If you want to have a peaceful vacation with smooth travel and comfortable air time, here is a list of “must do’s” that you will want to follow before heading to the airport.
Former flight attendants from major airlines are sharing their top tips and tricks, including how to secure those coveted upgrades and how to avoid stress this season.
What may be the most surprising and unexpected tip is that the best day to board a plane is Christmas Eve.
A former American Airlines flight attendant with more than a decade of experience said in a recent press release, “Most people aim to get home a few days before Christmas, but if you want a better experience, try flying home before Christmas.” Consider booking your flight for the evening.” Issued from Air & Cruise Parking, an airport parking company based in Tampa, Florida.
“Christmas Eve is surprisingly quiet. By then, most passengers have already reached their destination, so airports are quieter, and flights are often less crowded. Plus, there’s a festive atmosphere onboard – the cabin crew go the extra mile to make it special, whether it’s wearing Santa hats or serving festive treats.
this is awesome time to fly With your family or larger groups as you avoid the crowds of the days leading up to Christmas and Hanukkah.
“You skip the earlier rush and still arrive in time to enjoy Christmas. The flight attendant added, “It’s like sneaking in the back door while everyone else is in the front row.”
While the middle seats are usually ones you’d hope to avoid, flight attendants go even further by saying that you should avoid sitting in the middle row of the cabin – usually row 11.
In particular, both window seats, 11A and 11F, can apparently be Most annoying seats On a flight, because you have a greater chance of slowing down.
“If you want to get out early, avoid Row 11 at all costs,” the flight attendant said in the press release.
“Being in the middle row, especially a window seat, which is either A or F, almost guarantees you’ll be one of the last people off the plane.”
If you’re a anxious traveler or live in a city where the weather is predictable during the winter, like Denver, Chicago or New York, and are hoping to get ahead of the hectic travel that comes with flying during the holiday season, So it’s important to look at your weather app and give yourself some extra time so everything goes according to plan.
Ultimately, if you’re hoping to get some shut-eye, recline in your seat, or opt for more legroom, the best thing you can do is ask for an upgrade.
It’s no guarantee you’ll get it, but, “after all, if you don’t ask, you don’t get it,” a British Airlines stewardess said in the release.
You can ask the airline gate agent working the desk for assistance with possible upgrades.
“The people who are checking you in are the same people who can see the availability of space and have all the control. Even if there isn’t a free upgrade, they may be able to get you a discounted rate,” the British Airways attendant continued.
“If you’re afraid to ask, it’s always worth checking your flight online before checking in. A quick airline search can tell you if business/first class is already sold out, so you know Don’t ask. That being said, just don’t count on it because people always forget to come,” said a Virgin Atlantic stewardess.
It’s also a good idea during this season to have gifts wrapped when you arrive at your destination.
There’s no need to do all the work to keep your present under the tree looking perfect for when it can be opened by a TSA gate agent.
An American Airlines attendant said, “If you’re carrying gifts, don’t wrap them before takeoff.”
“TSA may need to inspect them, and opening them at the airport is no fun!”
It’s also best to keep your carry-on light and avoid any existing disasters before boarding.
A spokesperson for the TSA told Fox News Digital, “In the event that there is an alarm that needs to be resolved in a checked or carry-on bag, TSA advises travelers to remove the gift before their flight.” Don’t wrap.”
“TSA recommends that you either wait to wrap gifts until after the airport checkpoint, or place the item inside a gift bag so it can be inspected without removing the wrapping paper,” a TSA spokesperson said.
