KTKA

Thanksgiving has Americans eager to travel and spend time with family and friends this holiday season. With over 38.4 million people expected to travel 50 miles or more to their Thanksgiving destination, AAA recommends travelers plan ahead and be flexible to help ease holiday travel stress.

“The holiday travel season is an extremely busy time of year for everyone,” said Jacklyn Ghergurovich, AAA spokesperson. “In order for travelers to join their family at the dinner table on time and stress free, it is important to plan ahead.”

When planning holiday travels, AAA recommends the following tips to help keep the holidays enjoyable and ensure travelers reach their destination ready to enjoy food, friends and family:

Flyers:

• Identify possible fees before arriving at the airport. Many airlines are now charging for checked bags and previously complimentary services like snacks and drinks. Ask a travel agent or visit the airline’s Web site to avoid unexpected charges.

• Follow the 3-1-1 rule when bringing in liquids or other regulated materials into airports. Use 3 ounce containers, place containers in one clear bag and limit one bag per person.

• Check in before leaving home. Some airlines offer advanced online check in. If booked through a travel agency, ask an agent check the flight status.

• Keep important phone numbers handy. Write down the number for travel agents, hotels, friends or family members and the airline’s 1-800 reservation number before leaving home in case you need to reschedule flights or notify someone that your flight has been delayed.

Drivers:

• Inspect your vehicle. Check tire pressure and tread, clean headlights, change the oil and make sure fluids are filled to the appropriate level. To find an approved auto repair shop near you, visit AAA.com/repair.

• Plan a travel route. Check routes for construction delays and to make sure your usual stops are open and accessible. Visit a AAA offices to have a customized TripTik prepared or go online to AAA.com/AAAMaps to check your route.

• Plan for emergency. Make sure cell phones are charged, snacks are packed and drinks are accessible in case you experience car trouble. Know how to reach roadside help. AAA members in need of roadside assistance can reach AAA by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP or visiting AAA.com/roadsideassistance. iPhone users can download the AAA Roadside Application for free and request roadside service at the touch of a button.

• Use FuelCostCalculator.com to budget how much it will cost to fill up your vehicle by entering your starting point, destination and vehicle make and model.

Flexibility and preparation are key to reducing stress during holiday travel. Taking some time to prepare before departure allows travelers to arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy the company of family and friends during this important American holiday.

AAA provides travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services to 51 million members nationwide. AAA is committed to keeping its members on-the-go by providing outstanding roadside assistance, valuable online resources on buying and maintaining vehicles and through the Approved Auto Repair program, which has inspected and approved over 7,500 auto repair facilities in North America. For more information about AAA, members and non-members can visit AAA offices in Topeka, Wichita, Manhattan or Lawrence, go online to AAA.com or call 800-365-5222.