Common Stressors with Holiday Travel

Traveling during the holidays has both rewards and challenges. Seeing your family is a real blessing, but the actual travel period can be full of stressors. Explore the common issues with holiday travel and how to adapt to the situations with ease.

1. Long Lines at the Airport

Unless you're traveling several weeks before the holiday season, expect long lines at the airport. Between security and baggage check-in processes, the lines will only grow longer as the holidays approach. Remember that everyone must deal with long lines. Bring something to distract yourself during these waiting periods. A good book, game app or other activity are clever choices. Don't forget to keep your loved ones busy too. They should also have a distraction along with any accessories, such as batteries and charging cables.

2. Delayed Flights

From airplane malfunctions to weather issues, delayed flights are possible around the holidays. Luckily, you can file an EU delayed flight claim in some cases. According to Travel Refund, “you must be delayed for 3 hours or more” in order to qualify for this claim. Although the claim cannot repay you for lost time, it helps with delayed or even cancelled flights. With the travel industry remaining volatile for the foreseeable future, these claims can help you with any financial loss.

3. Checking in Multiple Bags

Most people don't travel lightly during the holidays. Between bulky clothes for cold weather and gifts, you'll probably have many items to check in on a given flight. Prepare for baggage fees and long lines at the airport. Plan the trip well before the day arrives by shipping some items to your destination. They'll be there when you arrive, and you won't have to stand in line to check them on the travel day. Simply time your shipment so that it's ready when you are.

4. Weather Issues

Scheduling a flight, train or car ride during good weather may not be possible. Be patient with any weather delays. Come up with alternative transportation or holiday plans if the weather becomes a major problem. The goal is to remain safe during your travels. Listen to the authorities if you must cancel or delay a flight or car drive. Your destination will be there when it's safe to arrive.

5. Losing Luggage

Holiday travel translates into a lot of bags being checked into the airline's cargo area. Losing your luggage is a possibility. You cannot control these situations, but you can prepare for them as a general rule. Within your carry-on bag, bring a few essentials. A travel toothbrush, spare outfit and other key items can fold with ease inside a carry-on bag. If you do find yourself with lost luggage, you can function with the few items in your personal bag.

Although there may be challenges, holiday travel pays off in the end, including receipt of an EU delayed flight claim award. It's the positive things that keep you smiling, so enjoy the season with patience as your constant companion.