As you gear up to brave the airport for your Thanksgiving travels, you’ll want to pack up your bags with essentials to make one of the busiest travel days a little less busy. While there will be crowds, long lines, and gate hoverers out in full force, traveling for Thanksgiving can be much more bearable if you have a few helpful tools in your carry-on bag.
This November, before you make your turkey trot home, be sure to check out our advice on essential packing tips.
Pack Lots of Snacks
It might sound silly to pack snacks for your Thanksgiving flights since you’ll be feasting in a few hours. But with potential flight delays, cancellations, and other travel day hiccups, you’ll be extra thankful for the nibbles in your bag — particularly if you’re traveling with kids. While you can buy food at the airport, those purchases can quickly drain your wallet, which is especially important as the holiday season approaches. Pre-pack snacks that travel well — think protein bars, trail mix, or dried fruit. Also, bring an empty water bottle to fill after security to stay hydrated without having to pay for bottled water.
Don’t Forget the Hand Sanitizer
The Thanksgiving travel period is the busiest of the year, which means big crowds everywhere. You’ll definitely want a bottle of hand sanitizer within reach for when you touch things like check-in screens, door handles, or those germy security bins. You’ll thank yourself later when you avoid catching a cold right before the big meal. Oh, and since Covid is still with us, you might want to pack — and wear — a face mask just to stay safe.
Sanitizing wipes are also handy for more than just hands. Use them to wipe down tray tables, seatbelts, and even your phone. At your destination, they’re great for refreshing items like reusable water bottles, shopping bags, or anything you’ll touch frequently. Look for wipes that aren’t overly scented and avoid high-alcohol content, which can dry out your skin. Also, keep travel-sized toiletries in a clear, easy-to-reach bag — digging through your suitcase at security is never fun, especially on a rushed travel day.
Have Your Boarding Pass Ready
A great tip to save time and reduce stress is to get your boarding pass ready before you even leave for the airport. Whether you print a paper copy or download a mobile pass, have it easily accessible — like in an outer pocket of your carry-on or in a digital wallet on your phone. This way, you’re not fumbling around last-minute at check-in. Also, check your airline’s app for real-time updates on your flight status and gate info; these can save you from running to the wrong gate or being caught off guard by delays.
Wear Bulky Clothes to the Airport
Wearing your heaviest clothing on the plane will save precious space in your luggage. A bulky coat, sweater, or boots can stay with you, reducing the need for bulky packing. Plus, that coat can double as a cozy blanket if the cabin gets chilly. If you start to feel warm, simply stow it in the overhead bin. Wearing layers is also a good idea, so you can easily adjust to changing temperatures in the airport, plane, or even your destination.
Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones or Ear Plugs
With all the holiday travelers, both noise and stress levels tend to skyrocket at the airport. To keep your Thanksgiving travel as calm as possible, pack some noise-canceling headphones or simple earplugs. Blocking out the noise around you helps reduce travel fatigue and makes it easier to unwind. Noise-canceling headphones are especially great for tuning out the constant hum of the airplane, so you can rest more comfortably. Load up your phone with your favorite calming playlist, an audiobook, or a few podcasts to help pass the time.
Stock Up On Caffeine
Thanksgiving travel can be stressful, especially with family gatherings and heading back to work soon after. Having a caffeine boost on hand — whether tea packets, instant coffee, or even a small can of energy drink — can be a lifesaver. Keeping some caffeine in your bag can help you stay alert for those red-eye flights or late-night journeys. Plus, it’s a great backup if you don’t have time to grab a coffee at the airport. But be careful not to overdo it: you may want to sleep away part of that long flight.
Use Packing Cubes and Compression Bags
Packing cubes are a game-changer for staying organized when you’re flying. Use them to separate clothing by type, outfit, or even by person if you’re sharing a bag. This will make it easy to grab exactly what you need without digging around. Compression bags are also handy if you need to fit a little more into your suitcase. These bags compress clothes by removing excess air, helping you save space without adding creases. Consider packing one extra cube or bag just for dirty laundry, so you can keep clean clothes separate on the way home.
Pack Light!
Yeah, yeah. We know. We’ve just been tell you all this extra stuff to pack. But overall, when you’re flying, try sticking with one piece of carry-on luggage as much as possible. By doing this, you’ll be able to avoid checking bags at the ticket counter and waiting for your bags at luggage claim. Pack your clothes into one bag with a separate small case for your carry-on items. It’s easiest if your personal bag is something you can easily take out, such as laptop bags, travel purses, briefcases, and backpacks.
You Might Also Like: Far From Home? Tips for Celebrating Thanksgiving Abroad
Bring Reusable Food Containers and Drinkware
Packing reusable food containers and a water bottle can save you both money and hassle on any trip. These items help you avoid spending on overpriced airport snacks or drinks, and they’re especially useful for Thanksgiving when leftovers are part of the holiday fun. Pack a couple of collapsible containers — they take up minimal space but are perfect for taking home extra turkey or pie.
FAQs:
Q: What are the TSA rules for bringing Thanksgiving leftovers on a plane?
A: Solid foods like turkey, stuffing, and pies can be packed in carry-on bags, but liquids like gravy or cranberry sauce over 3.4 ounces need to go in checked luggage. Be sure to wrap items well, and place them in leak-proof containers if possible.
Q: Can I bring homemade holiday treats through security?
A: Yes, homemade treats like cookies and brownies are allowed in your carry-on. Just remember, if you’re bringing liquids or spreads like jam or frosting, they must be in containers 3.4 ounces or smaller.
Q: What’s the best way to handle gifts in your luggage?
A: It’s best to leave gifts unwrapped in case TSA needs to inspect them. Consider using gift bags instead, or bring wrapping supplies to use after you land.
Q: How early should I arrive at the airport for Thanksgiving travel?
A: Aim to arrive at least 2 to 3 hours before your flight. This gives you extra time for long lines at check-in and security, which are common during holiday travel.
Q: Are there items I should avoid packing in my carry-on?
A: Avoid packing anything sharp, large containers of liquid, or holiday items that might look suspicious to TSA, like wrapped presents or bottles of potables. Check the TSA guidelines for a full list of restricted items.
What other essential packing for Thanksgiving flights tips can you think of? Let us know in our comments section below!
