Flying During the Holidays? Must-Know Travel Tips to Save Time and Stress

Your must-read guide to stress-free airport travel during peak season

Holiday travel is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can get chaotic. Spring Break, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, New Year’s… these are some of the busiest times to fly, and airports often feel like a maze of long lines, unexpected delays, and gate changes. But with the right preparation, you can avoid the stress and focus on what really matters: the memories.

Here are 9 travel tips to help you fly smarter during peak season:

1. Book Flights Early—Ideally 3 to 6 Months in Advance

This isn’t the time to wait for last-minute deals. Flights during peak seasons tend to sell out fast, and prices only climb the closer you get to your travel date. Booking early not only secures better rates but also gives you access to more convenient flight times and seat selections. The sooner you book, the smoother your trip will be.

2. Check Your Passport—And Give Yourself Time to Renew

Many international destinations require your passport to be valid for at least 3 to 6 months beyond your return date. It’s one of those details that can completely derail a trip if overlooked. We recommend checking the “Before You Go” page on travel.state.gov for country-specific rules. If you need to renew, allow up to 6 weeks (or 3 weeks if you expedite) to avoid last-minute stress.

3. Build in Buffer Time for Flight Connections

Delays are more likely during holiday travel, especially in winter. Giving yourself a little extra time between flights can be the difference between a missed connection and a smooth layover. Aim for at least one hour between connections on your way out, and two hours on your return if you’re re-entering the U.S. and need to go through customs and immigration.

4. Download Your Airline’s App

If there’s one small thing that makes a big difference, it’s your airline’s app. You’ll get real-time updates about gate changes, delays, cancellations, and boarding times—often faster than what’s announced in the airport. Plus, if there’s an issue, some apps allow you to rebook or chat with customer service without waiting in line.

5. Arrive Early to the Airport

During peak travel periods, lines can be longer than usual for check-in, security, and even airport restaurants. Give yourself at least 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international ones. Having that extra time can help avoid the stress of a rushed start, and gives you time to settle in, grab a coffee, or unwind at a lounge if available.

6. Get REAL ID Compliant Before May 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers flying domestically will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a valid passport to board their flight. Many states already offer REAL ID upgrades, but it’s something that takes a bit of paperwork and time—so don’t put it off if your current license doesn’t meet the requirement.

7. Know the New Entry Requirements for the UK and Europe

New electronic travel authorization systems are being rolled out, but the timelines vary. Starting April 2, 2025, travelers heading to the United Kingdom will need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure—even if you’ve visited before without a visa. Approval can take up to 72 hours, so be sure to apply ahead of time.

As for Europe, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is now expected to launch in late 2026, with a transitional period before it becomes mandatory—likely around spring 2027. While you don’t need to take action yet for EU countries, it’s good to stay informed as rollout approaches.

8. Understand Airline Baggage Policies

Airlines are more strict than ever when it comes to carry-on sizes, checked bag weights, and excess fees. These rules also vary widely between carriers. Check what’s included with your fare class, and confirm whether you’ll need to prepay for bags. Knowing in advance can help avoid unexpected charges—or worse, needing to repack at the gate.

9. Make Copies of Important Travel Documents

When traveling internationally, it’s smart to have both digital and printed copies of your passport, travel insurance, visa (if required), and flight confirmations. If your wallet or bag goes missing, these backups make it much easier to get support and replacements at an embassy, airport, or hotel. Keep one set in your carry-on and another on your phone or cloud storage.

Let Luxuria Take the Stress Out of Flying

Flying during the holidays doesn’t have to be a headache. With Luxuria’s expert travel team, you’ll have a trusted partner navigating every leg of your journey:

• We hand-select the best flight options and handle all the logistics for you.

• We monitor your itinerary for delays, schedule changes, and cancellations.

• Miss a connection? We rebook you faster than waiting in line at the airport.

• Our 24/7 emergency line means help is just a phone call away, even during holidays.

• And the best part: no ticketing fees!

Let us handle the hassle—so you can focus on the destination, not the delays.

Meet Chelsea: LUX Air Specialist

I am part of the air department at Luxuria Vacations, bringing over 10 years of expertise in assisting clients to navigate the friendly skies with ease.

 

Over the years, I've had the privilege of traveling to amazing destinations like South Africa, Thailand, Western Europe, Ecuador and the Galapagos, the Caribbean, Dubai, and the Maldives, which has deepened my understanding of the world's best flight options and travel experiences. 

 

I'm passionate about helping clients find the perfect flights that align with their dream journeys.  Whether it's a quick getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, I love matching people with the best travel solutions to make their trips unforgettable. 

 

 

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