Can you name the three busiest travel days of the year, in order? (Answers are below)
It’s that most wonderful time of the year. Sleigh rides, mistletoe, pumpkin pie, roasting turkey, family reunions, and….. holiday travel. Gulp.
Thanksgiving to New Year is the busiest travel stretch of the year. And the week of Thanksgiving is unrivaled for the number of people taking to the skies. But, holiday travel doesn’t have to turn you into a Scrooge. With a little planning and the right attitude, you can survive any crowded airport or travel delay the season brings your way.
Early, early, early to the airport. There is no such thing as too early for holiday travel. If all is seamless, you’ll enjoy a croissant and coffee as you watch fellow passengers stress out. If the security line is longer than expected or you run into a traffic delay en-route to the airport, you’ll have a safety cushion built in.
Take advantage of all possible shortcuts. Check in on line – and make sure your cell number is in your ticketing record. Print your boarding pass or download it to your phone. Avoid parking at the airport – taxi, Uber, or have a friend drop you off. Pre-program necessary numbers into your phone so they are handy - airline, car rental, hotels, family/friends. Download the airlines’ app - there isn’t a faster way to get updates if you are delayed.
Pack light. Ship the gifts ahead; don’t bring them with you. If you only have a carry-on, you’ll save the time and cost of luggage check and collection. You’ll avoid the stress of a misplaced bag. And, you won’t worry about what the luggage handlers broke when they dropped a bowling ball on your bag.
Stay well-fed. Low blood sugar will make you cranky and stress you even more. Bring some nutritious snacks (no – gummies and goldfish crackers do not qualify) to munch on. Enjoy a meal during that long layover I recommended you build into your holiday flight schedule!
Keep your sense of humor. It’s crowded, flights are full, delays are inevitable, tempers are short. But, hey, it’s the holidays. Smile. Take a deep breath. Relax. Enjoy.
Answers, in order:
- Sunday after Thanksgiving (Nov 26)
- Wednesday before Thanksgiving (Nov 22)
- Friday before Thanksgiving (Nov 17)
Are you planning to travel during the holiday season this year?
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