Holiday Travel Survival Guide
The holidays are here — airports are buzzing, security lines are snaking, and travelers everywhere are seeking the fastest, calmest way from home to “finally on vacation.” At Wilton Vida Travel, we believe a smooth journey sets the tone for a great trip, so we’ve pulled together our ultimate holiday-season guide. Consider this your go-to checklist for traveling smarter, stress-free, and like a seasoned pro.
1. Know Your IDs: What TSA Will (and Won’t) Accept
Before any suitcase is zipped, make sure your identification meets TSA requirements.
Accepted forms of ID include:
Driver’s License or State-Issued ID (REAL ID-compliant preferred; enforcement begins May 7, 2025)
Passport (Book or Card)
DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
U.S. Military ID
Permanent Resident Card
Federally Recognized Tribal IDs
What about digital IDs?
TSA now accepts mobile driver’s licenses at select airports. That said? Always carry a physical backup.
Current TSA Rules on Shoes, Laptops & Electronics
Shoes: TSA PreCheck® travelers can keep them on. Everyone else? Off they go.
Laptops & Tablets: Must be removed unless you have PreCheck or are using an approved CAT scanner lane (increasingly common).
Liquids: 3.4 oz rule still applies unless your airport uses updated CAT scanners, which allow liquids to remain in bags.
Food: Yes, snacks can come — but remove anything dense (like protein bars).
2. Lounge Life: The Best Airline Clubs of the Year
Holiday travel is easier when you have a quiet corner to breathe. This year’s top-rated airline lounges include:
⭐ Best Overall Lounges
Delta Sky Club — Nationwide
Stylish refresh, excellent food, craft cocktails, and often the best crowd control.United Polaris Lounges — EWR, ORD, SFO, LAX, IAD, IAH
True luxury: sit-down dining, showers, rest suites, and premium cocktails.American Airlines Flagship Lounges — JFK, MIA, DFW, LAX
Elevated food selection and great Champagne.
⭐ Best Lounges for Bringing Guests
Capital One Lounges (DFW, IAD, DEN) – 2 complimentary guests, incredible food & wellness amenities.
American Express Centurion Lounges – one guest allowed with Platinum card; high quality but can get crowded.
Chase Sapphire Lounges – 2 guests and consistently strong amenities.
Pro tip: When traveling in pairs or groups, choose lounges known for easier entry rules — Capital One and Chase win here.
3. Boarding & Airplane Etiquette: Travel Karma Matters
A smooth boarding process makes everyone’s trip better. Keep these golden rules in mind:
Boarding Etiquette
Wait for your group. Sneaking ahead doesn’t make the plane leave earlier.
Have your boarding pass ready before you reach the gate agent.
If you need extra time, don’t hesitate to board early — that option exists for a reason.
Airplane Etiquette
Armrest rules: Middle seat gets both. It’s the law of the skies.
Reclining: It’s allowed — but do it slowly and check behind you.
Overhead bins: Use the space above your seat first. Store coats after bags.
Scents: This isn’t the place for heavy perfume.
Headphones on: Loud videos, FaceTime calls, and music without headphones? Always a no.
4. Before You Fly: Confirm Your Hotel Reservation
A quick, two-minute pre-departure checklist can save you from a lobby meltdown:
Confirm dates, room type, and number of guests
Note the deposit/refund policy
Add your loyalty number
Verify arrival time, especially after midnight
Screenshot your confirmation
If you booked with Wilton Vida Travel, we’ve already triple-checked these items — but confirming personally gives you peace of mind.
5. Travel Insurance: Worth It or Not?
Travel insurance can be a trip saver — when used properly.
When Travel Insurance Is Worth It
Expensive international trips
Cruises (highly recommended)
Trips during hurricane or winter-storm season
Traveling with medical conditions
Non-refundable airfare or hotel packages
When It’s Not Worth It
Fully refundable hotel-only stays
Short domestic trips where your existing credit card coverage is strong
Low-cost flights where change fees are minimal
Key coverages to look for: trip interruption, medical evacuation, baggage loss, and “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrades.
6. Rental Cars: Do’s, Don’ts & Insurance Smarts
DO:
✔ Inspect the car thoroughly before leaving the lot
✔ Take photos of every angle, including the roof and windshield
✔ Know your return fueling options
✔ Ask about toll programs and fees
✔ Check the spare tire
DON’T:
✘ Accept a car if any warning lights are on
✘ Skip the final walk-around on return
✘ Assume tolls are included
✘ Ignore damage that “looks small” — it won’t be small on your bill
Insurance: Should You Buy It?
Buy the rental company’s insurance if:
You don’t have personal auto insurance
You’re traveling internationally
You want zero financial liability, no matter what happens
Rely on your own insurance or your credit card if:
You have strong comprehensive and collision coverage at home
You hold a premium travel credit card (many include primary rental coverage)
You’re comfortable filing a claim with your insurer if needed
The Bottom Line
Holiday travel doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With the right prep, the right mindset, and a few insider tips, you can navigate the busiest season of the year with ease — and maybe even enjoy the journey.
From the airport lounge to the rental car lot, Wilton Vida Travel is here to make every trip smoother, smarter, and elevated.
Let us know when you’re ready to plan your next getaway. ✈️🌎