We’ll be honest: holiday travel can feel like an endurance test through merry madness. Lines, crowds, delays, the stress of an impending final boarding call…
This year, take the holiday hustle down a notch and get excited to see loved ones with a few of our favorite frequent holiday flyer tips.
Early Bird Gets The Eggnog
Getting to the airport early isn’t exactly a unique hack. But treating airports as a destination is!
TSA Spot Saver – Check if you can reserve your spot in the TSA line – not every airport offers this option, but many have a free Spot Saver option. This includes Seattle-Tacoma, Denver, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Los Angeles, George Bush Intercontinental, Newark Liberty, and others. Give yourself a high-five for making it through TSA in record time, then peek our Best Airport Bars and Hidden Airport Gems guides for some intel on where to kickback.
Embrace The Unexpected (And Festive Fun!) – You never know what festive fun you’ll find while traveling. Listen for special live music performances, like the school ensembles performing in El Paso International Airport throughout December. Keep an eye out for roaming holiday characters as well – from festive therapy dogs at Philadelphia International Airport to Santas taking last minute wish list requests. Holiday llamas even paraded through Portland International Airport last year!
Plan Like A Pro
Hydration – Strategize filling up your reusable water bottle after you clear security to avoid spending extra money on a water or waiting in line for hydration. PS – San Francisco International Airport uniquely has hot water right after clearing TSA!
Bringing A Bouquet – You can bring flowers for a loved one through security, but don’t forget to pour out the water first. For easiest carrying on, try bringing a reusable bag to fill with water after security or bring a few extra paper towels to soak in post-security water, then wrap them around the stems. Some flowers are hardier than others – try chrysanthemums or zinnias if you’re traveling all day.
Finding Food – Finally, don’t be afraid to walk for food or drinks. If the lines are looking long, try a different terminal! Everyone wants their morning cup of coffee, so checking a few different spots could mean a shorter wait elsewhere.
Spread Your Own Cheer and Treat Your Crew
No matter the day, everyone at the airport is doing their best, and the flight crews are no exception. Pilots and flight attendants usually have multiple flights in a day – by the time you board, they might be on their third or fourth city (even early in the morning!). They often work holidays away from their own families and loved one to get travelers where they need to go.
A small treat to say thanks to your flight crew will make their day – this could be fresh fruit, a small coffee gift card, or some candy (psst – generally there’s two pilots and two or three flight attendants on board).
Happy holidays! No matter where your travels take you this holiday season, we hope you spend it with people you love (and travel in comfy clothes, too).
