If you’re not lucky enough to be home for the holidays, thanksgiving travel It may be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to falls. Historically, Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times of the year at airports across the country; Therefore, if you are traveling, you can expect to experience a little more stress. Think extra-long security lines, increased flight prices, and more traffic than usual. While it’s impossible to avoid some of these obstacles, there are a few things you can do. reduce insanity. For example, it can help to be selective about which day you fly. While some days are better suited for travel, others should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

A record 2.6 million passengers were screened at security checkpoints on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving last year, according to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. And those numbers are expected to increase this year. Here are the best and worst days to travel around Thanksgiving.

The Worst Days to Fly for Thanksgiving

• Previous Wednesday (November 27)
• After Sunday (1 December)

The two worst days to fly on Thanksgiving are the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. One NerdWallet research The study analyzed the number of security check-ins at US airports over the past three years (starting on the Thursday before Thanksgiving and ending on the Thursday after Thanksgiving), and found that the two days with the highest number of check-ins were the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. and it was Sunday. after the holiday. The second worst day after these two was the previous Tuesday and the following Monday.

Apart from airport crowds, ticket cost also contributes to whether a day is good or bad for flying. According to a Hopper’s workflyers will pay 45% more to fly home the Sunday after Thanksgiving if they wait until the next day (Cyber ​​Monday) to fly home.

The Best Days to Fly on Thanksgiving

• Before Saturday (November 23)
• Before Monday (November 25)
• Thanksgiving (November 28)
• After Wednesday (4 December)
• After Tuesday (3 December)
• After Friday (November 29)

If you have some flexibility in your schedule, try leaving a little early and starting your Thanksgiving travels on the Saturday or Monday before Thanksgiving. In the past, these have been much lower volume travel days, and flights also become more expensive in the days leading up to the holiday. If you can find a flight that will get you home in time for dinner, traveling on Thanksgiving can help you avoid the crowds altogether, as this day is statistically the slowest travel day in the two-week period.

Consider extending your trip a little longer for the cheapest tickets and least busy airports for your return flight. The following Wednesday and the following Tuesday are also good options, and if you’re someone who likes to spend the weekend at home and relax before returning to work, you’re in luck because Black Friday is also the best day. Go home day.

Thanksgiving Travel Tips

Build in Extra Time: If you must travel at peak times, be sure to give yourself extra time at the airport to find parking, check luggage and clear security; Even if you have TSA PreCheck and that means waking up a half hour earlier. . If you miss your flight, it may be harder to rebook as so many people will be traveling and flights will be sold out. This rule also applies when booking flights that require connections. On a normal travel day, 40 minutes might be plenty of time to get to your next gate, but on busy travel days when airports are crowded and sky trams are full, it may be safer to plan for at least an hour and 15 minutes.

Package Light: Save yourself some time by choosing to travel with only a carry-on in tow. This way, when you arrive at your destination, you won’t have to waste precious moments with your family waiting in the luggage carousel. We promise you, your family won’t mind if you do a load of laundry or wear the same sweater twice.

Be Prepared for Delays: Travel seems to have become increasingly unpredictable, especially post-COVID. During the airport’s busy seasons, the chances of your flight being delayed are even higher than usual. If any disruptions occur in your travel plans, try to remain calm and remember that most delays are beyond the control of airline officials. While it can be frustrating when plans change, there’s no reason why you can’t be kind to anyone you encounter. Being prepared with extra snacks and a water bottle to keep you nourished and hydrated during possible delays can also help relieve stress.