Holiday travel overseas is less busy than domestic. Only 3% of flights were cancelled in 2023 vs 28% in 2022, and trends are lower for this week even with higher volume. Statistics show holidays are less insane than the press would have you believe.
Arrive at your airport 3+ hours before scheduled flight times. Make sure you put your email and cell numbers into the airline app. With those contacts, you get notices of delays, cancellations, gate changes, even baggage movements (Some Airlines provide the latter Delta and SW).
A quick way to check on a flight is as follows: Put the flight information into google. Example, I put DL625 into google the other day. Up popped all the information:
New York · Thu, Nov 14
Departed
9:37 AM
Originally scheduled departure: 9:35 AM
9:35 AM
Terminal 4
Gate B38
Mexico City · Thu, Nov 14
Estimated arrival
2:06 PM
Originally scheduled arrival: 2:05 PM
2:05 PM
Terminal 2
Gate 58
Have a survival bag- snacks, empty water bottle, toilet paper, small pillow if you have a bad back like this writer. Mask and sanitizer if that is your thing. In addition, carry on one extra set of clothes or underwear. If you are going to a beach, carry on a bathing suit, hard to replace.
Do not pack wrapped presents or items with price tags or in boxes. It is too easy for thieves to see, return or resell goodies. Another reason, TSA might need to unwrap a gift to see inside. Carry on small items that, if packed, might look like jewelry; for instance, chains on purses/belts.
Have handy: reading material, ipad/phone with a charger for outlets in airports you transfer through. (Outlets are gradually being replaced by usb ports in more modern airports).
Check in and ignore the lines. (Clear or TSA with shorter lines, might come with your credit card). If you are running late or are somewhat immobile, ask airline staff to help you. A new paid feature is reservations on the security line; currently at 9 airports.
Download Mobile Passport Control for quicker lines in some US airports.
Security. Put small bags like money belts into a larger carry on and under a layer of less important items. Do not leave security until you locate the money/passport/credit cards again. I left my computer at TSA. TSA holds items, but not always where you left them. In my case, I returned to a security office, where an officer asked me to turn on the computer. He did not need my legal id; the computer said “Welcome back Phyllis”.
If you think you will wander into a lounge, some like Priority Pass might require pre booking. Others which are over capacity, might have a line. There might be 2 lines. First class gets in before credit card holders.
On board, put away overhead bags, and lock them. If you are cramming your best coat into a space, try to place it on top of a bag. On one flight, a particularly awful woman slammed the wheels of her suitcase into my beige Montclair coat. (She was so unruly, the airline put her on the no fly list). The smudge came out. We all enjoyed her fury at the no fly notice they handed her in front of us.
Take out Travel Insurance. It is often more comprehensive than that offered by a credit card, even Platinum cards.
Do not be that person who has pockets full of change, forgot to toss liquids, tries to bargain with TSA. I admit that years ago, my husband was stopped by the TSA dog, which smelled food. Airport staff could not find food. Months later, we called an exterminator due to a terrible smell. The smell came from brie lodged in a corner of a corner of the same bag. Smart dog. Dumb us.
Travel Tips from The Women’s Travel Group, award winning small group tours for women. Contact us for a list of 2025 trips; we answer emails and calls to 646 309 5607.
