As every seasoned traveler knows, whether you’re jetting off to Colorado or the Caribbean, getting from A to B on Dec. 25 is different from any other day of the year. From the almost-deserted departures lounge, to the super-smiley staff – not to mention the price of the ticket in the first place (which you found on Cheapflights.com, of course) – things just aren’t quite the same when you travel on Christmas Day. Here are 15 truths you’ll know if you’ve been there and done it…
1. The line for airport security resembles a scene from “28 Days Later.” Minus the zombies. Where did everybody go?
2. It’s the same story in the departures lounge.
3. Which is a relief since, if you’re getting the train to the airport, it’ll take you eight times as long as usual. Special timetable, you say?
4. It’s OK, because everyone you meet today will be super-smiley on account of the fact it’s Christmas Day.
5. And you can’t help but get caught up in the festive spirit too.
6. Until you realize loads of the airport shops are closed. How the heck are you going to kill time now?
7. But on the plus side, normal food rules don’t apply on Dec. 25. Especially when you’re traveling.
8. Aaaand, since your flight tickets were dirt cheap (especially if you booked with us), you should probably celebrate.
9. That airport scene in “Love Actually?” It’s a real thing. You’ll find yourself hugging a random at some point.
10. If you’re flying somewhere other than home for the holidays, you know all 48 members of your extended family will cram into the front room to wish you Merry Christmas over Skype.
11. It will take them at least 15 minutes to work out how to use the iPad, and your great aunt Barbara will stare blankly at it like it’s the devil’s work.
12. Your friends on Facebook will post photos from back home and you’ll feel homesick for a second.
13. Then you’ll remember you packed a Santa hat — and that you’re traveling and they’re not — and you’ll feel all festive again.
14. You’ll post an in-flight selfie to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram — just to make sure you get the message across. You might Snapchat it too, just to be sure.
15. You’ll decide that flying on Christmas Day is pretty great. But no way are you about to let the rest of the world in on your secret.
Have you ever traveled on Dec. 25? Let us know your Christmas commuter stories in the comments section.