From forecasts to flight options, here are tips for Augusta-area Thanksgiving travelers

Miguel Legoas, Augusta Chronicle
·4 min read

Thanksgiving is on Nov. 23, but in order to bring families together and give thanks for each other, many parents, children, aunts and uncles will need to fly or drive great lengths.

AAA projects 55.4 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home around the holiday. This year’s travel forecast is an increase of 2.3% over last year and marks the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000.

Here’s a closer look at what Augusta-area families need know to while making their travel plans, including the best times to leave and how to get those delicious leftovers safely through TSA security:

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When will the roads be busiest for Thanksgiving travel?

FILE - Traffic sits at a standstill on I-20 in Augusta on Monday, May 22, 2023. Heavy traffic buildup is expected around Thanksgiving, especially the Wednesday before.
FILE - Traffic sits at a standstill on I-20 in Augusta on Monday, May 22, 2023. Heavy traffic buildup is expected around Thanksgiving, especially the Wednesday before.

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to be the busiest day on the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, with average travel times as high as 80% over what's normal in some metro areas. Travelers are recommended to leave in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion.

Here are the best times to drive during the rest of the Thanksgiving weekend:

  • Friday: Between 5 p.m. and 10 a.m.

  • Saturday: In the morning (before noon).

  • Sunday: In the morning (before noon).

When will be the best weather for Thanksgiving travel?

The clearest skies in the Augusta area will be on the Saturday-Sunday before Thanksgiving and on Black Friday, according to the Weather Channel forecast as of Tuesday.

The worst weather is currently expected on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving with about 60% chance of showers all day through the next morning. More rain is possible on the Sunday following Thanksgiving.

Residents should stay tuned as the forecast becomes more accurate closer to time.

FILE - Passengers head for the gates to catch their flights at the Augusta Regional Airport in Augusta, Ga., Thursday morning December 3, 2020.
FILE - Passengers head for the gates to catch their flights at the Augusta Regional Airport in Augusta, Ga., Thursday morning December 3, 2020.

When is the cheapest time to fly in and out of Augusta?

For most of the nonstop flights in and out of Augusta Regional Airport, the cheapest time to fly is between the Tuesday before Thanksgiving going into the following weekend. There are multiple roundtrips available for less than $500, as of Tuesday.

However, for those wanting to really get away and are willing to have a layover, there are some even cheaper options in and out of Augusta. Those interested in visiting New York, New Orleans, or Miami can do so for less than $450.

FILE - Wife Saver's Thanksgiving menu is very popular across its Augusta-area locations. Those wanting to fly with staples like these should review the TSA's food rules.
FILE - Wife Saver's Thanksgiving menu is very popular across its Augusta-area locations. Those wanting to fly with staples like these should review the TSA's food rules.

Can I fly with my leftovers?

The following Thanksgiving ingredients and dishes are allowed in checked bags and carry-on luggage, according to the TSA:

  • Bread

  • Cakes

  • Candy

  • Cooked meats, seafood and vegetables (without liquid)

  • Cookies

  • Crackers

  • Dried fruits

  • Fresh eggs

  • Nuts

  • Pies

  • Sandwiches

  • Solid foods (including cheese and chocolate)

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The following Thanksgiving ingredients and dishes are allowed in checked bags, and may be allowed in carry-on bags under certain stipulations:

  • Canned foods: Because of how they appear on the X-ray, security concerns, or impact of the 3-1-1 rules for liquids, gels and aerosols, they could require additional screening that might result in your food not being allowed through the checkpoint.

  • Creamy cheese: Only 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) at most may be allowed in carry-on luggage.

  • Dips and spreads: Only 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) at most may be allowed in carry-on luggage.

  • Frozen food: If food is packed with ice or ice packs, they must be completely frozen when brought through screening. If they are partially melted or if there is liquid present, they will not be permitted.

  • Gravy: Only 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) at most may be allowed in carry-on luggage.

  • Jams and jellies: Only 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) at most may be allowed in carry-on luggage.

  • Liquid chocolate: Only 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) at most may be allowed in carry-on luggage.

  • Soup: Only 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) at most may be allowed in carry-on luggage.

Despite the listed policies, final decision on whether or not an item gets cleared lies with the TSA officer on site. Those with questions about a specific piece of luggage can text "Travel" to 275-872 (AskTSA); live assistance is available every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta-area Thanksgiving travel tips for driving, flying, plans