Traveling during the holidays can be a stressful experience. Taking proactive measures to minimize your chances of being delayed, you can make sure your holiday travels are as stress-free as possible. Every year, travelers face long lines at airports, crowded airplanes, and hours of waiting around. Flight delays make it even more frustrating, as they can cause you to miss connections or arrive late to your destination.
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for travel
It’s no secret that the holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for travel. For most people, the holidays mean spending time with family and friends, catching up on much needed rest, and of course, traveling. During the holidays, travel increases drastically. Many people are visiting family and friends or heading out on vacation. Airports and roads are often filled with travelers going to and from their destinations.
Flight delays are common during this time
Unfortunately, this influx of travelers often means a higher chance of delays and disruptions. Flight delays are especially common during the holidays due to the sheer number of travelers and the limited amount of resources available. If you’re planning on traveling during the holidays, it’s important to be prepared for the potential for flight delays.
ABC News captured a segment of a young man named Craig Hung who experienced hours long flight delays to the point where he had to change his destination and plans completely.
With so many people on the move, flight delays are inevitable. As a result, travelers should plan ahead and anticipate delays if they’re going to be flying during the holidays.
Some of the most common causes of flight delays during the holiday season include bad weather, air traffic control, mechanical issues, and overcrowded airports. Bad weather can lead to flights being cancelled or delayed, while air traffic control issues can slow down the flow of planes in the sky. Mechanical issues can also cause delays and lead to cancelled flights, while overcrowded airports can lead to an overload of planes waiting to take off. All of these things can cause delays, which can make traveling during the holidays a nightmare.
Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to minimize your chances of being delayed.
There are a few things you can do to minimize your chances of being delayed
1. Book your flights early: The earlier you book your flights, the more likely you are to get the best prices and the least amount of delays.
2. Check the weather: Make sure to check the weather for your departure and arrival cities before booking flights. This can help you avoid areas of heavy storms or wind that could lead to delays.
3. Choose the right airline: Research the airlines that fly to your destination and consider which one will give you the most reliability and best on-time performance.
4. Fly during off-peak times: Avoiding the busiest days and times of travel will reduce your chances of being delayed due to congestion or overbooking.
5. Give yourself extra time: Try to arrive at least an hour early to give yourself a cushion in case there are any delays. This way, you won’t be rushing to make your flight.
If you do get delayed, there are a few things you can do to make the best of it
1. Stay positive: It’s easy to get frustrated when you’re stuck in an airport or train station, but keeping a positive attitude will help you cope with the situation. Remember that everyone is in the same boat and that your delay won’t last forever.
2. Rebook: If you have the option, try to find a new flight or other transportation option that can get you to your destination sooner. This can be expensive, but if it means you can get to your holiday plans more quickly, it may be worth it.
3. Use the time: If you’re stuck in an airport or train station for an extended period of time, take advantage of the extra hours and use them to your advantage. You could read a book, catch up on emails, watch a movie, listen to music, or even take a nap.
4. Don’t forget to eat: Eating while you travel is often overlooked, but it can make all the difference in having a pleasant journey. Keep snacks with you, like trail mix or granola bars, in case you get stuck somewhere unexpectedly.
5. Use the resources available: Many airports and train stations have amenities like Wi-Fi and charging stations that can help make the experience more bearable. Take advantage of these and make sure you stay connected to friends and family so they know your whereabouts.