Traveling this week? Here are our top tips to keep you sane during the holidays

The Transportation Security Administration expects Tuesday, Nov. 26, to be one of the busiest days of the year at U.S. airports, followed closely by Wednesday, Nov. 27. The Sunday after Thanksgiving could be the busiest day ever.

“The Sunday following Thanksgiving is historically our busiest day of the year,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in an interview with TPG. “So it wouldn’t surprise me that that’s the case.” He said the TSA is fully staffed and ready.

Nearly 80 million people are expected to travel by plane, bus, train, or car between Tuesday and Monday, Dec. 2, according to AAA. That would be the busiest holiday period in U.S. history — easily surpassing prepandemic numbers.

That’s why we compiled some of our top tips for people traveling for Thanksgiving or venturing out for Christmas. Here’s what you need to know.

Get to the airport early

Thankfully, we aren’t seeing the staffing shortages of a few years ago, but there are only so many baggage handlers, ticket counter employees and security screeners to handle these record-breaking crowds.

While many flyers don’t want to hear it, I am telling travelers to get to the airport three hours early this week. The standard advice is two hours early for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international flights, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.

There are so many things to do these days at most airports — from lounges to restaurants to shopping — that I don’t think extra time at the airport is generally wasted. Why not have the peace of mind of not rushing?

Remember, you’ll be hitting the airport with a lot of inexperienced travelers and families, so a little extra time will help you pack your patience. The TSA also reminded passengers not to put lithium-ion batteries in checked bags and to keep guns out of carry-on bags.

“If we took the 6,700 firearms we’re going to find by the end of this calendar year and said we didn’t have any of those, the whole process would be faster,” Pekoske said. “Because a firearm in a screening lane takes a good 15-20 minutes to resolve. And so, in a busy part of the travel day, that can really affect literally hundreds of people.”

Related: Busiest days ever? TSA chief says airports and airlines are ready for the holidays

Have the airline app installed on your phone

Don’t forget to install the app of the airline you are flying on your phone. The apps are getting increasingly sophisticated, and they even show you if your plane is on time and where it’s coming from. United Airlines even shows weather maps in the app that will help you track your flight and make sure things are on time.

The apps can help you rebook if things go sideways without waiting on a long customer service hold. Often, you’ll also find cheap upgrade offers in the app. Wouldn’t flying in first class make the trip even better?

You can also track your bags with some of the airline apps and use some of the other handy features there, too. Sometimes, that’s how you’ll be able to watch inflight entertainment or get onto Wi-Fi.

Check the weather at your departure and arrival airports

I can’t emphasize this enough: Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to airline flight delays and cancellations. You should know the weather at your departure and arrival airports; be aware of weather that could negatively affect your flight or even the flight that is bringing your plane to you.

For example, if you know there is a major weather event affecting the Northeast, your flight is likely to be delayed or canceled. If you have any wiggle room in your schedule, you should think about booking a different time or day. Sometimes, during operational meltdowns, it can make more sense to cut bait and cancel the trip or reschedule it altogether.

If you are going home for the holidays and you see a big storm headed for your home airport, see if the airline will allow you to go a day earlier or later. The airlines are usually willing to work with you to rebook you on a day that’s less affected.

Often, the airlines issue weather waivers that will allow you to rebook without paying any fees or even repricing the trip.

Have a backup plan

We also advise folks to always have a backup plan. If the weather affects your home airport, can you take a train? If your airline is having an IT meltdown, but it’s not affecting a competitor, can you get rebooked on another carrier’s flight instead?

You should know what other airline is operating the flight you want to take, so when you reach customer service, you can ask the agent to book you on that competitor’s flight or even a flight leaving a bit earlier or a bit later.

If you have an alternate suggestion, it’s always going to help the phone or gate agent. Don’t just leave it up to the airline to rebook you. It might not always find the best flight or solution for you.

You need to be your own best advocate in these situations. Ask for the alternate flight you want. If you are substantially delayed or your flight is canceled, ask for that meal voucher or hotel room. Airlines are not always legally required to help you, but it never hurts to ask. It helps if you know what you want.

Use every tool to contact customer service

I advise folks on canceled or delayed flights that they need to use every tool in the toolbox to get service. Remember, you will be competing with every other flyer on that delayed or canceled flight to get rebooked. And let’s face it, there’s not that many empty seats out there … especially during the holidays.

Call your airline, and go get in a customer service line while you wait on hold. You should also be attempting to rebook yourself in the airline app and be messaging the airline on social media to try and reach someone. You never know who you’ll reach first.

If you have lounge access, that can also be a great place to get rebooked, with much shorter wait times. Most airline-branded lounges will have agents who can help with tickets.

Suppose you can’t get through to customer service at all. If the airline has an overseas office, you can sometimes reach it if you can’t get hold of the airline’s U.S. number. Just be very careful. Avoid Googling the airline customer service number on the fly. Hackers sometimes pose as airline customer service offices to steal your money.

Flyer beware: Don’t fall for this airline customer service scam

Make sure you are contacting your airline through known channels. Every major airline has a contact page, help center or something similar on its website.

If you have an airline credit card, you should be able to call the customer service number on the back of your credit card. Or, if you have elite status with an airline, you may have access to a dedicated customer service number or an airport lounge with live customer service agents (and shorter lines).

Many airlines also offer live chat, texting or direct messaging service via Facebook or X for convenient customer service options. Our full guide on quickly reaching an airline customer service agent outlines the best way to contact each major airline.

Know your rights

Your rights as a passenger have improved in the past few years, thanks in part to aggressive consumer protection moves by the U.S. Department of Transportation. You are now entitled to a speedy refund when your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, and you decide not to take the trip. That’s even if it’s due to what the airline deems an “act of God,” like weather or a technology meltdown.

You should also be refunded for any add-ons you bought ahead of the trip, such as Wi-Fi, extra-legroom seats or baggage fees.

However, you won’t get a refund, and you aren’t entitled to compensation if you end up taking a later flight. If you are rebooked, the airline has technically fulfilled its contract of carriage. However, compensation is still not required for long delays and cancellations if you take the trip.

There is no EU261-style compensation in America, though some of us at TPG would like to see passengers get monetary awards for long delays and cancellations. That appears unlikely anytime soon, though.

Get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear

At TPG, we strongly encourage people to enroll in a Trusted Traveler Program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

With these programs, the government essentially prescreens you for security, thus saving you time during your travels. You’ll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, though, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees.

Related: Ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry, you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

We recommend getting Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck. Global Entry requires an interview with U.S. Customs and Border Protection ahead of time, but once you’re approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

We also like Clear, another security program that allows members to bypass long security lines.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear or TSA PreCheck lines.

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both

Finally, if biometric screening is an option, try that out. I’m a huge fan after using it a few times in New York City and Atlanta. It’s coming to more and more airports, and in my experience, it’s even faster than TSA PreCheck.

Stay safe

Remember safety during your travels. Dale Bendler, a former CIA officer and chairman of Stay Safe Digital Academy, has some tips for travelers. He said to avoid staying on the ground floor of a hotel for extra protection from thieves. He suggested keeping valuables in a safe and using doorstops.

“Avoid opening the door to strangers without verifying their identity, and use the peephole or call the front desk to confirm unexpected visits,” Bendler said.

He also recommends avoiding sharing too much on social media: “Limit what you share about your travel plans on social media. Posting your location in real-time can alert potential thieves that your home is empty. Save the holiday photos for when you return home to avoid giving away your absence.”

Reserve parking

Don’t forget the need for airport parking. We are increasingly seeing “sold out” signs at some airport parking lots, especially around peak travel days.

To ensure you aren’t spending valuable minutes looking for an elusive parking spot that may or may not exist, lock in that reservation now. Most airport parking lots offer prepaid or reserved parking, making it easy to book in advance.

You can often tap into some discounts if you book your parking in advance. In some places, these savings can go as high as 50%, though that number varies from airport to airport.

When to travel if you are driving

Most experts suggest traveling in the mornings before the holiday. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the worst time to drive. If you can travel on Thanksgiving Day itself, that will actually be the lightest traffic day.

For the ride home, travel before 1 p.m. on Sunday and before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on Monday.

Bendler suggests planning your route ahead of time to avoid unexpected delays and heavy traffic. He also had some other tips:

“Check weather forecasts and road conditions frequently and be prepared for changes. Make sure your vehicle is in top condition by inspecting the tires, brakes, and fluids before hitting the road. Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials like a first aid kit, flashlight, water, and non-perishable snacks. Take breaks to stay alert and avoid fatigue. Remember that the holidays are stressful for many people, especially drivers.”

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