During the holiday season, you look forward to seeing loved ones, creating new memories together, eating great food, and carrying out traditions.
Traveling may not be what you look forward to most this time of year. It is, however, necessary to get to those moments that make the holidays so special!
When you follow these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your holiday travel.
PACK LIGHT
Being able to keep your belongings with you at all times can speed up the travel process and give you peace of mind. If you’re trying to pack light, pack within a certain color scheme so you can mix and match items. This is called a capsule wardrobe. Remember that if you’ll have access to a washer and dryer at your destination, you can pack fewer clothes.
You can also get yourself an early Christmas present of packing cubes. They’re a great way to pack efficiently and compress your items so you can bring what you want without lugging around bulky luggage.
PACK GIFTS CAREFULLY
You know about being careful with foods and liquids when traveling, but what about the snowglobe you’re gifting your mom or the engagement ring that you’d like to keep a secret? It’s less likely that you know TSA’s rules for those items off the top of your head. (Snowglobes are liquids and must follow TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule or be packed in checked luggage while valuables like an engagement ring should always remain in your possession in a carry-on.)
Not to sound like a Grinch, but here’s what you need to know: TSA agents prefer that you not wrap gifts. If you must, put gifts in a gift bag that’s easily accessible if it should be checked. Type in your gifts on TSA’s website to find out the rules for specific items. Sometimes, it might be easier to ship your gifts to your destination.
TRAVEL ON UNPOPULAR DAYS AND TIMES
Airports can get pretty busy during the holiday season. While some people put an emphasis on what day of the week to buy tickets to beat the crowds and save some money, it’s more useful to pay attention to the day you’ll be flying. It’s typically cheaper to fly during the week instead of on the weekend.
AVOID LONG LINES WITH TSA PRECHECK®
If you’re a frequent traveler, TSA PreCheck® simplifies your experience at more than 200 airports in the U.S.
In September 2022, 93% of people with TSA PreCheck® waited less than five minutes to get through security. During busy times of the year for travel — like the holidays — this will make a big difference.
That being said, all members of your party must have TSA PreCheck® in order to use it. While it may be too late to apply for TSA PreCheck® for the 2022 holiday season, consider applying soon so that you can enjoy the benefits in 2023!
BE PREPARED TO GO WITH THE FLOW
You can never predict exactly what will happen when traveling, but you can at least be prepared. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, park, and get through security. Bring a book and have your devices charged so you’ll have something to do if you have downtime or a layover. And, have a backup plan in case of cancellations or delays.
FLY FROM A SMALLER AIRPORT
Take some stress out of holiday travel by booking your flight from a fast and convenient airport.
When you fly from a small airport like South Bend International Airport, you’ll be able to park easily, you’ll see fewer crowds and shorter lines, and you’ll be able to move through the airport more quickly due to its size.
Book your flights now! When you fly out of South Bend International Airport, you can choose from 11 nonstop flights with convenient connections worldwide. To learn more about our flights, check out the airlines who fly with us or contact us at 574-282-4950.
