Photo taken by Scott (Flickr)
With Halloween now over we will start trading in our pumpkins, witches and scarecrows for turkey’s and all things Thanksgiving related. It’s an exciting time to reunite with family and friends you haven’t seen in awhile, make memories and eat lots of delicious food. However, Thanksgiving also means the start of a hectic and chaotic holiday travel season. While many of us stress about hosting the holiday at our home this year or avoiding those awkward conversations that we know are bound to come up like, “Have you found a job yet for after you graduate?” or my favorite “Why don’t you have a boyfriend yet?” there is a lot to get anxious about.
Trying to get home or to your desired destination for the holidays is typically a big stressor for travelers. Airports are busier, planes are full, unpredictable weather causes delays and flights can be canceled. The overall holiday travel experience is messy. Airlines for America project that Thanksgiving air travel will rise 2.5 percent this season, increasing from last year’s 26.6 million passengers who traveled during the holiday season to 27.3 million passengers. Cheap rates for airfare this year is a big cause for the increase and have resulted in airlines adding 74,000 seats each day through larger planes and additional flights.
Here are four useful tips and resources for ensuring a smooth and relaxing holiday travel experience this Thanksgiving.
1. Give yourself extra time to get to the airport
Most airport websites will advise you to arrive at the airport at least one hour before a domestic flight and at least two hours for international flights. This holiday travel season expect the worst and give yourself extra time to get to the airport. Due to this increase in people traveling this Thanksgiving prepare for traffic on the roads and long lines for both the check-in process and security procedures. Missing your flight because you failed to give yourself enough time is not the ideal way you want to start your holiday. Get to the airport three or even four hours early. You’ll be thankful when you’re sitting at your gate relaxing instead of running there to make it on time.
2. Sign up for TSA Pre✓®
Video created by TSA found on YouTube
When applying for this new program through the Transportation Security Administration you can save time, energy and stress this holiday travel season and in the future. The first step in becoming a member is to apply online by completing an application. The process takes only five minutes. Next is to schedule an in person appointment for a background check and finger printing session which will take 10 minutes. If approved, the only thing you need to do now is pay the $85 membership fee that lasts up to five years. After completing all these steps you can add your TSA Pre✓® to your ticket and you’re good to go. No need to worry about waiting in line or having to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets. This new service will allow for an easier holiday travel process.
3. Bring a good pair of headphones, snacks, and leisure items
If you successfully complete step one and get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, you’re going to need things to keep yourself occupied and fueled. While airports do have restaurants and various dining facilities you can skip the hassle of spending money and eating thing’s you’d rather not by bringing healthy and high-protein snacks in your carry-on bag or purse. Before leaving the house pack a banana, some granola bars and mixed nuts. You’ll be thankful you have something to munch on while you wait at your terminal to board your plane.
With extra crowded airports during holiday travel season comes a lot more noise. Crying babies, screaming toddlers and loud conversations are sounds that you’re going to want to block out. Create a playlist of some of your favorite music before your travel day and make sure you pack a pair of headphones. Bring a tablet or laptop and download a movie to watch to help pass the time. Pick up a few books and magazines to read while sitting at your gate and allow yourself to de-stress. Bringing items that will keep your mind occupied and stomach full will allow for a more peaceful travel experience.
4. Pack light (if you can)
It’s a travelers nightmare to land in their final destination and find out their bags have been lost. Avoid this potential problem and try to pack everything you need in a carry-on bag. The Huffington Post gives nine helpful tips for packing efficiently. Some of these include:
Rolling up your clothes instead of folding
Put shoes in first
Lighter items on top
Select two-in-one shampoo and conditioner options
These simple tips will have you carrying a much lighter bag and not worrying about whether your items will be there when you land in your destination.
By keeping all of these ideas in mind you can have an enjoyable holiday travel experience. Being prepared and packing your bags ahead of time, confirming that you have all your required travel documents and leaving yourself enough time to get to the airport will lead to stress-free traveling for you this Thanksgiving. Even if something doesn’t go as planned, the most important tip is to remain calm. Be respectful to airport employees and fellow travelers. If you attempt to maintain a positive mindset and attitude you are more likely to have a pleasant experience. Wishing all of our readers a happy Thanksgiving and safe holiday travel.
