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Holiday Travel Hacks

  • December 11, 2018
  • Tips
  • By: CYTIES

The holiday hustle can be stressful, especially if you’re traveling long distances. Below is a checklist combined with some clever tips to score lounge access, cut crowded lines, and beat a holiday hangover when cruising through the airport this month.

Here’s the list, check it twice

With the commotion of the holidays, it’s easy to forget about the key items to make traveling less of a burden, it’s about having the right gear readily available for a long flight. Here’s a CYTIES checklist to make sure you are ready for any in-flight antics.

  • Single-serve instant coffee: Pass on the watered down drip juice on the plane and go with an instant coffee like this one from Alpine Start
  • Easy access headphones (noise canceling)
  • A headphone splitter if traveling with a partner
  • Mobile hotspot, you’re going to need it
  • Allergy medicine
  • A neck pillow that doesn’t make you look like you have an actual neck injury, try this one, fashioned with a hood to hide away for a snooze
  • The right backpack, opt for a tactical upgrade that’s worth the money like this one from Mission Workshop.

Cut The Line

It’s not too late to sign up for the coveted TSA Pre✓® or CLEAR. Here’s the rundown on both services:

TSA Pre✓®

With TSA Pre✓ you to enter an alternate security screening line that is rarely full. The line is fast and efficient with perks at the checkpoint that include:

  • Keeping your shoes on
  • Not having to take the laptop out of your carry-on
  • Leaving a belt on
  • No need to remove light outerwear such as a jacket

CLEAR

They work in partnership with the airport security authorities. The service has a representative who escorts you to an alternate screening lane which in our experience, never has any line. CLEAR skips past both the regular TSA screening line and the TSA Pre✓ line by using biometrics like your eyes and fingertips, instead of traditional ID documents.

Though CLEAR is a bit quicker, both services are a clutch way to cruise through airport screening. The point here is, stop waiting in lines — we despise lines.

Score the Lounge

Do yourself a favor and add LoungeBuddy to your App arsenal as soon as you book a flight. LoungeBuddy revolutionizes the airport experience and allows the ability to discover, book, and access premium airport lounges worldwide, so if you’ve got the time it is extremely worth it. Kick back in an airport oasis and leave the crowded terminals behind while waiting to board.

Get The Upgrade

Is there any better way to kick off the holiday than in first or business class with a cocktail? Here are a few strategies to try and escape coach and fly as Frankie did.

Dress Sharp. First and foremost, look sharp when seeking an upgrade, no one sporting flip-flops is being upgraded to anything. Dress the part if you’re looking to live the life.

Be ready to charm. 90% of the time the ticket counter agent isn’t allowed to bump you up to business class if you’re not a frequent flyer of the specific airline. Although, we recently chatted with an inside source that works for a well-known airline who let us in on a loophole that often works. The ticket agent CAN add a code that signifies to the gate agent that you are eligible for an upgrade, increasing your chances at the gate if one is available.

Look for flights with a large upper-class section. Bigger planes like Boeing 777 and Airbus A350’s have a lot more first and business class sections that might be left available. Check the seat map the day before your flight via the airline’s website, if the room is available — chances increase

Beat the Hangover

The holidays are full of jolly reasons to enjoy drinks, many times leading to one too many of your uncle’s famous spiked eggnog. Beat the hangover with the remedies below and don’t end up blowin’ in the wind like our pal Bob above.

Engov

Let’s start by addressing the truth; there is no cure for a Hangover — only remedies that help ease the struggle. With that said, we introduce the holy grail bartenders swear by in assisting to knock off the dust from the night before. Say hello to Engov, the Brazilian painkiller pill with a dash of caffeine. Take one pill before and after drinking this holiday and you’ll thank us later. No, you don’t have to travel to Rio de Janeiro to attain the gold packaged magic, just order here on Amazon.

Kiehl’s Eye De-Puffer

It’s all in the eyes. This lightweight Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer is formulated with refreshing hibiscus tea to reduce swelling, and caffeine to minimize puffiness. The stick also contains rhodiola, known to detoxify and help fight fatigue, reducing the appearance of dark circles. Toss it in your dopp kit for a go-to essential when feeling rundown this holiday.

Espresso + Cold Brew

Find the right coffee in your city via CYTIES, order a shot of espresso and a cold brew stat. Take the shot of espresso, walk outside in the brisk air and finish the cold brew while waiting for your ride to the airport. This should be enough to jolt the system to find the right greasy breakfast in the terminal.

Carry On Cocktail

Nothing helping? Bite back with some hair of the dog via the Carry On Cocktail Kit. The kit above includes the tools to craft two Bloody Mary cocktails mid-flight: small-batch Bloody Mary mix, a pack of rimming salt, a travel-size bar spoon, a recipe card, and a linen coaster. Just add the hard stuff and stir. While you’re at it, throw some OZARK on the iPad and you’ll forget you ever had a headache.

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Whichever direction you’re headed, may the way home be a safe and smooth this month. Happy Holidays from the CYTIES team.