The American Automobile Association says more of us will be flying this Thanksgiving weekend (upwards of 5 million people) than on any Thanksgiving holiday since 9-11.
Millions more of us will be flying over Christmas and New Year's, toting kids and car seats and strollers and presents, dragging sullen teens who would much rather be staying home with their friends. Whether Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's, it's going to be crowded and crazy at airports, especially if snow wreaks havoc with airline schedules. Be prepared for long lines, delays, lost luggage (all the more reason to limit yourselves to carry-on bags if you can) and, invariably, lost tempers.
At least some families are excited. Bob Riha Jr. is taking his family to Hawaii for Christmas from Southern California. "Since Kaela (8) and Kelsey (6) haven't even been on a plane before, this will be an adventure from the moment we leave LAX," he said.
I hope he allows plenty of extra time. That extra hour (or two) can make all the difference when airports and the roads to the airports are jammed, said Travel Security Administration spokesman Christopher White.
To the Texas dad who wants to know what identification teens need when flying without their parents: The Transportation Safety Administration says that if kids are younger than 18, they don't need a photo ID, "though it's always a good idea to have one," said TSA spokesman White.
If your teen doesn't have a driver's license yet, bring a school ID, passport or even a copy of a birth certificate to show that your 6-foot-tall son is only 16. Accompany your teen to the ticket counter so that you can answer any questions. And make sure they know to tell the flight attendant or gate agent they're flying solo in case they miss their connection or their flight is canceled.
If you're putting a younger child on a flight alone, don't forget to bring the address and phone number of the person who will be picking up the child. Ask for a "gate pass" so that you can go through security and wait with your child until boarding.
To the new mom who wants to know if she can bring frozen breast milk through security: The answer is yes. Pack it in a small insulated container.
To the dad who was having "an attack of guilt" about booking business class for an international flight with his baby because "she's bound to make some noise": There's no reason to feel guilty, though be prepared for dirty looks.
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