The insider tips to help you prepare for one of the busiest holiday travel seasons on record.
AAA , TSA , and Google have all anticipated that this holiday traveling season will be one of the meddling on record . AAA projects that the holiday locomotion period , between December 23 and January 1 , will see 115.2 million multitude on the move . Most of those people will be driving , but 7.5 million will be trip via air .
This means you should be get up to deal with all sorts oftravel headachesif you ’re among that 7.5 million . That includes delays and cancellation , but also overbooked flight . Overbooked flights have been an increasinglyheadline - see trendsince the return of travel really boom in 2022 . In fact , in 2023 , the pace of passengers overbooked on airlinesdoubled since 2021 .
But where does that leave you , in an airport trying to head home for the vacation and get word that you have been bumped from the flight you ’re drive home ? Well , if you get hold yourself in this position , there are several ways to make this work to your advantage .
David Swanson/AFP/Getty Images
According to a raw study conducted byVolantio , an airline business technical school company that works with booking software package , 78 % of travelers would switch their flights in exchange for hard cash — if they were given the right go . So , how do you get that right offer ?
Azim Barodawala , co - founding father and CEO of Volantio , has some insider tips with Thrillist on how to make an overbooked flight of steps workplace well for you , even during the high-pitched - emphasis vacation season . Here ’s what Barodawala advises :
1. Know what kind of traveler you are.
Can you handle getting bumped from your escape ? Make a plan ahead of clock time to foretell what your best choice will be if you are present with this choice of volunteering to take a later flight of steps .
2. Be smart when bidding, if you’re willing to get bumped.
When an airline is looking for volunteers to get knock , they will often ask passengers to name their cost — if you may afford to take a later flying and could bag the extra money , attempt to place a mediate - of - the - road tender . " intend about how much you require to succeed , and place your bets accordingly , " enjoin Barodawala .
Do n’t go so low that it does n’t make sense to bump your flight , but do n’t go so high that the airline is improbable to pick out you . If you ’re press $ 600 , and five other people are bidding $ 200 , those downhearted bid prices are likely to win out .
3. Avoid getting bumped by being early.
Airlines are typically going to kick downstairs the last someone to check in for a trajectory . Decrease the likelihood that you ’ll be that person by getting to the aerodrome and hold in to your flight early . An early airport arrivalwill only be beneficial — it ’s also helpful with dealing with foresighted logical argument at TSA .
4. Good manners get you everywhere.
Gate agents are already the look of airlines they have no control over . During the holiday season , their job only get more stressful . They will be dealing with stressed and angry traveler who have been screaming and jabber . " Treat them with respect , and avoid the dramatics , " Barodawala enjoin . " I ’ve never seen a temper tantrum end well for the rider , but being kind can usually drive a confirming outcome . "
You are n’t going to get anywhere by joining the cacophony of ill-mannered multitude with no place training . Being tolerant and well - mannered can aid you get secure service .
5. Go in prepared for anything.
There is no augur every outcome for your holiday flight of steps . Over - bookings , weather , hold , cancellation , and other unforeseen circumstance can head to a lot of tolerate around and wait . Pack snacks , stay on hydrated , and primp well for your journey . adept display case scenario , you ’ll be comfortable when you spend a little special meter at the airport because you got there ahead of time . defective case scenario ? You ’ve got nourishment , informal pant , and a few redundant hundred dollars in flight voucher as you camp out waiting for your later escape . " When thing go wrong , being devise can be the difference between a horrifying journey and one that is bearable , " Barodawala read .
Looking for more travel tips?
Whether you require helpsneaking sens onto a plane , incur an airport where you cansign up for PreCheck without an appointment , or making sure you ’re get everything you ’re entitle towhen your trajectory is canceled , we ’ve got you cover . Keep read forup - to - escort travel hacksandall the travelling news you needto help you plan your next bountiful adventure
