Pack smart, breeze through security and fly with less stress. This holiday travel guide has tips to help make your trip smoother from start to finish.

“It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters, it’s who’s around it.” – Charles M. Schulz

A wonderful quote, but getting to the tree itself can be a bit of a challenge when the journey involves a crowded airport, constant plan changes from the in-laws and a boarding pass buried somewhere under three gift bags. That’s right: It’s time for the holiday rush.

Holiday travel can be a festive adventure when things are going your way — or patience-testing chaos under different circumstances. Want to make it through your travel plans with your seasonal spirit intact? Let’s talk planning, smart packing and the right mindset for flights smoother than a ride in Santa’s sleigh.

Pack Smart and Light

When it comes to packing for holiday travel, less really is more. Your great aunt isn’t actually going to be upset if you don’t pack every holiday sweater she knitted you. The fewer bags you bring, the faster you’ll move and the less you’ll stress about keeping track of gifts, coats, kids and carry-ons.

Want to know a secret? Pack versatile pieces that work in layers. A good sweater and jacket can handle different climates, and rolling your clothes (instead of folding) saves space and reduces wrinkles. Keep your essentials — medications, chargers and a change of clothes — in your carry-on just in case your checked bag takes an unexpected detour.

Festive Travel Tip: Avoid wrapping gifts before you fly. Security may need to inspect them, and unwrapping your presents at the checkpoint is hardly the holiday moment you want to remember. Pack them unwrapped and either buy wrapping supplies at your destination or bring festive bags and tissue paper to finish the job once you land.

More Tips for Smart Packing

Arrive Early — But Not Too Early

The holidays are peak travel season, which means longer lines and busier terminals. Give yourself extra time to check bags, pass through security and grab a snack before boarding. However, keep in mind that arriving too early can backfire. Most airlines open check-in three hours before departure, so plan accordingly.

If you’re flying through Ontario International Airport (ONT), you’re already ahead of the game. Our security lines typically move faster than larger airports, and our convenient parking means less time getting from your car to check-in, but it’s still wise to check your flight status and TSA wait times before leaving home. Our flight status information is always updated in real-time, so you can make informed decisions and leave the guesswork behind. You’ll save yourself unnecessary down time and start your trip with a calm, collected mindset.

Navigating the Airport with Kids or Groups

Traveling with family isn’t totally dissimilar to leading an expedition into unknown territory; keeping everyone happy and moving in the same direction takes significant strategy.

For kids, pack a “travel kit” with snacks, headphones and small surprises to keep them entertained. Use the time before boarding for bathroom breaks and quick walks to stretch their legs. Many airports, including ONT, offer family-friendly amenities and open spaces or exhibits where little travelers can burn off some energy before takeoff.

If you’re flying with a group, designate one person to handle digital boarding passes or paper tickets to avoid last-minute scrambles at the gate. And remember, patience is king. The more relaxed the adults are, the smoother the trip feels for everyone.

Just seeing someone off on their flight? Our ONT+ program allows a friend or family member to accompany passengers through security. Make the most of every minute together, or confidently send the kids on holiday without being rushed.

ONT’s Guide to Traveling with Kids

Timing Is Everything: When to Fly

There’s really no magic way to bypass holiday crowds, but knowing the best time to fly during the holidays helps. Flying early in the morning often means fewer delays and lighter crowds, especially midweek. The busiest travel days tend to be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Sunday after and the days right before Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

If your schedule allows flexibility, traveling a few days before or after these peak dates can make a noticeable difference. Early December or the days between major holidays can also offer calmer skies and lower fares.

Not afraid of a little last-minute pressure?

“Sometimes it can be significantly cheaper to fly on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day because most people have already flown into their destinations.” – ONT Marketing Specialist Aida Yeung

Festive Travel Tip: Consider your airport options. Ontario International Airport, for instance, often offers the same routes as larger hubs with easier parking, faster check-in and shorter security lines — giving you a smoother start to your holiday adventure. Plus, our award-winning So Cal. So Jolly Fest! will be bringing extra cheer to ONT terminals all December long! 

Survive (and Even Enjoy) the Holiday Rush

Holiday travel may test your patience, but it also brings the special excitement of shared human experiences, long-awaited reunions and that first glimpse of twinkling lights from above the clouds. It’s a beautiful season dedicated to peace, love and compassion — so, take a deep breath and let the stress slide off like new fallen snow on the side of a 737. Because the real holiday magic doesn’t start at your destination; it starts the moment you decide to travel with a little more joy and a lot less rush.

Bonus Festive Travel Tip: Your actions and mood can make or break someone else’s holiday travel experience. Give other stressed-out travelers and airport workers the benefit of the doubt and remember that you never know what someone else is dealing with or going through. Treat others with kindness, help out where you can and arrive at your destination knowing that you added some additional brightness to this holiday season.