Ten tips to keep your festive flight from turning into a holiday horror show.
The most wonderful time of the year has a way of becoming the most stressful time of the year once you step inside an airport. Winter weather, packed flights, and the general chaos of holiday travel can turn anyone into a Grinch. But with a little planning, you can be the traveler lounging comfortably at the gate instead of sprinting through the terminal like the McCallisters in Home Alone.
1. Pack the right plastic. Check which credit cards are already in your wallet—some offer free checked bags, early boarding, or lounge access.
2. Reserve your parking spot now. Airport lots fill up fast during the holidays, especially the cheap or close-in options. At some airports, they’ll stop letting you in once garages hit 85% capacity unless you’ve pre-booked. Bonus: advance reservations are often cheaper, too.
3. App up before you fly. Beyond your airline’s app, download Flighty (for real-time flight tracking and delay predictions) and the TSA app (for security wait times). These two can save you from unwelcome surprises.
4. Arrive early—yes, really. I know, I sound like your parents. But running late during the holidays is a recipe for disaster. If you miss your flight, good luck finding a seat on the next one. Book that early morning departure, too—planes that overnighted at the airport are more likely to leave on time.
5. Think strategically about bags. Some travelers swear by “stay calm by not carrying on” during the holidays, especially if you’ve got kids in tow. Checking bags means less hassle at boarding and deplaning. Pro tip: toss an AirTag in there and share its location with the airline. If you must carry on, double-check your ticket—basic economy fares often don’t include a full-size bag.
6. Consider shipping your stuff. If you’re hauling oversized gifts or ski gear, shipping might actually be cheaper than baggage fees. Try LugLess to compare costs—they offer both drop-off and doorstep pickup options.
7. Brush up on TSA rules. Yes, you can technically bring wrapped presents through security, but don’t—TSA may unwrap them. The good news: you no longer need to remove your shoes at most checkpoints, even without PreCheck. On peak days, PreCheck alone might not be enough; consider adding Clear for the ultimate fast-pass combo. You can sometimes sign up at the airport if you see the regular line crawling.
8. Lounge around. If you’re flying with family, seek out lounges with family rooms or flexible guest policies. Your credit card might get you in, or you can splurge on a day pass. Some lounges now let you check capacity or join a waitlist via app.
9. Check the upgrade price. Here’s a little secret: while economy is packed during the holidays, business travelers disappear. That means premium seats can be surprisingly affordable—sometimes even cheaper than economy when using miles. Always check the upgrade cost before you fly.
10. Book that early bird flight. Morning flights are your friend. Planes are already at the gate from the night before, making on-time departures more likely. If bad weather is in the forecast, getting out early could be the difference between making it home and spending Christmas at the airport Cinnabon.
Twist’s Take: A little prep goes a long way during holiday travel season. Book early, app up, and don’t be afraid to treat yourself to that upgrade—’tis the season, after all.