6 Tips for Surviving Busy Airports This Holiday Season

Each holiday season, millions of Americans flock to airports around the U.S. to set off on their long-awaited getaways, whether to spend time with loved ones or treat themselves to a well-deserved vacation by the beach. Sometimes, these trips go off without a hitch, while other times, travelers are faced with backed-up security lines and the stress of having carefully laid plans booked and rebooked due to weather-related delays and cancellations. 

While it might feel frustrating when these things happen, there are a few things you can do to at least ease the stress of busy airports this holiday season. And whatever happens, remember that the people behind the counter are not the enemy — they’re only human and making the best of a trying situation, too.

Save Time and Money by Being Strategic about Your Travel Dates

If your schedule is flexible, flying a few days before and after the busiest travel days will definitely save you some sanity, and likely some money. Booking the earliest possible flight so you’re out first thing in the morning can also help you avoid delays that may occur later in the day, especially if planes get backed up due to weather (also be on the lookout for winter storm waivers, which let you make changes to your itinerary for free). 

Try to fly nonstop so you don’t have to worry about delays or cancellations on connecting flights, and arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. It's also a good idea to download your airline’s app to stay on top of schedule changes. If you need to leave your car at the airport, book your parking spot as early as possible, as they can fill up quickly.

Cut Down on Lines

Depending on where you’re going, it might be worth investing in a service like CLEAR Plus, TSA PreCheck, or Global Entry to cut your time in busy security lines. Make sure to check whether your preferred credit card offers credits toward membership or complimentary access to any of these before purchasing.

CLEAR Plus ($189 per year, discounts available via certain credit cards) uses biometrics like fingerprints and eye scans to let you skip the part of the line where you show the TSA agent your photo I.D. TSA PreCheck ($78 for five years) provides access to a separate security line, and lets you keep your shoes on and laptop in your bag. For international trips, Global Entry can help you fly through customs on your way back into the U.S. ($100 for five years). Note that purchasing a Global Entry membership also gives you access to TSA PreCheck, making it a great option for frequent flyers.