It’s the busiest travel time of the year! Through many years of scrambling through airports and frantically shoving everything I could into a too-small carry-on, I’ve perfected the art of holiday travel.
If you’re heading out of town this holiday, here are a few tips to keep costs down and happiness up.
Book Flights Out of Smaller Airports
If you live nearby a major airport, chances are it will be mass chaos for the next two months while everyone is traveling home for the holiday. It may be slightly out of the way, but flying out of a smaller airport will increase your chances of making your flight on time and not getting bumped.
Fly On Off Days
If you have flexibility in your travel dates, book your flight on off days (not Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays). These flights will be cheaper and less crowded. This year, expect heavy crowds the Saturday before Christmas and the first Sunday in January.
Build in Extra Time
Airports are packed this time of year. Check into your flight 24 hours prior to boarding and get to the airport early to make sure you don’t get bumped. Airlines often overbook during the holidays, and there’s nothing more frustrating than spending the night in an airport when you’d rather be with friends and family.
Bring an Empty Bag
Instead of stuffing your bags to the brim, be sure to leave room to bring back any gifts you may receive or items you’ve bought while shopping. You’ll avoid checked bag fees and sore arms from heavy carry-ons on your return trip.
If you’re a pretty light packer, fill up a carry-on and pack it inside your bigger checked bag. On your flight out you will have only one bag, and on your return flight you’ll have extra space.
Mail Holiday Gifts Ahead of Time
Not only will this save space in your suitcase, but the gifts that you buy for family and friends are much less likely to get crushed or lost in transit. Give your mom a heads up that packages are arriving at her house and wrap once you arrive. Thanks for everything, Amazon!
Before you hit the road for the holidays, be sure to check out how to survive that red-eye flight and avoid being cranky for a week after your flight!
