Top tips to survive air travel this festive season

With the air travel industry's economic recovery at pre-Covid levels, airports are going to be back at almost full capacity this month.

Consumer journalist Wendy Knowler got some tips directly from the airlines to make these trips easier for everyone.

The main piece of advice that she got is not a very surprising one.

"Arrive at the airport a little earlier than usual, it's always so wild and busy... it just works out far better for everybody."

Don't forget that even if you check in online beforehand, you still need that extra time to check your luggage... and ensure that it is within the specified weight range. 

Always get travel insurance to cover all possible issues that could arise, including delays.

Also don't forget to check exactly what the security guidelines are for the airline you're using, in terms of what you can have on you for the airport scanners, or in your hand luggage.

Some of the more unusual tips that Knowler received included the legal amount of cannabis one can travel with on a domestic flight (5 grams or less), the best shoes to wear (avoid those high heels), which food you can bring with for in-flight snacks (leave the leftover curry at home), and don't forget your headphones or air pods if you want to watch your own movie on your own device.

To listen to Wendy Knowler in conversation with CapeTalk’s Pippa Hudson, click the audio below: