As the Thanksgiving travel season nears, travelers should take time to prepare for one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Proactive planning and preparation can help ensure a smoother, more efficient airport experience. The following tips are designed to help make your holiday travel as seamless and stress-free as possible.
- Double-check baggage policies: Review your airline’s carry-on and checked baggage rules before packing to avoid unexpected fees and to ensure compliance with size limitations. Most airlines allow passengers to check one stroller and one car seat per child for free.
- Pack strategically: Keep essentials (medications, chargers, a change of clothes) in carry-on bags in case of delays or lost luggage.
- Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it, it’s considered a liquid, aerosol, or gel and must go in your checked bag if it exceeds 3.4 ounces (TSA).
- Know which foods count as liquids: Items like gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jams, and preserves are considered liquids or gels and must go in your checked bag if they exceed 3.4 ounces (TSA).
- Check your ID requirements: As of May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years and older needs a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued ID to fly domestically.
- Confirm your TSA PreCheck status: Travelers who have TSA PreCheck must have their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in their airline reservation so it appears on their boarding pass (TSA).
- Children 12 and under: May accompany a parent in the TSA PreCheck lane without their own PreCheck indicator.
- Children 13-17: May use the PreCheck lane only if their boarding pass includes the PreCheck indicator.
- Anyone 18+: Must have their own Known Traveler Number and enter it when booking their airline reservation.
- Request passenger support if needed: If you or a family member needs additional assistance during security screening, contact TSA to request a Passenger Support Specialist (PSS) in advance.
- Check family boarding policies: Most airlines allow early boarding for families with young children, but it varies per airline. Review your airline’s policy before traveling.
- Receive airport and airline alerts: Most airlines and airports offer text or email notifications for flight status updates, gate changes, and delays. You can also monitor your flight through your airline’s mobile app or website.
- Check TSA wait times and arrive early: Allow extra time at the airport, especially during peak hours. Arrive at least 2–3 hours before domestic flights and 3–4 hours before international departures. Check the MyTSA App or your airport’s website for real-time security checkpoint updates.
- The busiest times at checkpoints during the holidays are 4 a.m. to 7 a.m., 10 a.m. to noon, and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (CLEAR)
More information on booking travel during Thanksgiving can be found here.