The holiday season is quickly approaching and that means everyone is planning to either visit their friends and family or their dream destination. This means that there will not only be higher airline prices, but also millions of people traveling! If the travel season is stressing you out, we suggest traveling on the actual holiday. You will save money, avoid the holiday season rush, and enjoy some surprising benefits.


Before You Leave:


 

Cost-Efficient Travel Options

Many travelers leave days before the actual holiday and that raises the price of travel during the holiday season. However, if you were to leave during the day of the holiday, when there are the least number of travelers, you would be able to save time and money. Prices on the day of the holiday are less expensive than during the days leading up to the holiday.
 

Cheerful Mood 

Holiday season can mean that many people just want to reach their destination and enjoy their time spent with family and friends. This may make many travelers short-tempered and feel rushed to reach their destination. However, during the actual day of the holiday, flight attendants, airport staff, and the fellow passengers are in a nicer and friendlier mood. According to Marcus from Condé Nast Traveler, “the solidarity of knowing we’re not with our families and that work schedules aren’t the easiest thing to negotiate usually results in kinder, friendlier crew and passengers alike.”
 

Less Traffic

During the actual day of the holiday, it is much easier to travel, take a shared ride, or even go on a road trip as many people celebrate the holiday indoors. While the roads and airports remain packed during the holiday season, CityLab has reported that congestion was the lowest on Christmas Day itself as opposed to the days before and after the holiday.


During Your Trip:


 

Less Crowded & Shorter Lines

During the day of the holiday, many people enjoy their time indoors and that means less people are outdoors and even fewer are traveling. According to Glusac from Insider, people dislike flying on or close to the holidays which means there are less people waiting on the line at check-in and security.
 

Holiday Meal

Some airlines understand that traveling during the holidays and being away from loved ones can be difficult for passengers. To make passengers feel at home during the holiday season, some airlines provide holiday-themed meals, movies, and entertainment. This year, JetBlue is offering complimentary glasses of vintage 2007 Cristal during the holidays, Etihad Airways is offering Yule log, Emirates offers seasonal meals for children with options for deserts, and British Airways will be serving a traditional English Feast for its passengers.
 

Upgrades

Many travelers prefer to travel a few days before and after the actual holiday and that means many travel accommodations will remain vacant. On Thanksgiving and Christmas day, you may be able to get upgraded, whether it’s scoring a first-class seat or moving to a better hotel suite. The key is to ask politely and if there is some availability, staff members in the holiday spirit will be happy to help.
 
These are just a few of the reasons that traveling during the winter holidays can be rewarding and relaxing. You’ll go through the airport in minimal time, allowing you to enjoy your Thanksgiving break and swiftly reach your destination. Enjoy this Thanksgiving weekend with your loved ones and we wish you safe travels wherever this holiday season may take you!

If you are traveling more than 100 miles for the holidays, download the Global Travel Plus Mobile App. With just a tap of a button, you can be connected to our 24/7 Operations Team. Check the app for many features that may be helpful during your travels such as Pre-Trip Information, U.S. Pharmacy Locator, and Global Embassy Locator.