The holiday season brings with it nostalgic memories of devouring a Thanksgiving feast with loved ones and putting out warm cookies for Santa Claus, but unfortunately, it also conjures memories of travel gone wrong.
The Sunday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 20, is expected to see about 3.3 million people traveling, while the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, is when traveler numbers are predicted to peak at 3.4 million as people return home. The slowest day for travel will be on Thanksgiving, although 2.24 million are still expected to be en route.
While you may have your travel plans booked and ready, other factors completely out of your control may keep you from actually executing them, like winter weather. But thankfully there are a few things you can control and should keep in mind as you’re heading out on your adventure, and The Desert Sun has compiled some handy tips ahead of the busy season.
Do
Arrive to the airport early: Traveling is stressful enough, and the last thing you need is to be running through an airport, dodging fellow flyers left and right and hoping you’ll reach your gate in time. The standard recommendation is to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, but some airlines suggest giving yourself even more time during the holidays due to the influx of travelers.
Be mindful with your bags: It might be tempting to check a bag at the airport and not worry about it until you reach your final destination, but that might not always be the best solution. Earlier this year, The Desert Sun reported the Palm Springs International Airport was facing significant issues with its overloaded baggage handling system. Mechanical problems with the $7 million system have left it unable to handle all the bags coming in during the airport’s busiest periods, and the upcoming holiday season will likely put another strain on it. If you can get by with a personal item and carry-on, roll with it.
Download your airline’s app: Delays, gate changes and dreaded flight cancellations can happen any time of year, but especially around the holidays, typically due to winter weather (remember “Planes, Trains & Automobiles”?). The best way to get the most up-to-date information is by downloading your airline’s app and getting the latest alerts straight to your phone.
Stay up-to-date on your vaccines: Cooler months often mean more people getting sick, and this year is no exception. The Coachella Valley experienced an early influx of respiratory syncytial virus and influenza cases this October, the highest they’ve been in five years, and hospitals throughout the country have been overwhelmed with patients. One of the best ways you can protect yourself and others is by staying up-to-date with vaccines. Flu and COVID-19 shots are recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, while everyone ages 5 and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster. More information on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility criteria can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.
Don’t
Be rude to airline staff: Yes, it’s beyond frustrating to hear that your flight is delayed or outright canceled because of a freak storm, but just remember that these decisions are often out of airline employees’ control. There’s also a good chance that they’ve heard a lot of rude comments or complaints throughout the day, so they really don’t want to hear it. Kindness goes a long way, so remember to be courteous to these hard workers — it may even earn you an extra snack during your flight.
Leave face masks or COVID-19 vaccine card behind: While many places no longer require facial coverings or proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to entry, you never know when you might need it. Before you leave for your trip, pack a few masks — thankfully they don’t take up much room — and stick your vaccine card in your wallet to avoid any unnecessary stress or FOMO.
Forget to check the weather where you’re going: While the Coachella Valley is spoiled with beautiful weather during the fall and winter months, other places in the world can’t say the same thing. If you’re visiting family or heading to cities where freezing temperatures are common this time of year, it’s always good to check what to expect before you go. That will help you pack better and make you aware of any possible travel delays due to weather.
Travel if you’re feeling ill: This should be a no-brainer, but it’s a good reminder for everyone. If you start to feel symptoms of COVID-19, the flu or anything else, it’s best to reschedule travel plans and stay home. The last thing you would want is to get your loved ones sick.
USA Today contributed to this report.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
