Flight attendants reveal the surprising day to travel ahead of Christmas rush and other hidden tip

If you want to have a peaceful holiday filled with smooth travel and relaxed air time, here is a list of “must do’s” you’ll want to follow before heading to the airport.Former flight attendants from major airlines are sharing their top tips and tricks, including how to secure those coveted upgrades and avoid stress this season.What might be the most surprising and unexpected tip of all is the best day to board a plane — Christmas Eve.“Most people aim to fly home a few days before Christmas, but if you want a smoother experience, consider booking your flight for Christmas Eve instead,” a former flight attendant from American Airlines with over a decade of experience, said in a recent press release from Air and Cruise Parking, an airport parking company based in Tampa, Florida.“Christmas Eve is surprisingly calm.By then, the majority of travelers have already reached their destinations, so the airports are quieter, and flights are often less crowded.

Plus, there’s a festive atmosphere onboard—cabin crews tend to go the extra mile to make it special, whether that’s wearing Santa hats or offering festive treats.”This is a great time to fly with your family or large groups, because you are avoiding the rush of the days leading up to Christmas and Hanukkah.“You skip the earlier rush and still arrive in time to enjoy Christmas.It’s like sneaking in through the back door while everyone else is queued up at the front,” the flight attendant continued.While middle seats are usually ones that you hope to avoid, flight attendants go even further by saying you should avoid seating in the cabin’s middle row — commonly row 11.Specifically, both of the window seats, 11A and 11F, can apparently be the most annoying seats on a flight, because you have a higher chance of exiting more slowly.“If you’re looking for a quick exit, avoid row 11 at all costs,” the flight attendant stated in the press release.“Being in the middle row, especially...