The great American tradition of traveling home for the holidays begins in earnest next week. As a result, domestic airfare will double, if not triple. Already excruciating security lines in New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and at other major airports will grow even longer. In this seasonal migration of first world problems, you’ll be tempted to grumble and complain. Don’t.
Unless, of course, you take meaningful measures beforehand. After trying and considering dozens of hassle-saving airport tips myself, these are the best of the bunch. Better yet, they all apply to anytime you travel—not just during the holidays.
Buy and fly on Tuesdays
Booking a flight 47 days in advance at precisely 1 p.m. on a Tuesday probably won’t save you that much money. But experts, research, and my personal experience agree: as the least traveled day by plane, fliers enjoy greater savings and a lot of congestion hassles when buying and flying on Tuesdays. Your travel plans won’t always allow this. But when you can, it’s proven to work.
Bypass Long Lines
If you travel frequently or have a deep-rooted hatred for slow-moving security lines, consider registering for Global Entry or TSA Precheck. In order to qualify, you must be an American citizen or permanent resident in good standing, attend an in-person screening with a government official, and part with up to $100 for a five-year membership. In exchange, however, you’ll breeze through security and immigration lines in fewer than five minutes (or at least twice as fast as general security lanes).
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