Thanksgiving Travel Tips

The Thanksgiving holiday isn’t only the start of shopping season, it’s unrivaled as one of the busiest travel times. And when I say busy, I mean last year well over a 100 million people traveled for the holiday!!

With unexpected weather delays  and every possible flight being booked solid, the key to avoiding as much of nasty stuff as possible is to PLAN AHEAD. Start now and you will ease some of the most common headaches.

General Tips for Thanksgiving Travel

Get started!!!

If you haven’t already booked your flight for Thanksgiving, stop reading and make a plan now! If you’re flying, there’s been so much consolidation in the airlines which means fewer flights and routes than years past. Even if seats are available, they’re just going to get more expensive the closer to Thanksgiving we get. And if you’re driving or taking public transportation, it’s better to have Plans A-D written down now when you’re not stressed. Sometimes all it takes is one bad accident on the road to completely derail a trip home.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

Not only is it a busy time to travel, it’s flu season! Make sure you get your flu and covid shot to avoid the need for post-holiday sick days. If you want to be extra cautious, pack plenty of hand sanitizer and travel sized anti-bacterial wipes, refresh your hand washing techniques, and order some N95 masks.

Always give yourself more time than you think you need.

If you’re used to getting to the airport as close to departure as possible, this is the time you want to give yourself at least two or three hours. Would you rather get through too quickly and have to kill some time in your terminal or miss your flight because security lines were ten times longer than you’re used to?

Get the travel insurance!

Just add it on when you purchase your plane or train ticket. Even better see if your credit card offers travel insurance. It just makes things easier in case you do experience delays or cancellations and need to rebook.

Thanksgiving Travel Tips for Those Flying

Pay for aisle and window.

This, one of the ugliest fees in a slew of bad ones, is especially terrible for families of four who have to shell out an extra $60 each way to sit with one another. With the planes packed and the airports a mosh pit, my feeling is splurge for this one. There’s just no way you’re not getting a middle seat if you don’t.

Double check what is and isn’t allowed through TSA

You’d be surprised at what food you can (and can’t) bring through TSA. Just double check their website. You don’t want to get pulled over and questioned over cranberry sauce!

Fly against the traffic.

Just about all of the United States is traveling at the same time. If your dates are flexible, you could both save money and avoid the peak most stressful times to fly. Google Flights has calendars to show when the cheapest days and times are to fly to your destination. Just mark “my dates are flexible.” Or plan to fly early morning on Thursday, with a return trip on Saturday. Flying early Thursday might be tough, but the airports will be empty and hopefully there’s a mandatory post-Turkey nap policy in your family.

Leave plenty of time.

I’ve said it again and again: Panic sets in when you don’t give yourself enough lead time for crowds or unexpected problems. Because of the holiday, get to the airport AT LEAST two hours before your flight. Best case scenario? You get to really enjoy that pre-flight bloody Mary. Be sure to check-in the night before so you eliminate one potentially long line.

Avoid connecting flights.

If there was ever a time to fly nonstop, it would be now. I know that connecting flights are cheaper, but they are also the weakest link of your itinerary and will leave you vulnerable to major problems for such a short trip. If you miss your connecting flight, the chance of room on another is very slim. No one wants to eat a saran wrapped turkey club from an airport kiosk for Thanksgiving. If you have to connect, leave no less than two hours between flights.

Try to stick to carry-on only.

As I always recommend, pack carry-on only. It’s really easy especially if you’re only traveling for a few days. Between that and saving your plane ticket to your phone ahead of time, you’ll be able to bypass the check-in area and go straight to security. Then when it’s time to disembark, you’ll save time (and potential stress) waiting at baggage claim. Not to mention if you do get stuck with a transfer, you don’t have to worry about your suitcase making it to your next flight.

Always be kind to TSA and airline staff.

As I always recommend, be kind to staff. If this is a stressful day for you, imagine how they must feel! Even if they may come off a bit short or grumpy, always be polite and remember “please” and “thank you.”

Thanksgiving Travel Tips for Those Driving

Make sure your car is in good condition.

When’s the last time you did an inspection? Have you been ignoring any lights that have popped up on your dashboard or interesting sounds when you start your car? Just give your car a once over or maybe take it into a car shop before you find yourself stranded on a major highway!

Check your emergency and first aid kits.

While you’re checking over your car, check to make sure you have what you need in terms of emergency and first aid kids. And on top of that, make sure everything is up to date and not expired.

Pack some snacks and drinks just in case.

Whenever embarking on a road trip, it’s always a good idea to pack plenty of snacks and drinks! At least pack bottled water and some protein bars or granola bars. You never know what could happen, and being hungry and thirsty will only hurt your ability to problem solve. Right before I head out, I also like to pack more perishable items like fruit and easy sandwiches. A particular favorite is those gogo squeez apple sauces!

Share your location with someone just in case.

Right before you head out, share your location with whoever you’re headed to see. I’m not sure on Android phones but on iPhones it’s as easy as going into your messages, clicking on their name, and selecting “Share my location” when their profile comes up.

Before you leave, fill up your gas.

Hopefully you don’t need this reminder but… here it is in case you do,

Drive off peak as much as possible.

The best way to make your drive go as quickly as possible? Drive off peak! If you know you’ll drive by some major cities, try to time it so you’re not driving by them during rush hour. Even better, if you can drive late at night/early in the morning, you’re practically guaranteed empty roads in some parts of the country!

Check your route before leaving.

Before you leave, it’s a good idea to just check your route. Maybe even screenshot it in case something happens where you lose cell service. Even if you rely heavily on navigation, it’s always nice to have a general overview. And while you’re checking your route, just make sure you have all your selections picked or unpicked. Don’t want to add two hours to your trip because you unknowingly clicked “Avoid tolls”!

What are your best holiday travel tips? Share in the comments!

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