14 ways to survive a holiday flight

Leave amateurs in the dust

Trust us and get to the airport an extra half-hour early. The check-in and security lines are filled with inexperienced fliers, and it’s a slog. Plus, if you decide to cut it close you may not get onto the flight at all. To reduce costs, airlines have dramatically scaled back on flights and routes. The remaining flights are more likely to be oversold, especially on busy travel days. Fliers who check in early are the least likely to get bumped from oversold flights.

Google it

Worried about a flight delay because of stormy weather? Type your airline’s name and your flight number into a Google search bar. The site will fetch up-to-date flight status info.

And speaking of Google…

Through January 15, 2010, Google is giving travelers a holiday present by sponsoring free Wi-Fi at 54 U.S. airports. Google is also partnering with Virgin America, which offers free Wi-Fi on all of its planes through January 15, too.

Yes, it’s a race

Get your bags on the plane pronto. Fliers don’t want to pay fees for checked bags, and more and more of them are traveling with just carry-ons. The amount of space in overhead bins on planes, meanwhile, has remained the same. To nab a spot for your carry-on near your seat, get on the plane ASAP and be ready to store it right away. But don’t elbow anyone. Remember: Santa is watching.

Self-sufficiency wins

Movies, food, pillows — it’s hard to keep up with exactly what airlines will nickel-and-dime you for nowadays. Cut the guesswork and bring your own amenities, including snacks, entertainment, and a travel blanket. A homemade sandwich usually tastes better than the $7 airline version, anyway.

BYO antibacterial wipes, too

No one wants to get sick, especially during the holidays, when people always seem to be fighting colds. Wipe down the airplane seat-back tray and the armrest, and anything you’ll touch in the plane and airport bathrooms.

Take it public

The rates for renting a car at the airport have more than doubled over the past year because rental lot inventories have decreased dramatically. True, renting at the airport is convenient, but it’s just not worth it anymore. Unless you really need a car, take public transportation, hop a cab, or beg a friend to pick you up at the airport instead.

Say no to bumper cars

Tell the people picking you up to avoid parking their car and instead idle it in the airport’s cell-phone lot. They can hang out in their car for free while waiting to get a call from you when you land — and avoid the usual honking and chaos. Many airports, including JFK and LAX, now feature this sensible alternative.