Holiday Travel Tips: Avoiding Delays, Crowds, and Cancellations

Article Highlights:

• Book in Advance: Book reservations and prices early to avoid last-minute stress.
• Opt for Nonstop Flights: Reduce layover risks by flying direct when possible.
• Travel Light: Stick to carry-ons to avoid checked luggage complications.
• Stay Secure: Keep valuables close, especially if traveling alone.
• Plan for Delays: Look into lounge passes, sleep pods, and travel insurance for peace of mind.

The holiday season is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with millions of people flocking to airports, train stations, and highways to reunite with loved ones or take a well-deserved vacation. While the festive spirit is in the air, so are the challenges of crowded airports, long security lines, flight delays, and cancellations.

Planning and taking a few simple precautions can make the difference between a stressful and smooth journey.

Book in Advance and Travel Smart

Booking flights well in advance can help lock in better prices and secure your preferred travel dates. As holiday travel demand spikes, airlines and hotels fill up quickly, and last-minute bookings can be expensive and limit options. Traveling during off-peak time, such as midweek instead of weekends or avoiding the days immediately before and after major holidays, can also help you avoid the worst crowds.

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, consider visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations. Exploring less traveled locales can mean smaller crowds, more availability, and even lower costs. Popular attractions during the holiday season can be overwhelming, so traveling to lesser-known spots is a great way to enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Tips To Avoid Travel Hassles

Opt for Nonstop Flights

Whenever possible, choose nonstop flights. This reduces the chances of getting stranded mid-journey due to flight delays or cancellations. Layovers add complexity and risk, especially if inclement weather or airline scheduling issues arise.

Carry-On Luggage Only

Skip checked luggage to avoid baggage delays or the risk of losing your bags. By packing light and taking only a carry-on, you’re more mobile and adaptable if you need to reschedule or change flights due to delays.

Use Travel Protection

With the holiday season’s unpredictability, purchasing travel insurance and traveler protection can provide peace of mind. Look for policies covering delayed or canceled flights, lost luggage, and trip cancellations. Obtain Global Rescue traveler protection for field rescue, medical evacuation and medical advisory services. “Traveler confidence is skyrocketing, and they are mitigating their worries by safeguarding their trips and safety with more protections like medical evacuation, trip protection, and travel health insurance,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue.

Make Use of Trusted Traveler Programs

Security lines can be long and chaotic, especially during peak holiday travel days. Programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry help you bypass the longest lines, saving valuable time and making airport security a breeze. Investing in a Trusted Traveler Program can be especially helpful if you’re a frequent traveler or have a tight connection to make.

Avoid Packing Wrapped Gifts in Carry-Ons

Holiday travelers often bring gifts for family and friends, but avoiding wrapping presents before you fly is best. “If TSA cannot determine what’s inside a package, they will ask travelers to unwrap it or confiscate the item,” warned Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director of security operations for Global Rescue. If you must bring wrapped items, use gift bags for easy inspection or wrap gifts upon arrival. Better yet, consider shipping gifts ahead of time to save space and reduce the risk of them being damaged.

How To Handle Flight Delays and Cancellations

Flight delays and cancellations are almost inevitable during holiday travel, but there are ways to make them more manageable:

Consider a Lounge Day Pass

Airport lounges provide a quieter, more comfortable space to wait out delays. A day pass can give you access to WiFi, refreshments, and comfortable seating. Find a peaceful, secure spot if a lounge pass isn’t an option. “I once got stuck at Hartsfield Jackson in Atlanta overnight,” said Charles McCarthy, a Global Rescue marketing manager. “The international terminal was quieter than the domestic ones, even late into the evening.”

Look for Sleep Pods

Some airports offer sleep pods or private resting areas. “I was at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris facing a delay and found a sleeping pod,” shared Meghan Mahoney, a Global Rescue marketing director. “It had a bed, a noise cancellation system, and was totally private—worth every penny.”

Stay Alert and Secure Valuables

If you’re traveling alone, keep your valuables close. “I carry a daypack with my valuables and use that as a pillow. Money and passport I keep in a waist or neck pouch under my shirt,” advised high-altitude climber and Global Rescue Mountain Advisory Council member Ed Viesturs. “Set an alarm so you don’t miss flight updates, especially if you plan to rest.”

Extra Tips for Solo and Family Travelers

Solo travelers, especially women, should take extra precautions to stay safe and alert. “I never cover more than one ear with headphones to remain aware of my surroundings,” said Josie Daigle, Global Rescue social media manager and solo traveler. Some airports even offer free layover tours, like the Incheon Airport in Seoul, South Korea, where Daigle enjoyed a free tour during an extended layover.

For family travelers, consider packing entertainment for kids and choosing family-friendly accommodations. If delays occur, having snacks, games, and movies ready can keep children occupied and help ease the stress of waiting.

Prepare for the Unexpected

The holiday season is unpredictable, from weather disruptions to unexpected health issues. Be proactive by researching healthcare options at your destination. “In today’s travel landscape, you may not want to travel to any destination where the level of medical care isn’t up to your standards unless you have medical evacuation services,” Richards said. This is particularly important if you’re visiting remote or unfamiliar locations.

Survival Essentials: Wraps, Blankets, and Other Must Haves

Airports can be chilly, and carrying a wrap or light blanket is wise. “I once got stuck in an airport overnight, freezing, and spent the night on a chair,” recalled Dianette Wells, a Global Rescue member. “Now, I always pack a wrap. It’s lightweight, travels well, and doubles as a blanket or pillow.”

Planning and preparation can turn holiday travel challenges into manageable experiences. With these tips, you can keep the festive spirit alive and ensure your trip is as enjoyable as the destination.