Travel Tips for Last-Minute Holiday Travel By Jane Farrell Last-minute plans can be fun ΓÇô an impromptu family reunion or a spur-of-the-moment getaway, but youΓÇÖre not guaranteed a great time, especially around the holidays, if youΓÇÖre not smart about potential difficulties in the age of the pandemic. Travel insurance expert Rajeev Shrivastava, CEO of VisitorsCoverage.com, a Silicon Valley-based travel insurance marketplace, offers some smart last-minute holiday travel tips. Here are some of his suggestions for a smooth trip: Be ready for airport hassle: Last year TSA screened more than 1 million airline passengers during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. This year itΓÇÖs estimated to be another busy weekend along with staffing shortages (i.e. TSA agents, airport personal and flight crew) combined with common weather delays. If you havenΓÇÖt already, get a TSA precheck approval that will enable you to skip the lines. And donΓÇÖt wait until the last minute to get to the airport! Direct airline bookings vs online travel agencies: While itΓÇÖs advisable to book directly with the airline to make potential delays/cancellations easier on you, sometimes online travel agencies just have an irresistible deal. Regardless of who you book with, be aware of the ticketΓÇÖs policies. If your flight is disrupted by an unruly passenger or a more serious mechanical problem, youΓÇÖll want to know what youΓÇÖre entitled to before you go. DonΓÇÖt check baggage: If anything happens it complicates things when your bag is checked to, possibly, the wrong destination. ItΓÇÖs much easier to take your carry-on with you so you donΓÇÖt have to worry about your baggage. Trip insurance: It costs as low as $40 and can help offset the cost of an overnight hotel stay, meals, rebook flights, and more. Extra tip: trip insurance needs to be purchased at least one day before the trip.