10 Tips for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Travel
- Velissa Jewell
- Oct 25, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 3, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and - unfortunately for many - travel stress. The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel periods in the US, making long lines, traffic jams, and delays almost inevitable. But with a few clever strategies, you can avoid the worst of the holiday chaos. Here are some things we've learned to help you travel well during Thanksgiving.
Plan Ahead but Stay Flexible
Traveling on peak days, like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after, is a recipe for frustration. If you can take some time off, schedule your departure and return during off-peak days. You might have to use some vacation days, but it's a trade off that will save you a lot of stress and money.
Worst Thanksgiving Travel Days
Wednesday before Thanksgiving
Tuesday before Thanksgiving
Sunday after Thanksgiving (actual busiest travel day of the year)
Best Days to Travel
Thanksgiving day (cheapest and least traveled day of the year) - I do this every year and it's amazing!
Saturday before Thanksgiving
Monday before Thanksgiving
Wednesday after Thanksgiving
Consider Alternatives if Possible: Best and Worst Airports for Thanksgiving Travel
Busiest hubs like LAX, JFK, and O-Hare can become chaotic during Thanksgiving. Consider flying into smaller, nearby airports or alternate routes. For example, if you're headed to New York, check flights into Newark or Whit ePlains rather than JFK. Similarly, renting a car and driving part of the way can help you bypass crowded airports or get home faster if flights are delayed.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
Explore a few apps and tools to give you important information. This will streamline your travel experience and make your life easier:
Flight Alerts: Use apps like Hopper or Kayak to monitor prices and receive alerts on last-minute price drops or gate changes.
TSA Wait Times: Apps like MyTSA can give you real-time updates on security line wait times.
Navigation Apps: Waze and Google Maps can help you avoid traffic if you're driving, while TripIt can consolidate your itinerary and provide timely updates.
These tech tools keep you informed, helping you stay ahead of potential delays or surprises.
Pack Light & Smart
Checking a bag during Thanksgiving travel can be a risk. Long baggage lines, delayed luggage, and crowded carousels can add unnecessary stress. Opt for a carry-on instead, if possible, make sure it can fit under your seat versus the overhead bin. Every flight I am on, I see a few poor souls who have to put their bags in bins much farther back in the plane than their seats, which is no fun for anyone when de-boarding, especially if someone has a tight connection.
Get Through Security Faster
The TSA security line can be one of the biggest bottlenecks during holiday travel. Here are some tips to speed up the process:
PreCheck or Global Entry: If you're a frequent traveler, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for faster screening.
Clear: Another great option is a quick way to make it through security, but make sure your airport actually has this program before opting to purchase it.
Travel Smart with Essentials Ready: Have your ID and boarding pass ready for view and keep liquids and electronics easily accessible to make the security process smoother for you and those behind you.
If driving across boarders:
SENTRI: A program that streamlines border crossings.
NEXUS: A program that makes traveling between US and Canada easier.
Long road trip planned? Check out our Road Trip Wellness tips while on the Road.
Prepare for Thanksgiving Travel Delays with a Stress-Free Mindset
Even with the best planning, delays are common during Thanksgiving travel. To keep stress levels low, pack a few essentials:
Entertainment: Download books, podcasts, or movies to stay entertained if you're stuck waiting. Check out our blog on
Healthy Snacks: Avoid unhealthy airport food by bringing your own snacks. Check out our blog on healthy travel snacks for ideas.
Portable Charger / Power Bank: Keep your devices charged so you can stay connected and informed without hunting for a charging station.
Keeping your mind and body nourished and entertained can help you stay calm and make the wait time more bearable.
Snacks not going to cut it? Check out our post on Healthy Eating While Traveling.
Avoid Last-Minute Surprises with Weather Tracking
Thanksgiving falls during a time of unpredictable weather, from snowstorms to rain showers. Start tracking weather forecasts for both your departure and arrival cities a week out, and plan accordingly. Apps like AccuWeather provide reliable, real-time updates to keep you informed. If it looks like a storm might interfere, you’ll have time to adjust your plans or pack accordingly.
Communicate with Your Family or Hosts
If you’re traveling to see family, keep them updated on your travel plans and any changes. Unexpected delays or changes in itinerary are less stressful when your hosts or family members are in the loop, and they’ll be prepared to accommodate you if you arrive earlier or later than expected.
Stay Patient and Positive
Finally, remember that Thanksgiving travel can be hectic, but it’s also a time of year that brings people together. Staying patient, keeping a sense of humor, and focusing on the joy of reuniting with loved ones can make any inconveniences feel less overwhelming. Set realistic expectations, expect minor inconveniences, and try to keep perspective.
Have Fun & Embrace the Journey
Holiday travel can actually be an adventure if you shift your perspective. Use downtime to take a stroll through the airport shops, or snap some festive photos to share with family later. Traveling is part of the Thanksgiving experience, and adding a little curiosity and joy into the mix can turn unexpected delays into memorable stories. Embrace each moment, keep things light-hearted, and remember: the journey is part of the holiday magic!
Safe travels, and happy Thanksgiving!
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