How to Prepare for Holiday Travels
Here’s a clear, stress-saving guide on how to prepare for a flight during the busy holiday travel season. These steps help avoid the common holiday crowds, delays, and airport chaos.
1. Plan Ahead (Earlier Than Usual)
• Book transportation early: Airport parking, rideshares, and shuttles fill up fast.
• Check your airline’s app: Download it and enable notifications for gate changes, delay alerts, and baggage tracking.
• Review baggage policies: Holiday flights are often full, so overhead bin space is limited. Know weight/size rules for carry-ons and checked bags.
2. Pack Smart & Strategically
• Pack your essentials in your personal item:
Medications, chargers, documents, a change of clothes, valuables, and holiday gifts that can’t be replaced.
• Avoid wrapping gifts: TSA may unwrap them. Use gift bags instead.
• Follow the 3-1-1 liquid rule: If you’re carrying holiday foods (gravy, cranberry sauce, jams), they count as liquids.
• Add luggage identifiers: Bright ribbons, tags, or stickers help you spot your bag quickly.
3. Arrive Early—Earlier Than You Think
During Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year travel:
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Arrive 2 hours early for domestic
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Arrive 3 hours early for international
Add 30–60 minutes more if traveling at peak times (early morning or late afternoon) or with kids.
4. Prepare for Security Smoothly
• Wear easy-to-remove shoes and minimal jewelry.
• Keep electronics accessible for screening.
• Have your ID/boarding pass ready—mobile passes often refresh, so screenshot them just in case.
• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry saves huge time during holidays if you have it.
5. Keep Yourself Comfortable
• Bring snacks: Holiday terminals run out of food or have long lines.
• Dress in layers: Airports and planes fluctuate between freezing and warm.
• Bring entertainment: Download movies, books, playlists before you leave home.
6. Prepare for Possible Delays
Holiday weather + high passenger volume = delays more likely.
• Pack portable chargers.
• Know your backup flights (the airline app will show you options).
• If your flight cancels:
Go straight to the airline desk and message them through the app—mobile agents often respond faster.
7. Reduce Stress With Simple Extras
• Hydrate before and during the flight.
• Bring sanitizing wipes for seats and trays.
• Carry small comfort items (eye mask, neck pillow, chapstick).
• Set realistic expectations: Holiday travel is crowded, but good prep removes most of the stress.
