We can all agree that travel comes with stress. Throw the holidays into the mix and it can be the absolute worst! This year, it is estimated that 25 million people flew during the days leading up to and after Thanksgiving.
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With Christmas and New Years approaching, we can expect a similar type of mob to fill the airports once again. This season, avoid stress and spaz outs with tips for ensuring peaceful and efficient airport travel.
1. Airline Tricks
If you have a baby, most airlines will let you check their car seat, crib and stroller for free; so don’t be afraid to pack everything you need for fear or checked baggage fees! To top that off, most major carriers give priority boarding to people with young kids, all you have to do is ask!
2. Travel with Carry-Ons
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My favorite way to beat the airport blues is to squeeze everything into my 21 inch carry-on bag. As long as I check in the night before, I’ve gotten to the airport only 20 minutes before pre-board because I don’t have to check my bag according to the airline’s “hour before” regulations.
You also don’t have to wait the 30-60 minutes after leaving the plane at baggage claim. Buy those tiny plastic bottle toiletry kits and hand pack your favorite products and pop them in to your carry on.
3. Be Flexible
If you have any wiggle room whatsoever, check the “flexible dates” box that most online flight search engines have. You can save a ton of cash on holiday travel by flying at awkward times. Being able to change the date of your flight, even if it’s only by 12 hours gives you a lot of options that will help your wallet as well. I just booked last-minute Christmas travel for eight family members and saved $3,000 by moving their flights a half a day ahead from what I planned.
4. Spring For Economy Plus
In most cases, booking economy plus over regular economy is only about $50 bucks. In exchange for that extra fee is peace of mind, extra leg room, faster boarding/exiting and first grab and the drinks and snacks. If you have a long flight, the extra stretch and recline room will feel especially luxurious.
5. De-stress In The Airline Lounge
You may not know it, but all the major carriers have airline lounges in the airport. For $50 dollars you can gain access to their peaceful world. During the holidays, a lot of us may find ourselves with cancelled flights or major delays due to weather.
A great way to beat the stress in those moments is to head to the lounge, shell out some money and relax. Most lounges have free snacks (some, like Cathay Pacific will even have delish entire meals at your disposal), drinks, comfortable seating, areas to lay down, wifi and all the electrical outlets your heart and smartphone desires!
6. Be Annoying
Check at the gate for upgrades and seat changes. Usually when elite fliers are upgraded from coach to open first class seats a few hours before the flight, their seats become available. If you were not able to sit next to your travel buddy because of a full flight, many agents can accommodate you before the flight takes off. Calling the airline’s domestic and overseas phone number can also help you stay ahead of the pack if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
7. There’s An App For That
Once you have booked your travel, download the apps for the carriers you are using. From airlines to hotels to car rentals, most major companies have helpful apps available for download to your smartphone.
Having these apps help with the efficiency of your travel especially during peak holidays. For instance, I mainly fly United, so I am able to use their app to check in, get alerted about delays, change my seat, check on connecting flights and even book travel. The ability to have all the answers about my flight at any time will keep you from spazzing on someone at the counter!
8. Ship Your Bags, Ship Your Presents
These days UPS and Fed Ex have great price options for shipping your luggage. They will pick it up from your home and deliver it to your hotel or final destination. With fees going up for checked bags airlines and a strict 50 lbs rule on what you can pack (with fees of $100 being charged if your even 5 lbs over) this may be a much more convenient and inexpensive route to take. The same goes for presents! If you’re traveling for Christmas this year, send the gifts ahead of you and avoid them being unwrapped and opened by TSA when your going thru security.
Happy Holidays and Happy Traveling!
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