Thanksgiving is a day to feast with family, show gratitude, and celebrate traditions. Falling on the fourth Thursday of November, it is a day to celebrate the autumn harvest. The history of Thanksgiving goes back to November 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians gathered at Plymouth to celebrate the harvest as the First Thanksgiving. With fruits, desserts, and seafood, the menu was very different from what we serve today. Thanksgiving has now become a fiesta with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie (well, the menu of First Thanksgiving had pumpkin pie as a desert), and a lot more.
With such a grand menu, families invite relatives and friends to have a meal together. People staying far from their families consider Thanksgiving an invitation back home to gather for festivities and celebration.
This is the major reason why November is a peak travel time. All airports across the state experience a heavy rush, making it hard to manage the chaos. But worry not. We have a list of expert advice that can help you plan a hassle-free trip.
Here are some tips for avoiding crowds during the Thanksgiving holiday travel.
The Right Day to Travel
Ruling out the possibilities of the busiest airport days is a must to avoid crowds. Thanksgiving week expects a major footfall at the airport, not favoring chaos-free travel. Avoid Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as it is the busiest time. This leaves you with Sunday and Monday and the day itself to book a low-traffic day. Most people avoid traveling on Thanksgiving, leaving you with the last option. Do complete research on which flight is significantly less crowded and book it without any further delay. If possible, schedule your travel a week before Thanksgiving for more options.
The Right Time to Travel
Choosing the right time is necessary to plan smartly. You can book early morning flights, which usually tend to be less crowded. Most travelers prefer later departures, so flying early can help you dodge the busiest airport traffic. Early flights will also save you from road traffic congestion, which can be unimaginable during the festive season. Arrive early, at least two hours before your flight, to navigate security and find your gate without the rush.
Web Check-In
Check-in booths at the airports are often crowded, and it can get worse during holidays. Web check-in is one luxury we all can avail of to save travel time and avoid long queues at the airport. Make sure you complete your web check-in, get a print of your boarding pass, and even check your baggage. Make sure to pack less and avoid any checked baggage lines. Complete all the formalities before hand to have enough time to relax before boarding.
Book a direct flight if possible.
Layovers are mood spoilers, especially when you are traveling during a festive time. November and Thanksgiving are the peak seasons for travelers when airports experience major footfall. Booking a connecting flight will add more chaos to your airport experience. Layovers mean unexpected airport crowds, long waiting hours, losing luggage, and even cancellations of connecting flights. A direct flight can save you from all these hassles and make it a comfortable journey back home. Be flexible with your days to grab the best flight deal for Thanksgiving.
Understand Your Airport
Major airport hubs are the busiest during Thanksgiving; thus, it is best to consider flying into smaller, less busy airports. These airports often have shorter security lines and less congestion, making your travel experience more pleasant. If available, download an airport app on your smartphone in case you are not aware of the checkpoints, entry gates, terminals, and other features. This will help you navigate easily. Stay updated with information such as the busiest times and real-time data on wait times so that you can plan accordingly.
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