How Airports and Passengers Can Prepare for the Holiday Travel Surge

The holiday season is synonymous with bustling airports and full flights, with Thanksgiving and Christmas consistently topping the charts for the busiest travel times of the year. In 2024, experts predict record-breaking numbers of travelers, creating a high-stakes environment for both passengers and airport operators. As airports gear up for this surge, and passengers strategize to avoid stress, preparation on both ends will be key to a smooth holiday travel experience.

How airports can prepare

Handling high passenger volumes effectively requires meticulous planning, proactive staffing strategies, and a solid communication framework. Here's how airports can get ready:

Staffing and Training

Strategic Staffing: Analyzing passenger traffic data helps airports make smart staffing decisions. It’s essential to align the number of staff with peak times and ensure they are placed in key areas like security, check-in, and baggage claim. Airports might also consider hiring seasonal staff to handle the surge of travelers.

Cross-Training: Equipping staff with diverse skill sets means they can be flexible and step into different roles as needed, enhancing airports' ability to manage sudden spikes in activity. Starting training early is essential, as it takes weeks to conduct background checks, secure ID badges, and ensure everyone is prepared for high-stress scenarios.

Emergency and Contingency Planning

Severe Weather and Cancellations: Airports should establish comprehensive emergency plans for unexpected disruptions, such as severe weather, mechanical delays, or staffing shortages. Having a response strategy minimizes chaos and ensures operational continuity.

Communication: A robust communication system helps keep both staff and travelers informed. This system should include multi-language announcements and easily accessible information channels so critical updates reach everyone quickly. Many airports are turning to social media to disseminate important announcements.

Resource Management and Safety Measures

Efficient Allocation: Prioritizing resources for high-traffic areas prevents bottlenecks and improves the passenger experience. For example, airports should increase staff at gate areas to help with traffic flow and consistently replenish restroom supplies to ensure they're always stocked for passengers.

Boosting Staff Morale

Employee Well-Being: The holiday season impacts employees, too, as they may have their own travel or family obligations. Offering flexible scheduling where possible and acknowledging their hard work goes a long way in boosting morale.

Employee Appreciation: Simple gestures like holiday bonuses, appreciation events, or catered meals can motivate employees and contribute to a more positive working atmosphere.

Leveraging AI and Predictive Analytics

Technology Solutions: Data and predictive analytics can revolutionize resource planning by anticipating passenger flows, identifying potential pain points, and predicting maintenance needs. These insights enable airports to act proactively, ensuring smoother operations throughout the holiday season.

How Passengers Can Prepare for a Stress-Free Journey

As airports prepare for the busy season, passengers can take their own proactive steps to make their travel smoother and reduce holiday stress.

Plan Early and Secure Key Bookings

Travel Insurance: Review your credit card benefits to see if it includes coverage for travel disruptions, like delays or cancellations, as this can provide peace of mind if your plans are interrupted.

Airline Protocols: Airlines often have policies that provide refunds or travel credits for inconveniences like flight delays, cancellations, or lost luggage.

Security Reservations: Many airports now offer the option to book a slot in the security line through CLEAR, including:

• Los Angeles International Airport
• Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport
• John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Newark Liberty International Airport
• Orlando International Airport
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Pack Smart

Label Luggage: To help quickly identify your luggage, attach a recognizable item like luggage tags, ribbons, or stickers. Additionally, take a photo of your bags. This can be helpful in case they get lost.

Know the Rules: Each airport and airline has its own set of protocols for handling strollers, wheelchairs, and car seats. Understanding these rules beforehand helps ensure a smoother travel experience, especially when checking in or navigating security with special items for children or passengers with mobility challenges.

Ship Gifts in Advance: Shipping your gifts directly to your destination helps alleviate the stress of exceeding baggage weight limits. This also ensures your presents arrive safely and on time.

Stay Healthy and Comfortable

Prevent Germs: Keep hand sanitizer and sanitation wipes easily accessible, specifically when boarding airplanes. Seat belt buckles and tray tables are known to have lingering bacteria.

Research Airport Amenities: Many airports are elevating their amenities, offering comforts like quiet zones, play places for kids, and recharge areas. Airport lounges are also following this trend. Just be sure to check whether a reservation is required.

A Smooth Holiday Travel Experience for All

As the holiday season approaches, the key to a smooth journey lies in preparation. Both airport operators and passengers have a role to play in ensuring a stress-free holiday travel experience. Well-prepared airports can minimize disruptions and create a more pleasant experience for travelers.

For passengers, being proactive is equally important. Early planning and being aware of travel rules can save time and reduce stress at the airport. When both airports and passengers work together, the holiday travel season can be a more enjoyable experience for all.