HSV Holiday Christmas Tips

December 19, 2019

Take advantage of shortcuts.

TSA Precheck and Global Entry are great options to skip long lines during the Holidays especially but year-round as well.

HSV now has a Global Entry office so visit www.FlyHuntsville.com to find out the details to sign up.

Make sure your bags fit the requirements for your airlines. If you mix and match flights for going and coming, check both guidelines. Each airline has its own requirements on personal items, carry-on bags, and checked luggage. These are typically set to optimize all the space for those traveling.

Pack Wisely.

In order to ensure safety for all travelers, TSA has certain restrictions and guidelines regarding items that travel with you, make sure you read those before packing. When flying with gifts make sure they are not wrapped when you get here, TSA may have to search the item and can possibly unwrap the gift in the process.

Consider shipping your wrapped gift depending on cost, this could allow the gift to arrive when you get there wrapped for you.

If you are flying to family out of town, pack a bag within your bag, during this season of giving it is often common to come home with more than you came with.

For the latest rules and regulations visit www.tsa.gov

If you tend to overpack and not maximize all the space that you have, invest in some packing cubes.

Travel Early or Late in the Day.

Airports tend to be least congested when most people are at home or even asleep. Delays are far less likely for morning flights, and if you do encounter an issue with your originally scheduled itinerary, you’ll have options later in the day.

One downfall of this option, staffing can be limited so while your flight leaves on time, your check in may take a little longer.

Bring some comfort.

Be sure to dress in layers. In doing this you can be prepared for a cold flight or a warmer flight. Layers such as a cozy pashmina, fleece, or a travel blanket are easy on and off depending on your comfort level.

For longer flights, we suggest bringing essentials that you may not think of such as earplugs, noise cancelling headphones, and an eye mask to help you sleep.

Keep your Cool.

Do not lose your temper, even in the case of things going wrong. The holidays add extra stress on everyone, this includes the airline workers you encounter.

The crowds, the weather, and the stress of the holiday season guarantee that about 90% of the people you interact with on your journey, are just as frazzled as you are.

Bonus Holiday Travel Tips.

Check ahead for delays before you leave for the airport at www.FlyHuntsville.com

Have phone numbers for everything: your hotel, your car rental agency, your airlines, your friends or families at your destination.

Give your cellphone a full charge and download your airlines app so you’ll get direct alerts in the event of a flight delay or a gate change.

Put it all together.

Holiday travel is the time to lay all your travel savvy on the line. For example, to ensure you did everything on your part to make sure things go smoothly,

Have your boarding pass sent to your phone.

Leave early enough to not sweat the small stuff.

Travel light enough to not have to check any bags.

Proceed directly to and through security.

Arrive at the gate on time and at ease.