Learn Some Thanksgiving Travel Tips 2022

Thanksgiving typically marks the official start of the holiday travel season. If you’re traveling for a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving celebration this year, you must plan ahead for a smooth experience.

According to TIME, the rates of 2022 holiday traffic will likely increase dramatically this year, nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels. AAA estimates approximately 51 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more between Wednesday, November 22 and Sunday, November 26, 2022. Meanwhile, the service industry continues to experience widespread understaffing, so flight cancellations and other travel delays will likely occur. Here, we’ve provided useful holiday travel tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this Thanksgiving season.

Traveling by Car

If you plan to travel by car, even if only to get to an airport or train station, you should:

• Check your preferred navigation app several hours before your departure to identify any traffic jams or delays that could impact your schedule.
• Avoid driving during heavy travel times, including late afternoon and early evening on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the early afternoon on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, and the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday afterward.
• Consider planning alternate routes or departing earlier to leave yourself more of a buffer If you must drive during heavy travel periods.

Traveling by Plane

Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for air travel, with most fliers taking off the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. If you’re traveling by air, follow these tips:

• Arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before your flight departs so you have time to get through security and other lines.
• Leave a day or two sooner than usual and have a backup flight plan, if possible.
• If traveling with children, get tickets early to ensure your seats are together.

Traveling by Train

Illinois is home to more than 40 railroads, so you might be traveling by train this Thanksgiving. If you do, keep the following in mind:

• Never cross over or go behind lines or gates at a train station or crossing.
• Stay alert near train tracks. Avoid texting, wearing earbuds, or engaging in distractions that could block out an oncoming train.
• Look both ways and listen closely before crossing train tracks. Always expect a train to approach at any moment and from either direction.
• Never attempt to beat an approaching train by crossing in front of it.
• Always pay attention to platform announcements from the train station crew.
• Always use handrails when boarding or exiting train cars.

Injured in a Holiday Travel Accident? Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.

If you’ve been injured in a holiday travel accident or another preventable incident in Illinois, contact the Illinois injury lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free case evaluation.