The holiday classic, Home Alone, is more than just a fun family holiday movie. It’s a cautionary tale of the stresses of holiday plane travel. A large family running through the airport, racing to make their flight, and forgetting a family member because of a simple clock malfunction may be comedic in a movie, but it’s a nightmare in real life.
We all know that the holiday season is one of the busiest times to travel. According to a survey from MarketWatchGuides.com, of 3000 Americans, 61% planned to travel this holiday season. Of those surveyed, the most significant concerns they shared about traveling during the holiday season were:
- Delayed flights (69%)
- Weather problems (64%)
- Crowded airports (54%)
- Cancelations (55%)
Most of these concerns are out of your control when traveling during busy holidays. You can’t control the weather, flight cancelations or delays, and you can’t stop the crowds. So, what can you do to make travel more comfortable? Here are our tips.
- Be prepared for delays and cancellations. Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry during the holiday season. Our advice is to be prepared. Purchase travel insurance, sign up for mobile alerts, so you know if your plane is delayed, and keep your travel details easily accessible on your phone. Include your airline’s customer service number and confirmation numbers so you can resolve issues swiftly when they arise.
- Pay for airport lounge access. Booking a lounge pass can make long wait times more enjoyable when your plane gets delayed. Many lounges have dedicated areas for work or relaxation, so you can catch up on emails or unwind before your flight. Plus, some lounges offer showers, quiet rooms, and charging stations, making it the perfect way to recharge before or after a long flight.
- Apply for TSA Pre-Check. TSA PreCheck is a great way to make your holiday travel smoother by bypassing long lines and avoiding time-consuming steps at security. With TSA PreCheck, you don’t need to remove your shoes, belts, or jackets, and you can keep your laptop and liquids in your bag. You do have to start the process a significant period before your holiday travel since you’ll have to complete an online application, attend a brief in-person interview, and receive a known traveler number (KTN). Still, it’s a worthwhile investment for faster, more relaxing airport experiences.
- Book a nonstop flight: Avoid travel complications by booking a nonstop flight to your destination. With fewer opportunities for things to go wrong on layovers, direct flights can make holiday travel significantly less stressful.
- Travel Light with a Carry-On: Avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim and skip worrying about lost luggage using carry-on bags. Packing light allows you to breeze through security and head straight to your gate, saving time and reducing the chances of missing your flight.
While you can’t control weather delays or crowded airports, you can take control of the parts of airport travel that are within your reach. From booking a direct flight and applying for TSA PreCheck to investing in lounge access and packing light, these tips can help you manage the chaos and enjoy a more comfortable, hassle-free trip. So, this holiday season, skip the stress and focus on making the memories that truly matter. Safe travels!
