If you want to have a peaceful vacation filled with smooth transfers and relaxing air travel, here is a list of 'to do's' to follow before heading to the airport.
Former flight attendants from major airlines share their top tips and tricks, including how to secure that coveted upgrade and avoid stress this season.
The most surprising and unexpected tip of all is that the best day to board a plane might be Christmas Eve.
Google Flights reveals top holiday destinations for 2024
“Most people aim to fly home a few days before Christmas, but if you want to have a smoother experience, consider booking a Christmas Eve flight instead,” A former American Airlines flight attendant with experience said in a recent report. Released by Air and Cruise Parking, an airport parking company based in Tampa, Florida.
According to travel experts, one of the best days to travel this holiday season is Christmas Eve. (St. Petersburg)
“Christmas Eve is surprisingly calm. By then, most travelers have already arrived at their destinations, so airports are often quieter and planes are often less crowded. It has a festive feel and flight attendants tend to do their best to make it special by wearing Santa hats and offering festive treats. ”
It's the perfect time to fly with your family or large group to avoid the hectic days leading up to Christmas and Hanukkah.
“You can skip the early rush and still arrive in time to enjoy Christmas. It's like sneaking in through the back door while everyone else is queuing up front,” the flight attendant continued.
Trending destinations to check out in 2025: Report
The middle seats are usually the seats you want to avoid, but flight attendants go a step further and say you should avoid seats in the middle row of the cabin, usually row 11.
By traveling on December 24th, you can avoid the “early rush” of people who want to get to their destination far in advance. (St. Petersburg)
Specifically, window seats in 11A and 11F may be the most annoying seats on the plane, as you're likely to be delayed in deplaning.
“If you're looking for a quick exit, avoid row 11 at all costs,” flight attendants said in a press release.
“If you're in the middle row, especially the window seats (usually either A or F), you'll almost certainly be in the last seat off the plane.”
Many Americans say they prefer cars to planes for holiday travel.
If you're nervous about flying or live in a city where the weather can be unpredictable during the winter, like Denver, Chicago, or New York, and you want to get ahead of the hectic travel that comes with flying during the holiday season. It's optimal. It's important to check your weather app and give yourself plenty of time to make sure everything goes to plan.
According to flight attendants, one of the worst rows to sit in when flying is row 11, specifically seats 11A and 11F. That's because the middle row can be one of the slowest seats on the plane to leave. (St. Petersburg)
Finally, if you want to sleep better, recline in your seat, and have more legroom, your best bet is to request an upgrade.
While there is no guarantee that it will be available, “Ultimately, if you don't ask, you don't get it,” a British Airways representative said in a release.
You can ask the airline gate agent at the desk to assist you with your upgrade.
For more lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.
“The person checking you in will check availability and have all the controls. Even if you don't get a free upgrade, you may be able to get a discount,” a British Airways representative said. continued.
It also doesn't hurt to ask the airline gate agent for an upgrade, since you never know when someone will arrive. (St. Petersburg)
“If you're afraid to ask, it's worth checking your flight online before heading to check-in. A quick search for the airline will tell you if business or first class is already sold out. So, ask We know you shouldn't, but don't rely on this alone because people always forget to show up for work,'' said a Virgin Atlantic flight attendant.
This time of year, it's also a good idea to leave some gift wrapping for when you arrive at your destination.
You don't have to do all the work to make your presents look perfect to put under the tree when they might be unwrapped by a TSA gate agent.
Click here to sign up for our lifestyle newsletter
“If you're carrying a gift, don't wrap it before you leave,” said one American Airlines flight attendant.
“You might have to go through a TSA check, and unpacking at the airport is no fun!”
Traveling on Christmas Eve and avoiding the 11th row are just some of the tips to follow during this holiday travel frenzy. (St. Petersburg)
It's also best to lighten your carry-on baggage and avoid the current disaster before boarding.
A TSA spokesperson told FOX News Digital, “If there is an alert that requires resolution for checked or carry-on baggage, TSA advises passengers not to wrap gifts before the flight.” spoke.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
A TSA spokesperson said, “TSA recommends waiting to wrap gifts after passing through an airport checkpoint or placing the item in a gift bag without removing the wrapping paper.'' We need to make sure that we can test people as quickly as possible,” he added.
