Stay on top of holiday travel
Tips to get you through the airport faster.
You’ll have lots of company at the airport if you’re flying for Christmas or New Year’s. ❚ Airlines are preparing for a record 51 million passengers for the holiday season, a 3.5% increase from the previous peak of 49.3 million last year. Airlines are offering 91,000 more seats a day on larger planes or additional flights to meet the demand for 80,000 additional daily passengers for the holiday period from Dec. 15 through Jan. 4. ❚ The busiest travel days, with about 2.7 million passengers each, will be Thursday Dec. 21, Friday Dec. 22 and Tuesday Dec. 26, according to the trade group Airlines for America. Here’s what you should know if you’re one of those travelers:
New this year
A new requirement by the Transportation Security Administration means that all electronics larger than a cellphone must be removed from carry-on bags from screening. Fliers will be required to place these items by themselves in bins to go through scanning. Eligible fliers selected to use the Precheck lines will be exempt, but all fliers should pack knowing that it’s possible these devices might have to be removed for screening.
Allow extra time
No one wants to spend more time than necessary waiting in an airport terminal. But this isn’t the time of year to test how close you can cut it. Aside from the possibility of busy terminals and long lines at check-in and security, expect heavier-than-usual traffic on entrance roadways, parking shuttles and public transportation. Inside the terminal, unusually heavy crowds may lead to backups at check-in counters and security lines.
A good rule of thumb: Arrive at the airport 45 to 60 minutes earlier than you normally would.
You’ll be glad you did, especially if you find yourself stuck in a security line filled with slow-moving families making their once-a-year holiday trip. If you know your airport is especially prone to long holiday lines, consider arriving up to 90 minutes earlier than normal.
Remember: If you miss your flight, this is a tough time of the year to find empty seats on other flights.
Pack smart
Pack your carry-ons with security lines in mind. Remember, unless you’re eligible for the TSA’s Precheck lines, laptops and liquids must come out separately to go through the screening checkpoints. This especially important this year with new TSA electronics rules.
Remember that most liquids are prohibited from carry-ons unless they are in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and are held in a clear, quart-size plastic bag. Some exceptions are made for liquids related to medical or child care needs, but it may be smart to brush up on those rules (see the TSA’s full “3-1-1” rules on liquids). In addition, certain food items may be difficult to bring through security lines.
Pack so that your laptops, liquids and other items can be quickly taken out of your luggage. That will not only speed up your trip through security, but it will also will shorten the wait for those behind you.
If you’re bringing presents
The TSA doesn’t prohibit wrapped presents, but it does warn that you may have to unwrap them if something inside raises alarms. It may be easier to ship large presents directly to your destination, especially with so many online shopping sites offering free shipping.
Keep an eye on trouble spots
Watch the weather starting as early as 72 hours leading up to your flight. It may be sunny and warm where you are, but there could be problems between you and your destination. If there’s threatening weather, monitor your airline’s website for updates. In some cases, airlines will issue weather waivers that may allow you to move your flight at no cost to avoid weather-related disruptions.
On the day of your flight (or the evening before), keep tabs on your flight status. The sooner you know there’s a cancellation or delay that could affect your travel, the sooner you’ll be able to troubleshoot it with your airline or travel agent. Also, many airlines have added rebooking features on their mobile apps that allow customers to select new flights during “irregular” operations. If your carrier’s mobile app has such a feature, strike quickly as you’ll have much competition for limited seats.
At the airport, if your flight is canceled or delayed and you need to book a new flight, most people wait at their gate or head to an airline customer service desk to get help with a new ticket. If you end up in one, also try the airline’s reservation number and website to find a new flight, and you may beat those in line in front of you to a seat.
Pack your patience
It’s perhaps the golden rule of travel, and it’s especially important during the holiday rush. Lines are longer and airports and airplanes are even more crowded than normal. Nerves fray more easily. But even when things get stressful, take a deep breath and smile. A holiday greeting or even a courteous nod to a fellow traveler will increase the chances that they’ll be courteous to you.
And never take out your frustrations out on airline employees, most of whom are conscientious workers doing their best to get everyone on their way during an intensely busy time. Being polite and respectful will bring better service than being hostile or rude. Ask for a supervisor if you must, but know that he or she may not have a different answer from the one you’ve already been given. Above all, always try to show everyone along the way the same holiday goodwill you’d want.
Even when things get stressful, take a deep breath and smile. A greeting or even a courteous nod to a fellow traveler will increase the chances that they’ll be courteous to you.