Holiday Travel Pros Share Survival Strategies For The Years Most Chaotic Flying Season

As millions of Americans brace for one of the most chaotic travel seasons of the year, seasoned travelers say the key to surviving holiday flights is accepting the inevitable turbulence — logistical and emotional — long before reaching the airport, and planning accordingly.

Bestselling author Peter Shankman, who is one of the most in-demand speakers in the world and flies 250,000 miles a year, says the most important thing travelers can bring with them is patience.

“It’s going to be a nightmare. Storms plus tempers flaring will not make for fun travel days,” Shankman says. “The best thing you can do is arrive SUPER early to the airport, give yourself LOTS of time, drink a LOT of water, bring snacks and board games to pass the time, and try and be kind to your flight attendants, who, trust me, are having even a worse day than you are.”

He also urges travelers to assume their flight plans may change without warning.

“Hit the first flight in the morning if you can — it gives you more options if you’re delayed or canceled — and have rental car phone numbers in your phone in case you need them,” he says.

According to Brandon C. Blewett, a million-miler and author of “How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes,” the most common triggers for airport meltdowns come down to two things travelers can control: lack of sleep and hunger.

“Get sleep the night before: Do not start your trip tired. Pack early so you are not up at midnight throwing socks into a suitcase. You will be a better traveler and a less cranky human if you are rested. Sleep is free and it solves at least half of holiday airport behavior,” Blewett says.

“Eat before you head to the airport and bring snacks: A wise person once told me you are not you when you are hungry. My mother called it being hangry,” he says. “Airport restaurants will be crowded and expensive. Nothing says holiday cheer like a $24 Bud Light and a $14 order of tater tots. Eat first and pack TSA friendly snacks so you can avoid the chaos.”

For families traveling with children, Blewett advises downloading entertainment and charging devices ahead of time, to avoid relying on spotty WiFi and charging ports that will be in high demand. He also suggests booking an earlier flight.

“Choose flights that depart before 8:30 a.m.: It is much easier to manage kids when you are not stranded at the airport waiting out a long delay. Early morning flights usually have their aircraft parked overnight, which gives the airline time to solve maintenance and crew issues ahead of time. Weather is the only wild card,” he says.

“Plan each step ahead of time: Use a tool like Google Maps to predict your drive. Book your airport parking in advance and add 15–20 minutes for the shuttle. Check bags in the airline app so you only need to drop them off. Check TSA wait times and then add 45 minutes to an hour in case a little one melts down somewhere along the journey to the gate. The more steps you measure and time, the calmer the trip will be,” he says.

And when airports bottleneck under pressure — something Blewett calls “gatequakes” — he advises remembering that travelers are not the only ones under strain.

“When airports experience what I call gatequakes, which are the combination of storms, air traffic issues and general holiday chaos, kindness makes a big difference,” Blewett says. “You will stand out if you are patient, cooperative and willing to be creative. I cannot count how many times being calm and having a sense of humor encouraged agents to go out of their way to help me.”

Holiday travel safety extends beyond terminals and tarmacs, and the helpful tips dont end at baggage claim. Dr. Molly OShea, official pediatrician for Goldfish Swim School, notes that winter travel often brings families to warm destinations, but people can forget water safety when it isnt summertime.

“Plan for water safety. Traveling often means swimming in a pool or the ocean (if you’re lucky!). Keep your kids safe with life jackets rather than water wings, and brightly colored bathing suits so your children are always easy to spot. Pack a Coast Guard-approved life jacket that is the right size and fit for your child,” she says.

Things NOT to do when traveling? “Trust that the lifeguard will watch your kids,” O’Shea says.

“Lifeguards are great but one adult in your group should be in charge of watching the kids while they are near the water at all times. Drowning happens in seconds and is so quiet you will miss it if you aren’t watching,” she says. “Don’t assume your partner locked the door to the room or patio. Your family will be going in and out of your hotel room and patio throughout your vacation. Everyone must lock the door behind them to ensure the littlest members of the family don’t wander out by accident.”

With preparation, patience and a little kindness, even the toughest holiday travel days can be manageable, and worth reaching the celebrations waiting on the other side.