.png)
Holiday Travel Safety Tips: How to Navigate Airports, Crowds, and Delays Without Losing Your Mind
Updated: 5 hours ago
A Practical Holiday Travel Guide for Women Over 40
The holiday travel season is upon us, and if you're planning to get on a plane to visit family, take a much-needed vacation, or escape the holiday madness altogether, there are a few things you need to know before heading to the airport.
I love to travel. Anybody who follows BaldGirlWillTravel knows that. But one thing I've learned from years of traveling internationally and domestically is that traveling during the holidays requires a little more patience, a lot more preparation, and a willingness to adjust when things don't go according to plan.
Airports are crowded. Flights are delayed. People are stressed. And unfortunately, not everyone knows how to behave themselves when things get complicated.
As a woman over 40 who frequently travels solo, I've developed some habits that help me navigate airports, protect my belongings, and manage travel disruptions without completely losing my mind.
And ladies, at this stage of my life, protecting my peace is just as important as protecting my passport!
Whether you're traveling for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, or simply taking advantage of some time off, here are my tips for staying safe and managing the inevitable challenges of holiday travel.
1. Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You Need
Let's start with one of the biggest mistakes people make during the holidays: assuming that airport travel will be business as usual. It won't. During the holidays, airports are dealing with increased passenger traffic, longer security lines, crowded check-in counters, and travelers who don't necessarily fly regularly. That last group can make getting through security a particularly interesting experience!
My advice? Get to the airport early.
For domestic flights, I recommend arriving at least two hours before departure, and during particularly busy holiday periods, consider giving yourself three hours. For international flights, I recommend arriving at least three hours early, possibly more depending on the airport, airline, and destination. Remember, your flight's departure time is not your boarding time. The boarding door typically closes before the scheduled departure. Don't assume that having TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or priority boarding means you can show up at the last minute.
Those services can certainly help, but they don't eliminate holiday crowds, airline check-in deadlines, or unexpected operational problems. And please, check the traffic situation before leaving home. Holiday congestion doesn't begin at the airport terminal. It starts on the roads leading there.
BaldGirlWillTravel Tip: I'd rather arrive early, find somewhere comfortable to sit, get a coffee, and people-watch than spend my morning running through an airport wondering whether I'm going to miss my flight.
2. Check Your Travel Documents Before You Leave Home
You would be surprised how many travel problems start before someone even reaches the airport. If you're traveling domestically within the United States, make sure you're carrying an acceptable form of identification. REAL ID requirements are now in effect, so an ordinary state-issued driver's license that isn't REAL ID compliant is no longer sufficient for standard TSA identification purposes. A valid U.S. passport is an acceptable alternative. If you're traveling internationally, check your passport expiration date well in advance. Some countries require that your passport remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel dates.
You may also need a visa, electronic travel authorization, or other destination-specific documentation. Before leaving home, I recommend:
Checking passport expiration dates and destination entry requirements.
Confirming your airline reservation and checking that your name matches your travel documents.
Saving electronic copies of important travel documents.
Keeping a backup copy somewhere secure and accessible.
Checking that your credit and debit cards have not expired.
Making sure you have access to your airline's app.
I also recommend keeping important reservation confirmations accessible offline, particularly if you're traveling internationally and may not have immediate cellular service.
Don't wait until you're standing at an airline counter to discover there's a problem with your documentation.
3. Protect Your Belongings in Crowded Airports
Holiday crowds can create opportunities for pickpockets, thieves, and other opportunists. When airports are packed and travelers are distracted, it's easier to lose track of your belongings. And I'm going to say something that might sound obvious, but apparently needs repeating:
Never leave your luggage, purse, or personal belongings unattended.
Not while you're ordering coffee. Not while you're charging your phone. Not while you're having a conversation with someone. I personally prefer to travel with a crossbody bag or bum bag that keeps my essentials close to my body. My passport, wallet, phone, and other important items stay where I can easily access them without digging through my luggage.
I also recommend:
Keeping handbags zipped and secured.
Avoiding placing wallets or passports in exterior backpack pockets.
Keeping your phone and bag with you when using airport restrooms.
Never hanging a purse on the back of your chair in a crowded restaurant.
Being aware of anyone standing unusually close to you.
Using luggage trackers in checked and carry-on bags.
Keeping valuables, important documents, and medications in your personal item.
And ladies, please don't advertise how much cash you're carrying. You don't need to pull out a large stack of money in the middle of an airport. Stay aware of your surroundings without becoming paranoid. Most people are simply trying to get where they're going, just like you. But a little common sense goes a long way.
4. Be Strategic About Connecting Flights
This is particularly important during the holidays. If you can book a nonstop flight, I strongly recommend it. Yes, nonstop flights sometimes cost more. But when you're traveling during a period when delays and cancellations are common, reducing the number of connections can significantly reduce the opportunities for something to go wrong. Every connecting flight introduces another possibility of missed connections, baggage problems, and unexpected delays. If a nonstop flight isn't available, pay close attention to the amount of time between flights. Personally, I don't like tight connections, particularly when traveling internationally or through large airports.
A 45-minute connection might look perfectly reasonable when you're booking a ticket.But if your first flight is delayed, your arrival gate is far from your departure gate, or you have to clear immigration and security, that connection can quickly turn into a nightmare. For holiday travel, I prefer to build in a generous connection window. Also, whenever possible, I prefer morning flights. Flights departing earlier in the day may have less exposure to delays that accumulate as the day progresses, although weather and other disruptions can affect any departure.
BaldGirlWillTravel Tip: When choosing between saving a little money and having a more comfortable, less stressful itinerary, I generally choose the itinerary that gives me peace of mind.
5. Know What to Do When Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled
Let's talk about something that can completely derail holiday travel plans. Flight delays and cancellations. Winter weather, aircraft maintenance problems, crew availability, air traffic congestion, and other operational issues can create significant disruptions.
You cannot control these things.
But you can control how prepared you are to respond.
First, download your airline's app and enable notifications.
I cannot emphasize this enough. Sometimes flight changes appear in the airline's app before you receive an announcement at the gate.
If your flight is delayed or canceled:
Don't just stand in a long customer service line waiting for someone to help you.
Get on the airline's app immediately and look for rebooking options.
At the same time, contact the airline through its official customer service channels if necessary. If you're already at the airport, you can also speak with a gate agent or customer service representative.
The goal is to find a workable alternative before all the available seats disappear.
And please be respectful to airline employees. They didn't personally create the thunderstorm or mechanical problem that's disrupting your travel plans.
Understand Your Passenger Rights
For flights to, from, or within the United States, passengers may be entitled to a refund when an airline cancels or significantly changes a flight and the passenger chooses not to travel or accept the alternative offered. That is different from accepting a rebooked flight and completing your trip. You should also understand that airlines don't automatically owe you a hotel room, meals, or cash compensation every time there's a delay.
What you're entitled to can depend on the cause of the disruption, the airline's policies and commitments, and the laws that apply to your itinerary.
Before accepting a voucher or alternative itinerary, make sure you understand your options. Keep your receipts if a disruption forces you to pay for additional transportation, meals, or accommodations.
You can review airline commitments and refund information through the U.S. Department of Transportation.
BaldGirlWillTravel Tip: Don't assume the airline is going to tell you every option available. Know your rights, ask questions, and advocate for yourself.
6. Pack Your Carry-On Like Your Checked Bag Might Not Arrive
I check luggage when necessary, and I'm not one of those people who believes you have to squeeze everything into a carry-on to be a legitimate traveler. But I also understand that checked bags can be delayed, misplaced, or rerouted, especially when travel plans are disrupted.
That's why I always recommend packing your carry-on or personal item as though you might have to survive without your checked luggage for at least a day or two.
Here are some essentials worth keeping with you:
Prescription medications and other medically necessary items.
Travel documents and important identification.
Phone charger and a portable power bank.
An extra change of clothes and underwear.
Essential toiletries in TSA-compliant sizes.
Glasses or contact lens supplies, if needed.
Valuables, jewelry, and important electronics.
Snacks and an empty refillable water bottle.
And speaking of portable chargers, remember that spare lithium batteries and power banks generally belong in carry-on baggage, not checked luggage. Check your airline's battery restrictions before traveling. I also recommend using luggage trackers aka Air Tags.
I've been using them for years, and they provide an additional way to monitor where your luggage may be when you're traveling. They won't prevent a bag from getting lost, but they can make it easier to provide location information if something goes wrong. If you're traveling to a cold-weather destination, make sure you have enough warm clothing accessible in case you're unexpectedly stranded. Trust me, you don't want to find yourself stuck overnight in a freezing airport without something warm to wear.
7. Be Mindful of Your Personal Safety During Delays and Overnight Layovers
One of the things people don't always think about is how flight disruptions can affect their personal safety. Imagine arriving at an unfamiliar airport late at night because your connecting flight was canceled. You're tired. You're frustrated. Your phone battery is running low. And now you're trying to figure out where you're going to spend the night. That is not the ideal time to begin making important decisions.
If you're stranded overnight, my recommendations are:
Use official airline or airport transportation services when possible.
Book accommodations through reputable hotel websites or trusted booking platforms.
Confirm hotel shuttle arrangements directly with the hotel.
Avoid accepting unsolicited rides from strangers.
Keep family or a trusted friend informed about unexpected itinerary changes.
Make sure your phone remains charged.
Avoid sharing your hotel room number or detailed whereabouts with strangers.
If you're traveling solo, this is particularly important. And ladies, there is no shame in paying a little extra for a safer, more convenient option. Sometimes the cheapest transportation or hotel choice isn't the smartest one. I also recommend having access to an emergency fund or credit card that can cover unexpected travel expenses. Even when you may eventually be reimbursed, you might need to pay for something upfront.
8. Don't Let Airport Crowds Distract You From Your Surroundings
The holidays bring a lot of people into airports who may not be frequent travelers.
Families with small children. Large groups. Travelers carrying multiple bags and gifts.
And occasionally, people who seem to have completely forgotten how to behave in public. Crowds can be overwhelming, especially when you're trying to navigate terminals, security checkpoints, and boarding areas.
My approach is simple.
Stay alert, stay organized, and don't allow yourself to become so distracted that you stop paying attention.
Keep an eye on departure boards even when you're receiving notifications through your airline's app.
Gate changes happen.
Boarding times change.
And sometimes announcements are difficult to hear in crowded terminals. Avoid wearing headphones at such a high volume that you cannot hear important announcements or what's happening around you.
If someone becomes aggressive or disruptive, don't engage unnecessarily. Move away from the situation and notify airport personnel or security if needed. Your goal is to get to your destination safely, not win an argument with a stranger.
Remember, not every situation requires your participation.
9. Protect Your Digital Information While Traveling
We spend so much time thinking about our physical luggage that we sometimes forget about digital security. Airports are full of people charging devices, connecting to Wi-Fi, and accessing personal accounts. That means it's important to be thoughtful about how you use your devices.
My recommendations include:
Using your cellular connection or a trusted hotspot for sensitive transactions when possible.
Verifying that airport Wi-Fi networks are legitimate before connecting.
Avoiding unknown USB charging ports.
Carrying your own charging cable and wall adapter.
Keeping your devices locked with strong passwords or biometric authentication.
Enabling multifactor authentication on important accounts.
Avoiding clicking suspicious texts or emails claiming your flight has been canceled.
Travel-related scams can become particularly convincing during a busy holiday period. If you receive an unexpected message about your airline reservation, don't automatically click the link.
Open the airline's official app or website directly to verify the information.
The last thing you need during the holidays is someone gaining access to your personal or financial information.
10. Dress for Comfort, Especially if You're Traveling Long Distances
If you've followed me for any length of time, you know I believe women over 40 can travel comfortably and still look stylish. Those two things are not mutually exclusive!
But holiday travel is not the time to wear uncomfortable shoes or clothing that makes navigating airports unnecessarily difficult. I recommend comfortable, supportive footwear, breathable layers, and clothing that allows you to move easily.
Airports can be hot. Airplanes can be cold. And if you end up delayed, you might be wearing the same outfit much longer than expected.
I personally pay particular attention to my footwear because I know how much walking international travel can involve.
I frequently wear my Onitsuka Tiger sneakers with gel inserts for additional support.
And if you're someone who needs arch support or extra cushioning, don't underestimate how much difference a good pair of inserts can make.
I also recommend packing a lightweight sweater, wrap, or jacket in your carry-on. You may not need it when you leave home, but you'll appreciate having it when you're sitting on a cold airplane or waiting in a chilly terminal.
Comfort is not a luxury when you're traveling. It's a necessity.
11. Be Careful About Posting Your Location in Real Time
I know we're living in an era where everybody wants to document every moment of their travels.
And as a travel content creator, I certainly understand the temptation.
But there is a difference between sharing your travel experiences and broadcasting your exact location to strangers.
If you're traveling solo, consider delaying certain social media posts until after you've left a particular location.
Avoid posting boarding passes that display reservation numbers, barcodes, or other sensitive information.
Be thoughtful about sharing the name of your hotel, your room location, or details that might reveal when your home is unoccupied.
You can absolutely share your holiday adventures without giving the entire internet a real-time itinerary.
A little privacy goes a long way toward protecting your personal safety.
12. Have a Backup Plan and Be Willing to Adjust
One of the most important things I've learned from traveling is that flexibility is a survival skill. Especially during the holidays. You can plan every detail perfectly and still encounter circumstances completely outside your control.
A snowstorm can cancel your flight.
An aircraft can experience a maintenance problem.
Your luggage can be delayed.
Your connection can disappear because your first flight arrived late.
And sometimes you simply have to make a decision about whether continuing with your original plans makes sense. That's why I recommend having a backup plan. Know what alternative flights might be available. Consider whether a different airport could be an option. If you're traveling to attend an important event, consider arriving a day early rather than scheduling your arrival just hours before it begins.
And if the trip involves multiple destinations, think carefully before booking separate tickets that don't provide protection if you miss a connection. Sometimes the smartest decision is to change your plans rather than force an itinerary that has become unnecessarily stressful. Travel is supposed to add something positive to your life. Don't let an unexpected disruption convince you that every part of the experience has been ruined.
13. Protect Your Health and Energy While Traveling
Holiday travel can be physically exhausting. Between long airport walks, crowded terminals, extended periods of sitting, disrupted sleep, and changing schedules, it's easy to arrive at your destination feeling completely worn out.
And as we get older, I think it's important to become more intentional about how we manage our energy.
For me, that means drinking water, eating regularly, getting enough rest, and not pushing myself unnecessarily. If you're on a long flight, move your legs periodically and get up when it's safe to do so. If you have mobility limitations or require airport assistance, arrange those services with your airline in advance rather than waiting until you arrive. And don't hesitate to ask for assistance when you need it. You don't get extra points for struggling through an airport when help is available.
I also recommend keeping essential medications accessible and maintaining a small personal care kit in your carry-on.
The goal isn't simply to arrive at your destination. It's to arrive feeling well enough to enjoy yourself.
14. Give Yourself Permission to Protect Your Peace
I'm going to end my holiday travel tips with something that has become increasingly important to me as I've gotten older.
Protecting my peace.
There was a time when I might have allowed an airport delay, an unpleasant passenger, or an unexpected travel disruption to completely ruin my mood.
Not anymore. That doesn't mean I don't get frustrated. Of course I do.
But I've learned that some situations simply aren't worth sacrificing my energy over.
If a flight is delayed, I want to know what my options are.
If something goes wrong, I want to know how to solve the problem.
If someone is behaving badly, I want to remove myself from the situation whenever possible. I'm not interested in participating in airport chaos. And I'm certainly not interested in spending my holiday arguing with strangers.
At this stage of life, I'm interested in traveling safely, comfortably, and with as little unnecessary drama as possible.
And I encourage you to approach your holiday travels the same way.
The Final Word
Holiday travel can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be a complete nightmare. The key is preparation, awareness, flexibility, and understanding that some things will always be outside your control. Get to the airport early. Keep your belongings secure. Understand your passenger rights. Pack intelligently. And have a backup plan if something goes wrong.
Most importantly, remember that your safety and well-being should always come before trying to stick to an itinerary at all costs.
Whether you're heading home to spend Thanksgiving with family, traveling somewhere warm for Christmas, or celebrating New Year's in a completely different part of the world, I hope your holiday travels are safe, enjoyable, and filled with wonderful experiences. And if things don't go exactly as planned?
Give yourself some grace, figure out your next move, and keep it moving.
Because life is too short to allow a missed connection or delayed flight to steal all your joy.
Happy holiday travels, ladies!
And remember, you're never too old to explore the world, experience something new, or create wonderful memories.
Shop My Favorite Travel Packing Essentials
If you're getting ready for holiday travel, I've rounded up many of the travel essentials I personally use to stay organized on the road—from packing cubes and luggage trackers to travel accessories that make long-haul trips easier.
Whether you're traveling internationally or heading home for the holidays, having the right essentials can help you pack smarter and stay organized.
Shop My Travel Packing & Organization Essentials:
Here's to packing smarter, stressing less, and making room for unforgettable adventures!
Want more practical travel advice, destination guides, hotel reviews, packing tips, and an inside look at my international adventures?
Come hang out with me on my BaldGirlWillTravel YouTube channel!
I share my real travel experiences, including what I loved, what I would do differently, and the things I think women over 40 should know before visiting different destinations.
I also share highlights from my BaldGirlWillTravel Meet Ups, where I bring together Black women age 40 and over for curated international travel experiences focused on culture, connection, and unforgettable memories.
Subscribe to BaldGirlWillTravel on YouTube and come explore the world with me!
Travel boldly. Travel comfortably. And never stop exploring!
Ready to Plan Your Own Solo adventure?
Whether you want to join one of my curated BaldGirlWillTravel meet-ups or plan a custom solo itinerary designed just for you, I help Black women over 40 travel safely, stylishly, and intentionally.
Whether you want to join one of my BaldGirlWillTravel group adventures or create a custom solo itinerary just for you, I can help you plan the trip you’ve been dreaming about — stress-free, stylish, and unforgettable.
I now offer custom travel planning for women who are ready to explore the world on their own terms—with safety, style, and confidence.
Want to Travel Even More Confidently?
If you want a deeper dive into staying safe — especially as a solo traveler — I’ve put everything I’ve learned over years of traveling into my guide:
This guide covers:
Practical safety strategies before and during your trip
How to reduce risk without limiting your freedom
Situational awareness tips that actually make sense in real life
How to move confidently — not fearfully — while traveling
It’s designed for women who want to explore the world prepared, informed, and unbothered.
Because travel should expand your life — not stress you out.
👯♀️ Prefer group travel with like-minded women?
Join one of my Girls Trips curated just for Black women 40+.—and yes, payment plans are available!
📌 Pin This Blog
🧳 Save it, share it, and send it to a sister-friend who needs that extra nudge. Your next chapter starts with one bold step.
And don’t forget—subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch my closet staples series and see my top picks for all of these essentials!
Because travel is the best self care there is!!
Thank You For Reading!
Check out these solo travel blog posts:
This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Comments