Unlock the secrets flight attendants use to master holiday travel!
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As the holiday season approaches, airports transform into bustling hubs of excitement and chaos. The anticipation of reuniting with loved ones is often matched by the stress of navigating crowded terminals and packed flights.
There’s no need to worry for travelers out there. You can safely enjoy the skies by learning these hidden secrets that flight attendants use to master the art of holiday travel, ensuring your journey is as smooth as a sleigh ride on fresh snow.
Flight attendants are the unsung heroes of the skies, gracefully managing the needs of passengers while ensuring safety and comfort. Their frequent flyer miles are off the charts, and their travel wisdom is unparalleled. So, who better to turn to for advice on conquering the holiday travel rush?
Plan for the Unexpected: Buffer Days and Layovers
One of the first pearls of wisdom from the cabin crew is the concept of buffer days.
Florida-based flight attendant Hunter Smith-Lihas suggests allowing at least one extra day between your travel and the holiday festivities. This cushion can save you from the heartache of missing a special event due to unforeseen delays or cancellations.
When it comes to layovers, the consensus is clear: longer is better. Smith-Lihas recommends a minimum of 90 minutes between connecting flights. “I see a lot of people who book their layover flight connection times with less than 45 minutes,” remarked Smith-Lihas. “That is not enough time.”
This extra time can be the difference between a frantic sprint through the airport and a leisurely stroll to your next gate.
Booking Wisdom: Direct and Off-Peak
When booking your flight, consider the path less traveled—midweek departures can offer surprising deals, and booking directly through the airline can save you from the pitfalls of third-party platforms, which may saddle you with unrealistic connection times.
“Midweek flying, you can really pick up some good deals during those days,” suggested Australian flight-attendant-turned-psychologist Liz Simmons. Meanwhile, Smith-Lihas said, “I see people running into issues if they need to change something with their ticket, because the airline doesn’t have access to fix the problem,” when travelers book through third-party applications.
Double Check: Passport Expiration Dates
If you’re going on an international flight, it’s crucial to remember checking your passport expiration date beforehand. In case you need to renew it, you would have ample time before your departure date.
“A lot of countries do require that your passport is valid for six months or more,” advised Smith-Lihas. “If you’ve had your passport for a couple years now, you definitely want to check that out.”
Morning Glory: Catch the First Flight Out
Both Smith-Lihas and Simmons advocate for taking the first flight of the day. Early departures are less likely to be affected by the cascading delays that can accumulate as the day progresses.
“If you’re trying to dodge any delays, flying at the beginning of the day is beneficial, because any delays or cancellations will roll on throughout the day,” remarked Simmons.
Tech to the Rescue: Flight Tracking Apps
In today's digital age, staying informed is key. Flight tracking apps like FlightRadar and FlightAware can provide real-time updates on your plane's whereabouts, helping you stay one step ahead of any potential hiccups.
Smith-Lihas recommends FlightAware personally since “you’re able to track exactly where your plane is. You can see what city your plane is coming from, what time it’s arriving, what time it’s going to be landing.”
The weather and route can also be seen on the application, alongside updated information on delays and cancellations.
“It’s also worth checking the airline apps,” supplied Simmons. “And generally the airline has up-to-date information on X and Facebook.”
For those traveling with little ones, timing is everything. Booking flights around nap times can prevent mid-air meltdowns, and a well-stocked bag of snacks, books, and comfort items can be a lifesaver. Remember, flight attendants are there to help, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance if you need it.
Calming the Kids
For those travelling with children, Simmons recommended some wise advice as a mother herself. “If you can, book your flights around nap times to avoid sort of that overtired meltdown.”
She also advised travelers with kids to bring snacks, books, or any “comfort items” to keep the kids calm. The adults should be calm too, as she said, “By staying as calm as you can and bringing positivity, you really can help keep kids settled.”
Simmons also shared that in times of stress or need of assistance, “The cabin crew will always be more than happy to assist you.
The Art of the Ask
While holiday upgrades may be the stuff of movies, it never hurts to inquire—especially if you have frequent flyer status. Lounge passes can also offer a respite from the airport frenzy, providing a quiet space to relax before your flight.
When it comes to swapping seats with other passengers, travelers should also inform these changes with the crew, said Simmons.
“It’s important for flight attendants to know who is sitting in what seats,” she said. “That could be for a variety of reasons. It could be for medical reasons, security reasons.”
Luggage Logistics: Carry-On and AirTags
The art of packing light is a skill honed by flight attendants over countless trips. Avoiding checked luggage can save you time and stress.
“If you avoid checking the bag altogether, you can go straight through security, straight to your plane. You don’t have to worry about incurring any extra delays in line to check the bag.” advised Smith-Lihas.
But if you really need to check your bag, use Apple’s AirTag technology. “That way. if the airline says they don’t know where your luggage is, you can kind of give them a rough idea.” added Smith-Lihas.
If you have anything important such as valuables, medicine, and.or gifts, it’s also best to put it in your carry-on.
Boarding Strategy: First or Last?
Whether you prefer to be the first on the plane to secure overhead bin space or the last to avoid the shuffle, remember that the plane won't leave without you. Choose the strategy that aligns with your comfort level.
“If you have the opportunity to be one of the first people on the plane, I would definitely take that, because it’s going to minimize your chance of having them check your bag,” revealed Smith-Lihas.
Cabin luggage space is also more spacious if you board first. Although, if you board last, you can avoid standing in the middle of big groups. Regardless when you board, it doesn’t really matter.
In-Flight Comfort
Transform your seat into a personal oasis with a travel pillow, blanket, and entertainment. Stay hydrated and avoid overindulging in alcohol to arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to celebrate.
Also, if you’re flying long-haul, Smith-Lihas and Simmons both recommend treating yourself to a premium cabin.”The more premium the class, the more of an incredibly luxurious and pleasant flying experience you can have,” added Simmons.
“If you can treat yourself at this time of the year — you’ve worked hard and you want to kick back, you want to lie back flat and snooze your way halfway across the globe —absolutely go for it. There really is nothing like traveling in a premium class on a beautiful airline, especially for a special event.”
Kindness Goes a Long Way
Perhaps the most important advice from flight attendants is to practice kindness. The holiday season can amplify stress, but a smile or a kind word can have a ripple effect, spreading cheer throughout the cabin.
Flight attendants, while being busy, can also have a lot of downtime during long-haul flights. Smith-Lihas revealed that they “honestly love to talk to passengers” during these times.
Remember that you’re also “in this together” with your fellow passengers. So, if you find yourself getting annoyed by another passenger, Simmons recommends, “Taking a deep breath and asking yourself: “Is this really important enough to get really angry about and angry towards a stranger about? Or can I breathe out? Let it go.”
Have you picked up any travel tips from flight attendants during your journeys? Do you have a holiday travel hack that's served you well? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
There’s no need to worry for travelers out there. You can safely enjoy the skies by learning these hidden secrets that flight attendants use to master the art of holiday travel, ensuring your journey is as smooth as a sleigh ride on fresh snow.
Flight attendants are the unsung heroes of the skies, gracefully managing the needs of passengers while ensuring safety and comfort. Their frequent flyer miles are off the charts, and their travel wisdom is unparalleled. So, who better to turn to for advice on conquering the holiday travel rush?
Plan for the Unexpected: Buffer Days and Layovers
One of the first pearls of wisdom from the cabin crew is the concept of buffer days.
Florida-based flight attendant Hunter Smith-Lihas suggests allowing at least one extra day between your travel and the holiday festivities. This cushion can save you from the heartache of missing a special event due to unforeseen delays or cancellations.
Flight attendants recommend allowing a buffer day between travel and important events to accommodate potential delays or cancellations. Image source: Pexels.
When it comes to layovers, the consensus is clear: longer is better. Smith-Lihas recommends a minimum of 90 minutes between connecting flights. “I see a lot of people who book their layover flight connection times with less than 45 minutes,” remarked Smith-Lihas. “That is not enough time.”
This extra time can be the difference between a frantic sprint through the airport and a leisurely stroll to your next gate.
Booking Wisdom: Direct and Off-Peak
When booking your flight, consider the path less traveled—midweek departures can offer surprising deals, and booking directly through the airline can save you from the pitfalls of third-party platforms, which may saddle you with unrealistic connection times.
“Midweek flying, you can really pick up some good deals during those days,” suggested Australian flight-attendant-turned-psychologist Liz Simmons. Meanwhile, Smith-Lihas said, “I see people running into issues if they need to change something with their ticket, because the airline doesn’t have access to fix the problem,” when travelers book through third-party applications.
Double Check: Passport Expiration Dates
If you’re going on an international flight, it’s crucial to remember checking your passport expiration date beforehand. In case you need to renew it, you would have ample time before your departure date.
“A lot of countries do require that your passport is valid for six months or more,” advised Smith-Lihas. “If you’ve had your passport for a couple years now, you definitely want to check that out.”
To secure cheaper flights, avoid peak travel days and times, book directly with the airline, and ensure passports are valid for at least six months beyond the travel date. Image source: Pexels.
Morning Glory: Catch the First Flight Out
Both Smith-Lihas and Simmons advocate for taking the first flight of the day. Early departures are less likely to be affected by the cascading delays that can accumulate as the day progresses.
“If you’re trying to dodge any delays, flying at the beginning of the day is beneficial, because any delays or cancellations will roll on throughout the day,” remarked Simmons.
Tech to the Rescue: Flight Tracking Apps
In today's digital age, staying informed is key. Flight tracking apps like FlightRadar and FlightAware can provide real-time updates on your plane's whereabouts, helping you stay one step ahead of any potential hiccups.
Smith-Lihas recommends FlightAware personally since “you’re able to track exactly where your plane is. You can see what city your plane is coming from, what time it’s arriving, what time it’s going to be landing.”
The weather and route can also be seen on the application, alongside updated information on delays and cancellations.
“It’s also worth checking the airline apps,” supplied Simmons. “And generally the airline has up-to-date information on X and Facebook.”
For those traveling with little ones, timing is everything. Booking flights around nap times can prevent mid-air meltdowns, and a well-stocked bag of snacks, books, and comfort items can be a lifesaver. Remember, flight attendants are there to help, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance if you need it.
Calming the Kids
For those travelling with children, Simmons recommended some wise advice as a mother herself. “If you can, book your flights around nap times to avoid sort of that overtired meltdown.”
She also advised travelers with kids to bring snacks, books, or any “comfort items” to keep the kids calm. The adults should be calm too, as she said, “By staying as calm as you can and bringing positivity, you really can help keep kids settled.”
Simmons also shared that in times of stress or need of assistance, “The cabin crew will always be more than happy to assist you.
The Art of the Ask
While holiday upgrades may be the stuff of movies, it never hurts to inquire—especially if you have frequent flyer status. Lounge passes can also offer a respite from the airport frenzy, providing a quiet space to relax before your flight.
When it comes to swapping seats with other passengers, travelers should also inform these changes with the crew, said Simmons.
“It’s important for flight attendants to know who is sitting in what seats,” she said. “That could be for a variety of reasons. It could be for medical reasons, security reasons.”
Luggage Logistics: Carry-On and AirTags
The art of packing light is a skill honed by flight attendants over countless trips. Avoiding checked luggage can save you time and stress.
“If you avoid checking the bag altogether, you can go straight through security, straight to your plane. You don’t have to worry about incurring any extra delays in line to check the bag.” advised Smith-Lihas.
But if you really need to check your bag, use Apple’s AirTag technology. “That way. if the airline says they don’t know where your luggage is, you can kind of give them a rough idea.” added Smith-Lihas.
If you have anything important such as valuables, medicine, and.or gifts, it’s also best to put it in your carry-on.
Boarding Strategy: First or Last?
Whether you prefer to be the first on the plane to secure overhead bin space or the last to avoid the shuffle, remember that the plane won't leave without you. Choose the strategy that aligns with your comfort level.
“If you have the opportunity to be one of the first people on the plane, I would definitely take that, because it’s going to minimize your chance of having them check your bag,” revealed Smith-Lihas.
Cabin luggage space is also more spacious if you board first. Although, if you board last, you can avoid standing in the middle of big groups. Regardless when you board, it doesn’t really matter.
Practicing kindness and patience during holiday travel is essential, and small gestures of goodwill are appreciated by flight crew. Image source: Pexels.
In-Flight Comfort
Transform your seat into a personal oasis with a travel pillow, blanket, and entertainment. Stay hydrated and avoid overindulging in alcohol to arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to celebrate.
Also, if you’re flying long-haul, Smith-Lihas and Simmons both recommend treating yourself to a premium cabin.”The more premium the class, the more of an incredibly luxurious and pleasant flying experience you can have,” added Simmons.
“If you can treat yourself at this time of the year — you’ve worked hard and you want to kick back, you want to lie back flat and snooze your way halfway across the globe —absolutely go for it. There really is nothing like traveling in a premium class on a beautiful airline, especially for a special event.”
Kindness Goes a Long Way
Perhaps the most important advice from flight attendants is to practice kindness. The holiday season can amplify stress, but a smile or a kind word can have a ripple effect, spreading cheer throughout the cabin.
Flight attendants, while being busy, can also have a lot of downtime during long-haul flights. Smith-Lihas revealed that they “honestly love to talk to passengers” during these times.
Remember that you’re also “in this together” with your fellow passengers. So, if you find yourself getting annoyed by another passenger, Simmons recommends, “Taking a deep breath and asking yourself: “Is this really important enough to get really angry about and angry towards a stranger about? Or can I breathe out? Let it go.”
Have you picked up any travel tips from flight attendants during your journeys? Do you have a holiday travel hack that's served you well? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
