Tips for Less Holiday Travel Stress

The holiday season is upon us and this year as with years past, millions of people will hit the airways to visit family and friends. The holidays are supposed to be a time of peace, joy and celebration but traveling, especially if you have little or no flying experience, can be quite stressful. With a little preparation and knowledge on what to you expect, you can lower your level of stress and enjoy the season. To keep you flying high this holiday season and avoid delays we suggest following these tips.

1. Arrive early for your flight. The airport will be very busy this holiday season so we suggest allowing 90 minutes to check in and clear security for flights during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Early morning flights (5:30am-7:30am) are very popular and you should allow plenty of time to catch these flights.

2. Do not wrap gifts, try shipping them. Flights over the holidays will be very full so we suggest shipping gifts to friends and family in advance of your trip. This will avoid additional screening at the checkpoint and will eliminate one more bag carried with you on your flight. If you do carry gifts with you please do not wrap them. Chances are they will be unwrapped for security checks.

3. Check in and print boarding passes from home. Many airlines offer customers the option of checking in and printing boarding passes for your flight up to 30 hours in advance of your trip from their website. If you are not checking bags, you can bypass the ticket counter and go directly to the security checkpoint.

4. Verify flight status prior to leaving home. Flight times can be checked by calling the airline's reservations number or visiting the airline's website. Also, most airlines offer a free flight notification service that will send flight updates to your pager or electronic mailbox informing you of changes to your flight.

5. Pack smart. Don't take items you won't need. Many airlines limit the number of bags you can check at the ticket counter for free. When traveling this holiday season, save room for gifts you receive at your destination. Passengers are limited to one carry-on bag, one personal item and typically two checked bags.

6. Place identification inside and outside of your baggage. Nametags placed on the outside of luggage can sometimes fall off during transport. We recommend that passengers place contact information on the outside of the bag and on the inside in case your bag is misdirected or lost. Also, remember to place names or identifying marks on laptops, palm devices and other electronics to ensure you pick up the correct item at checkpoint.

7. If your flight is cancelled avoid lines by calling the airline or travel agent emergency numbers. In most cases, customers can re-book flights and change itineraries by phone instead of waiting in long lines at the airport saving time and frustration.

8. Keep all medicines and items you will need right away with you. If your baggage is misdirected or lost, you want to ensure you have vital medications with you.

9. Keep a photo ID with you at all times. You will be asked to show a government-issued photo ID a number of times during your journey. Keeping it handy will save you time. Only passengers 18 years and older are required to have a photo ID.

10. Remember the Kids. Travel can be difficult for children, so pack items to keep them occupied and happy during your trip. Snacks, small games, coloring books and the like will make time pass quickly. Make your trip a learning experience by creating aviation math and science games or tracking your trip on a map. (Source: FAA.gov)