10 Tips for Holiday Flying This Season

The holiday travel season is upon us, bringing bustling airports and festive travelers everywhere.

The most wonderful time of the year can swiftly turn into the most stressful at the airport, especially for travelers with little ones in tow.

A surge of holiday flyers can lead to crowding, long lines, and some tense moments, particularly if winter weather causes delays or cancellations.

Your family doesn’t have to experience stress at the check-in counter over an overweight bag, worry about banned items at the TSA line, or sprint through the terminal to catch a flight.

Instead, you and your loved ones can enjoy the comforts of an airport lounge while skillfully avoiding baggage fees, all with a solid backup plan in case of flight disruptions.

Choose the Right Credit Card

While it may be too late to add a new credit card to your wallet for easier holiday travel, the season isn't over yet. Here are some of our top picks for cards that offer holiday travel perks and benefits.

Check if you already have the right credit card in your wallet. Some cards can save you from baggage fees, while others help you achieve elite status, granting access to priority customer service and potential holiday upgrades. You might have a card that allows you to board early or one that offers a statement credit for inflight purchases.

For instance, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card provides you and your travel companions with a complimentary checked bag on Delta flights. Meanwhile, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card reimburses Wi-Fi purchases on Southwest Airlines (up to 365 credits per year) and includes four upgraded boarding positions annually, perfect for snagging that ideal Southwest seat.

There are also credit cards that grant access to airport lounges or cover meal costs at the airport—far better options for passing time before or between flights than sitting at the gate.

If you secure a last-minute credit card with a Priority Pass membership, you can still use a digital membership card at most participating lounges.

If you choose to apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express at the last minute, you'll likely receive an instant card number, allowing you access to an American Express Centurion Lounge or other partner lounges, including Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Clubs (on same-day Delta flights)*, and Aspire and Escape lounges. Enrollment is necessary for select benefits.

Keep in mind that Amex has updated its guest access policy this year. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules before heading to the airport to avoid any unexpected guest fees.

*Starting February 1, 2025: Eligible Platinum Card Members will enjoy 10 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight.

Reserve your airport parking ahead of time

Airport parking lots, especially those that are either the most affordable or closest to the terminal, tend to fill up quickly during holiday weekends. Your best option is to secure a spot in advance. If you're traveling for Christmas or New Year's, it's wise to do this now. Not only does it guarantee you a space, but it can also save you money.

At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, you can save between 33% to 50% by reserving your parking spot online ahead of time. More importantly, this early booking can protect you from losing out when the garage is full.

Arrive at the airport ahead of schedule

I know this advice sounds like something your parents would say, but nothing creates more stress than running late for your flight, especially nowadays. So even if you usually push the limits, avoid doing so during the holidays when flights may be too crowded to switch to if you miss your original one.

Flights are packed, and if you miss your connection, the airline may have limited options for rebooking you.

Opting for the first flight of the morning is a wise choice as well. Morning flights are typically the cleanest from the night before and have a higher likelihood of departing on schedule, so seize the day and book that early slot. If the weather looks iffy for your travel date, an early departure becomes even more crucial.

While you're there nice and early, don't forget that you can often mobile order Starbucks for pickup, which saves you from waiting in line.

Be mindful when checking bags

During the holiday rush, some travelers live by the motto "stay calm by not carrying on."

While I usually prefer to carry my bags on 95% of the time, there’s a valid case for checking everything you can—especially if you're wrangling kids at the airport. Checking your bags frees up your hands and eliminates the stress of early boarding since overhead bin space is no longer a concern. Plus, you won’t have to worry as much about the security screening process or the need to pull out half your belongings for inspection.

Though checking bags might slow you down slightly, it can lead to some bonus free miles if your luggage takes a while to arrive at baggage claim. For ultimate convenience, consider skipping the baggage claim altogether and having your checked bags delivered to your final destination.

We’d also be remiss not to mention that using the right credit card for checked bags during the holidays can really make a difference in terms of savings.

And don’t forget to throw an AirTag in your checked bag so you can keep track of its journey virtually.

If you plan to bring a carry-on, make sure to check the fine print of your ticket. If you’re flying basic economy or with a budget airline, your fare might not include a free full-size carry-on. In this case, think strategically about packing. How many family members can manage with just a backpack? Fewer bags—whether checked or carry-on—mean lower costs overall.

Think about sending your stockings ahead of time

While checking or carrying on your bag usually works, there are situations where shipping your items directly to your destination can be simpler—and sometimes more affordable.

If checking bags means facing oversized luggage fees, shipping can be a clever alternative. Use LugLess to compare prices and book shipping for your items (or gifts), whether you prefer DIY drop-off or doorstep pickup. Just keep in mind that recent years have seen holiday shipping delays, so it’s wise to plan ahead.

Familiarize yourself with TSA regulations for holiday items

Can you take wrapped gifts through security? While it's technically allowed, it’s not advisable if TSA agents need to check what’s inside.

Bringing a snow globe? Ensure that the liquid inside is 3.4 ounces or less and fits into a quart-sized, resealable plastic bag. (In short, it's best to leave that snow globe behind.)

The holiday season is a great time to review the TSA's 3-1-1 rules for liquids. As noted, you're allowed liquids of no more than 3.4 ounces in volume inside a quart-sized resealable plastic bag ... and you’re allowed just one such bag.

You can also pass through security with fruitcake, sufganiyot, or cookies, but it’s wise to place food in its own tray for inspection.

Breeze through security quickly

On busy travel days, TSA PreCheck might not always speed you through security as quickly as desired (we're looking at you, Denver and Newark). To maximize your expedited security options, think about signing up for Clear. You can even apply for Clear at the airport if you notice the regular line moving slower than you'd prefer, so there's no need to decide in advance.

The Amex Platinum offers up to $199 in Clear statement credits each calendar year, allowing you to use Clear at no cost (as the membership fee is $199). If you hold the American Express® Green Card, it also provides a $199 annual credit for the service. Plus, children can use Clear for free when accompanied by you, and you can add extra adults to your plan for just $60 per year.

The information regarding the American Express Green Card has been gathered independently by Dinogo. The card details provided here have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

If you don’t have Clear, some airports offer the option to reserve a time for security screening, which is certainly better than nothing.

Relax in Style

Modern airport lounges are no longer just for the elite — they’re for the smart traveler. Don’t get stuck waiting at the gate if you don’t want to; instead, treat yourself to a lounge during your holiday journey and savor complimentary snacks and drinks.

If your entire family is flying for the holidays, consider looking for lounges that feature family rooms, like certain Amex Centurion lounges. Keep in mind, however, that entry for adult guests is $50 each (including the cardholder's spouse), while children aged 2 to 17 will cost $30 each unless you've met Amex's spending criteria to waive those fees.

For those seeking the best lounge experiences, there are numerous top Priority Pass lounges in the U.S.. A card you may already carry, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Amex Platinum, could provide you with access to these exclusive spaces.

This year has seen the launch of several stylish new lounges. The Chase Sapphire Lounge has opened its doors at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and Capital One has just unveiled a lounge at Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C.

Pack Your Own Travel Essentials

Whether you're flying alone or with a full crew of kids, there are a few must-have items to ensure a comfortable journey on board.

Start by considering your own food, comfort items, and entertainment. Since some airlines vary in the amenities they provide, being prepared can save you from potential discomfort, especially if you're flying economy and might find yourself lacking these essentials.

While airlines have reintroduced their inflight food and beverage services, it's wise to be fully prepared since many flights only provide cold snack boxes.

Pack headphones, a neck pillow, snacks, and something entertaining to keep you occupied, ensuring you're ready — even if the airline only offers a cramped seat.

Discover where the fun is at the airport

If you face a delay or a lengthy layover, you might get lucky at one of the airports that embrace winter holiday festivities. For instance, Denver International Airport (DEN) features an ice skating rink that typically opens around mid-November.

Other airports feature gaming lounges, relaxation areas, and more; some of these may even be accessible for free with your credit card.

Final thoughts

The holidays bring excitement for travel, whether heading home or escaping somewhere new, but crowded airports and planes can detract from the magic. Rest assured, you can navigate your holiday journey successfully by making thoughtful choices, preparing your finances wisely, and staying ready for anything.