Holiday travel is a time-consuming event that requires forethought and preparation. It’s essential to take a variety of factors into account when deciding on how to get around. Things such as your independence, mobility, and time available can make all the difference in whether you can enjoy the holiday season or not.
Here are some tips to put into consideration before traveling, especially by air travel:
1. Make advance reservations for airport parking.
This may not seem necessary, but it is. Finding a safe, secure, and convenient parking facility in many cities can be a hassle. Park your vehicle at such a facility when you arrive on the day of your flight.
2. Check rental-car availability
Certain airlines, usually those with decent reputations, such as JetBlue, have continuing contract car-rental features they can offer. These are usually outstanding values; some come with free airport parking and in-flight meals.
3. Research your destination’s COVID-19-related rules.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, airports and airlines have gotten more restrictive, even to the point of riding on passengers’ hands and feet. Check the rules at your destination and modify your schedule as necessary.
The CDC has stated that COVID-19 is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. This leads us to believe that it is potentially spread through the use of restroom facilities.
4. Arrive at the airport, and the correct terminal, early
Many airports require passengers to arrive at the terminal two or more hours before check-in time. This will give you time to go through security and settle at your gate.
5. Get through TSA security screening as efficiently as possible
Wait times have tripled since this past summer. Lines at the nation’s airports are long and slow, even though many travelers have taken to skipping security and going through airport backdoors. The TSA has hired more screeners, slightly improving throughput at some of the nation’s major hubs. It is best to arrive early at the airport, as there are often significant lines before screening begins.
6. Splurge on lounge access.
It’s a good idea to spend the extra money and access a VIP lounge — or at least sleep in the terminal overnight. You may not have time for much else.
The airline lounge is often the best way to relax, even if you’re passing between flights. The Boston Logan International Airport has one of the most oversized airport lounges in North America, with locations in each terminal.