From The New York Times
Airplanes, trains, and highways are expected to be crowded during the Thanksgiving holiday, which is historically one of the peak travel times.
The Transportation Security Administration anticipates screening 18.3 million air travelers from Tuesday through Dec. 2, marking an increase of about 6% compared to the same timeframe last year, setting a new record. It has indicated that the busiest travel days will be the Tuesday and Wednesday preceding Thanksgiving as well as the Sunday following the holiday.
However, the majority of travelers will be hitting the roads. AAA, the automobile organization, estimates that nearly 72 million drivers will embark on trips of 50 miles or more from their residences between Tuesday and Monday. (Approximately 2.3 million individuals will be utilizing buses, trains, or cruise ships.)
For those driving, AAA offers recommendations regarding optimal departure days and times based on your location and expected travel duration amid heavy holiday traffic.
For fliers, even accessing the airport can pose difficulties. To help reduce expenses, Uber is reintroducing its shared-ride option, now known as UberX Share, which pairs travelers from airports with a fellow passenger at discounts of up to 25% per rider, and is available at eight airports nationwide. In New York, the company has initiated a shuttle service connecting four Manhattan locations with LaGuardia Airport.
There can also be additional disturbances. On Monday, workers from the Service Employees International Union staged a walkout at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina to advocate for improved compensation for cabin cleaners, wheelchair attendants, and waste management personnel employed by American Airlines contractors. According to FlightAware, a flight tracking service, no flights were canceled at Charlotte, with only 7% of outbound departures experiencing delays, which is not considered unusually high.
Ahead of the anticipated surge in travel, we have compiled some valuable travel tips for those who are flying or renting vehicles.
Dodge the baggage claim nightmare by packing light
Adopting a minimalist approach can streamline the airport process, enabling you to avoid checking baggage and the dreaded baggage claim carousel during the busiest travel week of the year.
“Choose coordinating colors to minimize the number of items while still providing options,” advises Stephanie Rosenbloom in her packing guide for carry-ons. Several readers of the article also suggest using packing cubes to help organize and compress your belongings.
Moreover, not checking a bag eliminates the risk of losing it by the airline.
If your checked bag goes missing
If your bag hasn’t appeared on the carousel after a reasonable wait, start by checking your airline’s app for real-time tracking updates, including information on when it was loaded onto or removed from the aircraft. Then, file a missing bag report as soon as possible. Airlines typically offer compensation for immediate necessities (like clothing and toiletries) that were lost with your bag, though it can be frustrating that not all airlines publicly disclose their reimbursement policies.
If your bag has been unaccounted for more than 12 hours on a domestic flight, you may request a refund for the fees associated with checking that bag.
The nightmare of a delayed or canceled flight
Download your airline’s app, which often provides timely updates on flight status and gate changes before other sources.
Be informed about your rights: If your flight is canceled, significantly delayed, or dramatically altered, airlines will generally attempt to rebook you on a different flight. (A significant delay is defined as three hours or more for domestic flights.) If you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full refund back to your original payment method within 20 days, thanks to a new regulation from the Transportation Department that was implemented last month.
When delays or cancellations occur due to the airline’s actions, passengers are generally entitled to various services (such as meal vouchers) after three hours. Most airlines will also take care of associated lodging costs if needed.
However, claiming what you’re entitled to can be challenging, particularly when many other passengers are also vying for assistance. Consider seeking help at the airline’s service desk instead of at the gate, or, if available, at the airline’s lounge.
Be cautious of additional charges at the car rental desk …
Avoid paying for insurance more than once. If you have personal auto insurance, it often covers rentals as well. Verify if the credit card you use to book provides coverage for theft and damage (many do).
“Credit card insurance typically covers only collision, not liability,” mentioned Jonathan Weinberg, the founder of AutoSlash, a car rental service — so you might want to secure personal liability insurance unless it’s included in your auto policy.
Additionally, be alert for potential upselling. When your reserved vehicle isn’t available upon arrival, it’s a common tactic for rental companies to offer a comparably priced vehicle for no extra charge. This may not always be clearly communicated, and companies have been known to suggest upgrades for an added cost. Before agreeing, insist on your originally booked vehicle class. Should it not be available, you have the right to a complimentary upgrade.
When returning the car, capture a photograph of the fuel gauge indicating a full tank. Companies have a tendency to impose extra fuel fees, and photographic evidence usually resolves those charges.
… And regarding toll routes
Once you’re on the road, avoid utilizing the rental agency’s transponder, which can lead to exorbitant fees. Depending on the state you are driving through, certain apps allow you to manage toll payments directly from your phone. Alternatively, you could purchase a toll pass for your area in advance or sign up for a pay-by-mail toll option.
