“I think the shutdown at this point is history for air travel,” said Sheldon Jacobson, an airport and airline operations expert. “Airlines are very aware of this time of year. They know exactly what they need to do.” “The real challenge is to make sure Travelers can help themselves“.
Here’s a guide to navigating the busiest travel week of the year:
How busy can he be?
Travel forecast calls for busy airports and roads.
After a week Lifting unprecedented flight restrictions Put on commercial airlines During lockdownThe Federal Aviation Administration is bracing for its busiest Thanksgiving week in 15 years, with more than 360,000 flights scheduled between Monday and next Tuesday. This means more than 17.8 million people will be screened by the TSA.
AAA expects there will be 1.3 million more passengers on the roads than last year, bringing the total number of people traveling by car to at least 73 million.
Winter weather
You can’t control the weather, but you can control how prepared you are in the event of a winter storm. If your flight was canceled or delayed, would you drive instead or postpone or cancel your flight? Knowing your options in advance can reduce stress if a storm leaves you stranded.
James Belanger, vice president of meteorology at The Weather Company, recommends checking the forecast frequently as you plan your trip.
The Weather Channel presents A Weekly Thanksgiving forecast Highlighting major airports and highways that could be affected by severe weather – including snow, ice and rain – plus a free online tool that shows how weather can affect your travel route.
On Tuesday, the FAA’s busiest day with more than 52,000 flights scheduled, meteorologists say rain could cause problems in the Pacific Northwest and for most eastern U.S. airports in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington, D.C., could be affected, according to the Weather Channel.
What to Pack (And What to Skip)
Jacobson, whose research helped design TSA PreCheck, recommends starting the packing process by emptying it.
Check each pocket in case TSA-restricted items, such as full-sized bottles, have been left behind from a previous flight. This simple check can help you get through security faster, especially when airports are crowded.
If you’re traveling with gifts, Jacobson suggests wrapping them at your destination because TSA agents may need to open them.
When deciding what clothes and shoes to pack, Belanger says to check the temperature to get a better sense of the weather, especially if you’re not used to the cold.
And don’t forget Real ID required To travel within the United States, you will need to bring another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or military ID.
People with iPhones can now also add their files US passport details to Apple Walletwhich can be scanned at participating airports if travelers do not have a Real ID. More than a dozen states already accept some form of mobile ID at airport checkpoints, and travelers can go TSA website For more details.
Road trip ready
Whether driving is your best option or your backup plan, AAA spokeswoman Aixa Diaz suggests checking your tires, car battery and fluids, then hitting the road with a full tank of gas as soon as possible to avoid traffic. Last year, AAA said it responded to nearly 600,000 emergency roadside assistance calls during the Thanksgiving travel period to help drivers stranded by dead batteries, flat tires and empty tanks.
According to Google Maps analysis:
– Traffic on Wednesday is expected to be 14% heavier than normal between 10am and 4pm, with traffic peaking from 1pm to 3pm.
— On Thanksgiving Day, roads will be busiest between noon and 3 p.m
— When it’s time to go home, avoid driving from 12 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, when traffic is heavy.
Best rider
“…He is an enlightened rider,” Jacobson likes to say.
Download your airline’s app to track your flight status, and check it regularly as your travel date approaches. This way, if your flight is canceled the day before, you can quickly search for alternatives.
While driving or flying, leave earlier than you think you need to. Knowing that you won’t have to rush to your destination can help calm any nerves, whether it’s because of lingering anxiety due to lockdown or because you’re traveling with young children or someone who needs extra help getting around.
“These are some very simple things to think about, but they are important things to think about,” Jacobson said.
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