Airport amenities and recent rule changes by the TSA can make traveling over the holidays easier, faster and even fun. Here are five tips, from Orbitz, to help you enjoy the journey, not just the destination during holiday travel.
Parents: Leave those laces tied!: A recent rule change by the TSA allows children 12 years old and younger to leave their shoes on when going through airport security—a welcome change and time-saver for parents. So be sure to have your children keep their shoes laced-up when waiting in the security line.
Delightful distractions: Another great perk for parents of young ones are airport play spaces and interactive exhibits. Several airports, such as Chicago O’Hare International and San Francisco International Airport have special areas designed with kids in mind. For example, at O’Hare, the Chicago Department of Aviation and the Chicago Children’s Museum have teamed up to develop Kids on the Fly. The interactive exhibit occupies children with airplane models, control towers and more. Meanwhile, adults looking to unwind and pass the time until their flight might want to consider purchasing a one-day airline club pass. Most clubs offer free Wi-Fi as well as beer, wine and cocktails as part of the entrance fee. Visit the Orbitz Blog for more delightful airport distractions while traveling over the holidays.
Do it ahead and online: Checking in and printing boarding passes at home (or downloading a virtual boarding pass to your smartphone) is a great way to skip past lines at the airport. Make sure to have a seat assignment, too. Baggage fees for some airlines are lower when paid in advance online, so consider that option as well. Finally, check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport. Orbitz customers can receive alerts on their smartphones, that can also be sent to up to six friends or family members meeting them at the airport.
Map out airport transportation and parking options: Some airport lots let you make advance reservations, while others provide real-time information on availability in each lot. Another option is to skip driving to the airport altogether by ordering a shuttle or sedan service, with reservations for many airports available on Orbitz.com or other online sites.
Choose alternate airports: If you haven’t booked your Thanksgiving travel yet – or if you’re looking ahead to Christmas or New Year’s – consider using alternative smaller airports. These are often easier to navigate and less crowded. For example, if you’re traveling to San Francisco, consider flying into San Jose or Sacramento, two of the least-busy airports serving the greater Bay Area. Chicago travelers might have better luck with Midway International (MDW), while those heading into or out of the Los Angeles area may save time by going through John Wayne Airport in Orange County.
Photo: O’Hare Airport
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
