Holiday Travel Tips

The holiday season will still be the most popular time of year for people to visit family and friends. This can also be the most stressful time of year to travel -- there's traffic, overcrowding, and weather delays. Here are some travel tips that will help keep your holidays hassle-free.

1. Avoid flights with connections or stops. This time of year, bad weather can cause flight delays and cancellations. The fewer flights you've booked, the less likely you'll get held up.

2. Call before leaving for the airport. Even if the weather is fine where you are, it may not be as good at your destination city. With the numerous delays and cancellations of the last few months, it's best to find out when your flight is scheduled to depart before going to the airport.

3. Get a ride to the airport. Parking lots may be full, so consider using public transportation or having a friend drop you off.

4. Arrive at the airport early. Holiday crowds coupled with current security measures may increase the time you need to check in. Build even more time into your schedule if you're traveling with a baby.

5. Don't leave a car unattended in front of the terminal. Because of increased security, local parking rules are being strictly enforced.

6. Leave presents unwrapped. Both carry-on and checked bags are subject to search, so leave gifts unwrapped until after you arrive at your destination. If airline security personnel cannot determine by x-ray the contents of a package, they can and will open it, or ask you to open it, for inspection.