This post was updated on November 15, 2023. 

Well, it’s that time of the year again! Even if you love to travel, you might be filled with dread at the very thought of taking a trip between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. The massive numbers of people, the long lines, the awkward conversations, all within a confining space with inadequate airflow…

And that’s just the family get-togethers! Flying there and back can be even more painful.

So why not take steps to get it over with more quickly? Sure, travel is “all about the journey,” but holiday travel doesn’t necessarily have to be. Here are strategies that you can adopt to speed up your holiday travel!

Choose the Right Flight

Your flight choices have an enormous impact on how quickly you’ll travel this holiday season. Choosing the best flights means that you’ll be spending more time with your loved ones and less time in a busy airport or on a cramped flight.

One of the most effective things you can do to speed things up is to book a direct flight to your destination. While a little pricier, nonstop flights will get you to your destination without any layovers, meaning that you will not have to wait in an airport for a connecting flight and subject yourself to potentially even more time-consuming delays.

Being open to using smaller airports can also give you an advantage. Although smaller airports do not have as many flights as bigger hubs, they make up for it with faster check-ins, shorter lines, and better parking choices.

Likewise, selecting the most efficient airlines and airports is another way to ensure that you are on the fast track. Online tools like FlightStats.com can give you a window into an airline’s punctuality, providing in-depth analysis on which flights will give you the best chance of getting to your destination on time. As always, booking your flight well in advance of peak travel days ensures that you maximize the options available to you.

Fly on the Right Day and Time

In general, the busiest days during the holiday season are the two days before Thanksgiving, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and the two days before Christmas. To enjoy a speedy, hassle-free trip, avoid these days. For Thanksgiving, off-peak days include the Monday before the holiday for travel to your destination and the Monday and Tuesday after for traveling back home. Thanksgiving Day itself is also a good option for those hoping to avoid crowds.

To help you achieve this flexibility, consider using extra vacation days around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Using time off to extend your trip a few days before and after the holiday lets you enjoy more time with your family and less time traveling and being stuck at the airport.

In a similar vein, you should also consider booking the earliest flights of the day. Although many travelers might not enjoy waking up before dawn to catch a flight, early morning flights are statistically less likely to have delays, and are likely to be considerably less crowded, allowing you to travel stress-free while also letting you get a jump on the day.

Know How and What to Pack 

How well you plan your baggage strategy can have a huge impact on how smoothly holiday travel will go for you. By far, the most important thing to keep in mind while planning your holiday trip is to pack light. Most seasoned travelers only bring carry-ons during the holiday rush, allowing them to skip the baggage check and avoid the dreaded carousel upon arrival. When it comes to traveling with only carry-on luggage, it is important to remember to only pack the essentials, such as mix-and-match clothing and toiletries. You can use compression bags to reduce the amount of space your clothes take up.

Be sure that your carry-ons are the right size and weight. As mandated by the TSA, carry-on bags cannot be any larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high. Also, airlines usually have a weight limit for carry-on bags, which differs by airline, so check your carrier’s individual weight policy before you pack. A luggage scale can help you avoid fees for excess weight.

Consider shipping non-essential items and gifts ahead of time. This makes for a less hectic time at the airport and cuts the risk that the airline might lose your package. Research shippers before sending out your items to make sure that you are getting the best deal and that your packages will arrive on time.

If you simply have to check some bags, remember that most airlines allow you to precheck your luggage online before you arrive at the airport. This allows you to avoid lines and get through security with all possible speed. Many airlines even have their own app that makes this process as simple as a few taps on your phone.

You May Also Like: 6 Great Apps for Holiday Travel

Plan Ahead

Lastly, simple preparations ahead of time can help you enjoy a hassle-free airport experience during your holiday trip. One of the easiest ways to do that is to check-in before arriving at the airport. Checking in online helps you avoid waiting in line at airport kiosks and even allows you to make changes to your reservation.

By far the most effective way to speed up your airport experience is to sign up for Trusted Traveler Programs like TSA Precheck. TSA Precheck is available at over 200 airports around the United States and expedites the security procedure for approved passengers. On average, travelers enrolled in TSA Precheck get through airport security in about 10 minutes.

FAQs: 

Q: How can I minimize time spent at the security checkpoint?
A: To speed up the process at security, wear shoes and outerwear that are easy to remove, pack electronics where they are easily accessible, and have your ID and boarding pass ready. Enrolling in TSA Precheck can also expedite the process.

Q: What’s the quickest way to navigate through a busy airport?
A: Familiarize yourself with the airport layout in advance, use airport apps for real-time updates on gates and wait times, and avoid peak travel times. Carrying only a carry-on can save time at baggage claim and check-in.

Q: How can I quickly adjust my travel plans if my flight is delayed or canceled?
A: Have the airline app downloaded on your phone for immediate notifications and rebooking options. It’s also helpful to know alternate flights or airlines and consider travel insurance that offers quick rebooking services.

Q: Is it faster to travel with public transportation or a personal vehicle during the holidays?
A: This depends on the location and time. Public transportation can be quicker in cities with heavy traffic, while a personal vehicle might be faster in less congested areas or if traveling off-peak hours. Always check traffic updates and plan accordingly.

Q: Where should I sit on the plane to save time? 
A: Selecting a seat at the front of the plane can allow you to disembark more quickly. An aisle seat can also save you time if you need to get up frequently or want to be one of the first to collect your overhead luggage.

Q: What are the fastest options for airport parking during peak travel season?
A: Pre-book your parking to ensure a spot. Consider off-site parking with shuttle services as they might offer quicker check-in and cheaper rates. Or, if price is no object, use valet services right at the terminal for the speediest option.

Q: Are there any time-saving benefits to flying out of a smaller regional airport?
A: Smaller airports often have shorter lines and wait times for check-in and security, as well as quicker baggage handling. Parking can also be closer and more convenient, reducing the time needed to get to the terminal.

Have a faster holiday travel tip that we didn’t mention? Leave it in the comments section below!