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

27.11.2024 - 17:05 / thepointsguy.com / David Pekoske

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.

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

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