If you want a relaxing holiday filled with smooth travel and comfortable flying time, here is a list of what you should do before heading to the airport.
Former flight attendants from major airlines share their top tips and tricks, including how to secure those coveted upgrades and avoid stress this season.
What may be the most surprising and unexpected tip of all is the best day to board a plane – Christmas Eve.
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“Most people aim to be home a few days before Christmas, but if you want a smoother experience, consider booking your flight on Christmas Eve instead of,” a former American Airlines flight attendant with over a decade of experience said in a newspaper article. that”. Statement from Air and Cruise Parking, an airport parking company based in Tampa, Florida.
According to travel experts, one of the best days to travel this holiday season is Christmas Eve. (Istock)
“Christmas Eve is surprisingly quiet. By then, the majority of passengers have already arrived at their destinations, so airports are quieter, and flights are often less crowded. In addition, there is a festive atmosphere on board, with the crew tending to “Make the plane go the extra mile to reach their destinations, whether that's wearing Santa hats or giving festive gifts.”
This is great Time to fly With your family or large groups, because you avoid the rush of the days leading up to Christmas and Hanukkah.
The flight attendant continued: “You skip the previous rush and arrive just in time to enjoy Christmas. It's like sneaking in through the back door while everyone else is lining up at the front.”
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While middle seats are usually the ones you hope to avoid, flight attendants go so far as to say that you should avoid sitting in the middle row of the cabin – typically row 11.
By traveling on December 24, you avoid the “early rush” for those hoping to reach their destination early. (Istock)
Specifically, both window seats, 11A and 11F, can be The most uncomfortable seats On the plane, because you have a greater chance of getting out slower.
“If you are looking for a quick exit, avoid Row 11 at all costs,” the flight attendant stated in the press release.
“Being in the middle row, especially in a window seat, which tends to be either A or F, almost guarantees that you will be the last to leave the plane.”
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If you're an anxious traveler or live in a city that's prone to weather during the winter, like Denver, Chicago, or New York, and hope to get ahead Hectic travel That comes with flying during the holiday season, it's important to take a look at your weather app and give yourself some extra time to let everything go according to your plan.
One of the worst rows you can sit in on a plane is row 11, specifically seats 11A and 11F, because the middle row can be one of the slowest seats in the cabin, according to flight attendants. (Istock)
Finally, if you're hoping to get more sleep, recline in your seat or opt for more legroom, the best thing you can do is ask for an upgrade.
It's not a guarantee you'll get it, but “in the end, if you don't ask, you won't get it,” a British Airways flight attendant said in the statement.
You can ask A Aviation portal agent Work in the office to get help with a potential promotion.
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The British Airways flight attendant continued: “The people who check you in are the people who can see the availability of space and have all the control. Even if there is no free upgrade, they may be able to get you a discounted price.”
There's also no harm in asking an airline gate agent for an upgrade, because you never know when someone might show up now. (Istock)
“If you're afraid to ask, it's always worth checking your flight online before heading to check in. A quick search for the airline can tell you if business/first class tickets are already sold out, so you know not to ask. However, “Don't just rely on this because people always forget to show up,” one Virgin Atlantic flight attendant said.
During this season, it is also a good idea to do so Leave the gift wrapping When you arrive at your destination.
There's no need to go to all lengths to make your gift look perfect to put under the tree, when it can be unwrapped by a TSA gate agent.
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“If you're carrying gifts, don't wrap them before you fly,” one American Airlines flight attendant said.
“It may need to be checked by TSA, and unpacking at the airport is no fun!”
Traveling on Christmas Eve and avoiding Grade 11 are just a few of the tips you'll want to follow in this season of holiday travel madness. (Istock)
It's also best to keep your luggage in your bag and avoid any current disasters before boarding.
“In the event of an alarm that needs to be resolved in checked or carry-on bags, TSA advises passengers not to wrap gifts before their flights,” a TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
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The TSA spokesperson added: “What the TSA recommends is either waiting to wrap gifts after the airport checkpoint, or placing the item inside a gift bag so that it can be scanned without having to dismantle the wrapping paper.”
