[Skip to content](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/less-stress-more-joy-how-to-sleigh-holiday-travel-this-season#maincontent) [Newsroom](https://www.t-mobile.com/news)Toggle secondary navigation - [Network](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/network) - [Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/devices) - [Un-carrier](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/un-carrier) - [Community](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/community) - [Offers](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/offers) - [Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/business) English [CommunityCategory](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/community)[Story](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/story) # Less Stress, More Joy: How to Sleigh Holiday Travel This Season By T-Mobile StoriesDecember 20, 2024 From free in-flight Wi-Fi to hassle-free car rentals, T‑Mobile has your back this holiday season — because travel should be merry, not messy  5 min read - Facebook IconShare on Facebook - Share on Twitter - LinkedIn IconShare on LinkedIn The most wonderful (and hectic) time of the year is here. With a record-breaking [119](https://newsroom.aaa.com/2024/12/year-end-forecast/) [million](https://newsroom.aaa.com/2024/12/year-end-forecast/) people expected to travel for Christmas — and [80 million](https://newsroom.aaa.com/2024/11/nearly-80-million-americans-expected-to-travel-over-thanksgiving/) already hitting the road over Thanksgiving — the holiday rush is in full swing. But let’s be real — between crowded airports, jammed highways and last-minute hiccups, holiday travel can dampen even the jolliest of spirits. Luckily, with a little prep (and maybe a killer holiday playlist — [Wham!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gmARGvPlI) anyone?), you can navigate the hustle and bustle without wanting to scream into your travel pillow. Whether you’re flying coast-to-coast or road-tripping to Grandma’s, these moves can help keep your holiday vibes merry and bright. #### __Stay Connected from Takeoff to Touchdown__ T‑Mobile customers on our best Go5G plans can enjoy [free in-flight Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/benefits/travel/in-flight-wifi) on major airlines like Alaska, American, Delta and United, keeping them connected to what matters at 30,000 feet. Whether it’s [tracking Santa](https://www.noradsanta.org/en) with the kids or bingeing your favorite shows, staying connected midair has never been easier. Plus, if you’re flying Delta, T‑Mobile makes sure *everyone* on board gets free Wi-Fi — T‑Mobile customer or not. Sweet, huh? #### __Stream Your Favorite Shows Anywhere__ Long layovers? *Woof*. Delayed flights? *Gross*. No one likes rocky travel, but everyone likes free streaming — and T‑Mobile customers on Go5G Next get access to the best entertainment streaming bundle in wireless. With [Apple TV+ on Us](https://www.t-mobile.com/tv-streaming/apple-tv-plus-deal), [Hulu on Us](https://www.t-mobile.com/tv-streaming/hulu-on-us-deal) and [Netflix on Us](https://www.t-mobile.com/tv-streaming/netflix-on-us), (plus [MLB.TV](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/mlb-renewal-2023) each season) customers get $35 in monthly streaming perks — and zero reason to ever be bored while traveling to their destination. #### __Save Big on Hotels and Car Rentals__ Holiday travel costs add up, but T‑Mobile helps customers save in a massive way through [Magenta Status](https://www.t-mobile.com/benefits). With 15% off Hilton’s 22 leading hotel brands worldwide, and an upgrade to Hilton Honors Silver, T‑Mobile customers can save big while living large. Plus, when you rent with Dollar, you can skip the hassle of refueling before returning your car. And with Hertz, there’s no need to recharge an electric vehicle before drop-off either. Just hand over the keys and head off to your next holiday adventure, no extra stops required. #### __Know When to Hit the Road (or Sky)__ Timing can make all the difference when it comes to travel. The weekend of Dec. 20–22 is expected to be the [busiest of the season](https://www.expedia.com/newsroom/expedia-holiday-travel-outlook-book-holiday-flights-before-halloween-and-save-up-to-150/) for airports. So, if your plans allow, opt to fly on Christmas Eve or even Christmas Day, when there are [fewer crowds and cheaper airfare](https://www.expedia.com/newsroom/expedia-holiday-travel-outlook-book-holiday-flights-before-halloween-and-save-up-to-150/). Airports are [likely to remain busy](https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/flying-for-christmas-best-days#:~:text=According%20to%20Expedia's%202024%20Holiday,ahead%20of%20New%20Year's%20Eve.) through at least Dec. 29, so avoid flying until after then if possible — and if not, be sure to download a nice E-book and some extra patience.  #### __Pack Smart, Travel Light__ No one wants to lug an overstuffed bag through crowded terminals or play Tetris with multiple big bags and a trunk. Keep it simple: Stick to the essentials, pack versatile clothing and choose gifts that don’t need their own suitcase. If you’re still looking for ideas, [tech gifts](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/devices/5-tech-gifts-this-mom-influencer-loves) make a great option — they’re compact, practical and sure to impress even the grinchiest of people on your list. #### __Turn Travel Apps into Your Co-Pilot__ With a [surge](https://businesstravelerusa.com/news/flight-delays-troubled-us-airports/#:~:text=The%20Most%20Delay%2DProne%20Airports%20of%202024&text=System%20outages%2C%20staffing%20shortages%2C%20and,have%20also%20compounded%20the%20issue.&text=Following%20SFO%2C%20other%20airports%20with,%28DFW%29%20at%2026.46%20percent.) in flight disruptions in 2024, staying ahead of delays has never been more important. Travel apps like [FlightAware](https://www.flightaware.com/) and [Waze](https://www.waze.com/apps/) are great tools to keep you informed about real-time updates on flight changes or driving routes, while T‑Mobile’s industry-leading [5G network](https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/network) keeps you connected where your holiday plans take you. Not a T‑Mobile customer? No problem — you can try out America’s largest, fastest and most awarded network for free for three months using [Network Pass](https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/free-trial) and experience the Un-carrier difference. #### __Take Advantage of Credit Card Perks__ You may not even realize you’re eligible for an upgraded travel experience through your credit cards. [Check your cards](https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/airport-lounge-access) for travel benefits like airport lounge access to have a quiet space to recharge (literally and figuratively) and refresh (hello Delta One [lounge shower suite](https://onemileatatime.com/news/delta-one-lounge-new-york-jfk-airport/)!) away from the crowds. And don’t sleep on those rewards points — this is the perfect time to cash them in for travel or to shave a little off your holiday expenses. While credit cards can elevate your holiday travel experience, it’s also important to stay vigilant and take some extra steps to make sure you stay safe and have a [scam-free holiday season](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/5-ways-to-stay-safe-and-secure-this-holiday-season). #### __Stay Healthy on the Go__ Traveling during the holidays means spending time in close quarters with people in airports, cars, train stations and more — and germs are bound to tag along for the ride. Airplane tray-table surfaces have been found with more than [eight times](https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/advice/how-dirty-are-planes/) the amount of bacteria per square inch than even the toilet flush buttons. To help [keep you and your phone healthy](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/tips-to-keep-your-device-and-yourself-healthy-this-cold-and-flu-season) during the holiday travel madness, keep hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes within easy reach to clean your hands and phone on the reg. Also maybe say no to those festive in-flight cocktails (it exacerbates [altitude symptoms](https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/tips-for-plane-travel)!) and stay hydrated instead with your trusty refillable water bottle, because nobody’s got time for a post-travel crash when the holiday fun is just getting started. Now let’s face it, not every trip goes perfectly — and that’s okay. Focus on what you *can* control, like building in extra time, triple-checking plans and leaning into what really matters this holiday season: good vibes, shared laughs and the [gratitude](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/how-your-phone-can-help-you-dial-up-your-gratitude-game) that comes from spending time with people you love. Happy holidays and safe travels! Qualifying plans required for full suite of benefits; see here for details: www.t‑mobile.com/status. See T‑Mobile Tuesdays for current offers and details. __Hilton__: Deposit & Hilton Honors Membership required for 15% discount. Subject to availability at participating hotels. Terms & conditions apply. Tags[5G](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/5g)[Consumers](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/consumers)[Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/devices)[Holiday](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/holiday)[Travel](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/travel) ## Related Stories [More Stories](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/community) [ \ DevicesPress Release \ __America’s Best Network. Pixel 11 Pro XL on Us. Only at T‑Mobile__ \ August 12, 2026|7 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/devices/google-pixel-11-series-lands-at-t-mobile) [ \ NetworkPress Release \ __How T‑Mobile Built a Network Ready for One of the Largest Live Events in U.S. History__ \ July 24, 2026|6 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-built-a-network-ready-for-largest-live-events-in-u-s-history) [ \ CommunityStory \ __Free to Wander: Expert Advice on Exploring With Confidence and Peace of Mind__  \ July 10, 2026|8 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/free-to-wander-expert-advice) [ \ NetworkPress Release \ __Inside the Network: How T‑Mobile Is Helping Keep People Connected Across Host Cities (Updated July 1, 2026)__   \ June 24, 2026|5 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/how-t-mobile-is-keeping-people-connected-across-host-cities)