The longest government shutdown in history has finally concluded, but for the millions of Britons travelling for Thanksgiving, the journey back to normalcy is just beginning. With flights now resumed and restrictions lifted, travellers are facing the busiest travel period in over a decade, compounded by the lingering anxiety of recent disruptions.
Navigating the Thanksgiving Travel Surge
Travel forecasts for this week paint a picture of exceptionally packed airports and congested roads. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is bracing for its busiest Thanksgiving week in 15 years, with more than 360,000 flights scheduled between Monday and next Tuesday. This translates to a staggering 17.8 million people expected to be screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
On the roads, the situation is equally intense. AAA projects that 1.3 million more travellers will be driving compared to last year, pushing the total number of people travelling by car to a monumental 73 million.
Sheldon H. Jacobson, an esteemed airport and airline operations expert, offers some reassurance. "I think the shutdown at this point is history for air travel. The airlines understand this time of year so well. They know exactly what they need to do," he stated. "The real challenge is making sure travellers can help themselves."
Weather Woes and Packing Preparedness
Unpredictable winter weather remains a significant wildcard. James Belanger, Vice President of Meteorology at the Weather Company, strongly advises checking forecasts frequently during trip planning.
On Tuesday, anticipated to be the FAA's busiest day with over 52,000 flights scheduled, forecasters warn that rain could cause substantial problems in the Pacific Northwest and across much of the eastern United States. Major airports in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. are likely to be impacted.
When it comes to packing, Jacobson, whose research contributed to the design of TSA PreCheck, recommends a methodical approach. He suggests checking every pocket of your luggage for TSA-restricted items, like full-sized bottles, left over from previous trips. For those travelling with gifts, he advises wrapping them at your destination to avoid having TSA agents unwrap them for inspection.
Furthermore, all travellers must remember that a REAL ID is now required for domestic flights within the U.S., or an alternative accepted form of identification such as a passport or military ID must be presented.
Road Readiness and Proactive Planning
For those hitting the road, either by choice or as a backup plan, preparation is paramount. AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz recommends a full vehicle check-up, including tyres, battery, and fluids, before setting off with a full tank of petrol to avoid traffic.
The data underscores the necessity of this advice; last year, AAA responded to nearly 600,000 emergency roadside assistance calls during the Thanksgiving travel period alone.
According to an analysis by Google Maps, the worst traffic is expected on Wednesday, with volumes 14% heavier than usual between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The peak congestion is predicted from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Ultimately, Jacobson emphasises that the best passenger "is an informed passenger." He recommends downloading your airline's app to track flight status and checking it regularly. Whether driving or flying, his final piece of advice is simple yet crucial: leave earlier than you think you need to. This simple step can significantly reduce stress, whether stemming from post-shutdown nerves or the general challenges of holiday travel.
