Whether you're traveling abroad to somewhere like London (pictured) or taking trips close to home over the festive period, travel agents have tips to make those busy travel days go smoothly .
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The most wonderful time of year can also be the busiest and most stressful, especially if you're planning to travel for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Whether you're traveling abroad to European Christmas markets or traveling to the United States to visit family or friends, the following travel tips from travel agents can help make your trip easier .
Ahead, a look at the busiest days to travel during the 2024 holiday season, and travel agents share their favorite and lesser-known holiday travel tips to help alleviate some of the stress of flying during these hectic times November and December.
What are the busiest holiday travel days in 2024?
The busiest travel days in December 2024 will be December 23 and 31, according to a new travel survey released by Talker Research on behalf of IHG Hotels & Resorts.
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If the peak summer travel season was any indicator, airports could be bracing for a banner year this holiday season – the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says the summer of 2024 was the busiest on record.
The busiest date for travel during the 2024 holiday season will be December 23, according to a new survey by Speaker Research on behalf of IHG Hotels & Resorts. New Year's Eve (December 31) will be the most common travel day on the return trip, according to the survey of 2,000 Americans planning to travel for the holiday.
Thanksgiving 2024 falls on Thursday, November 28. The day before Thanksgiving (November 27) as well as November 30 are the most popular travel days in 2024 around Turkey Day, according to the Talker Research survey.
Best travel tips for vacations in 2024, according to travel experts
Airports are preparing to welcome crowds during the 2024 holiday season. Follow these expert-approved trips to help take some of the stress out of traveling.
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You probably know some of the golden rules for vacation travel: arrive at the airport with plenty of extra time to get through security, and sign up for TSA PreCheck to help you get through security faster.
Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. But some airports are very busy, especially during the holidays, and recommend two hours before boarding time for a domestic flight and three hours before boarding for an international flight.
Here are some lesser-known travel tips and tricks that will help vacation trips go smoothly, according to travel agents and experts.
1. Pre-book airport lounges
Whether it's a long layover or a delayed flight, an airport lounge can be your refuge from vacation crowds, but they often impose waits at peak times, points out Athena Livadas, founder of Tourism. When airports are busy and delays pile up, lounges fill up quickly, leading to long lines and waiting lists that can extend beyond your boarding time.
However, some salons allow you to make reservations a day in advance, Livadas says. If you have Priority Pass with your travel credit card, download the app in advance and check if your airport lounge accepts reservations, and if so, buy one.
2. Reserve a spot in the security line
A growing number of airports now have programs that allow you to reserve a spot in security lines in advance. It's a separate program from PreCheck and borrows the idea of the fastpass from the world of amusement parks, allowing travelers to reserve their time slot in the security line. Program rules vary by airport, so check the details of which security line the reserve program is offered on and how far in advance you can reserve your security slot.
The following US airports have options to reserve seats in TSA security lines in advance:
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- George Bush/Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
- New Jersey Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
3. Use digital hotel keys for faster check-in
Many hotel chain programs, like Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, offer digital key options through their apps, allowing you to bypass the front desk and head straight to your room, Livadas says. This faster check-in is convenient for late arrivals or to avoid busy lobbies during peak holiday periods.
4. Download Mobile Passport Control
Global Entry can save you time in busy customs lines and be useful if you have a close connection. But if you don't already have Global Entry and can't get an interview before your holiday trip, you have another option.
Download Mobile passport control (MPC), a free application accepted at many U.S. airports for expedited customs processing. It's ideal for last-minute travelers because there's no need for a prior interview, Livadas says.
5. Check Rental Car Prices
Book your rental car as soon as you decide on your flights or an itinerary, recommends Ben Armstrong, CEO of Famvia Tourist Sites. But check the price of the same rental the week of your trip to see if you can get a better deal by canceling and rebooking.
“Rental car agencies use dynamic pricing and any sudden cancellations by others can help you get a better price on a new booking,” says Armstrong.
6. Take the first flight of the day
Yes, you'll have to set your alarm extra early (or maybe even stay up late), but opting for the first flight of the day, especially during peak holiday travel season, has its benefits.
Morning flights are less likely to be delayed or canceled, according to Carolyn Wepplersenior vice president of Goway, a travel agency that creates personalized itineraries.
If your early morning departure encounters a problem, you will have the option of taking one of the flights scheduled for later in the day. However, Weppler also recommends setting aside a “buffer day” to ensure you arrive at your destination in time for any major holiday celebrations.
7. Don't wrap your gifts in advance
Travel experts are fans of handbags, especially during the busy holiday travel season. This way, you don't have to wait at baggage claim or worry about your luggage being lost.
However, if you plan to travel in your luggage, don't bring wrapped gifts, suggests Weppler. Although wrapped gifts are permitted through TSA, an agent may unwrap these gifts if they require additional screening. Gifts in checked baggage are less likely to be unwrapped, but still a possibility.
8. Ask for hotel room decorations
Many hotels pull out all the stops during the holiday season. If you're traveling with children, Weppler recommends contacting the hotel concierge before your trip to make the holiday more memorable by arranging for Santa to deliver gifts, setting up a menorah in the room, or displaying a Christmas tree. Christmas. These types of requests can be accommodated depending on the hotel and availability, she says.
9. Book your ride in advance
Consider reserving your ride in advance, especially if you're traveling during a holiday like Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, Armstrong recommends. This way, if a driver accepts the booked ride and cancels or fails, you will have priority in securing a car. There may be fewer people driving around during the holidays, which can help you get a better price in advance.
10. Make sure your passport meets the requirements
You've probably already checked that your passport hasn't expired. But some countries have additional rules, like requiring two consecutive pages to be blank, says Jonathan Alder, a luxury travel advisor and founder of Jonathan's travels. Also make sure your expiration date is more than six months from your return, as this is a requirement for many countries. You can check with the US Department of State to see which countries have the six month passport rule.
