- Thanksgiving travel could be chaotic this year, especially if the government shutdown persists.
- Travel pros say there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of your plans getting derailed.
- Travelers should monitor alerts from airlines and flight trackers.
Thanksgiving weekend is typically one of the busiest times to travel, and thanks to multiple factors, this year could devolve into chaos.
Travel companies and federal officials have already warned that if the government shutdown continues, travelers could face a continuation of reduced flights, as well as the always possible risk of disruptive weather.
For those who are still planning to travel, travel professionals advise taking certain steps to maximize your chances of a smooth experience.
You can't control the weather, the airlines, or whether the government reopens, so here are some tips on things you can control.
Some days are better to fly than others
If you haven't booked travel yet or have flexibility on your reservation, you could consider rescheduling for a less busy day, Sean Cudahy, an aviation reporter at The Points Guy, told Business Insider.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving, for instance, tends to be the busiest travel day, so avoiding it altogether could be a good idea. Thanksgiving day is often actually a good day to fly, as it's typically far less busy than the Tuesday or Wednesday before, he said.
Cudahy said early morning flights are often less likely to be delayed than those later in the day. He also recommended booking nonstop flights, as layovers tend to increase the likelihood of a disruption. However, if you do need a connecting flight, avoid tight connection times.
Summer Hull, the senior director of content at The Points Guy, said she would seriously consider taking the train or driving if you're within driving distance.
"If I were only going to be looking at an 8, 10, or 12-hour drive instead of dealing with this stress, I would strongly consider that right now," she said.
Be proactive about communication and act quickly
When there are widespread travel disruptions, it's often the case that travelers who act the fastest are rewarded, according to Hull.
In order to stay as up-to-date as possible, Hull said travelers should opt-in to airline alerts and make sure they have their airlines' app. As they get closer to their day of departure, she recommends checking sites like FlightAware, where you may get alerted to a change in your flight even before your airline does.
"At a minimum, just opt into all the information notices and tracking, and I would check every day right now," she said, adding, "the situations are so fluid."
If there is a change in your flight, you should act quickly, she said. That means don't just stand in a long line and wait around for an airline employee to help you. Be proactive and try to manage your own travel through the app or website. If you encounter any issues, call customer service while you're still in line.
"This will be one of those situations where those who move quickest have the most options," she said.
She also said you should keep an eye on TSA wait times. While the actual TSA app is not running as usual because of the shutdown, some airports give estimated wait times, so you should check with them.
Consider getting TSA PreCheck or Clear.
If you've been on the fence about enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Clear, now might be the time.
Hull said they came in handy for some travelers in Houston last weekend, when TSA wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport were over three hours.
"They're not a guarantee when everything goes haywire," Hull said, "but even in Houston, they were helping people get through faster in most cases."
TSA PreCheck applications can take anywhere from several to 60 days to be approved, but most get approved within 3 to 5 days. Travelers can enroll in Clear at the airport on the same day they are traveling.
Check your travel insurance policy closely
Hull and Cudahy recommend booking your travel with a credit card that offers travel protections, such as the Chase Sapphire card. Some cards with travel protections will compensate you for hotels, food, and activities that you miss out on when your travel is delayed or canceled.
Rick Bagnell, vice president of business development at the insurance and consulting company Risk Strategies Company, said that travel insurance could also provide additional help to travelers who face disruptions over the Thanksgiving holiday.
However, if you did not purchase the insurance prior to October 1, when the government shutdown began, it may not cover delays related to the government shutdown, since it would likely not fall under an unforeseen circumstance.
Bagnell said that if you do have insurance, you should ensure you fully understand what your plan covers and what to do if you encounter issues.
"What they really need to do is reach out to the policy or the agents and just make sure they understand their contracts and coverage for trip delay, and the steps to take if they get into that situation," he said.
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