Flying for Christmas? Avoid 3 travel mistakes that ruin holiday trips and get people in trouble

With millions of Americans preparing to fly to see family or friends for the holidays, a former flight attendant is warning travelers not to commit common mistakes that can turn Christmas air travel into complete chaos - or make it far more unpleasant than it has to be.

Others weighed in as well on these issues. 

Extra items add to a plane's weight and frequently create headaches when it comes to fitting bags into the overhead bins.

"If you can, ship gifts over before you travel so you have less to bring with you," Taylor suggested.

Taylor said the scramble for space often forces crew members to intervene, slowing down boarding and sometimes resulting in passengers having their bags removed from the cabin.

Travelers who rely solely on carry-ons are the most likely to be affected when bins fill up.

"Don't encroach on another person's personal space," Whitmore said.

Passengers often underestimate how long they may be sitting on the runway - and how cold the cabin can get while they wait.

"Always take a piece of warm clothing with you, even if you're jetting off to Jamaica," she said. "You could be sitting on the runway for a while, and the air conditioning, which can be quite warm, does usually run cold in different parts of the aircraft."

Flights arriving from colder destinations, such as New York, are especially prone to additional delays because of snow or de-icing, Taylor added.

Whitmore said proper etiquette during winter delays is just as important as preparation beforehand.

She urged holiday travelers to arrive at the airport two to three hours ahead of boarding - and to "expect the unexpected."

She said frustration with delays or overcrowding issues can lead travelers to lash out improperly at crew members, said Taylor. 

"We're human, just like you," Taylor said. 

She noted that yelling at flight attendants does nothing to speed up delays or resolve issues, as crews are often given information at the last minute themselves.

"Use some humanity," she urged, during the season. 

Whitmore agreed that remaining respectful is key even when travel goes wrong.

"Flight attendants are there for your safety, not to wait on you hand and foot," she said.