AAA estimates that more than 33 million people will be hitting the nation’s highways today. The Sunday following Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest travel day of the year, and this year is no exception. Adding to the mad rush are the millions of others, who will be heading home from Turkey Day celebrations, via boat, train or plane.
Unfortunately, for those of you who are doing it all over again next month, travel experts don’t expect numbers to decrease. Meaning, you will have just as much company on the roads and in the skies as today. However, thanks to the Bureau of Transportation, you may be able to avoid some travel trouble spots as you venture over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house this holiday season.
Transportation experts recently released a list of 25 major hub airports in the Unites States that had the best on-time departures. If you are making a connection try targeting the following airport hubs with the highest percentage of on-time departures:
76% Charlotte
75% Houston Intercontinental
72% D.C. Reagan National
71% Cleveland
70% Phoenix
Bureau of Transportation statisticians also suggest avoiding the following hubs with the lowest percentage of on-time departures:
57% Newark Liberty
59% Chicago O’Hare
61% Seattle
61% Portland
62% San Francisco
Adding a few connections to your itinerary is a good way to reduce your fare, as direct flights often cost more. You can also save some dough by frequenting travel websites that offer “fare drop” discounts; they refund the difference if a fare goes down between the time you buy and the time you fly.
In regards to connections, travel experts recommend that you allow at least three hours between flights, especially during the winter months when snow and ice can wreck havoc on planes. All it takes is one major storm somewhere and you may be stuck in an airport instead of on a flight to grandma’s house.
Finally, if you really want to save money when flying this holiday season, pack light. If it is possible, consider traveling with carry-on bags only. Not only will you be able to save on baggage fees (Jet Blue and Southwest currently are the only domestic carriers not charging baggage fees), but you’ll also save time by avoiding the long lines at baggage claim.
If you are traveling with children this holiday season, check out these related articles:
Traveling With Children-Learn From My Mistakes
Flying with Children: Layover or Not?
Tips To Remember When Traveling With Children
Even More Tips To Remember When You Travel With Kids
More Tips To Remember When You Travel With Kids
Traveling With Young Children: More Dos and Don’ts
Traveling With Young Children: Dos and Don’ts