Flight delays, crowds, traffic — holiday travel can be chaotic, especially in this era of returning to travel following the pandemic. While there’s no way to guarantee a totally smooth trip (and unfortunately we can’t yet teleport ourselves), you’ll still be happy to know that there are ways to better deal with some of the most common travel snafus. Read on to learn what to do to help simplify your journey. With these tips, you’ll be better equipped to get back to your family and friends, and spend valuable time wherever you may celebrate. After all, isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

To Secure Your Luggage: Opt for GPS

With one in five flights per day arriving behind schedule, more and more bags are getting lost. To help secure your luggage, consider attaching a tracking device like LandAirSea GPS Tracker, Tile Pro Bluetooth Tracker, or Apple AirTag, suggests travel blogger Kristin Lee (GlobalTravelEscapades.com). The tracker sends a signal to your cellphone and pings your bag’s location. “You’ll be able to show airport staff where your bags are in order to expedite retrieval.”

Also smart: Snap a photo of your bag’s contents. This makes it easy to describe them on lost bag forms. And in the rare case the airline can’t locate your luggage, the photos will help you get reimbursed for lost items.

To Avoid a Late Arrival: Know Your Rights

Owing to labor shortages, more flights are getting canceled, so you want a plan B. “The airline will offer an alternative flight, which is often the easiest option — unless your flight is time-sensitive,” says Mercedes Zach, a travel expert who works with ASAPTickets.com. If the carrier is at fault due to staffing or mechanical issues, it’s your right to request another flight, including those with other airlines. You can also ask for a refund, then buy the new ticket yourself. A great place to search for flights last-minute? Google Flights or ExpertFlyer.com.

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