Flying during the holiday season can be a bit different than traveling during any other time of the year.

There are many more excited people traveling to visit family or friends and you’re probably packing differently than you would for a regular vacation. The good news is — these things happen every year, and you can be prepared!

Written by Juliana Schnerr

Be An Early Bird

Take An Early Flight

Waking up for an early morning flight is worth it, especially during the holidays. The earlier your flight, the fewer crowds you’ll have to deal with so you’ll get through security and to your gate much quicker! There’s also less chance you’ll run into delays with your plane if your flight is one of the first of the day.

Get There Early

No matter what time your flight is, it’s important to arrive at the airport as early as possible when you’re traveling over the holidays. Get there a full two to three hours in advance and you’ll be able to breathe easily even if the lines are long! Arriving well in advance also means you’ll have time to relax and destress at your gate before you board your flight.

Give Yourself Enough Time

When scheduling a day of travel, you’ll want to avoid the urge to choose the shortest option and instead make sure you choose an option with a long enough layover. Be sure to give yourself enough time to make it to your connecting flight even if you have to deal with holiday crowds or weather delays!

Be An Insider

Consider Alternate Airports

The holidays are a great time to check out alternate airports in your area to avoid the congestion (and high prices!) of more popular ones. Even though smaller airports tend to offer fewer flight options, there’s still a good chance you’ll find a trip time and price that make it well worth your while.

Sign Up for Pre-Check

Don’t you wish you could bypass the long holiday lines and keep your shoes on as you move through security? Why not sign up for TSA Pre-Check, and make every upcoming airport experience easier? There’s no better way to feel like a travel pro! For more info on how to sign up and what Pre-Check means, visit here.

Get your Airline’s App

As a holiday traveler, you’ll want to stay up-to-date on your flight. Download your preferred airline’s app and you’ll receive real-time notifications about flight delays or gate changes. Some apps even send you alerts to keep you on schedule through your busy day of travel.

Start Small

Keep it to a Carry On

There are endless perks to traveling with only a carry-on. Keeping your luggage in a carry-on can be especially helpful during the holidays as you don’t have to pay a checked bag fee, you can avoid the lines at check-in, and you don’t have to wait around at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination!

Rethink What’s Essential

Worried about fitting your winter coat in your bag or traveling with a full-size shampoo bottle for the whole family? When you start packing for your holiday trip take time to really think about what’s essential to your packing list. Coats and heavier shoes can be worn to the airport, and toiletries can often be downsized to travel containers or simply purchased at your destination! Worried about packing holiday presents? TSA has been known to unwrap or confiscate gifts, and keeping presents intact only adds to the travel stress, so why not ship your presents to your destination when you order them?

Charge Up

Get Your Devices Ready

Whether you need to finish some work on your laptop or you’re planning on watching a movie on your iPad, you’ll want to be sure your devices are charged before you leave the house so you can keep yourself informed and entertained. If you show up at the airport with a full battery, you won’t have to fight the crowds for a coveted spot at the charging station.

Another tip? Bring a portable charger! if you have a long flight or wait time ahead of you, invest in a portable charger to help your devices make it through a full travel day! Portable chargers are small, easy-to-use, and mean you can charge your phone without ever having to leave your seat.

Make Sure You are Charged Up

Before you are heading out for the holidays, make sure you get a full night's sleep so that you are feeling your best before you hit the airport. You can also pack your carry-on or personal bag with skincare essentials that will keep you feeling fresh during your flight so that you arrive feeling ready to enjoy the holidays.

One last, but certainly not least, tip — make sure you bring snacks! We all know how expensive the airport can be, and as our Founder + CEO Lillian Rafson points out, “Never travel on an empty stomach — that way your body will be prepared for anything that comes up.”

Most of all, remember why you are traveling during the holidays! Enjoy this time of the year, stay positive, and remember to enjoy the ride 😉 If you have travel plans made already, pick up a Destination Guide to fill out your trip with tons of activities.

What are your favorite travel hacks? Let us know in the comments!

Find out where you will explore next on your very own Pack Up + Go Surprise Trip.