The most wonderful time of the year can quickly become the most stressful time of the year at the airport, especially if winter weather doesn’t cooperate and flight delays or cancellations creep into the storyline.
But your journey home (or away) doesn’t have to involve dealing with overweight luggage at the check-in counter or sprinting through the airport like the McAllisters in Home Alone.
Instead, you and your loved ones can become travelers who relax in airport lounges and become adept at avoiding baggage fees – with a solid backup plan in the event of flight operational issues.
Carry the correct credit card
It may be too late to add a new credit card to your wallet to help ease your vacation, but the season isn’t over yet. Some of our favorite cards offer vacation travel benefits and related perks.
You can also check if you already have the correct credit card in your wallet. Some credit cards can protect you against baggage fees, while others can help you board a flight early or get bill points for in-flight purchases. For example, Delta SkyMiles American Express Gold Card Free checked bags for you and your traveling companions on Delta flights.
There are also credit cards that give you access to airport lounges, which are better places to spend time before or between flights than at crowded gates. Now, some lounges even allow you to check capacity or add yourself to an in-app waiting list.
If you got a credit card for your Priority Pass membership at the last minute, you can still use your digital membership card at most eligible lounges.
Related: How major domestic airlines can avoid checked bag fees
Reserve your airport parking space in advance
Airport parking lots — especially those that are the cheapest or closest to the terminals — tend to fill up during the holidays.
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Your best option is to reserve your seat in advance. In fact, if you’re planning a trip for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s, book now. Not only does this guarantee you a spot, but it’s also sometimes cheaper. For example, at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), once garage parking capacity reaches 85%, only passengers with advance reservations will be allowed to park.
Have the right apps ready before you take off
Of course, you should download and set up your airline’s app before flying so you can easily access your boarding pass and make changes in the event of a delay or cancellation. There are two other applications that also make sense:
- Flighty: Get the latest information about your flights, track your incoming plane and see the likelihood of your flight being on time.
- TSA App: Check security wait times.
Arrive at the airport early
I know this sounds like your parents talking, but nothing triggers intense and immediate stress like being late for a flight. Even if you normally work shorter hours, don’t do it during the holidays. If you miss your original flight, the next flight to your destination may be full and unavailable.
It’s also a good idea to take the first flight in the morning. Planes on early morning flights are likely to have been parked the night before and are therefore likely to depart on time. So hurry up and book your early bird express flights. If you notice that the weather forecast is bad for your travel dates, it’s even more important to get out in the morning.
While you get there early, keep in mind that you can often order Starbucks for pickup via mobile at many airports and skip the lines.
Related: How to avoid airline change and cancellation fees
Be strategic when checking in your luggage
During the holidays, some travelers embrace this mantra: “Keep calm and don’t move on.”
While I prefer to take my luggage on the plane 95% of the time, it still makes sense to check everything you can – especially if you have kids to chase around the airport. Checking a bag may slow you down a bit, but it may also net you some extra free miles if your bag slows down at baggage claim.
We also have to add that checking a bag during your vacation is something the right credit card can really pay for.
Of course, remember to put the AirTags in your checked luggage so you can virtually monitor its journey. Many airlines now also allow you to share your luggage’s AirTag location with them, which can help if your luggage ends up somewhere it’s not supposed to be.
If you plan on bringing carry-on items, be sure to read the fine print on your ticket. If you’re flying basic economy or a low-cost airline, your fare may not include a free full-size carry-on bag. In this case, strategy means condensation.
Consider shipping your stockings
While strategically checking or carrying your luggage is feasible in most cases, in some cases it may be easier (and sometimes cheaper) to ship your package to its final destination, especially if there are oversize baggage fees involved. Whether you want DIY drop-off or door-to-door pickup and delivery, you can try the LugLess website to price your items or gifts and purchase shipping costs.
Understand current TSA rules
Can I bring wrapped gifts through security check? Technically, yes, but it’s a bad idea in case a TSA agent needs to inspect the contents.
The holidays provide good reason to review some of the TSA’s regulations, especially those that have changed since last year.
For example, you now need a REAL ID to travel…but even if you don’t have TSA PreCheck, you usually don’t have to take off your shoes anymore.
RELATED: Here’s what you can bring with you for Thanksgiving and what you must check out
Clear security instantly
During peak travel times, TSA PreCheck alone isn’t always enough to get you through security as quickly as you’d like.
If you want the one-two punch of all expedited security options available, consider getting Clear. Sometimes, if you find that the regular security lines are slower than you thought, you can even apply for Clear at the airport so you don’t have to commit ahead of time.
A one-year Clear Plus membership normally costs $209. Conveniently, some credit cards now offer a $209 annual Clear Plus statement credit that automatically renews. Your children also get free access to Clear when traveling with you, and you can add up to three additional adults to your main plan for $125 per year.
hang out
If the whole family is flying on vacation, you may want to specifically look for a lounge with family rooms or a more relaxed guest policy.
Here’s a quick reminder of how to access some of the top lounge networks:
There are also several top Priority Pass lounges in the United States to consider; you probably already have a card in your wallet to help you access them.
Related: 11 Credit Cards That Offer Priority Pass Airport Lounge Access
Check the upgrade cost – it may be less than you think
Last but not least, while the holidays are a very busy time for leisure travel, business travel grinds to a halt during these weeks.
This means that while economy class may be full and cost more than regular class, first class may actually cost less than you think. In fact, I’ve seen first class mileage awards for domestic flights around the holidays being cheaper than economy class awards.
At the very least, check the price of a first-class upgrade. You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that business travelers who typically use their expense accounts to purchase premium tickets don’t fly as often during the holidays.
bottom line
The holidays are an exciting time to come home or leave, but a crowded airport or plane isn’t always the most magical part of the experience.
We guarantee that by making a few strategic choices, packing your wallet appropriately, and having the right apps and information on your phone, you’ll survive your holiday travels.
