Question about flying on Christmas day
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA 1K, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,055
Question about flying on Christmas day
I have never flown on Christmas day. This year is a first. My wife and I are flying on Delta: SFO-CVG-GSP (the 12:00PM flight SFO-CVG)
My questions:
1. I am not sure what to expect....Are the airports jammed because its Christmas? Or are the airports empty because its Christmas? Is SFO Delta terminal a nightmare?
2. I am assuming SFO-CVG will be an easy upgrade if we are both GM...?
My questions:
1. I am not sure what to expect....Are the airports jammed because its Christmas? Or are the airports empty because its Christmas? Is SFO Delta terminal a nightmare?
2. I am assuming SFO-CVG will be an easy upgrade if we are both GM...?
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Programs: DL PM, HH Diamond, Fairmont Prem, SPG Gold, Priority Club Plat/IC Amb, AmEx Plat
Posts: 10,839
I have never flown on Christmas day. This year is a first. My wife and I are flying on Delta: SFO-CVG-GSP (the 12:00PM flight SFO-CVG)
My questions:
1. I am not sure what to expect....Are the airports jammed because its Christmas? Or are the airports empty because its Christmas? Is SFO Delta terminal a nightmare?
2. I am assuming SFO-CVG will be an easy upgrade if we are both GM...?
My questions:
1. I am not sure what to expect....Are the airports jammed because its Christmas? Or are the airports empty because its Christmas? Is SFO Delta terminal a nightmare?
2. I am assuming SFO-CVG will be an easy upgrade if we are both GM...?
I will say, on Christmas Day, everybody justs seem to be in a better mood.
#4
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: DL, Hilton, National
Posts: 834
Perhaps early in the morning is busier, but I've flown out on Christmas night now for years and always found that the airports are pretty empty. When I was on UA, I can remember the RCC being almost completely empty, and always appreciated hearing CH 9 and ATC and the captains wishing each other Merry Christmas.
On DL, I've found upgrades always cleared at most levels, and there is a good spirit about people.
On DL, I've found upgrades always cleared at most levels, and there is a good spirit about people.
#6
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: TPA-MKE-PHX
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Airports are only as busy as the number of flights flying. Airlines cut back on flights Christmas, so it will be less busy, in the terminal. but, the plane will be full so not-so-much there.
I often think we confuse busy with inexperienced. There are not that many extra flights the day before Thanksgiving--if any at all--but it can appear busier because those flying are inexperienced. Lines are slower, it takes longer for agents to explain things etc.
I often think we confuse busy with inexperienced. There are not that many extra flights the day before Thanksgiving--if any at all--but it can appear busier because those flying are inexperienced. Lines are slower, it takes longer for agents to explain things etc.
#7
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: DTW/FNT
Programs: Delta (nee NW), Hilton Diamond. IHG (PT)
Posts: 4,823
Airports are only as busy as the number of flights flying. Airlines cut back on flights Christmas, so it will be less busy, in the terminal. but, the plane will be full so not-so-much there.
I often think we confuse busy with inexperienced. There are not that many extra flights the day before Thanksgiving--if any at all--but it can appear busier because those flying are inexperienced. Lines are slower, it takes longer for agents to explain things etc.
I often think we confuse busy with inexperienced. There are not that many extra flights the day before Thanksgiving--if any at all--but it can appear busier because those flying are inexperienced. Lines are slower, it takes longer for agents to explain things etc.
and crowds at the airport are larger because there are more meet and greeters
one advantage of traveling on any holiday is traffic away from the airports tends to be lighter
Bob H
#8
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Finally back in Boston after escaping from New York
Posts: 13,643
I've always found both the airports and airplanes to be sparse. If flying on Christmas Day, I usually bring the FA's a SBUX card or something as a present.
Mike
Mike
#9
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Paris, France
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 2,874
Depends where you're flying. We did LGA-FLL on Christmas Day last year and it was an absolute zoo at the gate. Every flight was overbooked and they were offering a mere $400 to go two days later... obviously no takers and they IDBed passengers. No upgrades were given out to anyone, the GA just moved overbooked coach passengers into first. (I know this because the guy next to me offered for me to switch seats with his wife in first class who had been randomly assigned there.) Was not a very pleasant experience.
#10
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: DTW
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Posts: 954
Christmas Day travel -> "It depends" like others have said.
The airlines pull-down their schedule for a lot of late night Christmas eve and Christmas morning flights in certain destinations, traditional business destinations and small markets.
On the other hand, demand to leisure destinations on Christmas day is typically quite strong.
Christmas morning is typically busier than one might think for two reasons:
1) People who couldn't fly out earlier since they have to work Christmas eve (retail industry)
2) Bargain-hunters, typically much cheaper than the days prior
3) Leisure / vacation trips (e.g. NYC - Florida, Ski markets, etc.)
That said, it usually drops off by midday.
I would think that GM's on SFO-CVG should get upgraded quite easily on Christmas day. The DM road warriors are all comfortably at home opening their presents under the tree, enjoying their time off after a long year of slogging around the world.
The airlines pull-down their schedule for a lot of late night Christmas eve and Christmas morning flights in certain destinations, traditional business destinations and small markets.
On the other hand, demand to leisure destinations on Christmas day is typically quite strong.
Christmas morning is typically busier than one might think for two reasons:
1) People who couldn't fly out earlier since they have to work Christmas eve (retail industry)
2) Bargain-hunters, typically much cheaper than the days prior
3) Leisure / vacation trips (e.g. NYC - Florida, Ski markets, etc.)
That said, it usually drops off by midday.
I would think that GM's on SFO-CVG should get upgraded quite easily on Christmas day. The DM road warriors are all comfortably at home opening their presents under the tree, enjoying their time off after a long year of slogging around the world.
#12
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MCO
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Wife and I flew on Christmas Day a few years ago, flying out of ORD early evening. The airport was more like a tomb than a zoo. No waiting at all in the security line but as others have said, maybe it is a hit-or-miss thing.
#13
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Paris, France
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 2,874
Christmas morning is typically busier than one might think for two reasons:
1) People who couldn't fly out earlier since they have to work Christmas eve (retail industry)
2) Bargain-hunters, typically much cheaper than the days prior
3) Leisure / vacation trips (e.g. NYC - Florida, Ski markets, etc.)
1) People who couldn't fly out earlier since they have to work Christmas eve (retail industry)
2) Bargain-hunters, typically much cheaper than the days prior
3) Leisure / vacation trips (e.g. NYC - Florida, Ski markets, etc.)
#14
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: LA
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 225
Last year, all flights at Christmas were a mess because of the weather. Delta was preemptively canceling flights left and right, so the airports got really ugly at times.
Normally, for a 12pm flight on Christmas day, the airport is bound to look about the same as any other day. However, as folks have stated, the amount of flights is actually less than normal, but the travellers tend to be more inexperienced. The nice part is that when you arrive at your destination at night, the airport will be dead. So, you'll be able to grab you bags and get out of the airport quickly.
Normally, for a 12pm flight on Christmas day, the airport is bound to look about the same as any other day. However, as folks have stated, the amount of flights is actually less than normal, but the travellers tend to be more inexperienced. The nice part is that when you arrive at your destination at night, the airport will be dead. So, you'll be able to grab you bags and get out of the airport quickly.
#15
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: National Capitol Region
Programs: Delta Dirt Medallion,AA,USairways, WN Rapid Rewards, National Emerald Club
Posts: 3,912
Last year, all flights at Christmas were a mess because of the weather. Delta was preemptively canceling flights left and right, so the airports got really ugly at times.
Normally, for a 12pm flight on Christmas day, the airport is bound to look about the same as any other day. However, as folks have stated, the amount of flights is actually less than normal, but the travellers tend to be more inexperienced. The nice part is that when you arrive at your destination at night, the airport will be dead. So, you'll be able to grab you bags and get out of the airport quickly.
Normally, for a 12pm flight on Christmas day, the airport is bound to look about the same as any other day. However, as folks have stated, the amount of flights is actually less than normal, but the travellers tend to be more inexperienced. The nice part is that when you arrive at your destination at night, the airport will be dead. So, you'll be able to grab you bags and get out of the airport quickly.
So be aware that you could be stranded for quite some time due to overbookings/capacity reductions/weather/crew sicks or shortages.
Last edited by hazelrah; Oct 28, 2011 at 12:16 pm