Merry Christmas to All and All a Good Flight

There are three rules I live by during the holiday season: If I must listen to Christmas music, I’ll try to enjoy it; I’ll always save room for leftovers; and I’ll spend lots of time with my family. Sure, the first two are easy, but for many people spending time with family means buying a plane ticket. And buying the ticket is only half the battle if you’re not prepared. Here’s a list of tips, for rookies and veteran flyers alike, to help keep you sane during your holiday travels.

Do Your Research: Research your trip well in advance to secure the lowest-priced flights, rental cars and hotel stays—all of which sell out quickly during the holidays. Remember, prices usually go up during the holiday season because demand is higher. 

Check-In Online: Use your airline’s online check-in feature to check in for your flight up to 24 hours in advance. You can print boarding passes, upgrade, change seating assignments and print a receipt for your flight. Plus, when you arrive at the airport you can go straight to security as long as you aren’t checking any bags.

Check for Delays: If you can avoid waiting for any longer than you have to, do it! It’s best to check online for possible flight delays before you even leave home. Up-to-date FWA flight information can be found online at www.flyfwa.com. 

Tag Your Bag: Make sure that all checked and carry-on bags are properly tagged, inside and outside, with the ticketed passenger’s name, address and telephone number. Free identification tags are available at airport ticket counters.

Arrive Early: Airlines recommend that you arrive at the airport an hour and a half before your flight. This is to ensure that you get through check-in (if you haven’t already done so online!) and security with enough time to spare. Remember, the ticket counters close 30 minutes before each flight, so if you aren’t checked in by then, it’s time to book another. 

Know the Rules at TSA: Here is where the inner-Scrooge shines through for most holiday travelers. You’ll need your boarding pass and a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, etc.) to get through security. Also, know the rules of 3-1-1: All liquids, gels and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or less in one quart-sized, clear plastic bag, one bag per passenger.

Don’t Wrap Gifts: Don’t bring wrapped gifts on board the plane, keep them in checked bags or wrap them upon arrival. Safety is a top priority at FWA and security personnel may need to unwrap gifts to gain access to all items.

Be prepared: Although the airlines do their best to keep flights on time, delays do happen. So bring some music, snacks, a pillow or a good book to pass the time. Or stop by FWA’s new Samuel Adam’s Brewhouse and Seattle’s Best Coffee for dinner and a cold brew.    

Holiday travel can be stressful; but the more you know, the better you’ll survive mishaps. Feel free to call the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority at (260) 747-4146 with any other questions you might have regarding your holiday air travel plans. 

 Happy travels and happy holidays!