Tips and Hacks: Thanksgiving 2015 Travel Made Easy
Thanksgiving is always a busy travel time, but add to that a worldwide travel alert warning Americans of increased terrorist threats, and you have a recipe for long lines and extra headaches. The Automobile Association of America reports that 46.9 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday — a 0.6 percent increase over last year and the most travelers hitting the road since 2007. And according to USA Today, airlines will average 65,000 more passengers a day than the same time last year.
Here are some tips to know as you head into one of the most frantic travel seasons of the year.
The hectic holiday season is here. (Photo: iStock)
Driving?
Waze, the crowd-sourced navigation app, analyzed historic data to give a sneak peek at traffic for the upcoming holiday. Believe it or not, the best time to drive to your destination is Thursday, Thanksgiving Day itself. The worst day: Tuesday, as many drivers will hit the road beginning at 1 p.m. (expect traffic to max out between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.). Heading home on Sunday? Watch out for heavy traffic beginning at 10 a.m., with the peak from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Don’t hit the road without Waze on your phone. (Photo: iStock)
Get There Early
Overall, it bears repeating that given the extra security concerns, you need to budget more time than usual for airports and train stations. Play it safe and get to the airport at least three hours in advance for an international flight and two hours early for domestic flights.
Time Your Flight
If you haven’t booked your flight yet, here’s a tip: Avoid returning the day after Thanksgiving, which is the second-busiest travel day of the year.
Security Smarts
Outsmart the lines. Always pick the security line to the left. Most people subconsciously chose the line on the right simply because they are right-handed.
Related: What ‘Suspicious Behavior’ Should You Report in the Age of Terrorism?
Food Rules
Leave the cranberry sauce at home. And don’t try to travel with your gravy, either. For a list of the 10 Thanksgiving treats the TSA won’t allow in your carry-on, look here.
App Help
Download GateGuru, a free app that has searchable directories for more than 100 airports. That way, if you need a map, an ATM, a cup of coffee, or even a 10-minute massage, it’s right on your phone.
Lounge Access
If you don’t have million-mile status or an American Express Platinum card, which will give you access to some airport lounges, think about buying a day pass. The app LoungeBuddy lists free lounges and ones that sell passes at more than 500 airports around the world.
Related: Don’t Be Cheap! Who and How Much to Tip While Traveling
Lucy in the cockpit. (Photo: Laura Begley Bloom)
Keep Your Sense of Humor
The best service I ever got at an airport was when I dressed my daughter up for Halloween in an Emirates pilot costume. We were treated like crew and ushered to the front of every line. The lesson here? It pays to be nice. Oh, and to put your toddler in a pilot’s outfit.
WATCH: 5 Ways to Avoid Common Hotel Scams
Let Yahoo Travel inspire you every day. Hang out with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Check out our original adventure travel series A Broad Abroad.
