How to Travel Smarter During the Holidays
Holiday air travel can be overwhelming. It's notorious for crowded airports, long security lines, and missed connections. But with a bit of preparation and a few insider tricks, you can breeze through the airport. It's all about being organized and staying ahead of the game. In this blog post, we'll give you the tips you need to navigate the airport like a pro and make your journey as smooth as possible.
1. Download the Airline App and Check In Online
Skip the queue by downloading the airline app and checking in online for your flight. Most airlines allow you to check in 24 hours before departure and will give you a digital boarding pass, so you don't need to fuss with a paper ticket. Some airline apps will also give you real-time updates about your flight, so you'll have plenty of notice if it's delayed or canceled.
2. Stick to a Carry-On
Checked luggage just isn't worth it during the holiday season. With unpredictable flight schedules and crowded airports, the odds that your bags will be lost in transit is high. Instead, stick to a carry-on. A lightweight bag with just the essentials will make airport travel a breeze.
Pro tip: Ship gifts to your destination ahead of time. This step saves space in your suitcase and the hassle of carrying bulky presents around a crowded airport.
Related: Packing Tips For Holiday Travel
3. Be Prepared For Security
Ah, security lines. They can be intimidating, but here's the secret: prepare beforehand. Keep your ID and boarding pass easily accessible, and pack any necessary liquids in a clear, quart-sized bag for convenience. Packing presents? Make sure you leave them unwrapped, as security personnel may need to unwrap your gifts to inspect them.
4. Install an eSIM Before Traveling
Remember to purchase an eSIM from Airalo to stay connected at your destination. Installing an eSIM for holiday travel ensures you can get online within minutes of arrival and avoid pesky roaming fees while you're away. Here are just a few ways having an Airalo eSIM makes airport travel easier:
- Instantly connect to a mobile network.
- Avoid expensive roaming charges.
- Skip the queue for a SIM vendor.
- Avoid spotty (and unsafe) airport Wi-Fi.
- Book a ride to your next stop.
5. Get to the Airport Early
Arriving early is key, especially during the holiday season. Give yourself plenty of time to check in, drop off your bags, and get through security without any last-minute panic. If you're traveling during peak travel times, give yourself some extra wiggle room. The general rule is to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international departures.
6. Be Ready For Delays and Cancellations
Delays and cancellations are never fun, but they're a reality of air travel. If your flight is delayed or canceled, don't panic. Stay calm and immediately contact your airline for assistance. Consider saving the airline's customer service number in your phone contacts to make it easier to reach them when needed.
You're all set to navigate holiday air travel with ease! Remember, purchase an eSIM from Airalo to stay connected wherever you travel.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published in December 2023 and has been updated for accuracy.
