sweatshirt to use as a blanket or additional pillow as the airplane cabins can get cold 

12)    CHARGE DEVICES & PACK ACCESORIES - Finally, charge your phones and mobile devices in advance and make sure to pack cords, headphones, and portable mobile device charger so your devices are never without juice (Pro tip – pre-load new shows, games and music on your devices so always have fresh entertainment - We love the movie, planes, trains and automobiles for a good laugh)

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In Summary: PACK YOUR PATIENCE AND STAY CALM - Anticipate and embrace changes, be aware of your surroundings and make new friends with like minded travelers also on their way home (Pro tip - wear your favorite college or sports team clothing as great conversation starter).  Be sure to reach out for assistance when you need it as we're all in this together.   

​Do you have a tip to share?  Thanks for sharing so we can all benefit. To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Its not the Destination, it’s the Journey”.

Wishing you smooth, fun, and safe travels and a joyous holiday!
 
More Information:
Insider Advice to avoid lost and delayed luggage
How to fly like first-class while in Coach