9 Holiday Travel Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

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Holiday travel can be chaotic. Between flight cancellations in bad weather, lost luggage in busy airports, and unexpected international fees, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. 

But if you’re prepared, you can save yourself money, time, and stress.

Whether you're heading across the country or overseas this holiday season, here’s how to make your journey smoother.

1. Not Knowing Your Rights for Cancelled Flights

If your flight gets cancelled for any reason (yes, even bad weather!) and you decide not to travel, the airline has to give you a full refund. 

That's right, you don't have to accept that rescheduled flight that gets you home three days late. Instead, you can get your money back and look for a faster option to be on time for the holidays. 

READ MORE: What To Do If Your Flight Is Canceled Due to Weather

2. Arriving Late for Your Flight

Social media may be full of people getting to their gate just in the nick of time and proving “airport theory,” but you definitely don’t want to try this at the holidays!

During peak holiday season, security lines and customs can take way longer than usual. 

For international flights, arrive at least three hours before departure or two hours for domestic. You may even want to tack on an extra hour, especially if you’re flying from a major hub like JFK or LAX.

It might feel excessive, but missing your flight because you underestimated holiday crowds is far worse than spending extra time in the terminal.

3. Paying Roaming Fees for Calling Home

International roaming charges can add up fast — sometimes hundreds of dollars for a single trip. If you want to be able to FaceTime your family from overseas, eSIMs are a much better alternative. 

Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are digital and activate instantly on your phone without needing to swap out physical cards. You simply download a data plan for your destination before you leave. 

Many providers offer plans starting around $2-$5 for several days of data coverage. I've been using Airalo for my trips, but there are several reliable eSIM providers to choose from. 

The key is setting it up before you travel so you're connected the moment you land, without the hassle of finding a local SIM card shop or facing shocking bills from your home carrier.

4. Exchanging Money at the Airport

Airport currency exchange counters are convenient, but they're also highway robbery. Their rates can be up to 15% worse than what you'll get elsewhere! 

Instead, hit up your bank's ATM when you land, or better yet, get a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees before your trip, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. 

Your holiday money should go toward experiences with loved ones, not lining the pockets of currency exchange kiosks.

5. Pre-Wrapping Your Presents

If you're bringing presents in your carry-on or checked luggage, resist the urge to wrap them before you leave. 

TSA agents have the authority to open any wrapped package for inspection, and they won't rewrap it for you. All that careful wrapping ends up as crumpled paper in the trash. 

Instead, pack your gifts unwrapped and bring supplies or buy them in your destination. Alternatively, use gift bags with tissue paper — they're easier to repack if TSA needs to inspect them.

6. Not Prebooking Your Spot in the Lounge

You've got your trusty travel credit card with lounge access, but when you show up to unwind before your flight… oh no, the lounge is full!

Airports are extremely busy during the holidays, and that includes the lounge. So, if you don’t want to be stuck wandering aimlessly because there are no seats at your gate, make sure to prebook your lounge spot so you can actually get in.

Don't have a credit card with lounge access? You can buy a yearly membership with Priority Pass that gets you access to 1,800+ lounges worldwide. If you travel a lot, it may be worth the annual fee.

7. Packing Valuables in Your Checked Bag

During peak holiday travel, airlines mishandle about five checked bags per 1,000 passengers. 

If your medication, important documents, or the presents you so thoughtfully picked out are in a checked bag that doesn't arrive with you, you’ll be feeling stressed instead of full of holiday cheer. 

Pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on too — if your luggage is delayed, you'll be glad you have something fresh to wear while you wait for it to catch up with you. 

READ MORE: Protecting Your Belongings While Traveling

8. Not Claiming Compensation for Delayed Baggage

If you couldn’t fit all your Christmas presents in your carry-on and your checked bag is delayed, don’t forget your rights! The Department of Transportation requires airlines to reimburse you for essential items like clothes, toiletries, and chargers. 

Now, airlines might disagree that your packed gifts are “essential,” but you may be able to make a case. Many airlines try to cap how much they owe you at $50-$100, but the DOT actually sets the maximum at $4,700 per trip for missing bags on domestic flights, and $1,700 on international flights.

So if you arrive at your destination and your luggage doesn't, don't just suffer in silence. Here's how each major U.S. airline handles delayed baggage, and how to file your claim with them:

• Alaska Airlines' delayed baggage compensation
• Allegiant Air's delayed baggage compensation
• American Airlines' delayed baggage compensation
• Delta Air Lines' delayed baggage compensation
• Frontier Airlines' delayed baggage compensation
• Hawaiian Airlines' delayed baggage compensation
• JetBlue's delayed baggage compensation
• Southwest Airlines' delayed baggage compensation
• Spirit Airlines' delayed baggage compensation
• United Airlines' delayed baggage compensation

9. Forgetting Travel Insurance

Yes, travel insurance is another cost at what's already an expensive time of year, but with peak-fare flights, packed presents in your luggage, and other holiday expenses, you want to be protected — even if you're only traveling domestically.

Remember: If your flight is delayed due to a snowstorm, the airline doesn't owe you anything for food or an overnight stay. Or if your luggage is lost, the airline decides what's “essential,” and that might not include your gifts that have gone astray.

Travel insurance can fill in those gaps, so your wallet doesn't take such a hit over the holidays. You can use an online marketplace like VisitorsCoverage to find the right travel plan for you.

Or your credit card might already have travel insurance included. A lot of travel cards include coverage for lost baggage, delayed flights, and other travel mishaps.

TL;DR: Travel Smart Over the Holidays

Holiday travel can be stressful, but it can also be stress-free if you’re prepared.

Know your rights when things go wrong, prebook the lounge to beat the crowds, save money with an eSIM, a no-FX credit card, and travel insurance, and don't be shy about claiming reimbursements you're owed. 

Safe travels, and happy holidays!

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Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.