Navigating Thanksgiving Travel: Tips and Tales

Preparing for the Crowds at Bush Airport

As the Thanksgiving holiday nears, Bush Intercontinental Airport is gearing up for what is expected to be its busiest travel day yet. Last-minute travelers are now making their final preparations as they brace for the potential chaos of crowded terminals. According to the Transportation Security Administration, almost three million individuals will be screened on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. This surge in travelers has led to increased traffic and congestion issues, making it essential for passengers to be prepared.

Ashley Ford, who is flying to Detroit, shared her experience. "It has been busier than we expected," she said. "We made some friends on the bus coming in. So it's starting the holiday season the right way." Udit Chakravti, on his way to New Orleans, also anticipated the crowds. "We just thought of checking in early. Be safe rather than be sorry later," he said.

Dealing with Airport Construction and Holiday Rush

Current airport construction at Bush has only exacerbated the existing traffic and congestion problems. Combine this with the holiday rush, and passengers are likely to face delays. Briannah Williams, heading to Chicago, took a Lyft and didn't notice the traffic too much. "Honestly, it wasn't too bad today. There's always traffic here, but it's not too bad right now," she remarked. Misty Richards, traveling to Oregon for the first time during the holiday, found the airport accessible and the people pleasant. "I've never done it before, but I'm surprised by how busy it is. I Ubered in, and everyone has been nice," she said.

Tips for a Smoother Travel Experience

Travelers intending to fly out later today or on Sunday, when many return home, are sharing their tips for a smoother experience. Aaron Ragoonanansingh, flying to Miami, advises getting to the airport well in advance. "Things can get hectic during Thanksgiving time," he said. Ronnie Ford, traveling to Detroit with his wife [Ashley] and daughter, recommends preparedness. "Having TSA PreCheck, Clear, making sure we have all that stuff prepared and making sure she's comfortable. While it's stressful, we try to pack and make sure it's not as stressful as it could be."

AAA Texas Travel Projections

AAA Texas projects that 5.7 million Texas residents will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, a 1.3% increase over last year's record number of travelers. This year's Thanksgiving travel in the Lone Star State is also 2.4% higher than the pre-pandemic Thanksgiving holiday in 2019, when 5.6 million Texans took holiday getaways. Typically, with these big holiday trips and weekends, the number one mode of transportation is the automobile. It's the most convenient for families as they can leave and return when they want. It's also the most economical, allowing families to pack up the kids and take a road trip for a lot less money than purchasing airfare for everyone.

The Decision to Fly vs. Drive

For some, like Udit Chakravti, the decision to fly instead of drive was based on various factors. "We anticipated a lot of traffic going forward, a lot of people use cars and right now it's too expensive to rent a car as well. So I thought of cutting down the travel time and just flying," he said. The choice between flying and driving during Thanksgiving travel is a complex one, with each option having its own advantages and challenges.