There's no time like the holidays because the holidays are crazy and in turn, make you crazy. It might be the giving time of year, but it is also the busiest time of the year. People are coming and going in all different directions, which can cause a little more than chaos in the airport. There are long lines, weather delays and little missteps along the way. Avoid as much of the turmoil as possible by following these airport holiday tips to ensure smooth sailing:
1) Be at the airport two hours in advance
Look at this as a rule and not a guideline. Most people try to skate by with an hour left to boarding and expect to get to their gate on time. Long lines and inexperienced travelers will be frequently encountered during the holidays, causing undue stress. It is worth packing up a little earlier to avoid the anarchy.
2) Use your phone for your boarding pass
Smart phones are a miracle in disguise for traveling. Use your passbook so you’re not shuffling papers around. Keeping everything in one spot will help keep you from losing your damn mind.
3) Use airport TVs to charge your phone
Desperate times call for desperate measures. If there are no open outlets available, most screens will have a USB port ready for you to juice up with. BONUS: These are usually in prime seating areas.
4) Take immune system boosting medicines
Medicines such as Emergen-C and Airborne help with strengthening your immune system. Planes are enclosed pieces of machinery, so you are not going anywhere and neither are those germs. Protect yourself by preparing with prevention! Don’t forget to take some along with you for the way home too!
5) Be present at the TSA checkpoint
When it is your turn to get your ID or bag checked, be present in the moment. Pay attention. Drop your conversation for the five minutes it’ll take you to get x-rayed. Have your ID ready, prepare to take out all of your electronics, take your shoes off, and have your liquids out in a Ziploc bag. You may be in a hurry, but appear to be patient and the agents might work with you.
6) Take advantage of delayed or canceled flights
This is the time to bat those long eyelashes or use that charm. You need to get to your destination but clearly, that’s not happening right now. The ticketing booth is bombarded with angry customers. If you’re looking for a little bit of an upgrade, this would be a good time to ask, in the nicest way possible. “I have a middle seat and I was wondering if I could get that changed to a window or an aisle seat?” There might’ve been some cancellations and they could bump you up to premium or first class just because you were the first nice person they had seen in a while.
7) Don’t put wrapped gifts in your carry on
TSA might have to unwrap the gift if anything suspicious pops up. Buy wrapping materials when you get to your destination to make sure nosey little elves don't get their hands on your presents.
Happy holidays and safe travels!
