Airlines likely to step up their games this holiday season

If you plan to fly this coming holiday week, prepare for frustration, but expect the airlines to be more accommodating.

More than 2.8 million fliers will pass through either O'Hare or Midway international airports between Friday and Nov. 25. That is an 8 percent increase over normal traffic.

The busiest day at O'Hare falls on Monday, with nearly 237,000 expected fliers. At Midway the crush will hit after Thanksgiving on Nov. 25 when 80,000 passengers will shuffle through Chicago's South Side airport.

Despite the hordes, airline and travel expert Terry Trippler is predicting the fallout from this summer's record delays may prod the airlines to step up their game for the holidays.

"They will be very proactive this season," said the resident expert of myvacationpassport.com. "And they are going to have to perform or things are going to happen."

Federal lawmakers are currently trying to push through a measure that would give fliers a bill of rights for airlines to obey. The airlines have also come under fire by the Federal Aviation Administration for overbooking flights.

Trippler said many airlines have beefed up staffing for the holidays and should be more accommodating with reservations and rescheduling after delays and cancellations.

Travelocity senior editor Genevieve Shaw Crown agreed with Trippler, but said flying will still be drudgery during the holidays.

"No mater what the airlines are doing, travelers need to be their own best advocate and plan ahead," she said.

Here are some tips to get through the mess:

• Try to limit luggage to carry-on.

• Put all valuables and medication in one carry-on.

• Arrive at airport at least two hours before flight.

• Check parking and flight information at www.flychicago.com.

• Carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols are limited to 3 ounce containers placed in one 1 quart clear, plastic bag.

• Do not travel with wrapped packages.