Whether you’re meeting up with family for the holidays or trying to escape the cold, winter is an excellent time to travel. However, if you’re going to venture away from home at this time of year, you have to be prepared. The changing weather can make flights a nightmare sometimes, so it pays to know the best travel tips before going anywhere.
Avoid connecting flights
Sometimes, your ideal destination is hard to reach without catching multiple flights. That can be a real problem in winter, especially with the risk of flights getting canceled. To avoid getting stuck somewhere between your home and your destination, it’s best to travel via non-stop flights. Doing this might make organizing your journey take longer. However, the extra effort is better than being left somewhere you don’t want to be.
Check the weather regularly
Given the impact that weather can have on your trip, it’s important to check what it’s doing in the lead-up to your vacation. Examine the route you’re traveling and see what the weather’s going to be like along there when you fly. You may have to make alternate arrangements if things aren’t looking good for the day you’re meant to leave. It’s a hassle, but it’s better than arriving at the airport clueless and being distraught when your flight gets canceled.
Book an early flight
The earlier you travel, the better. No matter the time of year, this is always a smart idea. For one, if your flight is one of the first that day, it’s less likely to be influenced by issues at the airport. Furthermore, when you travel early, you give yourself more time to catch another flight if yours gets canceled. This can be particularly helpful if you have no choice but to travel via a connection.
Show up early
Weather isn’t the only thing you have to deal with when traveling in the winter. There’s also the immense number of passengers who are likely doing the same thing as you and going somewhere to escape the cold. The sheer number of people at the airport can delay you when it comes to stuff like getting through security. That’s why it’s vital that you arrive several hours early, so you have plenty of time to get to your gate. Again, booking an early flight may help as there will probably be fewer people at the airport at this time.
Be prepared for security
If there are queues when you get to the airport, you don’t want to be held up at security. That’s why it’s worth ensuring that the TSA has no reason to initiate further investigation. Not wrapping up holiday gifts, following the liquid restrictions, and avoiding packing any restricted items can all help with this. It’s not foolproof, but it should considerably lessen the odds of any delays at security.
Flying can be a real nightmare, regardless of the season. With these tips at your disposal, though, you don’t have to worry about any winter issues making your journey harder than it needs to be.
