4 essential steps to consider for your holiday travel

Even though fall has just started, it's never too early to begin planning your holiday travel.

As you prepare for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, and other festive journeys, it's important to tackle timely tasks like securing your flights and renewing your passport.

Ensure you book your flights by October

If you haven’t done so yet, it’s crucial to book your flights by next month at the latest.

For the winter holidays, the ideal time to secure your flights is usually September and early October, according to the booking app Hopper, which indicates that fares can be at least $100 lower during this period.

An analysis of 11,000 travel itineraries reveals that, according to CheapAir, Thanksgiving airfares have risen by 12%, while Christmas flights have increased by 11% compared to 2022 prices.

CheapAir.com states, "Even though holiday travel days are more flexible this year, airfare continues to climb, so it’s advisable for travelers to plan early and book ahead," based on their airfare analysis.

In addition, Google's 2023 flight booking trends report indicates that average flight prices around Christmas are lowest when booked 71 days prior to departure.

Given that it's late September, now is a good time to book your flights if you haven’t done so yet.

Renew your passport

If you're traveling internationally this Thanksgiving or Christmas, or celebrating 2024 abroad, make sure your passport isn’t nearing expiration.

Current routine passport processing times range from 10 to 13 weeks, while expedited service takes seven to nine weeks, plus an extra two weeks for processing and mailing.

Processing times have stayed consistent since July, and the State Department does not anticipate any improvements this year.

The State Department recommends that travelers renew their passports at least six months before their planned trips, as many countries require passports to be valid for six months at the time of entry. It’s essential to verify the specific requirements for each destination, as some countries necessitate six months of validity from the date of arrival, while others require it from the date of intended departure.

For urgent international travel, you may be able to schedule a limited in-person appointment in the following situations:

• If you have an emergency—such as a death—that requires travel within 72 hours or three business days, you must provide proof of the qualifying incident.
• If you are traveling non-emergently within 14 days, or need a foreign visa within 28 calendar days, you must also provide proof of travel.

Stay updated on the latest passport processing times by checking the State Department's website regularly.

Join an expedited security program

Regardless of whether you’re flying this holiday season, it’s advisable to enroll in TSA PreCheck and Clear, both of which expedite the TSA security process. TSA PreCheck enables travelers to use a dedicated line, allowing them to keep their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets on, unlike those in the standard TSA line.

Similar to TSA PreCheck, Clear users also start their security journey in a Clear-exclusive lane, where they are identified biometrically through fingerprint or iris scans, eliminating the need to show their ID during screening. This process allows users to skip ahead to the front of the security screening machines—either to the front of the PreCheck line for those with both Clear and PreCheck or to the front of the regular TSA line.

Another program to consider is Global Entry, particularly beneficial for frequent international travelers as it provides pre-approved, low-risk travelers with expedited entry into the U.S. upon returning from abroad. Global Entry members can access automated kiosks at over 50 airports.

There are fees associated with enrolling in all three programs, including an annual fee for Clear. Memberships for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are valid for five years each.

While these programs may justify their costs, some credit cards, elite status levels from airlines and hotels, and frequent flyer memberships provide these services for free or at a reduced price.

Send your gifts ahead of time

While you can technically bring wrapped gifts through airport security, as TPG travel director Summer Hull noted, it's risky if the U.S. Transportation Security Administration decides to inspect what’s hidden beneath all that wrapping.

Instead, consider mailing your gifts and larger items to your family’s homes or your accommodations. Make sure to do this well in advance to avoid any potential shipping delays.

In summary

Holiday travel can be hectic, with family dynamics and larger airport crowds, but there are steps you can take to ease the experience a bit.

Signing up for useful resources like expedited security programs, renewing your passport at least six months before your trip, and arranging your flights and shipping your gifts ahead of time can significantly enhance your holiday travel experience.