7 TIPS TO AVOID THE CHRISTMAS TRAVEL RUSH AT THE AIRPORT | FLIGHTLAYAWAY
In fact, experts are already estimating that the number of
passengers preparing for Christmas travel will triple compared to last year,
with numbers approaching pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Holiday travel this year
may therefore be doubly stressful, as you will have to prepare not only for the
Christmas travel rush at the airport but also have to navigate changing
Covid-19 travel restrictions.
If you are headed to the airport over the holidays, here are
some tips on what to do to avoid the Christmas travel rush:
1. Know all Covid-19 travel regulations
Since the pandemic is still ongoing, Christmas travel safety
should be the first thing to consider. Covid-19 regulations change at the drop
of a hat, so it is important that you familiarize yourself with all Covid-19
travel regulations. This may include mask requirements, proof of vaccination,
tests, and even quarantine. Many countries will require you to submit a
passenger locator form, which informs the travel authorities of where you are
coming from, where you are staying, and if you’ve been in contact with anyone
who has had Covid-19. Always be sure to give yourself enough time to complete
everything required.
Vanessa Shields of Travelling Ness shares her advice:
“Regulations around Covid are continuously changing so check the airline rules
when booking, a week out, and a few days prior to departure. The last thing you
want to do is get to the airport and find out you didn’t take the correct Covid
test or within the necessary timeframe. And if you are flying internationally,
it is even more important to verify the country requirements in addition to
that of your airline.”
An easy way to book flight tickets is to use the website flightlayaway.com, where you can book now pay later but before the flight.
2. Send your gifts ahead of time
If you plan on bringing gifts, especially for Christmas
travel abroad, you may be tempted to fill your suitcase with loads of presents.
Unfortunately, with all the rushing through the airport and the multiple
security checkpoints you will have to pass through, it may be better to send
your gifts ahead of time instead.
Here’s what Charles of McCool Travel has to say: “The first
thing I thought of for Christmas flights is to pack light — bring a carry-on
only, if possible. Ship presents ahead or orders them to be delivered to the
destination. Being as quick as possible on the ground will help you get out of
the airport as soon as possible and avoid potential checked bag delays.”
If you absolutely have to carry the presents in your luggage,
try to avoid wrapping them to avoid hold-ups at security. This is what Adam Ng,
founder of Trusted Malaysia has to say: “One thing to consider when traveling
during the holidays is, if you are bringing Christmas gifts with you, do not
wrap them until you reach your destination. The TSA will have to screen all of
your items, including your gifts. If one gift sets the alarm off, the TSA will
have to unwrap it. So, to save time and keep things moving smoothly, do not
wrap any gifts beforehand.”
3. Book early and choose direct flights
Kelli Lovett of The Vagabond Tales says: “My number one
travel tip for the holidays is to travel on Christmas Day. Airports and flights
are much less crowded and airfares can be cheaper if booked in advance.” She’s
right, as flights will almost always be cheaper if you book them ahead of time.
This way, save not only on airfare but can make sure that you have good seats
on the plane too.
You may also want to consider booking direct flights so that
you can just sit back and relax once you are on the plane. Tracy Schatz of
Elite Travel Journeys advises: “I always recommend booking direct flights. Yes,
flights with layovers may be slightly cheaper, but they always come with a
better chance of delays and cancellations. Early morning flights are also the
best option because you have the opportunity to catch another flight and arrive
at your destination that same day if your flight does get canceled.
4. Avoid the busiest Christmas travel days
Since many travelers have to plan their flights around their
days off, many will try to fly right before Christmas and then again a few days
after when it is time to head home. However, if you can avoid the busiest
Christmas travel days, try to do so, as it can really take the stress out of
traveling. Gwen Corrie at Corr Travel shares her experience: “Avoid all flights
on weekends and within 3 days of Christmas (to and from), especially if you're
traveling to or from inclement weather areas. Due to lack of vacation time,
most people fly a day or two away from Christmas and fly on weekends.”
5. Arrive at the airport earlier than usual
Most people will give themselves around 90 minutes at the
airport to check into their flight, but with this year’s Christmas travel rush
and Covid restrictions, be sure to arrive at the airport way, way earlier than
you usually would.
Tobias Rawcliffe, a business owner at Number 1 Plates and
frequent traveler shares his thoughts: “The high volume of travelers in the
airport isn’t the only problem you will face when you fly during peak seasons
like Christmas time. As there are ever-changing protocols due to the ongoing
pandemic, it is becoming more important to be at the airport early - giving
yourself at least 4 hours before the flight departure time. This will allow you
more time to complete all formalities and checkpoints you need to pass
through.”
Though 4 hours seems like overkill, remember that long lines,
additional security checks, and the possibility of people arguing with airport
personnel over Covid regulations can all add up and make it difficult to board
your flight.
6. Go digital
These days, there is an app for everything — including
airlines and airports. To save yourself time, it helps to go digital. Here’s
what Dymphe Mensik of Dym Abroad has to say about it: “You could take a printed
version of your boarding pass, but you can also use an electronic variant. Many
airlines have apps that allow you to access your boarding pass on your phone.
As you already use your phone a lot for other things, it makes showing your
boarding pass much easier to do.”
You could easily check into your flight online, have your
Covid-19 vaccination pass on hand, and book any transportation to and from the
airport through an app. Some airports, especially in the US, even allow you to
do an online pre-check for your luggage so that going through security will go
faster.
7. Be prepared for delays or cancellations
Of course, there is always the possibility of delays or
cancellations, and historically, the Christmas season has always led to flight
delays and cancellations. Be sure to know your rights as an air passenger, and
check if you are eligible for compensation if your flight does end up
disrupted.
In fact, experts are already estimating that the number of
passengers preparing for Christmas travel will triple compared to last year,
with numbers approaching pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Holiday travel this year
may therefore be doubly stressful, as you will have to prepare not only for the
Christmas travel rush at the airport but also have to navigate changing
Covid-19 travel restrictions.
If you are headed to the airport over the holidays, here are some tips on what to do to avoid the Christmas travel rush:
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