If you have flights for Thanksgiving or Christmas planned, you may find extra tension and stress this holiday season. Whether you’re vacationing overseas or seeing family or friends within the US, the following these holiday travel tips can help your trip go more smoothly. Today we will go over some less well-known holiday travel advice that can help ease the anxiety of flying during the busy winter months.
Travel Tips For 2024
Most likely, you already know this very important bit of vacation travel advice: Arriving early at the airport will help ensure you’ll have enough time to pass security. To speed up the security process, you could also sign up for TSA PreCheck. Most airlines suggest arriving at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international one, considering how packed some airports are over the holidays. But the following less-known travel tips will also ensure travel is easier for you this holiday season:
Expect Bad Weather and Traffic
Remember that some areas are already seeing real winter in November. In some places, this might cause frozen or even closed roads. Apart from airport runways, there are plenty of other places with more people than normal during holidays. The roads will be packed in many cities, resulting in traffic jams. Even if your GPS you shows that it’ll take only an hour to get to your location from the airport, generally, you should always provide extra time for travel to your destination.
The Worst Days to Travel On
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 27th this year) is often the busiest day for travelers heading to their destinations. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, November 26, will also likely be busy. As for the way back, Sunday, December 1st, is most likely to be the busiest. In fact, the Sunday after Thanksgiving usually marks the busiest travel day of the whole year.
Reserve Your Spot In The Security Line
At many more airports, travelers may now book a spot in security lines ahead of time. This idea was borrowed from the use of FastPass at theme parks, and is distinct from PreCheck. As the constraints for every airport vary, find out which security line the reserve program is accessible in and how far in advance you’re able to schedule your spot.
Make Use of Digital Hotel Keys
Thanks to the digital key options several hotel chains offer through their mobile apps, you can avoid the front desk altogether and head straight to your room upon arrival. This quick check-in process is very useful for individuals who arrive late or want to avoid packed lobbies during the holidays.
Take the First Flight of the Day
Some people choose to book the first flight of the day, even if it means they have to get up quite early. Early morning flights are less likely to be delayed, and during the holidays, it’ll be a comparatively less busy time for the airport. And, even if your early-morning flight doesn’t work out, you’ll have the time to make adjustments and get yourself on a different flight later that same day.
Make Sure Your Passports Meet Requirements
You most certainly have already confirmed that your passport is still valid. Other countries, however, have some other rules for passports, including the need for two consecutive blank pages. You should also make sure that the expiration date falls more than six months from the date of your expected return. Many countries have this as a requirement, and the U.S. State Department can help show you which ones so you’ll be prepared.
