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Many people dread traveling during the holidays, mainly due to delays and crowds. However, if you play your cards right, this holiday travel experience may be the best yet. Make sure to do your research and be as prepared as possible when flying during the holidays. There are several actions you can take to help you avoid some of the stress and delays.
Book non-stop flights – It may seem like a good idea to save yourself the money and book an indirect flight to your destination, but non-stop flights are ideal during the holidays. Layovers create more room for delays. If your first flight is delayed, you risk missing your second flight completely and spending your holiday in an unfamiliar airport.
Take an early flight – Yes, you may need to get up before the sun rises, but there are many benefits to early morning flights. Not only are there less people on these flights, but with most mid-day flights your plane will be arriving from another destination. Delays trickle down the system and will only get worse as the day progresses. When you book an early morning flight, your plane is usually at the gate when you arrive. These flights are known as “originator flights” and are on-time more often than not.
Try to avoid peak travel times – Everyone knows the airport is a mad house on Christmas Eve, so why not leave a day earlier? Try booking your flight at least one day before the rush and you’ll have a much more enjoyable travel experience. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is also much better than flying on the weekend.
Review performance statistics – Airlines are now required to provide their customers with flight statistics. Many discount travel websites also provide this information. Make sure to book your flight on a regular flight that has at least a 75% on-time rate.
Use a smaller airport – Using a smaller airport, if possible, is a great way to avoid the crowds. You may also find hefty discounts at these smaller airports.
Carry on your luggage – If you are taking a short trip and can manage to pack everything you need into a carry-on size bag, you will save yourself the extra time of standing in line to check them. Make sure you review your airline’s policies for carry-on items before arriving at the airport.
Check in early – Many airlines provide you with the option of printing your own boarding pass 24 hours in advance. If you are carrying on your bags and you’ve printed your boarding pass, you have the privilege of heading straight to the security line and avoiding the check-in/baggage areas completely. |
