The turbulence caused by the longest government shutdown in U.S. history may still linger in travelers' minds this Thanksgiving season. However, preparations for the typical holiday surge, including potential winter weather, heavy traffic, and crowded airports, can ease those travel jitters.

Sheldon H. Jacobson, an expert in airport and airline operations, stated, The airlines know what to expect during this busy season, and travelers need to be proactive about their travel plans. Here’s your guide to navigating the upcoming Thanksgiving travel rush:

How Busy Will It Be?

The travel forecasts indicate that airports and roads will be exceptionally busy. Following the lifting of recent flight restrictions impacting commercial airlines during the shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is anticipating its busiest Thanksgiving week in 15 years, with over 360,000 flights scheduled from Monday to the following Tuesday. This influx means that more than 17.8 million travelers will be screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

In addition, AAA estimates an additional 1.3 million travelers will hit the roads compared to last year, bringing the total car travelers to around 73 million.

Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather can complicate travel plans, but preparation can help mitigate stress. If faced with a weather-related flight cancellation or delay, have a plan for an alternative travel method. James Belanger, a meteorology expert, advises checking forecasts frequently during your planning.

The Weather Channel provides a Thanksgiving weekly forecast that includes major highways and airports at risk of bad weather, including snow, ice, and rain.

On the FAA’s busiest day (Tuesday), forecasters warn of possible rain disruptions in the Pacific Northwest and much of the Eastern U.S., affecting major airports in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Packing Essentials

Jacobson recommends starting your packing by removing any TSA-restricted items left over from previous trips, as this can expedite the security screening process. If bringing gifts, it's advisable to wrap them at your destination since TSA may need to inspect them.

Check the weather forecast to pack appropriate clothing, paying attention to the “feels like” temperature. Remember that all travelers will need a REAL ID to fly domestically or an alternative valid ID.

For tech-savvy travelers, Apple's iPhone now allows users to add their U.S. passport details to Apple Wallet for streamlined access at airport checkpoints.

Road Trip Preparations

For those opting to drive, AAA suggests ensuring your vehicle is ready by checking the tires, battery, and fluid levels, and starting your journey with a full tank of gas. Heavy traffic is expected, especially on key travel days.

Google Maps analysis projects a 14% increase in traffic on Wednesday, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with peak traffic from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Day itself will see the most traffic between noon and 3 p.m.

The Informed Passenger

Being informed is vital for a smooth travel experience. Download your airline’s app to monitor your flight status regularly and adjust plans if necessary. Begin your journey earlier than expected to alleviate any last-minute stress.

Jacobson emphasizes the importance of these simple yet effective strategies in making holiday travel more manageable.