Avoid the Nightmare: Expert Tips for Navigating Crowded Holiday Airports

4. Build Financial and Rebooking Backup Plans

Prepare financially for disruptions so you can choose the fastest recovery rather than the cheapest short-term option. Some executives, like Frontier CEO Barry Biffle, have suggested buying backup tickets on separate carriers for critical travel, though that advice drew controversy because it’s costly and impractical for many travelers (Yahoo News, Nov 2025). Practical alternatives include refundable or flexible fares, travel insurance that covers cancellations, and carrier policies that waive change fees during major events. Before you book, read the fare rules: confirm refundability, credit policies, and how quickly an airline will re-accommodate passengers after a cancellation. Create a simple decision rule at booking: if the trip is critical, accept the higher refundable fare; if it’s discretionary, rely on travel insurance or a credit-card travel protection policy. Keep a small emergency fund or card with available balance to pay for last-minute changes if needed. That preparation reduces panic and gives you bargaining room during rebooking.