With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many Americans are gearing up for the busy travel season, and, let’s face it, no one relishes the idea of battling airport stress during this holiday rush. With millions expected to travel by air, experts and frequent flyers alike are sharing tips to make the experience smoother. Whether it’s figuring out how to thaw frozen turkey properly or packed snacks for the flights, here’s everything you need to know for this festive travel.
One popular concern during this time is how to successfully thaw the turkey—especially if you’ve reached the eleventh hour and realized it's still solid as a rock. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lays out the best methods for thawing your turkey correctly and safely. The most reliable way is to thaw it in the refrigerator, allowing about 24 hours of thaw time for every four to five pounds of turkey. This method keeps the turkey at safe temperatures (below 40°F) and is recommended for those who plan well.
If you’re short on time, there’s the cold water thawing method, where you submerge your turkey in its original packaging under cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method will take around 30 minutes per pound. So, if you find yourself with a 16-pound turkey, about eight hours is needed for thawing. It’s fast but requires vigilance and helps avoid bacteria growth.
For those who are headed to visit family or friends and not hosting the dinner, flights can be fraught with challenges. Fortunately, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers some handy tips. Recently, travelers may have come across some clever hacks circulating online, especially on TikTok, on how to bring bottled water through airport security. The TSA has confirmed travelers can actually take frozen water bottles past the checkpoint—as long as the bottles are completely frozen solid. If they’re slushy or starting to melt, they hit against the 3-1-1 rule, which limits liquids to 3.4 ounces per container.
To prevent hassle, if you have to bring frozen liquids through security, it is wise to consume any liquefied items—including gravy or soup—before heading to the security bin. Experts remind passengers to not pack items you might be upset about losing at checkpoints. The ultimate decision on what crosses the TSA security line lies with the TSA officer present, making for situations where travelers may need to get creative.
Now, if you’re opting for carrying food items, the TSA has also clarified what holiday dishes you can take along on flights. These include commercially packaged items like cookies, cakes, or turkeys, as long as they stick to the guidelines. Of course, once you’ve passed security, you can refill your water bottle at airport hydration stations...
But here's the twist! Not everyone buys the idea of lugging frozen items through airports. Some frequent flyers suggest it’s far simpler to fill up at one of the many available water dispensers after passing through security. Critics of the frozen bottle hack worry about the time it takes for ice to melt, especially on short flights, rendering it impractical.
Yet, there are merits to the frozen bottle hack, especially for those who might face delays. After all, sitting on the tarmac when it’s hot outside without hydration isn’t the best experience. John E. DiScala, known as Johnny Jet, weighs in on this debate: “While you can fill your bottle post-security, there are times when you can’t find one, or the lines are too long. Having cold water ready to go can be invaluable.”
For the weary traveler hoping for packing efficiency, it’s suggested to make holiday food part of your travel plans. With decorations, gifting, and sharing meals, it's those personal touches of the season people enjoy. For travelers who are not flying but driving home for the holidays, the planning still needs to include packing food safely per health guidelines, ensuring food items stay fresh for the family gathering.
To sum it up, thriving through Thanksgiving travel hinges on careful planning—strategically thawing your turkey, comprehending TSA policies, and remaining hydrated through airport adventures. So whether you’re the driving host or the jet-setting guest, these tips can help make any Thanksgiving taste even sweeter, no matter how far you roam for the holiday season.
