| There is always a chance that your flight will get | | | | Many people save money on flights by taking |
| cancelled or delayed regardless of when you fly. | | | | connections or accepting a layover or two. You may |
| However, the holidays are a very busy time for | | | | want to skip this money saving tip during the holidays |
| airports and you don't want to spend Christmas there | | | | just because most airports will be very busy. You don't |
| instead of with your family. Be prepared for long lines | | | | want to have to deal with hurrying across a busy |
| at the check in desk and security. Even though you | | | | airport terminal to find your connecting flight. If you can |
| should be at the airport two hours before your plane | | | | get a decent price on a direct flight then make sure |
| takes off during normal travel times, you will want to | | | | you do so. |
| increase that up to three hours when you travel | | | | It is very important that you have all your travel |
| around the holidays. | | | | documents and a printed copy of your travel itinerary. |
| Try to keep the amount of items you bring along to a | | | | Most airline staff will be overwhelmed with people |
| minimum. It will make checking in your baggage easier | | | | asking for assistance during this time of the year. You |
| and prevent such items from being lost or damaged. If | | | | don't want to arrive and discover that you don't have |
| you are traveling for Christmas and you want to send | | | | a reservation after all and that there is not a space on |
| gifts it is a good idea to mail them separately and they | | | | the plane for you. |
| will be there when you arrive. If you do decide to pack | | | | If you want to avoid the crowds during holiday travel, |
| them don't wrap them as they are subject to being | | | | consider taking a very early morning flight or a late |
| inspected. You can wrap the gifts when you arrive at | | | | evening flight. You will find these are often less |
| your destination. | | | | expensive as well. While it may interrupt your normal |
| Traveling around Thanksgiving or Christmas always | | | | sleep patterns, it can help to reduce the amount of |
| comes with the risk of the weather being a problem | | | | stress and anxiety while you are traveling during the |
| so make sure you are prepared. Some travelers have | | | | holidays. |
| had their flights delayed for a couple of days due to | | | | For those planning to fly with children around the |
| storms coming in during these times. It is a good idea | | | | holidays, make sure you keep a careful eye on them. |
| to arrive at the airport prepared for the worst. Make | | | | They can quickly become separated from your family |
| sure you have plenty of activities with you for children | | | | in the crowd of people moving around. Strollers are a |
| to stay busy with. You also want to carry snacks and | | | | good option for small children. Make sure all the adults |
| drinks so you don't have to pay the outrageous prices | | | | in the party know which flight they are taking and the |
| at the airport for these items. | | | | airline in case they get separated as well. |
| If you have specific dates of travel in order to be | | | | You can have a fabulous trip to visit your family and |
| spend the holidays away from home you will want to | | | | friends over the holidays if you are prepared. Paying |
| secure your travel arrangements early. Look for the | | | | attention to the guidelines of the airlines is very |
| best possible deals online and with a travel agent. If | | | | important to ensure you have a save trip. Being on |
| you want until the last minute though in hopes of prices | | | | time will help to ensure that you don't have your plans |
| dropping you may be disappointed that you won't get | | | | crushed because you have to catch a plane in the |
| to go because the flights are sold out. | | | | following days. |