Tips for BWI Travel This Thanksgiving

The day before Thanksgiving is typically among the busiest travel days of the year.

Air travel is slated to spike this season on Wednesday, Nov. 25; Sunday, Nov. 29; and Monday, Nov. 30, according to Airlines for America, a trade organization representing the airline industry.

See Also: Thanksgiving Travel Guide for Maryland Highways

The lightest days to fly around Thanksgiving are Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27.

The state department issued a worldwide travel alert this week given recent terrorist attacks around the globe. Here in the U.S., the former head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says there will be “unpredictable” security measures in place, such as hand swabs for explosives, laptop and shoe checks plus bomb-sniffing K-9s, according to CNN.

Related: Travel Alert Issued Ahead of Thanksgiving Holiday

Here are some tips to make the trip go smoothly.

Check BWI

Use the flight tracker to see the status of your flight. Check BWI on Twitter and Facebook for updates on airport conditions.

Pack Smartly

Smooth sailing through security will save you time. Know before you go:

• Liquids cannot be more than 3.4 oz.
• Firearms must be in checked luggage only. See guidelines.
• Skates and disposable razors can be carried on. Knives, swords, safety razors must be checked.
• Bear repellent is prohibited in the cabin of an aircraft.
• See the full list of prohibited items here from the TSA.

Take the High Road for Pickup

BWI officials advise scooping up passengers on the upper level, aka departures.

“Particularly during busy evenings, the upper level roadway is often less crowded than the lower level,” BWI advises.

To avoid traffic on the lower level, drivers can also park in the hourly garage and meet their traveler(s) inside.

Get more information and FAQs about traveling at BWI here.