What is the most likely reason for holiday travel delays?

As the holiday travel season hits its peak, holiday travel delays become more likely. But, what is the most likely reason for that holiday travel delay?

Holiday travel can be stressful. Everyone wants to be at their destination as quickly and efficiently as possible. Still, holiday travel delays are a reality. What is the most likely reason for a travel delay? One word: weather.

From snow to fog to a long list of Mother Nature’s best, weather plays the biggest role in holiday travel delays. Weather can cause hours of delays or even trip cancellations. While travelers have no control over those weather delays, a few tips can help weary passengers deal with those dreaded delays.

Pick your departure time wisely

First, a smarter departure time can help avoid delays. Granted, most people have already booked their holiday trips. For future trips, try to book the first flight of the day, since it’s less likely to be delayed. Also, non-stop flights are generally better during the holidays. No one wants to get stranded in the middle of a holiday trip.

Check before you leave

Second, be informed before heading to the airport. From checking real-time airport data to knowing your particular airline’s flight delay policy, information is key to a better flight experience. No one wants to get to the airport hours before a flight only to see that it was delayed before your left your house. Spending extra time in a crowded airport with other frustrated travelers doesn’t necessarily feel like the picture perfect holiday memory.

Be prepared for delays

Also, did you know that airlines can hold planes on the tarmac? While a plane cannot sit on the tarmac for “more than three hours,” a little smart planning can make that delay more bearable. Having a snack or even a bottle of water in your bag can make that waiting a little less cumbersome. For families with kids, a simple roll of painter’s tape (use the tray to create tic-tac-toe or designs) can keep kids occupied after iPhones or gaming devices run out of battery.

Know your policy

Lastly, know what is covered if your flight is canceled. While most airlines will try to book passengers on another flight, the airline doesn’t cover some expenses. For example, if you miss your cruise due to a flight delay, the airline isn’t going to cover that expense. If you have a huge vacation planned, travel insurance can protect against those missed experiences.

Going into the busy holiday travel time, holiday travel delays are the norm. No one can control the weather and travel delays are likely. The best piece of advice to anyone who is traveling is to treat everyone like your grandmother. If you wouldn’t say it to your grandmother, don’t say it to fellow travelers or airline staff.

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A little bit of kindness can go a long way during the holiday travel season. It may not make that holiday travel delay disappear but it can make the weight a little more bearable.