If you’re either visiting family, going back home for Christmas or you simply want to celebrate it somewhere else, you might need to fly this holiday season.
Flying is not pleasurable under normal circumstances but it seems to take a turn to the worse over the holidays. So how can you make it a little more bearable?
Attitude adjustment
Holiday travel is stressful but it definitely helps to not expect you’ll be treated as the Minister would on your journey (unless you have paid for that service that is). Lower your expectations and try to think of all the rewards waiting for you at the end of your journey; family, friends, food!
Don’t forget your entertainment
Make sure you charge everything up the night before and also keep a charger in your hand luggage as many airports nowadays offer charging points. To be safe, you can also take a book with you which will never run out of charge and don’t forget the all important music player and the solace those noise-cancelling headphones bring you.
Pack light
Take the express route by packing light. You’ll miss luggage check in and luggage reclaim meaning you’ll be able to whizz past the other travellers. When packing light there is also less of a chance you’ll be overweight and have to pay extra for your luggage to be checked in.
Check in beforehand
This should be done all year round and not just at Christmas. It saves you so much time and if you’re able to pack light and only fly with hand luggage it will also save you from a serious amount of queueing.
Arrive early
If this is an option it’s good to arrive at your airport early. You’ll be one of the first to check in if you haven’t already done so. It’s better to spend some time in the departures lounge where you can relax rather than waiting in a queue while looking at people playing the ‘why is my luggage so heavy’ game.
Pack a snack
From stale muffins to overpriced sandwiches, airport foods around the world aren’t the best. Try packing a snack to take with you or maybe opt for some healthy prepackaged snacks such as nuts. If you’re flying on a low budget airline chances are you’ll be better off with your homemade snacks rather than airplane food.
Be nice, ’tis the season!
Finally, remember that all your fellow passengers are in the same situation you find yourself in and anyone who is working will be working through the holiday season. Try to think about the good things waiting for you at destination and while you’re there crack a smile and say thank you at the person behind the counter. After all it is Christmas.