Traveling during Thanksgiving is not for the faint of heart.
In fact, travel experts report that the Sunday after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the entire year.
So if you’re eager to fly home for the holidays but want to survive your flight – check out our top tips below.
If You’re On Time For Your Flight – You’re Late
We all know that person (or maybe you are that person) who always pushes it down to the very last minute to make their flight on time.
But during the Thanksgiving season – it is just not the time to stand in a long line to get a fresh cup of coffee before your early flight – or sleep in “just a little while longer” before speeding to the airport.
The sheer number of people traveling coupled with the ineffectiveness of the TSA is bound to create long lines and massive delays.
I’d recommend getting to the airport a minimum of 2.5 hours before your domestic flight – just to play it safe.
Know What The TSA Will Plan To Steal From You
Don’t count on bringing some of grandma’s cranberry sauce and gravy back on the plane with you for a mid-flight snack.
The TSA is serious about their liquid “rules” … and even take pleasure in watching people have to pitch their stuff.
Unless you have a 3.4-ounce jar of salad dressing that will meet the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule – save yourself the hassle and don’t pack it in your carry-on bag.
Also, make sure you know the rules of where you are traveling to and what you have to declare – the last thing you want to do is pay a ridiculous fine like this traveler who was forced to pay $1,874 for two undeclared Egg McMuffins.
Extend Your Trip
If you can – fly back after the Thanksgiving rush so the airports will be a bit more manageable.
Avoid traveling the day before Thanksgiving through the Sunday after at all costs.
According to AAA – this Thanksgiving is supposed to be even busier than last year.
CNN reported:
“With 54.6 million people expected to travel over the holiday period — a 1.5% increase from 2021, this Thanksgiving is expected to be the third busiest since AAA started tracking travel volume in 2000.”
It looks like despite Biden’s inflation – Proud American Travelers are determined to spend time with mom and dad this Thanksgiving season.
Seriously – Don’t Check A Bag
You know how much we despise checking a bag – as we often tell you horror stories of lost luggage and ruined trips.
Yet some people still insist.
But really… if you’re only traveling for a few days – you don’t need to check a bag.
Select outfits you can mix and match.
And don’t pack a bunch of “flight entertainment” like big books you’ll never read.
Keep it light.
Not only will it save you time at the airport – but it will get you to your loved ones sooner instead of spending hours trying to locate your stuff at baggage claim.
Consider Alternative Methods
We know Biden’s disastrous financial policies have forced Americans to hold onto their wallets.
Not everyone has the money to fly this year, and that’s okay.
If your family doesn’t live too far away – consider a road trip.
No gas isn’t cheap – but at least you can leave at your own convenience – and avoid the headache of long lines and TSA agents groping your body.
Or – consider hosting Thanksgiving this year and make people come to you!
But whatever you do – savor every moment.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Do you plan to fly Thanksgiving weekend?
If so, what are you planning to do in order to survive the airport chaos?
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