Whether you're planning to take a plane, train, or car for your Thanksgiving trips this year, experts recommend you prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Fifty-five million travelers are expected to depart between trips Wednesday through Nov. 26, according to AAA projections. The Transportation Security Administration expects to break records on Nov. 26 with 2.9 million travelers arriving at airports across the country.
“People are just more confident about getting out and traveling again since the pandemic,” said Doug Shupe, corporate communications manager for the Automobile Club of Southern California, the local AAA affiliate. “Actually, we are going to surpass the 2019 numbers.”
Shupe said AAA projects a 3.5% increase in travelers in Southern California for Thanksgiving from a year ago, the second increase in two years. For LAX, up to 2.5 million passengers are expected to pass through the airport during the 10-day holiday travel period, an increase of 300,000 passengers from 2022.
Joe Brancatelli, a veteran travel writer who blogs at Joe Sent Me, said Thanksgiving is one of the toughest travel holidays to navigate because everyone has the same deadline.
“Everyone has to be somewhere on Thursday,” Brancatelli said, “and everyone, regardless of religion, race or perspective, is celebrating.”
Here are tips shared by experts to help you travel this holiday season.
Most travelers to Southern California plan to drive. Shupe said that of the 4.6 million people traveling to Southern California for the Thanksgiving holiday, 3.9 million will choose to drive rather than fly or use another mode of transportation.
“We're going to see candy freeways here in Southern California, particularly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and probably Sunday, when people go home,” Shupe said, referring to the notorious aerial images of traffic on Los Angeles freeways. during the busy Thanksgiving season.
If you're driving, rise, shine and be on your way. Shupe recommended leaving as early as possible in the day to avoid commuter traffic. Brancatelli agreed, saying, “The only advantage of driving is that you control the schedule.”
Wednesday afternoon and evening AAA projects will be the busiest times for Southern California highways, with the 5 Freeway between Los Angeles and Bakersfield being the most affected highway. Sunday traffic on the 15 Freeway between the 10 Freeway and San Diego is also expected to be greatly affected.
Inspect your vehicle. Shupe said AAA expects to help 90,000 drivers stranded from Wednesday through Nov. 26, many of them due to vehicle malfunctions.
He recommends checking, at a minimum, the tread and inflation of your vehicle's tires, the condition of the battery and the vehicle's lights, and making any necessary repairs before leaving.
Do your research. “Be your best travel agent,” Brancatelli said.
Among the things you should research, especially if you're flying: the weather outlook for where you're traveling, what hotels are available if you're stuck somewhere overnight, and what food options are available nearby.
Keep alternative routes in mind. Before you leave for your flight, know what other flights from the airport are heading to your destination that day, in case you face delays or cancellations.
“If there is an error on your particular flight, don't expect them to offer you alternatives,” Brancatelli said. “Do your homework now.”
If you are traveling by plane, arrive at the airport early. Brancatelli said travelers should try to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
For those traveling through LAX who have time to waste, The Times recently published a guide on how to best explore two miles inside the infamous airport. Includes breakfast spots, art, and the best place to take selfies.
Check-in for your flight online. An easy way to save time is to check in for your flight in advance using the airline's app or website, rather than joining the line at a kiosk before going through security.
Travel without checked luggage. Brancatelli also says that avoiding traveling with a checked bag can help make the trip smoother.
“The reason you don't check a bag is that it eliminates one of the points of error,” Brancatelli said. “If you can carry [it] Go ahead, you are much more flexible.”
Pack food. TSA regulations don't allow water or other liquids to pass through security, but Brancatelli recommends bringing something high in protein and low in fat to help you pass the time at the airport. It is also a cheaper alternative to the airport fee.
Show gratitude to those who work during the holidays. “Employees will be very stressed and overworked, and that's assuming everything works well,” Brancatelli said.
Shupe agreed: “Practice patience and stay positive, even if things don't go as expected; Remember that, many times, this is not the fault of the people who work these holidays to take you to your destination.”
