Take a holiday flight and arrive with cheer

By James Wysong

Travel columnist

updated 3:36 p.m. ET Nov. 16, 2006

James Wysong Travel columnist • Profile • E-mail

It’s that time of year when airplanes are full, overhead bins are crammed tight and the weather plays winter-delay games. At the airport, emotions run high and patience runs low so get ready for a turbulent ride. Yes, holiday travel is stressful, but it needn’t be beastly. Here are 10 tips to get you where you’re going with your holiday cheer intact.

1. Skip the cheap deal
Many airlines offer big bargains for flights on Thanksgiving Day. You might save a bundle, but there is little worse than spending Thanksgiving at the airport with a bunch of airline employees and other passengers who don’t want to be there. You think the holidays can be depressing? Just wait until your Thanksgiving feast consists of a turkey burrito. I speak from experience.

2. Do a good deed
Help the elderly lady with her luggage. Thank a passing soldier for his or her service to our country. Lend a hand with that baby. It’s proven that the more good deeds you do for others, the better it makes you feel.

3. Don’t weather the storm
Avoid connecting through airports with known weather problems. For example, if you are flying from Los Angeles to Florida, don’t connect through Chicago or New York. Pay the extra money and go nonstop if possible. Believe me, the less chance for tie-ups, the better.

4. Adjust your attitude
Holiday travel is a mind game. If you expect your flight to be a nonstop pain in the neck, then it probably will be. If you approach it as an adventure with interesting ups and downs, you might actually enjoy yourself. Personally, I love holiday flying because it brings out the variety in passengers, and there is always a sense of excitement in the air.

5. Wrap later
Don’t wrap your presents before you leave. If you do, security agents might be opening your gifts instead of your loved ones, and you’ll be wrapping them all over again. Also, removing the batteries from toys and electronic items will save you many hassles at check-in and security.

6. Pack it in
Holiday presents mean lots of big bundles and, no, they won’t all fit in the overhead bin. Be sensible and check some of it in. Also be sure to pack an empty bag inside your luggage, as you will undoubtedly have lots of big presents to cope with on the return flight.

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