Travel expert Judy Norman shares tips for stress-free and affordable travel, including arriving early, using TSA PreCheck, and finding deals.
MACON, Ga. — The holiday season is here, and with it, the excitement and challenges of travel. Judy Norman, owner of Classy Destinations, a travel agency in Macon, Georgia, joined us to share her expert tips for making vacation travel as smooth as possible.
Arrive early at the airport
The most important advice? Arrive early! For domestic flights, Norman recommends arriving 2.5 hours before departure and for international flights, at least 3.5 hours in advance. During the holiday season, airport queues can be long and delays are more common, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Use TSA PreCheck and digital ID
If you're a TSA PreCheck member, Norman advises travelers to take advantage of the faster security process. For Delta travelers, using the airline's digital ID can speed up security screening even more.
Be prepared for traffic and parking delays
Are you traveling to the airport? Be sure to allow extra time. Especially for those driving from Macon to Atlanta, traffic can be unpredictable. Norman suggests downloading traffic apps for real-time traffic updates and allowing at least an extra 30 minutes if you plan to park at the airport. If you rely on a shuttle, parking can be especially difficult during peak hours.
Find affordable travel deals
Norman advises working with a travel agency, where bundled packages often offer the best value. For example, you can use your Delta SkyMiles when booking with a travel agency, potentially saving on flights. She also points out that bundled cruise and airfare packages can save travelers a lot of money compared to booking airfare separately.
