Turkey Travels: Former United CEO Shares Thanksgiving Flying Tips

Turkey Travels: Former United CEO Shares Thanksgiving Flying Tips - Pack Strategically To Avoid Baggage Fees

Baggage fees are the bane of many travelers' existence. Nothing ruins a trip quite like getting slapped with an unexpected $50 fee at the airport for your suitcase being a few pounds overweight. The fees always seem excessive for what they are, but airlines continue to charge them because it generates big revenues. So what's a savvy traveler to do? The answer is simple - pack strategically to avoid baggage fees altogether.

First and foremost, know your airline's baggage allowance policies. Each one is a little different in terms of weight limits, size restrictions, and fees. Print out a copy of the policy and refer to it as you pack. If your suitcase ends up even one pound over the limit, expect to pay up.

Next, consider the items you're packing and whether you really need to bring them. Bulky sweaters and jeans take up a lot of suitcase space, as do shoes and toiletries. Be judicious about only packing what you'll actually use on your trip. The lighter you can keep your bag, the better.

If you're going somewhere warm, resist the urge to overpack t-shirts and shorts. You likely won't wear even half of what you bring. Instead, plan to do laundry at your destination, which allows you to pack fewer clothes. Laundromats are everywhere, even internationally, so take advantage. Rolling clothes versus folding also maximizes space.

When it comes to toiletries, put as much as you can into travel-size containers. You can buy them or make your own. Transferring lotions, soaps, shampoos, and more into 3 oz. bottles cuts down weight. Only pack what you'll truly use daily.

Finally, wear your bulkiest, heaviest items like boots and jackets on the plane instead of packing them. Anything you can keep out of your checked bag helps minimize weight. Even small gadgets like hair dryers and straighteners are best carried on.

Turkey Travels: Former United CEO Shares Thanksgiving Flying Tips - Arrive Early To Beat Security Lines

Dealing with long security lines at the airport is one of the biggest headaches for travelers over the holidays. Massive crowds trying to get through the TSA checkpoints inevitably lead to delays, and the last thing you want is to miss your flight because you got stuck waiting in line.

Former United CEO Jeff Smisek, who knows a thing or two about holiday air travel, says the best way to avoid the security line nightmare is to arrive at the airport extra early. He recommends getting to the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours early for international. This may seem excessive but it gives you a nice buffer in case the lines are longer than expected.

As Smisek explains, "Thanksgiving air travel is extremely concentrated over a couple of peak days. That means big crowds at the airports, and the security lines will be exceptionally long during these times. Don't underestimate how crowded it will be. Building in extra time is key."

Other seasoned travelers echo Smisek's advice. Frequent flyer Allen B. always arrives at the airport a minimum of two and a half hours before takeoff, regardless of the holiday. "Several times my wife and I have gotten caught in security lines that were practically out the door. It's awful to have to stress about missing a flight when you planned ahead. Now we make sure to give ourselves plenty of time, and it has taken away so much anxiety."

For parents of young kids in particular, an early airport arrival is critical. As mom of three Carrie S. notes, "Between getting the family through security and keeping the kids calm, we need every minute we can get. I'd rather wait at the gate than risk missing our flight, especially on Thanksgiving when the planes are full."

Turkey Travels: Former United CEO Shares Thanksgiving Flying Tips - Bring Snacks To Avoid Inflated Airport Prices

Airport food and beverage prices have become outrageous in recent years. A bottle of water can cost $5, a small sandwich goes for $10, and even a cup of coffee is $6 or more. It's highway robbery, as one infuriated traveler put it when recounting paying $4 for a tiny bag of trail mix. With markups like that, it's no wonder many air travelers now make a point to bring their own snacks and drinks to avoid getting gouged.

As frequent flyer Janet explains, she always packs snacks like granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, and crackers in her carry-on bag. "Airport prices are insane. I refuse to pay $12 for a measly turkey sandwich that costs 1/3 of that at my local deli. Granola bars and apples keep me satisfied until I can get real food at my destination."

James, who logs over 100,000 miles a year for his job, has mastered the art of packing affordable and filling snacks. "I make my own little trail mix with almonds, banana chips, chocolate chips, and raisins. It's got sweet and salty flavors to satisfy cravings. Combine that with a big refillable water bottle, and I'm all set."

For parents, having snacks on hand is especially important when traveling with hungry, impatient kids. As mom Amanda explains, "I've learned to come armed with a variety of snacks when flying with my two young boys. Things like goldfish crackers, apple slices and peanut butter for dipping, string cheese, and yogurt pouches keep them happy and avoid meltdowns in the airport."

Resist the temptation to buy overpriced food right away at the airport. Eat a filling meal beforehand and bring non-perishable snacks you can munch on later. You'll save a bundle. Some easy, budget-friendly options beyond trail mix include protein or cereal bars, single-serving nut butter packs, beef jerky, pretzels, and popcorn. Always carry an empty refillable water bottle that you can fill post-security – no reason to pay for bottled water.

If you do get hungry for something more substantial than snacks, look for food courts near your gate that offer national fast food chains. An airport McDonald's or Subway still beats most other dining options cost-wise. And select airports now have outposts of discount grocers like Trader Joe's and 365 by Whole Foods Market that sell grab-and-go meals at lower prices.

Turkey Travels: Former United CEO Shares Thanksgiving Flying Tips - Get TSA PreCheck For Smoother Screening

Breezing through airport security with TSA PreCheck is a game-changer for frequent flyers. The dedicated screening lanes get you from curb to gate in a fraction of the time, making travel far less stressful. As road warrior Danielle explains, getting PreCheck was "one of the best travel decisions I’ve made. I used to loathe going through security, never knowing if I'd get stuck behind families or selected for random searches. Now I have PreCheck and I'm through in less than 5 minutes.”

So how does it work exactly? With TSA PreCheck, you don't have to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets when going through security. It allows you to keep your 3-1-1 liquids bag accessible. You also don't have to pull out your laptop or other electronics from your carry-on. Going through the PreCheck lane is similar to how airport security was prior to 9/11 in terms of convenience.

After a quick ID verification, you are screened for explosives or weapons via a metal detector. This is much faster than waiting as others put belongings in bins or get patted down after going through slower millimeter wave scanners. PreCheck users then proceed quickly to their gate without hassle, often passing those still stuck waiting in the normal security lines.

Parents love PreCheck for the ability to keep young kids and strollers intact when going through security. Items like car seats, blankets, and toys don't have to be unpacked and removed. Similarly, travelers with medical issues or disabilities find it beneficial as it minimizes the need to physically handlecarry-on bags going in and out of bins.

Enrollment in TSA PreCheck is available to US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain trusted travelers from other countries. It does require fingerprints, background checks and an in-person interview. Cost is $85 for a 5-year membership. Many premium credit cards reimburse the fee, making it free. Once approved, your known traveler number is added to flight reservations to trigger the expedited screening. Most major airlines participate.

Turkey Travels: Former United CEO Shares Thanksgiving Flying Tips - Use Mobile Boarding Passes To Breeze Through

The days of fumbling for paper boarding passes and getting flustered at airport check-in are over. Mobile boarding passes have revolutionized the travel experience, allowing flyers to breeze through airports with minimal hassle. As frequent Delta flyer Kendra explains, “Using the Delta app to access my boarding pass is the best thing ever. I don’t have to wait in line to print out tickets or worry about losing them. It's quick, easy and has been a total gamechanger."

So what’s the big appeal of mobile boarding passes versus traditional paper tickets? There are several key advantages. First and foremost is the incredible convenience of having your pass stored directly on your smartphone. As soon as check-in opens, you can access it via your airline's app without having to go to a kiosk or see a gate agent. Mobile passes are traceless too - no more rummaging through your bag or pockets to locate them.

Plus, mobile passes significantly speed up the boarding process. Head straight to the gate and scan your phone. No waiting for printouts or talking with agents. Parents love being able to scan their own passes while holding kids and strollers intact, rather than having to fold them down to dig out papers. For frequent business travelers like Tom J., mobile passes mean “I don’t need to interrupt conversations or put my laptop away to get my pass out. I keep talking or working up until it's time to scan my phone."

Airport personnel also prefer mobile passes since lines move faster. As one TSA agent noted, “Mobile passes keep things flowing smoothly. We can process about 30% more people per hour when they have phones ready versus paper tickets.” Scannable QR codes on mobile passes are encrypted too, giving them enhanced security protections that make fraud or tampering virtually impossible.

Most airlines now allow mobile passes, though some discount carriers still rely on paper. To access them, download your airline's app and make sure to allow notifications. Sign in or create an account, then view your reservation to add the pass to your Apple or Google wallet. You can save directly to those apps as well for easy accessibility. It’s advised to screenshot passes too as a backup.

Turkey Travels: Former United CEO Shares Thanksgiving Flying Tips - Pick Early Flights To Avoid Delays

Picking early flights is one of the best ways savvy travelers can minimize the chances of getting derailed by delays and cancellations, which spike later in the day. As road warrior Tracey explains, "I always book the first flight out if I need to be somewhere on time. In my experience, early morning flights are much more likely to depart and arrive on schedule than later ones."

The reason for this comes down to how airlines schedule their planes and crews. First thing in the morning, aircraft and pilots/staff are more likely to be present at their departure airport as planned. Schedules tend to run smoothly. As the day goes on, however, the chance of delays propagating through the system increases. A late incoming plane or crew from an earlier flight can throw off subsequent departures down the line, with the effects compounding.

According to Bureau of Transportation Statistics data, flights departing between 6-9 am have the highest on-time performance rates, hovering around 80%. In contrast, flights leaving between 3-6 pm average only 70% on time. So you can see those late afternoon and evening schedules are considerably more vulnerable to disruptions.

Families find early flights helpful when traveling with antsy kids. As mom Melanie explains, "My twins do so much better on morning flights when they've had a full night's sleep and it's not their naptime yet. Flying later in the day is just asking for trouble with toddler meltdowns. Early flights mean we all start our trips on a pleasant note."

Business travelers rely on morning flights to make same-day connections or meetings. As consultant Amanda notes, "Getting out on the first flight means I can maximize my time in another city and minimize hassles. Even a small delay can ruin your whole day if you were hoping to do a quick in-and-out trip."

International travelers should be especially vigilant about booking early flights due to cascading effects. "On my last visit to see family overseas, I took a 7 pm flight that got delayed to almost midnight due to mechanical issues," explains Sonia. "Because I was starting so late already, we had to cancel the next day's plans entirely since I needed time to rest and recover from jet lag. Now I only book travel in the morning or early afternoon."

Turkey Travels: Former United CEO Shares Thanksgiving Flying Tips - Stay Hydrated On Long Flights

Flying the friendly skies can quickly become unfriendly if you let yourself get dehydrated. Cabin air dries out your nasal passages, while altitude decreases your sense of thirst. Before you know it, hours pass without a sip of water and you've got a pulsating headache, dry mouth, and itchy eyes.

It's essential to stay hydrated, especially on lengthy flights. Road warriors like Tracey have learned this lesson the hard way. "I once made the mistake of not drinking enough water on a 14-hour flight to Asia. I was so focused on sleeping that it didn't even cross my mind. Big mistake. I had terrible jet lag that took days to recover from."

Frequent flyer Danielle makes a point to drink 8 oz of water for every hour of flight time. "It sounds like a lot but it's necessary to stay hydrated. I ask the flight attendant for water right after takeoff then set my phone alarm to go off every hour reminding me to drink."

Parents have extra hydration challenges when flying with children. As Amanda explains, "Kids get so distracted with movies, games and snacks that they often forget to drink unless I prompt them. I make sure they have water bottles and take sips every 30 minutes."

What's the best way to get sufficient fluids at 35,000 feet? Bottled water is easiest for hydration tracking. Fancy sodas and alcohol should be avoided as they have dehydrating effects. To make water more palatable, add flavoring packets or infuser fruit like lemons and limes.

Some travelers opt for herbal tea, decaf coffee, or sparkling water for variety. Just beware of caffeine, which has mild diuretic properties. Harvest Snaps lentil crisps are a crunchy snack that helps increase water intake. For longer journeys, bring an empty refillable bottle that flight attendants can top up.

Staying hydrated isn't just about water quantity - electrolyte intake matters too. "I always bring electrolyte tablets to add to my water on long-haul flights," says road warrior Mick. "It keeps me from feeling lethargic and helps minimize jet lag." Good options include Nuun, Liquid IV, and Pedialyte powder sticks.

Hydration needs start before boarding. Melissa recommends "chugging a large glass of water right before getting on the plane. It tops off your tanks and you won't need the lavatory as soon on a lengthy flight." Regular hydration in the days before a big trip also helps offset airplane dryness.

Turkey Travels: Former United CEO Shares Thanksgiving Flying Tips - Bring Noise-Cancelling Headphones For In-Flight Peace

The constant hum of engines. Chatty passengers yakking away. Crying babies wailing. Trying to nap or focus on work amidst the cacophony of noise on flights can be maddening. That's why frequent flyers swear by noise-cancelling headphones for achieving in-flight peace and quiet.

As road warrior Mick explains, "Noise-cancelling headphones are worth their weight in gold for blocking out distracting sounds on planes. I can't fly without them!" These special headphones use sophisticated technology to actively cancel out ambient noise before it reaches your ears. Tiny microphones pick up droning sounds like jet engines, then generate opposite sound waves to cancel them out.

This creates a blissful silence that lets you rest or concentrate despite the hubbub around you. As writer Janet says, "I'm a light sleeper and sensitive to noise. Regular headphones were useless for blocking chatter and announcements. With noise-cancelling ones, it's like I have a cone of tranquility around me on flights."

For parents, noise-cancelling headphones are a sanity saver on trips with antsy, loud kids. "I used to arrive at my destination feeling frazzled and exhausted from trying to manage my twins on flights while regular headphones barely muted their chaos," says mom Amanda. "Now the noise-cancelling ones allow me to relax and even nap amidst the mayhem!"

Frequent business traveler Danielle relies on her headphones to work productively in flight. "I used to struggle to focus on my laptop with all the ambient noise. Now I can ignore everything and be extremely productive on planes with noise-cancelling headphones. They make me feel like I'm in my own office."

So how do you choose the right pair? Here are a few key features to look for:

- Over-ear style for maximum noise blocking versus earbud types

- Active rather than passive noise cancellation for continuously adjusting frequencies

- Long battery life or corded option so they last the whole flight

- Comfortable, adjustable fit that creates a tight seal around ears

- Ability to still hear critical announcements when desired

Top-rated brands include Bose, Sony and Sennheiser. Investing in a quality pair will cost more upfront but pays off in the long run. As road warrior Allen explains, "Don't scrimp on headphones. I tried some budget pairs that barely muffled noise and broke quickly. My Bose set was pricey but filters even screaming kids out completely. Five years later they're still going strong."