Top 4 Tips for Holiday Travel
December 4, 2024
Ready to make your holiday travel easier and more affordable? We’ve got you covered with the latest travel tools, insider tips and smart strategies to help you navigate the season with ease. Whether you’re booking your next getaway, breezing through TSA, or avoiding winter weather disruptions, our guide ensures you spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the holidays. Keep reading for the best ways to save time, money, and sanity this season.
- Plan Ahead with Travel Tools
We’ve launched a new booking tool to make planning your trip easier than ever. Simply enter your destination and dates—or select “show nearby dates for lower fares” if your schedule is flexible—and explore your options. Not sure where to go? Check out “Today’s Flight Deals” or scroll through the Destination List for inspiration.
This tool helps you find the lowest fares, minimize connections, and pinpoint the best travel times, saving you time and money.
- Know the TSA Rules
Avoid surprises at the security checkpoint with these TSA tips:
- Liquids Rule: If you can pour it, spread it, or smear it, it’s considered a liquid and must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less in your carry-on. Larger items? Pack them in checked luggage.
- Gifts: Hold off on wrapping presents until you arrive. TSA might need to inspect them, and unwrapping your carefully packed gifts isn’t the holiday vibe anyone wants.
- Layers: Winter clothes are cozy but bulky. If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, you’ll need to remove shoes, and everyone will need to remove heavy coats. Dress smart to simplify your screening experience.
- Prepare for Winter Weather
Even if MLI’s weather is clear, nationwide delays caused by storms elsewhere can affect your flight. A little preparation goes a long way:
- Know Your Airline: If delays or cancellations happen, only your airline can rebook your flight or assist with lost luggage. Keep their contact info handy and sign up for notifications.
- Runway Prep: Our snow removal teams at MLI work tirelessly to keep runways safe, using specialized deicers and heavy equipment instead of road salt.
- Deicing Delays: Aircraft must be deiced before takeoff, and multiple rounds may be required during storms. Be patient—this process ensures safe departures.
- Fly Local to Maximize Holiday Time
Choosing Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) simplifies your holiday travel. Here’s why flying local makes sense:
- Convenient Options:
- Allegiant: Las Vegas, Phoenix-Mesa, St. Pete/Clearwater, Punta Gorda, Orlando-Sanford, Sarasota (starting Feb. 13!).
- American: Chicago O’Hare, Charlotte, Dallas-Ft. Worth.
- Delta: Atlanta.
- United: Chicago O’Hare, Denver.
- Shorter Lines: Avoid the holiday crowds common at larger airports.
- Safer Travel: Skip the stress of icy winter drives to Chicago, saving time and peace of mind.
- Affordable Parking: Parking at MLI costs just $7/day, with free parking on days 6 and 7. Compare that to $18/day in Chicago!
- Proximity Perks: With parking just steps from the terminal—and covered options available—you’ll avoid coming back to a snow-covered car.
Flying local doesn’t just save you time; it supports the community. Increased bookings at MLI could lead to more flight options in the future.
Make This Holiday Season Merry and Bright
With these tips, you can enjoy a smoother, stress-free holiday travel experience. Wherever your plans take you, safe travels and happy holidays!