I first published this “Air Travelers Holiday Wish List” in 2002. That first year, some airline employees found it and told me that they loved it and shared it with the office.
Are these air travel holiday wishes still desired today? Are any list items worse today than in 2002?

The following is the last verse, to be sung to the tune of the popular Christmas Carol, “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Enjoy!
Air Travelers Holiday Wish List
On the Twelfth Flight of Christmas, the airlines** should give us:
Undamaged Baggage
Pleasant Customer Service
Easier Check-in
No Overbookings
More Non-stop Flights, Please
Better Eating Choices
Convenient Parking
L O W E R A I R F A R E S
Increased Leg Room
More jetBlues***
Fewer Delays and
NO Lines at Se-cu-ri-ty
** Sure, the airlines are not to blame for every air travel problem. What fun is there in teasing the airports or FAA?
*** Substitute “Southwest” for “jetBlue,” if desired.

Happy Holidays!
Charles McCool
author, Winning the Airfare Game
See also our articles about Happy Festivus: Airing of (Travel) Grievances and Holiday Flight Tips.
You and me both!! A very accurate list!! Happy Holidays!!
Ha, thank you, Marilyn. Best wishes to you.
Undamaged or unlost baggage is a big one! I’ve certainly had both over the years. Wishing you safe and happy travels, Charles.
Thank you, Doreen. You, also. Happy chocolate dreams.
Easier check-in, no queues and can we somehow get rid of jet lag too?
Love that. Maybe I will update the lyric to include teleportation.
Guess the more things change the more they stay the same. Happy Holidays!n
Nice observation, Sue.
Wish seems to be the operative word here. Wouldn’t it be nice? Usually we just try to avoid flying over the holidays.
Smart strategy. Thank you.
So…. after I finish typing this comment, I’m going to have to contact Sampsonite to get my 29′” spinner fixed because the handlers literally ripped the zipper half off it on this last trip. It’s the most wonderful time of the year…….
Oh, that stinks, Romeo. Good luck.
Doesn’t seem like anything’s changed since 2002! I’d add “No turbulence!”
Sadly not. Thank you, Rachel.
Great list that wraps up everything I hope for each time I travel by air It’s strange to remember that there used to be a time when flying was a fun adventure! Anita
Exactly. I also once loved to fly. Now I feel lucky if I simply arrive without incident.
Totally agree with your list Charles! In a perfect flying world, hey! Now I can’t get the tune out of my head 😉 Merry Christmas 🙂
Hope the song catches on all the way to an international broadcast!
I actually sang along in my head as I was reading it…so very true for every traveler. Add no screaming children (not the airlines fault either, but while I’m wishing…)! Happy Holidays!
Good addition to the list. Thank you for singing along, Marilyn!