Flying this holiday season? Here's what you need to know

John Orona, Wilmington StarNews
·3 min read
Wilmington International Airport is seeing a record number of travelers and needs more parking. The airport has submitted plans to add hundreds of parking spaces and eventually a parking structure. KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS
Wilmington International Airport is seeing a record number of travelers and needs more parking. The airport has submitted plans to add hundreds of parking spaces and eventually a parking structure. KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS

With the holiday season in full swing, many people will be flying out of Wilmington this month to destinations all across the country. While the end of the year may not be the busiest time at airports, it can feel like the most hectic.

Here's what you should know before flying out of Wilmington this holiday season.

When is the best time to fly?

Wilmington International Airport (ILM) boasts 14 nonstop daily flights to over 360 destinations.

Options are wide but prices are jumping. In just the last year, airline fares have increased nearly 43%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To help stretch your dollar when flying, the federal transportation department recommends planning ahead and staying flexible as much as possible. In just the last year, airline fares have increased nearly 43%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Booking a trip with connecting flights is often cheaper than a nonstop trip, though the more connecting flights a trip has, the greater possibility of delays, which could cost more in the end. A departure early in the day may be less likely to be delayed than a later flight, and if it is delayed there are more rerouting options than if you book the last flight of the night.

According to the Transportation Safety Administration, the busiest travel time this holiday season will be just before and after Christmas, on Dec. 23 and 27. The least busy days, which usually bring the best deals, are New Years Eve and Christmas Day.

How to pack like a pro

No one wants to be the frantic flyer ditching luggage items to meet the screening requirements just before their plane departs. Here are some do's and don'ts to get you and your baggage through security and to your destination.

If you're traveling with food, staples like ham, turkey or baked goods -- these can be packed in your carry-on or your checked bag, just be sure to keep any cutlery out of the security checkpoint. However spreadable favorites like mashed potatoes, gravy, or cranberry sauce are subject to travel rules for liquids.

People are allowed to carry-on liquid containers up to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) as long as they all fit in a 1 quart or smaller resealable bag. Any liquid containers larger than that must be in a checked bag.

If you're traveling with more than just food and drinks as gifts, make sure they aren't wrapped. If security agents need to inspect your baggage, they'll have to unwrap the gifts as well.

The TSA also recommends avoiding packing the following in checked bags:

  • Valuables (cash, jewelry).

  • Critical items (medicine, keys, passport, tour vouchers, business papers).

  • Irreplaceable items (manuscript, heirlooms).

  • Fragile items (camera, eyeglasses, glass containers).

  • Perishables.

When in doubt, use the TSA's travel checklist and searchable site of what items are banned in the air.

Traveling to ILM

Most airlines recommend passengers arrive at least two hours prior to the flight's departure time, and even a mid-size airport like Wilmington's can get hectic during the holiday season, so leave ample time to get through check-in and security.

People can also plan ahead by reviewing ILM's map or checking its parking availability online in real time. The airport has six lots, which allow travelers to pay electronically without needing to pass a credit or debit card to a parking attendant.

What if my flight is canceled, delayed or oversold?

The federal transportation department has a dashboard to inform passengers about the services each airline offers to mitigate customer inconvenience due to circumstances within the airline’s control, including re-bookings, meal vouchers and hotel accommodations.

Most airlines will work to rebook passengers free of charge in the event of a delay or cancellation, but they are also required to provide a refund if a passenger doesn't accept the offered alternative. If a passenger is denied boarding due to oversold tickets , the airline must provide a detailed written notice explaining your rights, which often includes a the right to a compensation check.

Reporter John Orona can be reached at 910-343-2327 or jorona@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: flying tips for wilmington travelers this holiday season