Flying over the holidays, even under the best of circumstances (i.e., flying on cheap airplane tickets, staying in discount hotel rooms, or taking advantage of cheap vacation packages) is often stressful.
Frequent fliers have suggestions as to how to best deal with holiday travel:
Flying on the actual holiday and not returning the Sunday or Monday after the holiday means you dont have to deal with anxious mega crowds.
Avoid booking connecting flights whenever possible since a missed connection may make it difficult, if not impossible, to reach your destination on the desired day.
Book early morning flights when airport traffic is lighter and there are more flight options if your flight is canceled or delayed.
Check in ahead of time online to avoid a long wait at the airline counter outside of security.
Arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight, as early as two hours prior to your scheduled departure time for a domestic flight. Passing through security over the holidays takes extra time and airlines often close plane doors and dont allow anyone else to board as early as 20 minutes prior to a flights departure time.
Fliers who have not earned elite frequent flier status should consider buying higher priced tickets. If a flight is oversold or canceled, there will be limited seats on later flights and by paying a higher fare for your original ticket you will be placed higher up on a standby list.
Pack light but pack necessities, such as prescription medicine and needed phone numbers, in your carry-on bag in case your flight is delayed or your checked luggage does not make it to your destination when you arrive.
Do not try to carry wrapped Christmas presents through security. Instead either ship them to your destination or pack them in your checked luggage. Wrapped presents may be unwrapped by baggage screeners.
Maintain a positive attitude when navigating through crowded airports.
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