What should you do if your flight is canceled or delayed? Here are some tips

As the holiday season approaches, airlines and airports across the United States are gearing up for what industry experts predict to be the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record.

The Transportation Security Administration anticipates screening an astounding 30 million passengers from Nov. 17 to Nov. 27, averaging about 2.7 million passengers per day. This reflects a 10% increase from the same period last year. AAA projects that 4.7 million travelers will take to the skies for Thanksgiving, marking a 6.6% surge from the previous year and the highest number since 2005.

In light of the expected surge in air travel, passengers are being urged to take proactive measures to ensure a smoother journey. AAA offers several Thanksgiving flying tips, including checking in early online, monitoring flight status through the airline's mobile app and arriving at the airport two to three hours before the scheduled departure.

Given the potential for delays and cancellations, AAA advises travelers to pack medications and an extra set of clothes in their carry-on bags. Last year's holiday travel rush witnessed widespread flight cancellations and logistical challenges that left thousands stranded.

In the event of lost luggage, passengers are advised to file a claim promptly, obtain a reference number, and retain receipts for any necessary purchases. Additionally, depending on the credit card used for booking, passengers may have additional benefits in the case of flight cancellations.

How to avoid flight disruptions

To mitigate the impact of unforeseen disruptions, travel insurance is recommended. Without travel insurance, passengers face financial losses associated with rescheduling flights, accommodations and activities. Travel insurance also provides coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage, allowing travelers to quickly replace essentials without incurring significant expenses.

Travel experts suggest taking the first flight out and avoiding flights with layovers to minimize the possibility of delays and cancellations. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Air Travel Consumer Report for October, flights between 6-7 a.m. had a nearly 90% on-time departure rate, versus 64% for flights between 5-11 p.m.

What to do if your flight is canceled

In situations where flights are canceled, passengers are encouraged to first contact the airline's customer service. If issues persist, reaching out to the state department of transportation can provide additional avenues for assistance. The U.S. Department of Transportation has introduced a dashboard to facilitate easy access to information about services that U.S. airlines offer to mitigate passenger inconveniences caused by circumstances within the airline's control.

As a general reminder, travelers are urged to keep their contact information up to date with airlines to receive timely alerts. Arriving at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled flight is recommended to account for potential delays and long lines.

Make sure to (politely) ask for a refund with customer service. The specifics vary case by case and by airline but plead your case and detail your situation and you may receive a refund, travel voucher or miles. It doesn't hurt to try.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Thanksgiving travel tips to avoid flight cancellations and delays