Expect Big Thanksgiving Crowds at the Airport

Traveling for Thanksgiving? You’re in good company. The Air Transport Association (ATA) predicts a 3.5 percent year-over-year increase in the number of people traveling this Thanksgiving.

That’s up to 2.5 million people flying out on the busiest travel days of Friday, November 19, Wednesday the 24th (the day before Thanksgiving), and Thanksgiving Day; and Sunday the 28^th and Monday the 29^th as people head home. American Express just released its monthly Spending and Saving Tracker survey, which supports the vision of a busy travel season with the estimate that 40 percent of consumers have travel plans over the holidays.

In addition to the usual advice to check in online if you can, check with your airline about any delays, arrive at the airport early, and pack light, here are some more tips to help you through the Thanksgiving travel crunch:

• Five Health and Wellness Tips for Holiday Travel
• Seven Annoying Airline Fees Actually Worth Paying This Holiday Season
• Airline Fees: Ultimate Guide

I think the prospect of crowded Thanksgiving travel calls for a new term. How about: turkey glasses. Like rose-colored glasses, turkey glasses help Thanksgiving travelers move through the crowds, past any grumpy airline staff or ill-behaved fellow passengers with a tryptophan-like calm, a looking-forward-to-pie optimism, and the unflappable spirit of someone who is not afraid to ask for thirds at the holiday table.

Are you traveling around Thanksgiving? Have you booked yet? Did you pay more than you wanted, or did you find a deal you’re proud of?

And don’t forget to wear those turkey glasses.