Aiming to be home for Christmas without the stress of travel delays? A recent survey may have just the insights you need. The 2023 Christmas Travel Survey conducted by travel booking site The Vacationeer offers valuable data points for holiday travelers, drawing from responses from over 1,000 participants.

Key findings from the survey include:

1. Record Number of Travelers: Approximately 131 million Americans are expected to travel during the winter holiday season, representing a significant increase from the previous year.
2. Busier Airports: With 50.44 percent of Americans planning to travel, compared to 42.98 percent last year, airports are expected to be busier. The peak travel days are forecasted to be from Dec. 21 to Dec. 23.
3. Strategic Travel Days: To avoid airport congestion, the survey recommends flying on or before Dec. 20 for a smoother travel experience.
4. Deals on Christmas Day: Travelers seeking budget-friendly options may find discounted flights on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, as airlines tend to have available seats at reduced prices with fewer passengers.
5. Confidence in Travel: Over 59 percent of American adults express little or no confidence in airlines’ ability to avoid excessive delays and cancellations during the holiday season. In contrast, nearly 7 percent are “extremely confident” in airlines’ capabilities.

Eric Jones, CEO of The Vacationeer, notes in the survey’s analysis that recent travel challenges have contributed to reduced confidence in airlines’ performance.

To further enhance the holiday travel experience, airlines and travel experts recommend specific strategies. United Airlines suggests utilizing its mobile app for convenient updates, while Delta Air Lines advises arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. These tips aim to help passengers navigate the festive season with greater ease and efficiency.