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Thanksgiving: What you need to know about traveling from Austin, Texas

AAA Texas predicts that 4.1 million will travel on the road this year.

AUSTIN, Texas — If you're traveling this Thanksgiving, you're going to want to pack some patience. 

While crowded roadways and airports are inevitable, there are some things to consider in order to make your travel a little more bearable.  

Here are some tips before you head out.


Air travel


If you're flying out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA), you'll need to get to the airport early and be aware of peak travel times.

A representative with the airport said that the busiest times at ABIA during the week of Thanksgiving are typically Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday and the Sunday and Monday after the holiday. 

The airport reported 26,336 passengers departed from the airport the day before Thanksgiving last year.

Peak times for departures each day are 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The airport suggests passengers arrive at their terminals two hours prior to these departure times.

A big thing people worry about when trying to make a flight is getting through security lines and there are some items to avoid bringing.

"If you pack appropriately that gets everybody through security more quickly, and of course, please do not pack a firearm that will ensure that you will miss your flight and likely get arrested as well," said Mandy McClendon, Austin-Bergstrom PIO.

To get through the lines quickly, be sure to have your boarding pass and ID ready to go, remove all items from your pockets and also wear shoes you know you can take off easily.

The Austin airport also suggested these tips for their passengers in 2018

  • Check your flight status with your airline or online
  • Factor highway construction around the airport, roadway traffic and weather into drive times. 
  • Allegiant, Frontier and Via operate at the South Terminal and their passengers are encouraged to park at the South Terminal. All other airlines operate from the airport’s original Barbara Jordan Terminal.
  • Parking updates for Airport Barbara Jordan Terminal are available 24/7 online or by calling 512-530-3300.
  • Watch this video to get familiar with passenger screening on how to pack.

RELATED: 

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How to plan ahead for a stress free Thanksgiving

How you can give back to fellow Austinites this holiday season


Road travel


The American Automobile Association (AAA) Texas predicted that more than 4.1 million Texans will travel 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving, an increase of 2.5% from last year.

The association also predicts that this year's Thanksgiving travel volume will have the second-highest Thanksgiving numbers since AAA began tracking in 2000. AAA predicts that traveling time on Wednesday, Nov. 27, will take four times longer than usual. 

Before you hit the road, be sure to check for road closures and weather conditions on your route online.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) gave tips on how to stay safe on the roads during your travels.

  • Do not drink and drive
  • Clear traffic lanes in the case of a non-injury crash
  • Move over or slow down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated
  • Slow down
  • Eliminate distractions
  • Buckle up
  • Don’t drive fatigued
  • Report road hazards
  • Use the left lane for passing only
  • Check maintenance on your car

"Drive like you want the person next to you driving. So think about that – you don't want somebody in the lane next to you looking at their cellphone, or speeding, or driving erratically," said Brad Wheelis, spokesman for TxDOT.

The agency has stopped all construction for the holiday weekend to accommodate the increase in travelers. Some of the major projects that have long-term construction zones will not be changed, Wheelis said, suggesting to pay extra attention in case the traffic pattern is different.

The City of Austin will also increase "No Refusal" enforcement during the holiday. "No Refusal" allows Austin Police Department officers to apply and enforce blood search warrants in cases where a driver under arrest for driving while impaired refuses to provide a voluntary sample of breath or blood. 

“Our goal with No Refusal is to deter impaired driving so everyone can make it home safely after their holiday parties with friends and family,” said Robert Spillar, director for Austin Transportation. “This is about encouraging everyone to get home safely by planning ahead.” 

By increasing enforcement from Thanksgiving through early January, the City hopes to encourage residents and visitors to plan a safe ride home this holiday season before the celebrations begin.

If you're looking for the best routes around Austin, GetThereATX combines all of the local transportation resources in one place.

KVUE put together a list of resources to find a safe ride home.

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