Heading Home For the Holidays? Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s almost that time of the year again! Campus is looking particularly beautiful with ever-changing foliage, students are stressing about last minute assignments and one of our favorite holidays is just around the corner. We’re feeling extra thankful that Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, but it might be more chaotic than usual. The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts 53 million people to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, with air travel up by 80% since last year, but don’t stress! We’ve compiled a list of some essential travel trips to prepare for this hectic yet exciting time.

ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT EARLY

While it is always a good idea to arrive at the airport early, it is more important to do so now more than ever because of the labor shortages and a large number of people traveling this holiday season. These labor shortages mean that there will be fewer TSA officers and other airport personnel available at security checkpoints and throughout the rest of the airport. If you want to know more about your specific airport and flight, you can check wait times through the TSA app “My TSA Mobile Application.” We also suggest you arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and at least three hours before an international flight.

PACK EXTRA SNACKS

It is likely that there will be longer lines, higher prices and fewer options within restaurants and kiosks due to labor shortages, so packing extra snacks will help you save time and money in the airport. Food in the airport is already shockingly expensive, so as relatively broke college students, we highly recommend bringing some of your favorite snacks! Just make sure any food and drinks you bring are acceptable for TSA and airport carry-on guidelines.

BRING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

At times it can feel like COVID-19 may be a thing of the past, but that’s just wishful thinking. It is a federal law for any traveler aged two or older to wear a mask on airplanes, trains, buses, and in airport terminals and train stations. On long travel days, it can be more comfortable and safe to change your mask every four to six hours, so we recommend having a few extra masks on hand. If you’re feeling extra cautious, bringing other protective products such as hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes is a smart option.

TRAVEL ON NON-PEAK DAYS

Although the days you can travel might somewhat be out of your control due to your school or work schedule, we suggest you try to avoid the busiest Thanksgiving travel days such as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. If you can’t avoid traveling on these days, remember to plan ahead and allow yourself plenty of time in the airport or on the road.

STAY CALM

If all else fails, remember to stay calm and know that everything will work out in the end! These tips will help prepare you for what you can control, but there will always be things in life you can’t control. As stressful and crazy as traveling home for the holidays can be, remember to focus on why you are doing so in the first place. For us, it’s seeing our family and friends and indulging in delicious homemade food!