Whether you’re travelling for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or for another reason this holiday, the season can be fraught with extra stress. However, take a few precautions and you’ll arrive relaxed and ready for the festivities.
Choose Wisely When It Comes to Picking Your Flight
First off, when it comes to choosing a flight, always opt for the earliest of the day, especially if you’re expecting wintry weather or summer thunderstorms. This advice may come a bit late now, but it’s worth remembering for next year or if you’re offered a free rebooking this year due to seasonal storms.
Generally, flight delays accumulate throughout a day’s schedule. Planes can fly up to eight or ten times a day, and a mere delay of 10 minutes in the second flight of the day can cause a domino effect of delays due to unavailable gates and crew reassignments.
If that first flight of the day is exceptionally early, consider whether it would be more beneficial for your sanity to stay at or near the airport, particularly if you have an early-morning drive.
Moreover, try to avoid flying on subsidiary or contract airlines if possible. These are the carriers often seen in the US named “American Eagle,” “Delta Connection,” or “United Express.” In cases of disruption, they tend to cancel flights first to maintain the day’s schedule.
Make sure to garden your reservation: log into the booking to confirm nothing has changed. Airlines are supposed to notify you about changes, but many people find out too late that they never received an email or that the airline’s system failed.
Always ensure you’re a member of the airline’s frequent flyer programme or one of its alliance partners. It’s almost always free, and if you don’t fly regularly, the airline will likely prioritize your needs over non-members.
Ensure You Know What Your Backup Options Are
While some holiday movies depict lovebirds reuniting at a snowed-in airport hotel, most travelers would prefer to spend their holidays with family and friends at their intended destinations.
Therefore, always have a backup plan, especially for flights. When you’re speaking to an airline representative, it’s much easier if you specify “please put me on flight 1234 that departs in one hour” rather than simply stating “I need to get to Cedar Rapids!”
Try to find an option with the same airline you originally booked; this tends to be simpler for the agent managing your request. Finding a partner airline should also be uncomplicated—switching from an Air France flight to KLM, or from a British Airways connection to Iberia, for example.
While most “full-service” airlines will reroute you to a competitor if you advocate for yourself, low-cost carriers are often less accommodating.
If ground transportation is a feasible backup, consider making a (fully refundable) rental car reservation. This can be canceled on the day if you find it unnecessary; just ensure you’re not prepaying and there are no hefty cancellation fees. Additionally, remember to cancel as soon as you know you won’t need it.
If you do get delayed, consider visiting the airline’s lounge, especially in the US, where purchasing your way in is common practice. Not only will you find a selection of beverages and snacks while you wait, but you’ll also have access to the lounge’s rebooking desk, where queues are usually shorter and staff tend to be more experienced and empowered to make more generous decisions in your favor.
Take What You Need to Feel Like an Elf, Not a Grinch
Consider what you need to pack and wear, particularly when it comes to layering. Airports, planes, jetways, and waiting areas can have vastly different temperatures, so ensure you’ve included everything necessary for your comfort.
Many individuals experience ‘hangry’ feelings while traveling; stressful journeys can become even more daunting if you’re hungry. Consequently, I always recommend packing a selection of hearty snacks in your carry-on. For instance, options like trail mix, flapjacks, protein bars, or mini-sausages can get you through mealtime if you find yourself stuck. Don’t underestimate the power of a classic sandwich, either!
Additionally, I enjoy including a small bag of festive peppermints or candy canes in my carry-on. It’s a delightful touch that can bring a smile to fellow travelers and airport staff, fostering a sense of camaraderie during busy travel times.
Furthermore, consider filling a reusable thermos or hot cup with a calming tea before leaving home. This comforting drink can be enjoyed prior to reaching security. Also, adding a couple of teabags to your bag ensures you have a lovely tea option on the go. I personally recommend rooibos (redbush) tea, which is non-caffeinated and delicious.
Lastly, remember that next year, it’s crucial to make your travel arrangements well in advance. Airlines typically open bookings 330 days ahead of time, so engage with family and friends early to finalize plans before the busy season begins.
Happy travels from me and mine to you and yours this holiday season!
