Traveling by Plane for New Year's Eve? How to Prepare for the Busiest Days of the Season

If you're traveling by plane around New Year's Eve, one thing is certain: you won't be alone. The winter break and holiday period is one of the busiest times of the year at airports – across Europe and in Hungary alike.

According to aviation experts, this year's and next year's data show that the appetite for air travel remains strong, while capacity in many places is at its limit. In practice, this means more passengers, fuller flights, and more crowded terminals.

🎄 Why Is the Holiday Period So Crowded?

The New Year's period is special because it sees the simultaneous appearance of:

• crowds of family visitors,
• waves of people heading to ski resorts, sunny destinations, or city breaks,
• and returning business travelers and Hungarians living abroad.

According to expert estimates, on peak days 60–90 minutes more time is needed for check-in, security screening, and boarding than on an average travel day.

🌍 Where Is the Heaviest Traffic Expected?

Europe's busiest airports are particularly strained during this time, including:

• London Heathrow
• Istanbul
• Paris – Charles de Gaulle
• Amsterdam Schiphol
• Madrid–Barajas

For Hungarian passengers, London Luton and Stansted are particularly important, where increased traffic is noticeable days before the holidays.

⏰ How to Prepare for a Stress-Free Departure?

If you're flying during the holidays, these tips can save you a lot of hassle:

✔️ Arrive at the airport earlier
No exaggeration: on holiday peak days, it's worth being at the terminal at least 3 hours before departure.

✔️ Handle everything online in advance
Online check-in, digital boarding pass, pre-selected seat — these count a lot when queues are long.

✔️ Prepare for security screening
Liquids, electronics, jacket — if everything is at hand and properly packed, you'll save a lot of time.

✔️ Think about parking too
Airport parking lots also fill up quickly before the holidays. If you arrive by car, you can secure your spot with advance booking and won't have to hunt for parking when departing.

✨ Summary

The New Year's period is a fantastic time for travel — it just requires a bit more planning. Due to increased traffic, more time, more patience, and a little foresight are key to making your trip about the experiences, not about queuing.

If you arrive on time, book parking in advance, and set off prepared, even the departure will be part of the relaxation. 😊

Wishing you pleasant travels and a New Year full of experiences! 🎆✈️