17 Pro Travel Hacks To Dodge The Holiday Chaos

Book the earliest flight of the day

Ah, the calm before the chaos. Booking that early morning flight could mean fewer delays.

“The early morning flights typically see the fewest disruptions, as later flights may be impacted by a domino effect that occurs from morning delays,” says Napoli. “The earlier in the day that you fly out, the better!”

He also suggests traveling midweek for less busy airports, with the exception to the rule being Thanksgiving. “We typically see the highest traffic on the days right before and after Thanksgiving.” For Christmas week, the day after Christmas is usually busy, along with spikes on January 2 after many school vacations end and people are returning home.

Put a tracker in your checked bag

Nothing is worse than arriving at your destination with just the clothing on your back and no toiletries, especially in winter! AirTags, Tile, whatever you prefer give you real-time updates and peace of mind when airports get chaotic. They are increasingly being supported by airlines to help track lost luggage.

Screenshot everything

If Wi-Fi goes out or an app glitches, you don’t want to get stuck at the counter without key information, so make sure to screenshot boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and rental cars before leaving home.

Pack a "delay kit" in your carry-on

Just in case, pack a phone charger, backup battery, snacks, meds, a change of clothes, kid essentials, makeup wipes, and a sweater in your carry-on.

"This is especially important if you’re traveling with kids, says Napoli. "This can feel like a lifesaver if your luggage goes missing, or if you’re delayed in the airport after you’ve dropped off your bags. Also, in the event your bags are delayed, lost or damaged, remember airlines are required to compensate for reasonable expenses. Under DOT rules, the cap is $3,800 per passenger on domestic flights."

Use airline apps like a pro

Enable notifications for gate changes and delays, and check incoming aircraft status for clues about early disruptions. Check the status online in case of any delay updates or gate changes. And get to the airport extra early to make sure there’s buffer time built in for security and check-in.

"I of course use AirHelp App to follow the status of my flight," says Napoli. "I see if the same flight has been on time the past few days and check if the incoming flight is on time. I program some slack into my travel plans, either traveling day earlier or later, or I make sure I have something good to read or watch on my phone because I’m going to be early to the airport."

Know your rights

If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, you may be entitled to a refund or compensation.

"Airlines are required to adhere to the promises that they make in their customer service plan, including commitments to care for customers in the event of controllable delays or cancellations," says Napoli. "The Department of Transport will hold airlines accountable if they fail to do so."

If the airline informs you that your flight is cancelled or that there is a new schedule that makes the flight significantly delayed, you are entitled to reject the new schedule, decide not to take the flight, and get a full cash refund.

"If it is a flight to or from Europe, you’re lucky because most likely covered by European regulations that protect passengers in case of flight disruption. If someone is unsure of what they’re entitled to, they can contact AirHelp to receive help to manage the process," adds Napoli.

Join TSA PreCheck or Clear (or both)

Have a backup route or flight in mind

When delays start stacking up, you’ll move quicker than the lines at the help desk.

Hold on to receipts

"Under some laws, and depending on your deadline and destination, you may be reimbursed for food purchased at the airport," says Napoli. "Keep all of your receipts and check your boarding pass with the AirHelp app to see what you’re eligible for so you can claim compensation or reimbursement if allowed."

Bring an empty water bottle

Security-friendly, money-saving, and hydration means less stress as you navigate your travel day.

Keep your toiletries in a clear, top-pocket pouch

Speed through TSA without the rummaging panic.

Layer your outfit

Planes can go from freezing to sauna-like. Layers keep you comfortable and mean fewer items in your bag.

Ship gifts ahead of time

Skip TSA drama and save suitcase space by shipping gifts to your destination, and ask friends and family to gift smaller items for the return!

Bring your own entertainment

I recently spend an entire Europe > California flight with a busted wifi entertainment system. Downloaded shows, playlists, audiobooks, coloring apps for kids before you board.

"I always pack the most important things in my hand luggage, and make sure that I am bringing my own entertainment in case I have long waits or delays, like a good book, shows to watch or podcasts to listen to. If things aren’t going my way, at least I can relax with something I enjoy."

Avoid checking a bag

The holidays are peak lost luggage season, and you'll save a bag fee by just opting for a carry-on.

Know your seating rights if you’re traveling with children!

"A couple years ago, the U.S. Department of Transportation introduced a new Family Seating Dashboard to name airlines that guarantee family seating," says Napoli. "Under current DOT guidance (not yet law), children 13 and under should be seated with a parent at no extra charge, if seats are available. Several U.S. airlines now actually guarantee this, including Alaska, Frontier, JetBlue and Hawaiian."

Pack actual food

Between the lines, the delays, and the skyrocketing airport prices, snacks like pretzels won’t cut it for most flights. Pack hearty and healthy snacks, and even a protein meal, to keep yourself sane and happy.