Holiday Travel Tips: Lessons from “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” and Expert Advice

Navigating the Challenges of Holiday Travel with Ease

As the holiday season approaches, many people are gearing up for their annual travel plans. Whether it’s a short car ride or a long-haul flight, holiday travel can be a stressful experience. To help ease the burden, we turn to the classic 1987 film “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” for some valuable lessons. Additionally, we spoke with former LA Times travel editor Catharine Hamm to update these lessons for today’s travel challenges. From arriving early at the airport to booking accommodations and keeping valuables safe, these tips will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable holiday travel experience.

Arrive at the Airport at Least Two and a Half Hours Early for Holiday Travel:

In “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” the main character Neal Page learns the hard way that rushing to catch a flight during rush hour traffic is a recipe for disaster. To avoid such situations, Catharine Hamm suggests arriving at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and four hours early for international flights. This is especially important during the holiday season when airports are crowded and unexpected delays are more likely. Even if you have TSA PreCheck, it’s still advisable to arrive early, as not all airports offer this service.

Call the Hotel the Day of Your Reservation To Ensure You’ll Have a Room:

In the movie, Neal and his travel companion Del find themselves stranded in Wichita, Kansas, after their flight is canceled. They assume their hotel reservation is secure, but upon arrival, they discover there are no rooms available. To avoid such a predicament, Catharine Hamm recommends calling the hotel on the day of your reservation to confirm availability. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with innkeeper laws in the state you’re visiting, as these vary and may affect your rights as a guest. Additionally, consider having a backup hotel option in case your first choice falls through.

Keep Your Valuables Close:

In the film, Neal and Del have their luggage with them throughout their journey but fail to keep their valuables secure. As a result, they wake up to find their cash stolen. To prevent such incidents, Hamm advises against packing valuables in checked luggage. Instead, keep them on your person or in a carry-on bag that you can keep with you at all times. Investing in a reliable tracker, such as the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 or Apple AirTag, can provide an added layer of security.

Don’t Rent a Car at the Airport:

After a tiring flight, renting a car at the airport may seem convenient, but it often comes with additional fees and limited availability, especially during the holiday season. Hamm suggests avoiding this option and instead arranging for a shuttle or Uber to take you to a nearby rental car location. Be sure to reserve your car online in advance to ensure availability and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Book Travel Three Weeks Before the Holiday and Never Take The Last Flight:

Contrary to popular belief, waiting until the last minute to book tickets or taking the final flight or train of the day is not a wise decision. Hamm advises booking travel three weeks before the holiday, around the end of October, to secure the best deals and avoid last-minute price hikes. Taking the last flight of the day increases the likelihood of delays or cancellations, adding unnecessary stress to your journey.

Conclusion:

Holiday travel can be a challenging experience, but by following these tips inspired by “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” and expert advice from Catharine Hamm, you can navigate the season with ease. Arriving early at the airport, confirming hotel reservations, keeping valuables close, avoiding airport car rentals, and booking travel in advance are all essential strategies for a smoother holiday travel experience. Remember, the most important aspect of holiday travel is the connections we foster with loved ones, so keep the true meaning of the season in mind as you embark on your journey.


Posted

in

by

Tags:

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *