Quick Tips To De-Hassle Your Holiday Travel
ROADS – FROM MASSDOT
Thanksgiving holiday traffic is predicted to be heavier than last year and at its peak on Wednesday November 24 and Sunday November 28.
I-90 Exit 9 connecting I-84 to Connecticut and New York will experience heavy traffic and busy toll plazas. To avoid delays on Wednesday and Sunday, drivers are encouraged to consider travel during the early morning or after 8 p.m. Traffic congestion is also expected at the I-95 and I-495 Turnpike interchanges along with I-495 and I-93 northbound leading into New Hampshire.
Check: Current Traffic Conditions
Check: Latest Weather Forecast
MassDOT will suspend highway construction projects on major roadways across the state from 5:00 am on Wednesday, November 24, through normal start of business on Monday, November 29. Travel restrictions will remain in place on larger road projects.
To promote safe driving, free coffee will be served at all 18 MassDOT service plazas courtesy of McDonalds, Burger King, and Gulf between 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, November 25, until 5 a.m. on Friday, November 26.
SUBWAY/BUSES – FROM MBTA
To accommodate customers traveling to and from Logan Airport, Silver Line service will be enhanced during peak airport travel times before the holiday continuing through Tuesday, November 30.
Wednesday, November 24
To ensure prompt and convenient service to and from Logan Airport, the Silver, Red, Orange, Blue and Green lines will operate with additional service during peak travel periods. Buses will operate on a regular weekday schedule. The MBTA's Paratransit service – THE RIDE will operate on a regular weekday service schedule. Commuter rail will operate on a regular weekday schedule
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25
The Red, Orange, Blue, Green, and Silver Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule. Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule
Friday, November 26
The Green line will operate two car trains every eight minutes throughout the day. The Red, Orange and Blue lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule. The Silver Line will operate on an enhanced schedule
TRAINS – FROM AMTRAK
Amtrak will operate every available passenger rail car in its fleet and is scheduling extra trains to accommodate additional passengers in the Northeast, Midwest, and on the West coast.
On what is anticipated to be the heaviest single travel day of the year for Amtrak—the Wednesday before Thanksgiving— Amtrak expects ridership to reach as many as 127,000 passengers system-wide. Last year, Amtrak carried nearly 686,000 passengers for the holiday week setting a new Thanksgiving ridership record.
Avoid the Rush: The busiest Amtrak travel days are the Wednesday before and Sunday after Thanksgiving. Purchase tickets early using Amtrak.com, QuikTraksm ticket vending machines or ticket windows at staffed stations, or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.
Know the Limits: Note the limit of two carry-on bags per person (excluding laptops, purses, briefcases), and be sure all luggage is tagged with your name and address.
Carry photo ID: Passengers are required to show valid photo identification when purchasing tickets. Make sure to carry valid photo ID at all times, as it may be requested aboard trains.
AIR TRAVEL – FROM MASSPORT
All security checkpoints at Boston Logan are operated by the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Massport works with the TSA to monitor security line length and tries to keep the wait time less than 15 minutes; however to avoid any problems, we recommend arriving two hours prior to domestic departures and three hours prior to international departures to ensure adequate time for check-in, security screening and travel to your gate.
Body Scanners
The TSA uses Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) at Boston Logan. Currently, AIT is used in every terminal, but not at every checkpoint. For more information about AIT including privacy and opt-out information and other frequently asked questions please visit http://tsa.gov.
Carry-on Items
All items for carry-on must be screened at the security checkpoint. Liquids are allowed in carry-on luggage in accordance with the 3-1-1 format. All liquids must be contained in a bottle three ounces or less and placed inside a one quart, clear, plastic, zip-top bag. One bag per passenger is allowed. There are exceptions for baby food/formula as well as items needed for special medical purposes. Note: Ink and toner cartridges over 16 ounces are now banned from both carry-on and checked baggage. View more information about TSA Prohibited Items.
Helpful Tips
Pack smart to get through security faster. Keep luggage organized by layering items; this will increase visibility for the security officers. When approaching the checkpoint, be prepared. Your boarding pass and ID's should be ready for inspection, outer garments and shoes must come off, any loose metal items should be placed in your carry-on, and laptop computers must be removed from bags and placed in a bin for screening.
Traveling with Children? Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) and are not required to be in the zip-top bag; however you must declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Please view the TSA tips for traveling with children to allow for a more stress-free screening process.
