Holiday Travel Tips | Blogmas #13
Holiday travel sucks. This year we have planned our travel on what is, arguably, the busiest travel day of the year – the Saturday before Christmas. Here are some tips for how to manage the holidays, through some of the busiest airports in the US.
Check your dang bag. I know, I know, every travel guide says that you should NEVER. EVER. check a bag. Don’t click away yet! Hear me out! It is not worth it to haul your luggage around through a busier-than-normal airport, while navigating the TSA. Follow that up with the fact that your plane is going to be full, and you’ll probably have to gate check anyway. This way, you can pack all the gifts you’re taking, and you won’t have to worry about your bag the whole flight. It’s worth it to have to wait those extra five minutes at the baggage claim. Now, I say these things as someone who gets a free checked bag. Don’t do it if you must pay, but then don’t complain when you have to gate-check a carry on.
Download the airline app. Sometimes, even an airport has an app. This will make your check in and connections easier. With the Delta app, I even had the opportunity to rebook a delayed flight within minutes of the delay, all from my phone!
Bring battery packs, and chargers. The worst thing is getting stuck in the airport on a delay without a working phone. Keep a few charged-up battery packs, including one that is only for emergencies and a working charger for camping out in the airport.
Pack earplugs. Even for daytime flights, earplugs can make a dreadful day into a wonderful day. Screaming baby? Earplugs. Need a nap? Earplugs. Chatty seatmate? Earplugs. Keep them in your purse, and hope that you don’t need them, but they’re help you avoid a headache when things get stressful.
Snacks! There are a million things more appetizing than a $26 airport hamburger. Pack some healthy snacks that you’ll want to eat, preferably those high in protein. Nuts, granola bars, or even hardboiled eggs are awesome at staving off hunger, but also not making you feel like a junky blob or breaking the budget.
Take a chill pill. Things are going to go wrong, and it’s important to keep a good attitude about it. Even when it’s hard, even when you are frustrated, and it seems like everyone is being unhelpful. Even when your flight was delayed for five hours and you’re sleeping on the floor of the airport lobby. A smile and a thank you will go a long way for everyone’s stress.
Happy travels from my family to yours!