By Summer Hull, The Points Guy
Pandemic or not, we are in the midst of the holiday travel season, and even though there are fewer travelers this year than what we’ve seen in the past, you’ll still find some airports to be quite busy. And even though there are fewer passengers flying, airlines are consolidating flights so there is a good chance you could end up on a near-full flight on the peak travel days.
With this sort of influx, mixed with a time of social distancing and new travel rules, the most wonderful time of the year can very quickly become the most stressful time of the year at the airport, and many travelers will have little ones along for the journey.
This logjam of holiday flyers will probably result in overcrowding, longer lines and some tense moments, especially if winter weather doesn’t cooperate and delays or cancellations become an issue. But on top of everything else going on, your family doesn’t have to be the one succumbing to stress at the check-in counter with an overweight bag, dealing with banned items in the TSA line or racing through the terminal frantically trying to catch a flight.
Instead, you and your loved ones can be the travelers relaxing in an airport lounge and expertly avoiding bag fees — with a solid backup plan in the event of an issue with flight operations.
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| © rrecrutt / Getty Images |
The right credit card can help
It might be too late to add a new credit card to your wallet to help make your holiday travel easier or potentially more affordable, but it’s not too late to see if you already have the right credit card — or plan for next time. Some credit cards protect you from bag fees, while others help you earn elite status faster, give you credits to use on inflight Wi-Fi, upgrade your boarding position or include a statement credit for your onboard purchases.There are also credit cards that get you access to airport lounges or cover the cost of a meal at the airport — both of which are much better ways to spend time before or between flights than sitting at the gate.
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| © Zach Griff / The Points Guy |
If you do get a last-minute credit card with a Priority Pass membership, you can still use a digital membership card at most eligible lounges.
Go (a little) early
You might not want to spend any extra time in a public space — especially a crowded airport — than you have to right now, but when flying on peak travel dates you should probably get to the airport at least a little early to ensure everything runs smoothly. Nothing induces intense and immediate stress faster than running late for your flight — especially in today’s world. You’ll also want to allow enough time for potential traffic and airport delays.Taking the first flight of the morning is a good idea, too. Those early morning flights are the most likely to have been cleaned overnight and depart on time, so get a jump on the day and book the early bird. If you notice bad weather forecast for your travel date, then getting out in the morning can be even more important.
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| © Darren Murph / The Points Guy |
Be strategic about checking versus carrying on
During the holidays, some travelers swear by the mantra of “stay calm by not carrying on.” While I vastly prefer to carry on my bags 95% of the time, there is some logic to checking everything you can, especially if you have kids to chase after in the airport. If you check your bags, your hands are free, you don’t need to worry about early boarding — as overhead bin space isn’t a problem — and you don’t have to stress as much over the security screening process and whether you need to pull out half your items to place them in bins. |
| © Isabelle Raphael / The Points Guy |
While checking bags can slow you down a little, it can also result in some bonus free miles if the bags are slow to come down to baggage claim. If you really want to push the easy button, you can even skip baggage claim completely and have your checked bags delivered to your final destination.
Consider shipping your stockings
While strategically checking or carrying on a bag will work in most cases, there are circumstances where shipping packages to your final destination can be even easier — and sometimes, cheaper. If checking your bags would subject you to oversized baggage fees, then shipping can be a smart decision. Just factor in shipping delays are worse than normal this holiday season, so allow extra time.Know the TSA rules for holiday items
Can you bring wrapped presents through security? Technically, but it’s a bad idea in the event TSA agents need to inspect what’s inside. Traveling with a snow globe? Make sure that the liquid is 3.4 ounces or less and it can fit in a quart-sized, resealable plastic bag. (So really, don’t carry on that snow globe.)You can bring a fruitcake, sufganiyot or cookies through security, too, but you may want to put food in its own tray for inspection.
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| © Jon Bailey / The Points Guy |
CLEAR security in a flash
On peak travel days, TSA PreCheck isn’t always enough to get you through security as fast as you’d like even if you left the snow globes at home. (I’m looking at you, Denver and Newark.) If you want the one-two punch of having all available expedited security options, consider getting Clear.You can even wait and apply for Clear when you’re at the airport if you see the regular security line crawling along slower than you like, so you don’t have to commit in advance. Just keep in mind that some TSA PreCheck and Clear lanes are closed due to COVID-19 changes to airport operations.
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| © Summer Hull / The Points Guy |
Lounge around
The airport lounges of today aren’t just for the elite: They’re for the savvy. So, don’t find yourself stuck out at the gate if you don’t want to be. Get yourself into a lounge on your holiday trip instead and enjoy some complimentary food, beverages and maybe even a quick massage (at least during normal times). |
| © Zach Honig / The Points Guy |
BYO onboard essentials
Whether you’re flying solo or with a basketball team’s worth of kiddos, you need to consider bringing your own food, comfort items and entertainment on board. Some airlines are better than others at providing some (or all) of those amenities, but it’s best to be self-reliant — especially if you’re traveling in economy.Although many airlines are starting to resume their inflight food and beverage service, with ever-changing rules, you’ll want to be 110% prepared.
Grab headphones, a neck pillow, snacks and something to keep you occupied and you’ll be all set, even if the airline doesn’t have anything to offer you beyond a small seat.
Wear the right face mask
Due to COVID-19, all airports and many U.S. domestic airlines are requiring those 2 and older to wear a face mask — no exception. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure you have an approved mask for every family member. You’ll also want to make sure that everyone in your family — including your little ones — are used to wearing masks for the entire length of your flight. If your children are not familiar with wearing masks, start preparing now.Most airlines follow the CDC guidance and require “a well-secured cloth or mask that fits snugly against the face, covers an individual’s nose and mouth, and is secured under the chin.” You’re not allowed to wear face masks with exhalation valves, those made solely of materials like mesh or lace fabrics, or those that cannot be secured under the chin such as a bandana or face shield.
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| © Orbon Alija / Getty Images |
Spread cheer
As hard as it can sometimes be to travel during the holidays, imagine what it’s like to work flight after flight while others are heading home to trim the tree — especially in these unprecedented times. A smile, a patient attitude and a “thank you” to crew members can go a long way. If you want to go further, Starbucks gift cards or prepackaged food items for the crew are always an extra-welcome treat.Bottom line
The holidays are an exciting time to go home or get away, but an airport or a crowded plane aren’t always the most magical portion of the experience. But we promise you’ll survive your holiday travels by making a few strategic choices, packing your wallet appropriately and being prepared.See more at The Points Guy
