Raise your hand if you’re someone who typically travels during the end-of-year holidays! …So do I and millions of others. According to the 2023 Deloitte Holiday Travel Survey, nearly half of America plans to travel between Thanksgiving and mid-January. It also reveals that intent to fly is stronger this year compared to prior years as 37% of travelers will take a flight at least once this holiday season.
Everyone knows the end of year holidays — Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year — are a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. For many, this means embarking on a journey to be with loved ones, near or far. As a flight attendant with over a decade of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand how holiday travel can sometimes be daunting for both experienced and inexperienced travelers.
While booking a flight may be easy, navigating through airports and making it to your destination during the holiday season can be stressful. Busy roads, overcrowded airports, long security lines, delayed flights… you name it, can cause frustrations and make your journey anything but pleasant. No need to worry though! I got you covered with some insider tips and tricks that will help you keep your cool and make your holiday travel a breeze.
Plan Ahead. Preparation is key when it comes to smooth holiday travel. Start by booking your flights well in advance to secure the best deals and preferred seating. Go one step further and research the airports you’ll be traveling through and familiarize yourself with their layouts. Sometimes the walk from security to your departure gate is a long one. Knowing what to expect or having a solid plan in place will help ease any last-minute stress.
Pack Smart. Save yourself the hassle of lugging around heavy bags by packing light and efficiently. Pack like a flight attendant. Choose versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to maximize space. And don’t forget to pack a portable charger for your electronics – trust me you don’t want to run out of juice, especially during those long layovers.
Stay Connected. Download airline apps and keep notifications turned on to stay updated on any changes in your flight status. Sign up for email or text alerts from your airline to receive real-time updates regarding gate changes, delays, or cancellations. Being informed allows you to react quickly and make necessary adjustments to your travel plans.
Dress comfy. Wear comfortable clothes that won’t constrict your movements or impede circulation. Stretchy pants or relaxed denim with a t-shirt or loose fitting top make the perfect travel outfit. Blankets are a thing of the past for most US airlines and they are mainly available on certain international flights. So don’t forget to bring a hoodie or sweater; and socks too to keep you (and your children) warm inside the freezing airplane. Wear comfortable closed toe shoes like sneakers. In case of a last minute gate change you will be able to move quickly through the airport.
Arrive Early. To avoid the mad rush at the airport, aim to arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before an international one. This will give you ample time to check-in, go through security, and grab a bite to eat without feeling rushed. If you are flying to attend a special event like a wedding, do yourself a favor and leave a couple of days early. I highly recommend this. And if you have a layover, don’t take any chances with short connections. Always schedule enough time (1.5 to 2 hours) between connecting flights. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for any unexpected delays.
Stay Entertained. Long flights or layovers can be tedious, but with some entertainment options on hand, you can turn them into enjoyable experiences. Download your favorite movies, TV shows, or podcasts onto your devices before you leave home. Bring a good book or puzzle game to keep your mind occupied during the journey. Loud audio isn’t allowed inflight; don’t forget to bring headphones so you can enjoy your media without disturbing others. And if you’re traveling with kids, they need headphones too.
Treat Yourself. While holiday travel can sometimes be stressful, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself. You can treat yourself to small luxuries like a massage, a cup of coffee, or a delicious meal at one of the airport restaurants. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the amenities in one of the airport lounges and recharge before your next flight. Some of them offer single visit pass that any traveler can purchase. This can make all the difference in how you react if there’s an issue with your flight, or how you feel when you reach your destination.
Be kind and courteous. Keep in mind the journey is just as important as the destination. Say hello back to your flight attendants, or at the very least make eye contact and acknowledge with a smile when you are greeted at the aircraft door. One of the many reasons they are there is to make sure you have an enjoyable experience. So, starting on the right foot can only help make the flight a lot more pleasant for you as most flight attendants will go above and beyond for a kind passenger. Be courteous and share the overhead space, armrest, and sitting area. Remember, that part of your journey isn’t yours alone, it also belongs to the other passengers sharing that airplane ride with you.
Take a deep breath and relax. No matter how well-prepared we are, there are certain things that are simply out of our hands, like mechanical delays, unfavorable weather conditions, noisy infants, or that passenger who just won’t stop releasing gas. In these moments, all we can do is try our best to stay calm and relaxed. You can read a book, listen to music, watch a movie, or play games on your phone. Remind yourself it’s all a part of air travel, the situation is only temporary and will eventually resolve itself.
There you have it!. Follow these travel tips and you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the airports with ease and keep your cool throughout your journey. Safe travels and may your holiday season be filled with love, joy, and beautiful memories!
—
✨Share the positive vibes!