Flex your dates<\/strong><\/h2>\nOften the best Thanksgiving travel deals involve booking by Labor Day. Generally, the longer you wait, the more you’ll likely pay. Also, try to be flexible on scheduling dates. Orbitz.com<\/a> makes this easy with its flexible search function (just click the “My dates are flexible” box under the dates on the Flights search page). According to Johnny Jet, founder of travel tips site JohnnyJet.com<\/a>, the worst days to fly are the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the following Sunday and Monday. \u201cThey\u2019re the most full, hectic and expensive,\u201d he says. \u201cFly on the Monday or Tuesday before and the Friday, Tuesday or Wednesday after [Thanksgiving],\u201d if you can.<\/p>\nFly on Thanksgiving<\/strong><\/h2>\nFlying on Thanksgiving Day is an even cheaper option. \u201cTypically, this day has less people traveling,\u201d says airline industry expert Kerwin McKenzie<\/a>. \u201cI think most travelers are wising up and actually traveling on Thanksgiving morning now. If there are no delays, you’re fine, but you’re taking a great risk of missing the turkey.\u201d Jet notes that on Thanksgiving day, flights usually cost less in the late afternoon or evening.<\/p>\nConsider smaller airports<\/h2>\n
Smaller airports can be a nice alternative to major hubs if they have a reasonable selection of flights and are close enough to major cities. Other pluses can involve fewer delays, shorter lines and easier parking. \u201cHowever, these advantages really only apply to non-stop flights,\u201d says Laura Longwell founder of the blog Travel Addicts<\/a>. \u201cIf you fly from a smaller airport and connect through a hub, you add complexity to your itinerary and risk adding additional problems including missed flight connections and lost luggage.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"rent](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/car-rental-for-thanksgiving.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nBook your ride early<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you need to rent a car, go to an online travel agency such as Orbitz.com<\/a> to compare rates between companies; weigh if it\u2019s better to opt for off-site locations versus airport pick up. Also, see about applying related memberships such as AARP or AAA or military discounts. \u201cRent now as opposed to waiting for it to get closer to the holiday,\u201d says McKenzie. \u201c[Rental cars] will either be sold or a bit more expensive.\u201d<\/p>\nALSO<\/strong>: Thankful for free hotel nights? Join Orbitz Rewards and start earning Orbucks instantly!<\/a><\/p>\nFigure out where to park\u2014if you park
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\nDepending on where you live, Uber might be the most affordable way to get you to and from the airport. If not, look into both long-term airport parking and off-airport parking options, and figure out the best value based on factors like price and proximity to airports. \u201cOff-airport private parking lots can save you both time and money during the holidays,\u201d says Longwell. \u201cAirport parking, even remote economy parking, is rarely advantageous for travelers. Private lots are usually priced competitively to the airport’s own long-term economy lot, but you get the advantage of door-to-car service as well as other extras.\u201d Search off-airport parking websites to book ahead.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/security-line-for-thanksgiving.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Enroll in TSA Pre\u2713
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you can\u2019t enroll in this government program (which assigns expedited security screening for domestic air travel) prior to Turkey Day, then schedule a future appointment as a gift to yourself. Clearance is good for five years and costs only $85. Fill out an online application<\/a> and pay the fee (Orbitz Rewards Platinum members get Pre\u2713 for free\u2014more on that here<\/a>). You’ll then schedule a short appointment with a federal representative, and upon approval will be designated a Known Travel Number that\u2019s good for five years. In the TSA Pre\u2713 lane, you don\u2019t have to remove any liquids, your shoes or laptop from your carry-on.<\/p>\nALSO:<\/strong> With Orbitz Rewards, the travel perks are just gravy\u2014join for free today!<\/a><\/p>\nGo CLEAR<\/h2>\n
Created by a technology company, CLEAR<\/a> also aims to get pre-approved travelers through security faster, but does so by using biometrics like eye scans and fingerprints instead of documents. The program costs $179 annually and is currently offered in major airports. \u201cYou will be able to walk up to the machine and scan your eyes or fingerprints,\u201d says Valerie Joy Wilson, founder of travel blog Trusted Travel Girl<\/a>. \u201cAfter getting the OK, an attendant will escort you to the front of your [security] line.\u201d<\/p>\nGet your baggage in order<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you have to wait in the standard security line, then make the screening process easier for both you and TSA agents by better organizing your bag. \u201cMake it easy on yourself and have your laptop and 3-1-1 [liquids] bag in your carry-on so you don\u2019t have to start up-zipping the main compartment,\u201d suggests TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz.<\/p>\n
![\"bringing](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bringing-pie-home-for-thanksgiving.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Learn your food basics<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Fly on Thanksgiving<\/strong><\/h2>\nFlying on Thanksgiving Day is an even cheaper option. \u201cTypically, this day has less people traveling,\u201d says airline industry expert Kerwin McKenzie<\/a>. \u201cI think most travelers are wising up and actually traveling on Thanksgiving morning now. If there are no delays, you’re fine, but you’re taking a great risk of missing the turkey.\u201d Jet notes that on Thanksgiving day, flights usually cost less in the late afternoon or evening.<\/p>\nConsider smaller airports<\/h2>\n
Smaller airports can be a nice alternative to major hubs if they have a reasonable selection of flights and are close enough to major cities. Other pluses can involve fewer delays, shorter lines and easier parking. \u201cHowever, these advantages really only apply to non-stop flights,\u201d says Laura Longwell founder of the blog Travel Addicts<\/a>. \u201cIf you fly from a smaller airport and connect through a hub, you add complexity to your itinerary and risk adding additional problems including missed flight connections and lost luggage.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/h2>\nBook your ride early<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you need to rent a car, go to an online travel agency such as Orbitz.com<\/a> to compare rates between companies; weigh if it\u2019s better to opt for off-site locations versus airport pick up. Also, see about applying related memberships such as AARP or AAA or military discounts. \u201cRent now as opposed to waiting for it to get closer to the holiday,\u201d says McKenzie. \u201c[Rental cars] will either be sold or a bit more expensive.\u201d<\/p>\nALSO<\/strong>: Thankful for free hotel nights? Join Orbitz Rewards and start earning Orbucks instantly!<\/a><\/p>\nFigure out where to park\u2014if you park
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\nDepending on where you live, Uber might be the most affordable way to get you to and from the airport. If not, look into both long-term airport parking and off-airport parking options, and figure out the best value based on factors like price and proximity to airports. \u201cOff-airport private parking lots can save you both time and money during the holidays,\u201d says Longwell. \u201cAirport parking, even remote economy parking, is rarely advantageous for travelers. Private lots are usually priced competitively to the airport’s own long-term economy lot, but you get the advantage of door-to-car service as well as other extras.\u201d Search off-airport parking websites to book ahead.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Enroll in TSA Pre\u2713
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you can\u2019t enroll in this government program (which assigns expedited security screening for domestic air travel) prior to Turkey Day, then schedule a future appointment as a gift to yourself. Clearance is good for five years and costs only $85. Fill out an online application<\/a> and pay the fee (Orbitz Rewards Platinum members get Pre\u2713 for free\u2014more on that here<\/a>). You’ll then schedule a short appointment with a federal representative, and upon approval will be designated a Known Travel Number that\u2019s good for five years. In the TSA Pre\u2713 lane, you don\u2019t have to remove any liquids, your shoes or laptop from your carry-on.<\/p>\nALSO:<\/strong> With Orbitz Rewards, the travel perks are just gravy\u2014join for free today!<\/a><\/p>\nGo CLEAR<\/h2>\n
Created by a technology company, CLEAR<\/a> also aims to get pre-approved travelers through security faster, but does so by using biometrics like eye scans and fingerprints instead of documents. The program costs $179 annually and is currently offered in major airports. \u201cYou will be able to walk up to the machine and scan your eyes or fingerprints,\u201d says Valerie Joy Wilson, founder of travel blog Trusted Travel Girl<\/a>. \u201cAfter getting the OK, an attendant will escort you to the front of your [security] line.\u201d<\/p>\nGet your baggage in order<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you have to wait in the standard security line, then make the screening process easier for both you and TSA agents by better organizing your bag. \u201cMake it easy on yourself and have your laptop and 3-1-1 [liquids] bag in your carry-on so you don\u2019t have to start up-zipping the main compartment,\u201d suggests TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Learn your food basics<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Consider smaller airports<\/h2>\n
Smaller airports can be a nice alternative to major hubs if they have a reasonable selection of flights and are close enough to major cities. Other pluses can involve fewer delays, shorter lines and easier parking. \u201cHowever, these advantages really only apply to non-stop flights,\u201d says Laura Longwell founder of the blog Travel Addicts<\/a>. \u201cIf you fly from a smaller airport and connect through a hub, you add complexity to your itinerary and risk adding additional problems including missed flight connections and lost luggage.\u201d<\/p>\n If you need to rent a car, go to an online travel agency such as Orbitz.com<\/a> to compare rates between companies; weigh if it\u2019s better to opt for off-site locations versus airport pick up. Also, see about applying related memberships such as AARP or AAA or military discounts. \u201cRent now as opposed to waiting for it to get closer to the holiday,\u201d says McKenzie. \u201c[Rental cars] will either be sold or a bit more expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n ALSO<\/strong>: Thankful for free hotel nights? Join Orbitz Rewards and start earning Orbucks instantly!<\/a><\/p>\n Depending on where you live, Uber might be the most affordable way to get you to and from the airport. If not, look into both long-term airport parking and off-airport parking options, and figure out the best value based on factors like price and proximity to airports. \u201cOff-airport private parking lots can save you both time and money during the holidays,\u201d says Longwell. \u201cAirport parking, even remote economy parking, is rarely advantageous for travelers. Private lots are usually priced competitively to the airport’s own long-term economy lot, but you get the advantage of door-to-car service as well as other extras.\u201d Search off-airport parking websites to book ahead.<\/p>\n If you can\u2019t enroll in this government program (which assigns expedited security screening for domestic air travel) prior to Turkey Day, then schedule a future appointment as a gift to yourself. Clearance is good for five years and costs only $85. Fill out an online application<\/a> and pay the fee (Orbitz Rewards Platinum members get Pre\u2713 for free\u2014more on that here<\/a>). You’ll then schedule a short appointment with a federal representative, and upon approval will be designated a Known Travel Number that\u2019s good for five years. In the TSA Pre\u2713 lane, you don\u2019t have to remove any liquids, your shoes or laptop from your carry-on.<\/p>\n ALSO:<\/strong> With Orbitz Rewards, the travel perks are just gravy\u2014join for free today!<\/a><\/p>\n Created by a technology company, CLEAR<\/a> also aims to get pre-approved travelers through security faster, but does so by using biometrics like eye scans and fingerprints instead of documents. The program costs $179 annually and is currently offered in major airports. \u201cYou will be able to walk up to the machine and scan your eyes or fingerprints,\u201d says Valerie Joy Wilson, founder of travel blog Trusted Travel Girl<\/a>. \u201cAfter getting the OK, an attendant will escort you to the front of your [security] line.\u201d<\/p>\n If you have to wait in the standard security line, then make the screening process easier for both you and TSA agents by better organizing your bag. \u201cMake it easy on yourself and have your laptop and 3-1-1 [liquids] bag in your carry-on so you don\u2019t have to start up-zipping the main compartment,\u201d suggests TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz.<\/p>\n<\/h2>\nBook your ride early<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Figure out where to park\u2014if you park
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nEnroll in TSA Pre\u2713
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\nGo CLEAR<\/h2>\n
Get your baggage in order<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nLearn your food basics<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FFF-blog-banner.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"