Flying Out for Thanksgiving? How to Plan Your Airport Pickup Around Holiday Traffic

Your Thanksgiving flight leaves at 10 a.m. You’re aiming to walk into the terminal at 8 a.m., and the drive usually takes 40 minutes. Allow another 25 minutes for holiday traffic and loading, and you’ll want to leave by 6:55 a.m. ETS schedules pickups every 15 minutes, so book the 6:45 a.m. pickup.

Your trip may need a different buffer. Start with the time you want to be at the terminal, work backward, and choose the pickup slot at or before the time you need to leave.

Start with the time you want to reach the terminal

Check your airline’s guidance for your flight, then think through what you’ll need to do once you arrive. Checking bags, getting kids through security, or navigating an unfamiliar terminal can all affect how early you want to get there.

Count backward from your target terminal arrival time by the usual drive time plus a buffer for traffic and loading. If your pickup is at a busy resort or a gated community, allow time for your driver to reach the right entrance, too.

Give your driver a pickup spot they can find

If you’re staying at a vacation rental, send the street address along with any gate or building instructions. At a resort or condo complex, specify the lobby or entrance where you’ll be waiting.

Share your passenger count and luggage needs when you book. Extra suitcases, golf clubs, and strollers are worth mentioning so there’s room for everyone and their bags. Your ETS driver may arrive a few minutes early, so have your group and luggage ready to go at pickup.

Make a plan for the ride home

Share your return flight number when you book, and let ETS know if your itinerary changes. Once you land, look for a text from your driver with their estimated arrival time. Keep your phone handy while you collect your bags so you can coordinate where to meet.

If you’re booking Thanksgiving airport transportation with ETS, have your flight details, pickup address, passenger count, and luggage needs ready. With those details in hand, we can help you choose a pickup time that gives your group room for the holiday rush.