11/19/2022
Thanksgiving Travel Tips
Whether you’re driving or flying, traveling before and after Thanksgiving can turn into quite a headache. With people across the US eager to get to their loved ones (and the turkey!), lines at airports and traffic is inevitable. But don’t let the journey get you down! We’re sharing our 5 tried and true Thanksgiving travel tips to help you survive next week’s travel.
1. Plan ahead and arrive early.
The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year, so plan ahead. If you’re driving, think about the rush hour times for each city you have to drive through. Even consider a scenic route—sometimes the distance might be longer, but you won’t end up sitting bumper to bumper. If you’re flying, arrive extra early. You’d rather be sitting at your gate reading a book or enjoying some fantastic people-watching than having a panic attack at the never-ending security line.
2. Stay connected.
Download the FlightAware app (for your phone) for real-time flight tracking and customizable flight status push alerts and notifications. You can check flight statuses by airline, airport, and specific flight. During the holiday season, or any time inclement weather threatens to be an issue, it’s a good idea to start checking the status of your flight in the 24 hours leading up to departure. If you’re driving, download Waze app (for your phone). It connects you with other drivers, and you can see their updates on traffic, accidents, police traps and more.
3. Be ready for the unexpected
Weather delays are simply unavoidable. Prepare for unexpected hiccups by arriving early (see #1), building in extra time between connections, and packing necessities in your carry on. And always remember that your Brownell Advisor who helped you plan this trip will be your advocate if things go bump—keep his or her number handy.
4. Pack Smart
If you’re flying, avoid checking a bag as best you can. If you have to check one, be sure to keep necessities in your carry on.