I recently flew out to Colorado to visit family.  Now that the holidays are approaching I know more and more people are asking the question - should I stay or should I go?  I do think there are many things to consider when it comes to visiting family over the holidays and the choice to fly or not is a big one.  I felt safe flying last week but some things are changing which might make you reconsider which airline you choose.   Here are 3 things to keep in mind if you are planning to fly - 

Smaller might be better  
   This flight to Colorado was my first time flying since we moved so it was the first time I wasn't going  to fly out of Orlando airport.   We now live close to a few smaller airports with Fort Myers (RSW) being the best option for this flight since Southwest offered non-stop to Denver (and I also had expiring credit with Southwest).   Fort Myers is a much smaller airport than Orlando which I actually found to be a bonus right now.   We walked right up to check bags and made it through security with barely seeing another traveler.   Walking through the terminal we saw people waiting at their gates but everyone had plenty of space to social distance.  Another bonus of a smaller airport is that we didn't have to get on any kind of train to get from security to the terminal like you do at bigger airports.   When we arrived in Denver having to get on the train that takes you to bag claim was when I noticed the most people bunched up.   If you have the option to fly out of or into a smaller airport it might be a better way to go for awhile.  

You might have to sit next to someone
  Airlines are starting to change the policy for giving you more space on the plane.  We flew Southwest which at this time is only selling enough seats to allow for the middle to be empty in each row.  I love this and am sad to hear they are planning to stop doing that as of December 1.   Many other airlines were also keeping capacity limited to allow travelers more room but are also pretty much ending that by the end of this year - many of them even before the holidays.   Delta recently announced that they will keep the middle seats open through March which I think is great!   I am hoping maybe the other lines will change their minds and do the same however since American and United have been selling every seat since summer so I am not sure the other lines will want to match Delta.  If you want to check on what all the airlines are doing here is a Forbes article that looks to be updated often.   I understand that the airlines really cannot afford to leave seats empty but right now I do think having that extra space between people helps and might play a big factor in people flying at all.  

Don't be that Hangry person
   Most of the airlines have either completely shut down in flight food and beverage service or they have a very limited service.   When I last flew in May Southwest wasn't offering any food or drinks onboard.  This time around they did offer a cup of water and a snack which was nice but might not be enough for you.   Packing something to eat is a good idea to avoid paying those higher airport prices but just make sure you pack something that can go through security.   There is no way to bring a drink with you through security but you could bring an empty bottle to refill.  If you are planning to grab food at the airport keep in mind not all of the places will be open.  Not only does that limit your choices but it also means longer lines at the places that are open.  If you don't have time to eat what you bought before boarding don't worry you can bring it onboard and you are able to remove your mask on the plane while actively eating or drinking.  

If you do decide to fly this holiday season it will be different than any other year and I hope that I have helped you be better prepared.

   For those that know me you would agree that I am pretty low maintenance.  I don't use much make up, or other devices for my hair, so that saves a lot of space.  I am not a shoe person so rarely travel with more than one pair.   I also tend to put on my rose colored glasses when it comes to the weather forecast for where I am traveling and I just want to believe that it will be perfect weather and I won't need any rain gear or stuff like that.   So why is it that I do not travel carry on  only?

Are you up for the challenge of traveling carry on only?   There are certainly some advantages but of course also some disadvantages as well.   
First up the PROS:
#1 - Less waiting.  You do not have to get in line to check your bag or have to wait for your bag to show up on the carousel.  
#2 - No lost luggage.  You know where your bag is so you are the only one that can lose it.
#3 - Save money on bag fees (although that might not be true on all airlines)
#4 - Easy access.  Everything you are traveling with will be just above you so you can get it at anytime during your flight.
#5 - Less weight to lug around from one place to the next.

Now the CONS:
#1 - Limited space.   You will have to narrow down what you take along with you.  
#2 - Prohibited items.  Some things cannot be carried on so you will have to really think about those liquids and other items that cannot be carried onto a plane.
#3 - Extra work.  You might have to do laundry while on vacation since you cannot pack as many clothes.
#4 - No Overhead Left - Sometimes it seems like everyone is doing carry on only and that overhead bin space fills up for your get on and then you end up having to check in anyway.  
#5 - Lifting - you have to be able to lift that bag up into the overhead and get it out.  

Before taking the leap to carry only traveling it is smart to do some pre-planning.  You will want to be sure you choose the right bag.   Since you are going to squeeze everything you need into this bag be sure it is something that makes it a little easier.   While some people might prefer a backpack for their carry on I definitely prefer the rolling bag.   I have heard some amazing things about Away   I think it will be my next purchase to try out.  (if you use that link to buy one we both save $20).