Bobbi Pack (Dec. 19, 2013) I am almost old enough to remember when traveling for the holidays was a more “intimate” affair, a matter of going over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house.
OK, nobody really goes over the river and through the woods. Now days we drive to the airport and fly around the world on jam-packed planes to see our friends and families for the holidays. So now the rush is on! Just how will we all survive until January?
Here are some suggestions, the more you travel on an airplane for the holidays the more you know, right?
It never hurts to read the list and check it twice.
• Flying earlier in the day is always the best policy. Did you know that most people travel between the hours of noon and 8:00 p.m.?
• Travel lighter than a vacation to Mexico. You do not need to pack your entire closet, just enough to fit in a carryon.
• Do not forget to pack your medications. If you can purchase a medication carrier-this will make more room in your bag.
• If you must check a bag do weight checks on all checked bags before you leave for the airport. Trust me this will save a ton of time at the ticket counter.
• Ship your presents to your final destination. Do you know that by shipping your gifts to your destination will not only save space in your bags, but can actually save your money? Purchase you gifts from Amazon and have them shipped to your family’s home (where you will be celebrating the holidays). By doing this you will save on tax and Amazon offers free shipping-just don’t forget to let the home owner know to expect packages from Amazon and tell them to not peek.
• Leave your home early and always park off-airport. Airport parking is so expensive and you want to spend your money on holiday gifts and food, don’t waste money on airport parking spaces.
• Always have a delay defense! Always have a plan B for your driving route to the airport. Also, don’t forget to arrive at least 2-3 hours before your flight leaves…airports are so busy during the holidays.
• Join the club! Did you know that most airlines offer a free club? By joining these free clubs you can rack up the airline miles and many times they offer specials deals for members only.
• Use your phone to check with the airline for delays. Remember this is December and yes it does snow in many parts of the country. Even if you are flying to San Diego, CA you still have to cross over states that have snow.
• Use the USO Lounge at the airports if you have time. They offer free drinks and yummy goodies for active duty and retired military personal (and family members) with a valid military ID.
• FREE is the key word! If you re offered a free drink/snack/movie on the flight take it.
• Plan early-the earlier you book your tickets the more likely you are to save some $$$$.
• Remember to always remain in the holiday spirit. The holidays are very stressful, but try not to stress out too much, remember to smile and enjoy the time with your family and friends.
Don’t forget to enjoy the holidays and remember the real reason for the season – Family & Friends!
Bobbi is the proud wife of Mike, an active duty Army Soldier and mother of two amazing Army kiddos and two loving four-legged Army kiddos as well. Bobbi is currently stationed with her family in North Carolina and is loving it. You can check out more of Bobbi’s blogs, military deals and discounts at http://www.mymilitarysavings.com .
(Photo by Bobbi Pack)