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Travel Waits May be Longer This Year
SOUTHLAKE, Texas -- Because of how the holidays fall this season, travelers may be in for longer waits and more congestion on the roads, rails and in the skies. After closely monitoring airport wait times over Thanksgiving (with spotters stationed at the top 25 airports throughout the country), Travelocity predicts that Christmas and New Year's Eve holiday travels likely will resemble the Thanksgiving rush, while AAA reports that the two holiday weekends will push upcoming holiday travel to its highest level ever."This holiday is somewhat unusual as both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve fall on Fridays, leading to dense and more highly-concentrated travel days," said Amy Ziff, Travelocity's editor-at-large. "Although most people have already booked their travel plans and may not be able to avoid longer delays, there are things they can do to avoid the aggravation." Following are some of Ziff's last-minute tips to help holiday travelers prepare and navigate their way to the New Year with ease, as well as some pointers on where to go for those planning a last-minute getaway:To avoid lines, try to fly very early in the morning and/or in the middle of the week. <>Utilize online check in from home when possible; use e-kiosks and curbside baggage to speed your way through security. Be ready for security: Pack an extra bag for miscellaneous pocket items. Men should try tucking a Ziploc bag in their pockets to collect change, keys, cell phones, etc. Parents may want a slightly larger miscellaneous bag; all the kids' stuff has to get screened too, so the extra bag will come in handy. <>Be ready to remove shoes. Men may even find it handy to travel with a plastic shoe horn to remove and replace shoes more easily. <>If parking at the airport, be sure to reserve a parking space in advance by calling ahead or checking online for availability. Consider using mass transit this time of year to avoid potential parking issues entirely.Travelers also may consider off-airport parking that allows them to guarantee a space by reserving and paying in advance, is often less expensive than on-airport locations and offers shuttle service to and from the airport.<>Weather delays are frequent this time of year, so travelers should bring plenty to do to occupy themselves at the airport -- a good book, holiday note cards or thank you cards for those great gifts. Don't wrap gifts in advance as they're likely to be opened by security. Instead, pack the tools to wrap at your final destination.<>Keep all valuables nearby in carry-on baggage as opposed to packing them in checked luggage, which is likely to be opened by screeners. If locking the bag is important, look for TSA-approved locks. Water and snacks also are a must in case you get stuck waiting.<>Have your travel agency 800 number nearby along with confirmation numbers and itineraries. Leave ample time on the roadways to get to your destination and expect more traffic delays than usual.Visit Travelocity: www.travelocity.com"