'Tis the Season for Crowded Airports and Not-so-Friendly Skies

FlightView Shares Five Ways to Ease the Hassle of Holiday Travel

11/20/2013

BOSTON [November 20, 2013] — More than 25 million people are expected to hop a flight during this year's Thanksgiving travel season, which starts November 22nd and ends December 3rd.

"Travel stress can put a damper on the holidays – which is a shame when so much of it is avoidable," said Mike Benjamin, CEO of FlightView, the leader in day-of-travel information. "Travelers can get out ahead of packed airports, crowded overhead bins and changing departure times with a little preparation and the right information in their hands."

Although there's no controlling the volume of fellow travelers and potential delays and cancellations – here are five things travelers can do to ease the hassle of holiday travel:

1. Take a backpack on board, instead of a rolling bag. You can count on packed flights with limited overhead space. If you aren't willing to pay extra for early boarding privileges, and don't want to risk having to check your carry on at the gate, bring a bag that can squeeze under the seat.
2. Trust the power in your palm. Mobile tools, such as FlightView's flight tracking app, can keep travelers informed of any changes to flight itineraries – including delays, cancellations, baggage claim information, departure and arrival gates, aircraft status and more. Receiving automatic updates will help ensure that nothing takes you by surprise.
3. Enroll in pre-check. Giving the TSA your personal information (and a check for $85) to speed through security lines may be worth it – especially if you're traveling during the hustle and bustle in December, as the enrollment process takes 2 to 3 weeks.
4. Check WiFi & in-flight device policies with your carrier. Although the FAA approved selected electronic devices during takeoff and landing, not all airlines have adopted the same policies (and not all aircrafts have WiFi).  Check with your airline before assuming you'll have internet access throughout the trip.
5. Cut down the in-airport to-do list. Check-in the night before your flight to avoid another line, wear security-friendly attire by avoiding belts, layered clothing and packed pockets, and bookmark your airport's mobile website to keep updated on plan-altering announcements like closed roads or full parking lots.

FlightView offers travelers several tools within its mobile flight tracking apps – available on Android and iOS devices – to help travelers stay informed while on-the-go, including access to flight alerts, tracking the inbound aircraft that will service your flight, itinerary management, nationwide airport delay map, individual airport delay details and airport driving directions. To start tracking your flight now, visit FlightView.com.

About FlightView

FlightView is the recognized provider of the most accurate, real-time flight information solutions for the aviation and travel industries. FlightView's Dispatch and FVXML products help aviation and travel professionals achieve superior customer service with actionable real-time information. FlightView's information displays can be seen at airport terminals and on the Web sites of the largest major airports, airline and travel companies. FlightView's software services and solutions are relied upon by the US government, the world's largest airlines, airports, aviation and travel professionals, ground transportation companies and news outlets. Founded in 1981, and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, FlightView has more than 20 years of experience in building and supporting mission critical systems for the FAA and the Volpe Center. To access real-time flight information online, visit FlightView Flight Tracker or FlightView Mobile Flight Tracker.

FlightView Contact:

Katherine Wellman
VP of Marketing
(617) 787-4200