First you have to go there.
A record 30.6 million passengers will travel on US airlines during the Thanksgiving holiday, up from around 29 million passengers a year ago, according to estimates by Airlines for America, a US airline trading organization.
This estimate translates to around 2.55 million passengers per day, up 137,000 per day from last year.
The busiest flying day is projected to be Sunday, November 25, with an estimated 3.06 million passengers trying to go home. The second busiest day is Wednesday, November 21, with 2.93 million people flying the day before Thanksgiving.
Airline associations determine the Thanksgiving travel season as starting Friday, November 16, and extended to Tuesday, November 27.
Fly while on vacation
The best day to fly for a 12 day period? Thanksgiving, with only 1.73 million people flying on real holidays.The Transportation Security Administration expects to filter around 2.6 million passengers and crew on Wednesday before the holidays, 500,000 more people than the normal working day. On November 25, Sunday after Thanksgiving, the agency estimates that more than 2.7 million travelers will fly home.
That's why TSA officials said that they added more than 1,200 TSA officers and an additional 80 passenger screening teams during the holidays, which they defined as November 16 to November 26.
"When Thanksgiving and the holiday season arrive, ensuring the safety and security of millions of passengers traveling daily remains a top priority for the TSA," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement.
"We marked a number of records during the spring and summer this year, screening more than 525 million passengers and crew. This coming season will be very busy because more passengers choose to fly, and TSA officers will be on duty during the holidays so tourists can enjoy them "
Be prepared for bumpy trips
While travelers cannot predict the impact of rainy or snowy weather in late November, there are many things that make people not fly often - and those who do it - can prepare for the possibility of a bumpy ride."Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year because it is compressed to around one week - Tuesday before until Tuesday after," said aviation expert Benét J. Wilson, owner and chief editor of Aviation Queen. "As such, you must be prepared for delays and cancellations."
Even those of you who fly all the time to work and have Platinum or Diamond status on every airline usually don't fly with homemade pumpkin cakes. (If you do this, please post a picture and tag @CNNTravel.)
Patience and flexibility will be the key to your happiness in this Thanksgiving season, especially if bad weather disrupts the country's flight schedule.
Most people are driving
About 48.5 million Americans will go to their destination on the country's highway, according to AAA projections.
Motorcycle and holiday travel companies expect to answer roadside assistance calls for nearly 360,000 motorists on Thanksgiving, and batteries die, locking and flat tires will be the main reason for calls.
Advice AAA: "Oil changes, fluid level checks, battery tests and tire inspections will greatly help reduce the possibility of damage."
Fly with a cake
Really, you can take cakes on the plane.
The key to transporting pie is to package it well, said Amanda Hesser, co-founder and CEO of Food52, Food52, a food and home cooking website.
He recommends using a strong and shallow box with a lid, whether it's PieBox Food 52 or a shoe box or other right sized container. Then the box lines with kitchen towels folded to keep the cake from shifting.
"Once you put the pie in the box, chop up some ice packs - wrapped in a plastic bag, to absorb moisture - around the pie to stay in place and cool when you're on the way," he said. "Most pumpkin pies are fine at room temperature but the cooler your pie is, the stronger and more stable it is when you are on the road.
"You have to carry the pie box through security, and once on the plane, keep it under the seat in front of you - the pie will probably be flattened by someone else's pocket if you put it in the top compartment."
Our Thanksgiving guide for flying
Check your flight status. Check the status of your flight and print your boarding pass at home. (It doesn't matter if it's bright at home if your plane comes from Chicago and they experience a snowstorm.)
Load in the application. Most airlines, many airports, and TSA all have applications that you can use to check flight conditions, aircraft status, and even food for sale. Some airlines allow you to re-order their applications.
Pack a snack. The lines at your favorite airport restaurant will be long, so prepare snacks to eat, especially if you are facing a super long TSA line.
Prepare your children. That could mean bringing enough diapers, snacks and tissues or having enough shows on electronic devices to keep them busy. Don't let them disturb other people while traveling.
Pack your jelly. Eggnog, maple syrup, preserves and jelly should be put in the bag being examined. (With a bag that has been checked, you can pack ALL your crazy sweaters.)
Have a disability? Contact TSA. Disabled travelers or medical conditions and their families can call the TSA Cares toll-free number at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before flying to ask questions about screening policies and get help at checkpoints.
What else do you need? Noise canceling headphones, sleep pillows, and batteries that are charged for your gadget? Bring everything.
Get to the airport early. If you clean the channel to check the bag and clean the security early, there is more time to read or play electronically, do yoga or talk to your traveling companion. (Do you feel the theme "stand in line"?)
Keep calm. There is no amount of shouting at the gate agent or flight attendant that takes you from Point A to Point B faster. In fact, being nice to airport employees and airlines creates good intentions and might get you a better seat. (That definitely helps with karma.)
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