Top TSA and AAA tips for traveling this week

It’s the busiest travel time of the year, and if you haven’t left, yet, you might already be late.

An expected 26.8 million Americans will be flying—or attempting to fly—during Thanksgiving week, the Transportation Security Administration predicts, and another 49.3 million will be on the roads, according to AAA.

In many areas of the country, winter storms will likely delay travel or make it impossible or dangerous. If you’re flying, make sure to check conditions at your destination to ensure you can arrive and depart within the time frame you’ve scheduled.

If you’re flying, here are the TSA’s top tips:

1. Get to the airport early—two hours prior to a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
2. Know which foods can travel in your carry-on bag. Pies, cakes, stuffing mix, casseroles, are all good in a carry-on bag because they are solid food items.
3. 

   Foods that can be spilled, spread, sprayed, pumped or poured should be packed in a checked bag. (TSA photo)

   Know which foods should go into a checked bag. Gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam, preserves, should all go into a checked bag. Why? They are not solids. Basically, if you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, (say that three times fast) then it’s not a solid and should be packed in a checked bag.

4. Wear slip-on shoes. Shoelaces and zip-up boots take extra time to remove and put back on. Wearing slip-ons just saves you time.
5. Place your electronic carving knife (or your non-electric knife) in your checked bag.
6. Pack smart. Don’t bring along any prohibited items. If you are not sure if an item should go in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither, don’t be shy, just tweet your question to @AskTSA or ask via Facebook Messenger. You can also visit this website.
7. Download the free MyTSA app. The best thing about it is the “Can I bring” feature. Type in an item and it lets you know immediately if you should pack it in a checked or carry-on bag. It also can let you know if there is an airport delay and whether TSA Precheck lanes are available. Super helpful. And if you get bored, you can use it to play a game with your relatives by asking them to guess if an item should be packed in a checked or carry-on bag and using the app to provide the correct answer.
8. Use your time in the checkpoint line wisely. It’s the perfect time to take items out of your pockets and place them in your carry-on bag and to get your ID and boarding pass ready to hand to the TSA officer.
9. Enroll in TSA Precheck—if not before Thanksgiving, then before your next trip. It allows you to leave on your shoes, lightweight jacket and belt when you go through the checkpoint. Plus, you can leave your electronics and your one-quart-size liquids bag in your carry-on bag instead of removing it at the checkpoint. It’s like driving in the fast lane.
10. Pay attention to the guidance that the TSA officers are providing at the checkpoint. They may be directing you to a shorter line or guiding you around someone who is moving slowly. And they may be giving you some advice that will lessen the likelihood that you’ll need a pat-down.

If you’re driving, these tips from AAA will help you avoid delays and problems:

1. Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. If maintenance is not up to date, have your car and tires inspected before you take a long drive.
2. Map your route in advance and be prepared for busy roads during the most popular times of the year. If possible, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic.
3. Keep anything of value in the trunk or covered storage area.
4. If you’re traveling with children, remind them not to talk to strangers. Go with them on bathroom breaks and give them whistles to be used only if the family gets separated.
5. Have roadside assistance contact information on hand, in case an incident occurs on the road.
6. In case of an emergency, always keep a cell phone and charger with you. AAA and many other companies offer smartphone applications that enable motorists to request help without making a phone call.