Air Travel Tips for the Holidays

With the holidays approaching, more and more people are making preparations to be with their families. These plans most generally include airfare at least one way between destinations. This surge in flight reservations can create major traffic jams inside airports as travelers have to follow stricter security rules when flying.

In an effort to help your trip go more smoothly, here is a list of air travel tips that will make it much easier for you to get through airports with greater ease, and help you have a much more enjoyable flight.

Heightened Security

Since the terrorist incidents of September 2001, airports around the world have implemented greater security measures than ever before. While there are a great many air travel tips on each airline's website that will give you information you need about these new rules, here are a few of the most important ones.

As part of our list of air travel tips, however, we do want you to know that it is important for you to visit the website of the airline you plan to fly with in order to view the entire list of items they do not allow you to carry. Although there are several items which are federally and internationally prohibited on flights, each airline also has a list of extra things they won't allow.

The most important of all air travel tips is to be certain that you allow plenty of time to get through airport security. At least two hours is recommended by most airlines; and if you are flying out on the day before a holiday, three may be better.

There are many checkpoints throughout each airport - to check your luggage, points to check your carryon bags, and points to check the very clothes on your back (quite literally, in some cases). The best air travel tips recommend getting to the airport three hours prior to your flight, especially if you have to pick up your tickets at the airport. This will allow you plenty of time to get through all of the security checks.

The last of our air travel tips, is to wear slip-on shoes, and only a single layer of clothing. This will allow you to get through security checkpoints much more quickly than if you have to take the time to take off jackets, coats, and lace-up shoes. All of these items have to be run through x-ray scanners, so not wearing them can make it a much quicker process for you.