The upcoming Thanksgiving travel period is projected to be more extensive than in previous years. According to AAA, close to 80 million individuals in the United States are anticipated to travel at least 50 miles (80 kilometers) from home between this Tuesday and the following Monday.
However, travelers may face complications due to bad weather conditions. States like California and Washington are still dealing with the aftermath of last week’s storms, which resulted in damage and power outages. Additionally, a shortage of air traffic controllers could lead to unpredictable flight delays at various airports.
At Charlotte Douglas International Airport, workers initiated a 24-hour strike on Monday, advocating for increased wages. The strike had a minimal impact, with only a few flights canceled and fewer than 100 delays reported.
Travelers flying for Thanksgiving can carry food items such as turkey, stuffing, and macaroni and cheese through TSA checkpoints, as confirmed by the Transportation Security Administration. However, specific items like gravy and cranberry sauce must be limited to 3.4 ounces or less. TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers emphasized that certain food items, including gravy, are better prepared at the destination rather than transported in luggage. Passengers should also be prepared for extra scrutiny if they bring pies, as TSA officials will be conducting checks to ensure safety.
Thanksgiving often attracts occasional travelers who may have various questions about what items can be brought on board. The TSA recommends using its smartphone application, which features a section dedicated to permissible items for travel. Additionally, TSA representatives will be available to answer queries on social media platforms.
In another development, two incidents involving physical contact between aircraft at Boston Logan International Airport are currently under investigation. Both situations occurred at low speeds. The first entailed the wingtips of a Frontier Airlines plane touching those of an American Airlines plane while at the gate. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but safety inspections were initiated following the incident. In a separate occurrence, a tug vehicle pulling an empty JetBlue plane collided with a Cape Air aircraft, resulting in two pilots being sent to the hospital for precautionary measures.
The striking workers expressed their frustrations about insufficient wages. ABM cabin cleaner Priscilla Hoyle conveyed her struggles at a rally, explaining her daily challenges in providing for her family. Wheelchair attendant Timothy Lowe II echoed similar sentiments, stating he could hardly afford a home deposit, despite contending with the responsibilities of a full-time job.
ABM has stated its commitment to promptly addressing employee concerns and has established methods for workers to voice their issues, including a hotline and an open-door policy for management.
To alleviate some of the stress associated with holiday travel, here are a few practical tips:
1. Create a checklist of necessary tasks and items to bring.
2. Pack comfort items, such as noise-canceling headphones, cozy clothing, snacks, and any essential medications.
3. Stay hydrated throughout your journey.
4. Use your airline’s app to keep updated on any delays or changes to your travel itinerary.
Travel statistics indicate that approximately 80 million Americans are expected to travel a minimum of 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving period, with most opting for road travel. Fortunately, drivers will see a slight decrease in gas prices, with a national average of $3.06 per gallon compared to $3.27 last year at the same time. The TSA anticipates screening around 18.3 million individuals at U.S. airports during this week, representing a 6% increase from last year. Notably, Sunday is predicted to be a particularly busy travel day, potentially setting a record for passenger volume at airport checkpoints.
The forecast also predicts challenging winter weather conditions in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, which could disrupt travel plans across the country. While California and Washington deal with the effects of recent storms, areas like the Sierra Nevada are under a winter storm warning, with significant snowfall expected. The Midwest and Great Lakes regions may experience rain and snow, while the East Coast is likely to be impacted by a low-pressure system, bringing rain to the Southeast and potentially snow in northern areas.
As Thanksgiving approaches, travelers should remain vigilant about weather conditions and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth holiday journey.
