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Travel and Outdoors

Tips for your Turkey Day travel

A closer look at Thanksgiving travel predictions, plus tips for a smooth trip through the airport.

November 15, 2023 • 
Callie Brown
Charleston International Airport Guest Servies Desk

Finalize your Thanksgiving menu + travel plans.

Provided by Charleston International Airport

T-minus one week until Turkey Day. If you’re planning to head out of town you’re not alone. AAA is predicting the busiest Thanksgiving in years — the third-highest since 2000.

Flying?

AAA says it’s expecting the highest number of Thanksgiving travelers to fly to their destinations since 2005. An expected 4.7 million people will take to the skies, that’s a 6.6% increase compared to 2022. The group also noted the average price for a domestic flight is up ~$680, from last year. Charleston International Airport officials are lots of travelers too, Elliott Summey, Executive Director and CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority says “Thanksgiving is the kick-off to the holiday travel season. With record-breaking numbers year after year, we expect to be busy this year as well.” Summey goes on to say, “with just a bit of advance planning passengers can have an exceptional travel experience.”

Travelers line up for TSA security screenings ahead of flights.

Make sure your travel plan includes enough time to get through TSA.

Provided by Charleston International Airport

Travel tips from Charleston International

  • Bookmark our guide to the airport. which includes TSA times, parking, and food recommendations.
  • Arrive early, it’s recommended to arrive 90 minutes before domestic departures.
  • Check out CHS Check ‘N Go free domestic baggage check.
  • Stay up to date with your flight status on the airport website.
CHS_AirportParkingMap.PNG

Plan your parking, leave a little extra time to find a spot in a parking deck or lot.

Provided by Charleston International Airport

Hitting the road?

AAA says the most people heading out of town will do so by car. They say 49.1 million people will get behind the wheel, that’s a 1.7% increase compared to 2022.

Wednesday, Nov. 22, is expected to be the busiest day on the road, that’s according to INRIX a transportation data and insights provider.

Best and worst times to drive.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 22 — worst travel times: 2-6 p.m. | best travel time: before 11 a.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 23 — worst travel times: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | best travel time: before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 24 — worst travel times: 12-4 p.m. | best travel time: before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 25 — worst travel times: 3-5 p.m. | best travel time: before 12 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 26 — worst travel times: 3-5 p.m. | best travel time: before 12 p.m.