ST. LOUIS — Thanksgiving week is here. And the holiday travel season is in full swing. If you're hitting the road, you need to be prepared.
According to AAA, an estimated 55-million people will be traveling this Thanksgiving holiday, including a record number of flyers.
The holiday travel season officially started on Friday and goes until Dec. 2. During that time, nearly 27-million people will pass through U.S. airports.
At Lambert St. Louis International Airport, more than 208,000 people are expected to pass through the security checkpoints. That's 6,000 more than last year.
Some people like Rusty Beckham got a head start on his holiday travels. Beckham said.
"It's wonderful because it's not busy,” Beckham said.
For those traveling on the busiest days, the Transportation Security Administration has five tips.
- Pack Smart. Check which items are not allowed in baggage and what is allowed through security checkpoints.
- Get your TSA Pre-check membership. You don't have to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets.
- Call ahead for passenger support if you're traveling with passengers who have disabilities.
- Make sure you have the proper I.D. before heading to the airport.
- If you have any questions you can get TSA assistance in real-time on Twitter or Facebook.
Three big storms in the Midwest and west could also impact Thanksgiving travel beginning Tuesday.
Remember to allow plenty of extra time to get through security. It's also a good idea to check on your flight before you head to the airport.
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