Bring a snack: Airline workers offer 5 tips for stress-free holiday travel

During the holiday season, media outlets often report on problems associated with flying — from canceled flights to weather-related flight delays.

In a listicle published the day before Christmas 2024, Washington Post travel journalist Hannah Sampson lays out some tips from airline workers for reducing stress when flying.

Gina Ricci, a customer service coordinator for American Airlines at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City, told the Post, "This time of year, things really get a bit hectic. We get a lot more inexperienced travelers, so they need a lot more assistance."

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Five of Sampson's tips, based on interviews with experienced airline employees, are: (1) "Airline apps beat waiting on hold," (2) "Do one last passport check," (3) "Make your carry-on unique," (4) "Gift-wrap presents after landing," and (5) "Bring an (empty) water bottle."

Sean Huster, director of customer service for United Airlines at Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., acknowledged that an airport can be a "stressful environment" but offered some tips on making it less stressful.

Huster told the Post, "One thing that we want them to know is we want to get them to their final destination as much as they want to get there…. We ask that all customers treat everybody with respect, and we will make it through this holiday."

Huster also recommends bringing a snack to the airport because "sometimes, you need something that’s your comfort go-to."

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Read Hannah Sampson's full Washington Post article at this link (subscription required).