3 Tips for Surviving Holiday Travel

If you’re traveling over the holidays, then you're not alone. The holiday season is the most hectic time of year for long-distance travel, and heavy traffic and busy airports can be a headache. Fortunately, with some planning and preparation, you can save yourself from stress and survive the holiday travel season with ease.

1.       Pack smart. Sticking with carry-on luggage is the best way to save money and time at the airport. Fees for checking a bag may be higher during the holidays, and many airlines allow you to bring one personal item and one carry-on for free. Just make sure the airline does not charge for carry-on luggage, as many budget airlines, including Spirit and Frontier, do. Whether or not you check a bag, make sure it satisfies the weight and size requirements. Additionally, don’t pack wrapped gifts. It's best to ship holiday gifts ahead of time or wrap them once you get to your destination, as the TSA may need to unwrap them for further examination. 

2.       Go mobile. Many carriers allow you to check in online and print your boarding pass at home. While that can help you save time, you can save even more time by checking in on your mobile device. When you check in from your smartphone, you'll receive a digital boarding pass with a bar code, which can be saved on your phone as a photo. As most travelers always have their smartphone on hand, it makes it easier for them to have their boarding pass accessible and ready at security and the gate.

3.       Get there faster. Peak travel days have their own set of challenges, such as traffic, crowded parking lots, and long lines. To arrive at your gate faster, check in on your mobile device ahead of time (up to 24 hours before your flight departs), make a guaranteed parking reservation, and leave earlier than you normally would. Checking in before you arrive at the airport guarantees you an assigned seat and lowers the likelihood that you'll get switched to a later flight if the plane is overbooked. As for parking, reserving a parking spot at a reliable parking service can save you loads of time. If you're traveling out of the Bradley International Airport, you can enjoy the cheapest rates and most reliable service from our long term Bradley parking service.

Have a smooth and pleasant holiday travel experience by following these tips.