If you want to have a peaceful vacation filled with smooth travel and relaxed time, here is a list of “must do’s” to follow before heading to the airport.
Former flight attendants from major airlines are sharing 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 get on a plane – Christmas Eve.
“Most people aim to fly home a few days before Christmas, but if you want a smoother experience, consider booking your flight for Christmas Eve,” a former American Airlines flight attendant with over a decade of experience. release from Air and Cruise Parking, an airport parking company based in Tampa, Florida.
“The Christmas naga is surprisingly quiet. By then, most travelers have already reached their destinations, so airports are quieter and flights are often less crowded. Plus, there’s a festive atmosphere on board – cabin crew tend to go the extra mile to make it special, whether it’s wearing Santa hats or offering festive gifts.”
This is a great time to fly with family or large groups because you’re avoiding the rush of the days leading up to Christmas and Hanukkah.
“You beat the earlier rush and still make it in time to enjoy Christmas. It’s like sneaking in through the back door while everyone else is in line at the front,” the flight attendant continued.
While the middle seats are usually what you hope to avoid, flight attendants go even further to say that you should avoid sitting in the middle row of the cabin – usually row 11.
Specifically, both window seats, 11A and 11F, are arguably the most annoying seats on a flight because you have a higher chance of getting out more slowly.
“If you’re 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 a window seat, which tends to be either A or F, almost guarantees you’ll be one of the last ones off the plane.”
If you’re an anxious flyer or live in a city that’s prone to winter weather, like Denver, Chicago, or New York, and you’re hoping to get ahead of the hectic travel that comes with flying during the holiday season, it’s important to check your weather app and give yourself a little extra time to let everything go according to your plan.
Finally, if you’re hoping to close your eyes, lean back 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, “after all, if you don’t ask, you don’t get it,” a British Airlines attendant said in the release.
You can ask an airline gate agent working at the desk for help with a possible upgrade.
“The people who control you are the ones who can see the availability of space and have all the control. Even if there isn’t a free upgrade, they may be able to get you a discounted fare,” the British Airways attendant continued.
“If you’re afraid to ask, it’s always worth checking your flight online before you leave to check in. A quick airline search can tell you if business/first class is already sold out, so you know not to ask. That said, don’t just rely on this as people always forget to turn up,” said a Virgin Atlantic attendant.
During this season it’s also a good idea to leave the gift wrapping for when you arrive at your destination.
There’s no need to go to all the work to make your present look perfect for placing under the tree when it can be opened by a TSA gate agent.
“If you’re carrying gifts, don’t wrap them before you fly,” said an American Airlines flight attendant.
“The TSA may need to inspect them, and getting busted at the airport is no fun!”
It is also best to keep your hand light and avoid any present mishaps before riding.
“In the event that there is an alert that needs to be resolved on checked or carry-on bags, TSA advises passengers not to wrap gifts before their flights,” a TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
“What TSA recommends is to either wait to wrap gifts after the airport checkpoint, or place the item inside a gift bag so it can be inspected without having to disassemble the wrapping paper,” added the TSA spokesperson.
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