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Record number of Thanksgiving travelers expected this week: Here's how to trim down your travel time

Posted at 2:53 PM, Nov 25, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-25 15:53:31-05

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — If you're traveling for Thanksgiving, you're in good company.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) expects more people to travel 50 miles or more than we've seen since 2005. That includes 1.3 million Tennesseans.

Forty thousand of them will take to the sky, and TSA expects to break records for passenger volume this week.

Nashville International Airport staff said they're used to crowds, but there are things travelers can do to get through the airport faster.

"One: Know how to pack. Pack right, do it the smart way," said Tom Jurkovich, BNA vice president of communications. "Go to TSA.gov, it'll give you tips on what to take, what not to take. Second: go online and check your flight."

Make sure you get to BNA two hours before your flight and use a mobile boarding pass to avoid waiting in unnecessary lines.

On the road, AAA says to expect a 3 percent bump in the number of drivers this year.

But good news from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, they're suspending all road work that causes lane closures starting Wednesday at noon through the weekend. That means no Interstate 440 ramp closures over the holiday.

The best strategy is to avoid Wednesday afternoon if you can. That will be the heaviest traffic time as holiday travelers mix with rush hour.

Sunday afternoon will also be busy. The best practice is always to hit the road as early as possible.