If you’re like many Americans, you’re probably looking ahead to Thanksgiving and planning a getaway. However, you may be questioning whether it is too late to start your trip, as the Thanksgiving holiday is almost upon us. Well, hopefully not, because according to travel experts, the busiest days for Thanksgiving travel are yet to come.
The Air Travel Association (ATA) estimates that approximately 30 million people will travel on major airlines alone this Thanksgiving, a 5.6 percent increase over 2019. Moreover, recent studies suggest that most of those travelers will depart between Wednesday (November 25) and Sunday (November 29).
So, if you haven’t yet finalized your traveling plans, don’t worry. Chances are you won’t be the only one anxiously trying to make a last-minute getaway. But to make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible, there are a few things you should be aware of and prepare for.
First, understand that the holiday rush starts well before the holiday itself. You should plan on arriving at the airport earlier than you usually would and remember that on necessary precautions, such as social distancing and wearing a face mask, are expected to be in place. In addition, you may want to avoid checking bags to get through security checkpoints faster.
Second, be diligent when booking your flights. Most of the major airlines have capacity restrictions, so booking far in advance can help you avoid oversold flights and long waits if there is an issue with your tickets or baggage.
And finally, be sure to check all of the travel restrictions at your destination before you go, as many states and municipalities have enacted policies requiring visitors to quarantine or submit to health tests upon arriving. These policies change frequently, so make sure to double-check the latest information.
All in all, if you’re hoping to get away for Thanksgiving, don’t worry. It may be late, but you don’t need to scrap your plans just yet. By following the advice above and thinking ahead carefully, you can still have a great holiday trip.
If you’re like many Americans, you’re probably looking ahead to Thanksgiving and planning a getaway. However, you may be questioning whether it is too late to start your trip, as the Thanksgiving holiday is almost upon us. Well, hopefully not, because according to travel experts, the busiest days for Thanksgiving travel are yet to come.
The Air Travel Association (ATA) estimates that approximately 30 million people will travel on major airlines alone this Thanksgiving, a 5.6 percent increase over 2019. Moreover, recent studies suggest that most of those travelers will depart between Wednesday (November 25) and Sunday (November 29).
So, if you haven’t yet finalized your traveling plans, don’t worry. Chances are you won’t be the only one anxiously trying to make a last-minute getaway. But to make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible, there are a few things you should be aware of and prepare for.
First, understand that the holiday rush starts well before the holiday itself. You should plan on arriving at the airport earlier than you usually would and remember that on necessary precautions, such as social distancing and wearing a face mask, are expected to be in place. In addition, you may want to avoid checking bags to get through security checkpoints faster.
Second, be diligent when booking your flights. Most of the major airlines have capacity restrictions, so booking far in advance can help you avoid oversold flights and long waits if there is an issue with your tickets or baggage.
And finally, be sure to check all of the travel restrictions at your destination before you go, as many states and municipalities have enacted policies requiring visitors to quarantine or submit to health tests upon arriving. These policies change frequently, so make sure to double-check the latest information.
All in all, if you’re hoping to get away for Thanksgiving, don’t worry. It may be late, but you don’t need to scrap your plans just yet. By following the advice above and thinking ahead carefully, you can still have a great holiday trip.
