You may feel more stressed and busy around the holidays, especially if you have flights for Christmas or Thanksgiving planned. The following holiday travel tips might help your next vacation go more smoothly, whether you’re flying within the US to see family or friends or visiting Christmas markets over in Europe. Today, we’ll talk about some lesser-known holiday travel tips that can help ease the anxiety associated with flying during the busy months of November and December.
Expect Bad Weather and Traffic
Even if you live somewhere with a mild climate, keep in mind that other areas are already experiencing full winter weather in November. In certain places, this can lead to icy or even closed roads. The holiday season also sees bad traffic. Accidents and traffic jams are to be expected. So, even if your GPS tells you it’ll only take an hour to get from the airport to your final destination, you should have plenty of wiggle room. That’s just a good rule of thumb. If you get there too early, you can just get a coffee or do some sight-seeing.
The Worst Days to Travel On
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, which is November 27th this year, is typically the busiest day for travelers heading to their destination. On November 26, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, things will also likely be crowded. It’s likely that the busiest day at the airport, however, will be Sunday, December 1st. The Sunday after Thanksgiving, when everyone is heading home, is historically the busiest travel day of the entire year.
Reserve Your Spot In The Security Line
At a growing number of airports, travelers may now reserve a spot in the security line in advance. This program, which is different from PreCheck, is based on the FastPass idea from amusement parks. Because each airport has different constraints, find out exactly which security line the reserve program is offered in and how far in advance you may book your spot.
Make Sure Your Passports Meet Requirements
You have probably already confirmed that your passport is still valid. Other countries, on the other hand, may have additional rules. For example, your passport might need to include two consecutive blank pages. In some countries, the expiration date needs to be more than six months from your intended date of return. This is required in several countries, and the U.S. State Department can help by telling you which ones.
Take the First Flight of the Day
Some people decide to board the first flight of the day, even when it means getting up extremely early. This is especially the case during the holiday travel peak, because early morning flights are less likely to be delayed or canceled and the airport will be relatively less crowded. Additionally, if your early morning flight doesn’t work out, you might be able to catch a different flight later that day.
Utilize Digital Hotel Keys
Many hotel chains offer digital key options through their mobile apps, allowing you to skip the front desk and head straight to your room when you arrive. This quick check-in is helpful for people who arrive late or want to avoid busy lobbies during the holidays.