Select Page

People dread it, films have been made about it – the Thanksgiving rush is a national experience. Countless Americans go through it every year when planning trips to visit friends and family over the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Thousands of people flew from far and wide to visit loved ones in Florida. Airports in the cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The parking lots at the airports of Miami and Fort Lauderdale were bursting at the seams over Thanksgiving weekend. 

Anyone who left home at the last minute would have faced longer wait times and stressful travel conditions as the major airports of South Florida were jam-packed! The airport in Miami was so busy they requested travelers to appear 3 hours in advance before their flights. 

The Miami airport also advised travelers that they might have to seek other means of transportation because of the massive volume of passengers. Miami expected to soo just under 2 million travelers heading their way over. The airport in Orlando also saw a significant increase in the number of travelers. 

The parking garages at the airports in Fort Lauderdale were packed to the brim with vehicles that slowed down travelers coming to and from the airport. With so many people flying to the South Florida area over the holidays, it’s important to travel light and know how to deal with layovers.  

Tips for Surviving Packed Florida Airports Over the Holidays

Without careful planning, flying during the holiday season can be a pretty bad experience. Last-minute bookings, passengers with limited check-in times, and tickets that are sold out in no time can make flying a nightmare. The airports get congested, there are long queues at check-in counters, security checks become more stringent, and there are delays everywhere. 

If you’re traveling to catch up with your family this Christmas or New Year, you know how challenging traveling can be. However, it doesn’t mean that you should let fear get the better of you. With a little planning, your trip will go smoothly, and you’ll be on your way before you know it. 

Here are some tips to help you survive busy airports over the holidays!

Book Your Flight in Advance

There is nothing more frustrating than being turned away at the check-in counter because the flight is overbooked. That’s why it’s a good idea to book your flight in advance. This will help you avoid last-minute stress and the high chance of overbooking. 

It may be a little more expensive depending on when you book the flight, but it is worth it to get the seat you want without a hassle and avoid disappointment. According to Forbes, the best times to book a flight ranges between two weeks to two months in advance, so plan accordingly. Booking in advance can help you save money as well as help ensure a more convenient experience when showing up for your flight.

Check the Routes and Timings

When you’re traveling during the holiday season, you won’t want to be spending hours languishing at multiple airports to get to your destination. Make sure you check the route and timings beforehand to ensure you don’t have too many layovers. 

If you get stuck with multiple layovers, make sure you are prepared for the journey. Bring a book, your headphones, a pillow, or anything that can help you pass the time quicker.

Create a Travel Plan in Advance

When it comes to traveling over the holidays, it’s important to try to plan your trip in advance so that you don’t have to rush. This will help you avoid the last-minute rush that you usually see at airports and make your trip much smoother. 

If you are traveling with family, try to get a plan together so that you have a general idea of what you are supposed to do when you reach your destination. This will help you make the most of your trip.

Bring Your Own Snacks and Food

This is something most people forget about. Although airports usually have a variety of food, they are mostly overpriced and unhealthy. If you end up with a layover, having some hand-picked snacks can help you pass the time and make the most out of the time you have to spend waiting to get to your destination.

If you want to avoid spending more than you should, it is best to bring your own food and snacks. Buying snacks in advance can help you save money and be more prepared for your flight. Whether you buy healthy snacks or comfort food, the choice is yours. While you cannot control the amount of time you will spend waiting to reach your destination, you can control the nacks you have to get you through the journey.

Travel Light with Hand Luggage Only

When you’re traveling with a huge suitcase, you’re bound to spend more time at the baggage claim area. It is always a good idea to travel light, especially if you’re traveling in groups. Traveling light will help you avoid long queues and delays. If you don’t want to miss your flight, it is best to find out about the baggage allowance for your flight before you arrive at the airport. 

As long as you follow these tips, you will have a much easier time during the holiday season and at the airport. You might have to be a little more organized and prepared, but it is all worth it when you get to your destination without any delays.

The Visit, What Makes Everything Worth the Trip

Now that you have tips to make your flight to Florida over the holidays a pleasant one, it’s time to reflect on what makes the craziness of holiday travel worth it in the first place, the visit. For most people, spending time with friends and family over the holidays is one of the most meaningful experiences of the entire year. 

Can taking a flight over a busy holiday season be stressful? Absolutely. It’s the visit that makes everything worth the trip. If time is priceless, the only thing more priceless than time itself is time spent with friends and family over the holidays. 

South Florida Media Comments

guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

About The Author

Harrison Bryan

Harrison is an experienced writer and marketing connoisseur. Specializing in sales copy, he works with some of the most innovative names in business and is interested in the relationship between marketing and psychology. As a staff writer for SFL Media, he has a broad focus and covers some of the most exciting developments in South Florida.