Since 2015 we’ve had to travel by plane to return home for the holidays. For the first two years we flew home for Christmas, the third year we flew home for Thanksgiving and this year we will be heading home for Christmas again. We stayed in CA for Christmas last year, and I immediately came to the conclusion that Christmas in California is for the weak and is the worst. It was mild, the leaves on the trees were still turning and it felt like anything but the holidays.
There is no better place to celebrate Christmas than at home in Boston. The air is invigoratingly blisteringly cold and, simply put, there’s no place like home for the holidays.
Flying during a window of +/- 3-4 days around a holiday is generally extra chaotic. The lines at security seem to never end and everyone is anxious to get to their destination.
Atfer many lengthy trips from coast to coast, here are my 5 tips for surviving and thriving while traveling by air during the holidays (and pretty much any the time).
1. ARRIVE EARLY (at least an hour to 1.5 hours before boarding starts). I don’t enjoy waiting around to board a plane, so I don’t generally follow this advice all year long, but you really don’t know what to expect during the holidays, so I err on the side of caution. Arriving early, if anything, will allow you to relax and not worry about missing your flight and constantly watching the time. Yes, the long security lines are dreadful (even the pre-check lines are growing as more people catch on), but peace of mind knowing you can’t possibly miss your flight can’t be beat. For sanity’s sake, give yourself some extra time.
2. PACK IT ALL IN A CARRY-ON. After many years of traveling, and a rookie mistake made by majorly overpacking on a two week trip that started in Venice, Italy, I’ve learned how to travel lightly. I packed for our week-long trip home for Thanksgiving last year, a one week Caribbean cruise (plus one night) and a 6 night stay in Hawaii all in a carry-on. It can be done. The reality is, you end up wearing the same few things in various ways and half the stuff you pack was only added in last minute because you didn’t feel like there were enough options. Mixing and matching is key here and planning ahead will be well worth it. Also, you likely can do a load of laundry mid-trip.
The time it takes to check a bag can be quite long and then when you finally arrive to your destination you have to head to baggage claim for an unknown amount of time anxiously awaiting the fate of your luggage. If you need some help, I wrote a post on how to keep your carry-on organized and pack efficiently.
I also bring a tote bag as my personal item to maximize the amount of space I have available. I keep the tote organized with small pouches to corral like items. This is the light-weight tote I usually bring with me.
3. BRING OR PURCHASE A BEVERAGE & A SNACK. Because you arrived early, you now have time to stop and grab a drink and a fun snack to enjoy on the plane. If your flight is long and you’ll be traveling during a mealtime, find a place to grab a meal to go, too. There might be meal options on the plane, but they are generally underwhelming and limited in variety and supply. Airport food and snacks are expensive, so if you’d prefer to save the cash, bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up at a filtered water station at the airport and bring some snacks for the plane. If you can’t tell, I’m a big advocate for being prepared with snacks and water no matter where I go.
Bonus: If you have time, you might consider finding a spot to grab a glass of wine and a quick meal before boarding. That way you don’t have to attempt to eat a meal in the 1.5 feet of personal space you have available.
4. BRING HEADPHONES. There is no such thing as personal space on airplanes. The only real sense of space you have is what you choose to listen to during your flight which makes all the difference. Don’t forget to pack headphones (though if you forget, some airlines have cheapies for purchase). If you’re lucky, your airline will have TVs built into the seat backs, but of course, a good playlist, audiobook or podcast will help pass the time as well.
5. WEAR LAYERS. Airplane temperatures shift during flight. It can go from comfortable to sweltering in moments, and when that little overhead air vent isn’t working fast enough, the option to remove a layer is key. It may not be easy to remove a layer if you’re jammed in the middle seat, but it will be worth it. Alternatively, when things get chilly you’ll have the option to bundle up a bit more. I always bring a scarf or two in my personal bag as well because they are multi-purpose: garment for warmth, pillow and mechanism to cover your face/nose in the event of a funky odor or a sudden need to minimize the amount of germs being inhaled. If I’m wearing flats, I bring a pair of socks, too, in case my feet get cold.
Will you be traveling for the holidays?Â
FYI, Check out how to get organized and make the most of carry-on luggage
