Is anyone flying for Thanksgiving?
 

Is anyone flying either to visit family or to vacation over Thanksgiving? I am wondering what holiday airport crowds will be like and how much extra time to allot.

The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously the heaviest travel day of the year. I avoid airports like the plague that day, especially now with all the security concerns and stupidity that goes on at airports. As a rule, I instead fly Thanksgiving day, so far without a problem.

Sunday after Thanksgiving is the Number One Busiest Day in US aviation.As much as the airlines attempt to prepare for it,not much can be done to alleviate the crises.Going and coming, allows extra times--traffic,parking,unruly crowds,clammer clammer clammer.

I will be flying from DFW to SLC on Wednesday. I plan to arrive two hours early at a minimum.

I will be flying from Reagan Nat'l to Newark on the weds before Thanksgiving. I have made this trip for 5 years now, and Reagan Nat'l, unlike most other airports, is relatively calm on that day. But you should expect big crowds, lines, etc., and plan accordingly. Instead of flying back from Newark on Sunday, I'll be leaving on Saturday night instead. Much calmer.

Airlines are operating about 70% of their pre 9/11 schedules now. Expect PACKED planes and airports!!

I'm flying on Thanksgiving Day. I've done this several times (always to go on a holiday, not to visit family for turkey) and I love it. Airports and flights are not usually crowded. <BR><BR>I personally will not fly the day before Thanksgiving or the Sunday afterwards. To me, it's just not worth the stress --crowds, long lines, too many carry-ons in too little space . . . that's why people don't like the holidays! Get there early and keep your sense of humor.

Before we even met, my husband flew to his parents for Thansgiving. He was supposed to arrive back here by 5:00 PM on Sunday. I think he said he made it back around 3AM on Monday.