Christmas is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA
by Samuetta Drew | Birmingham Times
Christmas is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. It’s a time when people schedule trips to visit family and friends, take that winter wonderland vacation or simply enjoy a festive getaway.
When planning for your trip, the thoughts of hitting the road or boarding a flight can be stressful. You envision not “sugar plums dancing in your head”, but crowded airports, long lines and very heavy traffic because Christmas travel can be notoriously difficult. It’s a time of high demand and volume with millions traveling during the winter weather, which is often synonymous with snowstorms, icy roads and delayed flights.
This safety article is meant to help you dodge the busiest crowds and make your trip as stress-free as possible, but also not to lose focus on practicing good safety measures. It will identify the best travel dates and times.
Most travelers wait until closer to Christmas, so plan your trips this year earlier in the week – specifically Monday, December 16, through Thursday, December 19. This is ideal for several reasons:
- Lower Crowds – airports and highways are less congested.
- Cheaper Flights – airlines often offer lower fares earlier in the week before the rush begins.
- Less Stress – with fewer people on the road and shorter lines at the airports, your travel experience will be much smoother.
The least busy days with fewer travelers during Christmas are:
- December 24 (Christmas Eve)
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
While not as bad as the days immediately before, Christmas Eve still poses some challenges, such as:
- Last Minute Travelers – many people wait until the last minute to travel.
- Shortened Hours – some businesses and transportation services close early.
- Higher Stress Levels – the pressure to arrive on time can add a little additional stress.
Avoid peak times at the airport. Opt for the late or early morning flights. The red-eye flights and early morning flights are generally less popular but offer significant advantages such as:
- Fewer Delays – airports are generally less busy during these times, reducing the risk of delays.
- Faster Security Checks – shorter lines at TSA means you will get through the airport faster, especially if it’s a large airport.
- Affordable Options – airlines sometimes offer discounts on less desirable flight times.
Hopefully this article will help you Keep an Eye on Safety when traveling over the 2024 Christmas season by decreasing your holiday chaos, which could result in your lack of focus while traveling.
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