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How's Your Travel Day So Far?

November 26, 2008 at 10:36 AM | by | Comments (9)

For a holiday, it's pretty light trading at JFK International Airport right now. Heavier than a normal day, to be sure, but the twin threats of high prices and fewer than usual flights seems to have cleared the air a little bit on the national scene. From light traffic in Washington state to lower gas prices in New Jersey, it seems like more people than usual have opted to stay home, or hit the road if they want to go at all.

One thing that we noticed, at least in the terminals we visited: The promised "family lanes" have not yet been marked out, even after the TSA made such a big hurrah about adding them and how much faster it would make the boarding process. We give them credit for a good idea, and this is what they do? It didn't slow us down any, but it would have been nice to see that innovation in action.

One innovation we did see: No one challenged our "checkpoint friendly" laptop sleeve, which we were allowed to run through the X-ray without taking out the computer inside. We didn't buy one of the TSA branded ones either, which can easily be triple the cost of a usual sleeve (we're sporting one of the colorful designs from Built NY). Results may vary, but let us know.

The Wall Street Journal's Middle Seat Terminal blog predicted an easier Thanksgiving than years past because the weather forecast looks so good. We can't argue with that on our end; it's still sweater weather here in New York. But that doesn't mean we won't be on tenterhooks all weekend.

Let the world know your Thanksgiving travel story here. Or drop your snaps in our Jaunted Flickr Pool.

Related Stories:
· Thanksgiving Travel Forecast Looks Good (Knock Wood) [WSJ]
· Airport Survival round-up [Jaunted]

[Photo of adorable mini-frequent flyers at SFO: AP via Yahoo! UK]

Comments (9)

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laptop

Yes! Built NY stuff rules. Their neoprene camera case with the handle thing saves my life constantly.
JetSetCD on November 26, 2008 at 11:22 AM #Permalink

So Far...

I went to Starbucks, which was understaffed due to the coming holiday so the line was super long. Everyone was talking about their driving plan -- leave at noon today? Wait till 7pm tonight? We have a 2 our drive, not bad at all, but we will not attempt to leave Boston via car until tomorrow morning.
markj on November 26, 2008 at 11:35 AM #Permalink

to be honest...

i have not stepped out of my hotel room today. i am in fear! and i even wimped out on taking NJ Transit back to my hometown. i am using my dinner funds towards a car back home instead. (last night, a friend's generous boyfriend paid for my dinner.) said car service leaves in 20 minutes.

however, i haven't entirely escaped thanksgiving travel misery. i am still picking my man up from JFK airport at the prime rush hour time of 6pm. it normally is a 45 trip one-way. am expecting it to be like an hour and a half there and 2 hours back. uggggh.

juliana on November 26, 2008 at 11:39 AM #Permalink

Acela

Amtrak from NYC to Boston was full last night. As for today, after 8am the Amtrak agent told me all trains were sold out. Though if you ponied up $70 extra for first class you could still get a seat -- plus a meal.
markj on November 26, 2008 at 11:48 AM #Permalink

I Love Driving...

Leaving around noon to head back to the NYC area from North Carolina. Planning on a pit-stop in Delaware for the evening. If the traffic is nuts (likely) we'll be happy to have a place to stop.

If not, we'll be partying at Applebee's or another roadside eatery, and finishing the journey early on Turkey Day.

Good Luck!

kjb on November 26, 2008 at 11:48 AM #Permalink

omg

If ever there was a day to spring for US Helicopter, I feel like today's it.
pbb on November 26, 2008 at 11:48 AM #Permalink
Parent

Good Food at JFK

If people spending time at JFK want some insight into the best places to eat, check out PlanetEye's guide: http://tinyurl.com/6gtg4k. It might help make the wait for flights a little easier.
planeteye on November 26, 2008 at 3:46 PM #Permalink

Longest Drive ever!

My cousin and me drove from Philadelphia to Dallas! It was pretty interesting to say the least. P.S. Arkansas was not that exciting ;-)
ecortes on November 27, 2008 at 4:25 PM #Permalink

delay at JFK

40 minute delay on the runway at jfk taking off to lax today. however, the winds were light and we weren't too badly delayed. then mike had brillz idea to stop at airport starbucks which took--i kid you not--20 minutes. oy.
juliana on November 30, 2008 at 10:41 PM #Permalink

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