A traveler standing with a pink suitcase and a beige bag in an airport or train station setting.

Breakup Insurance? Here’s What Travelers Need to Know About CFAR

Beth Glosner  | 

Planning a big trip with someone you love can be exciting. You start saving vacation days, comparing hotels, making restaurant lists, and sending each other approximately 47 links to places you absolutely must see.

Then life happens.

Maybe the relationship ends. Maybe the wedding you were traveling for gets called off. Maybe the friends you planned a group getaway with suddenly aren’t speaking to one another. Or maybe you simply realize that spending seven days sharing a tiny hotel room with someone you were already questioning sounds less like a vacation and more like an endurance challenge.

Believe it or not, there is now a form of travel protection being marketed as “breakup insurance.”

And while the name sounds like something invented after a particularly messy episode of a reality show, the underlying coverage isn’t entirely new. It’s closely related to something that’s been around for years: Cancel for Any Reason, or CFAR, travel insurance.

So what exactly is breakup insurance, how does CFAR work, and could either one make sense for your next big trip?

Let’s Dig.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

So, What Exactly Is Breakup Insurance?

The term “breakup insurance” is being used by The Host Co for an optional add-on available with participating vacation rentals.

According to The Host Co, its Breakup Insurance can provide reimbursement if certain relationship-related circumstances cause travelers to cancel their plans. The company says eligible travelers can cancel up to 48 hours before arrival and receive up to 75 percent of eligible nonrefundable costs, subject to the policy’s terms.

But here’s the important part:

Breakup insurance isn’t necessarily a completely new category of travel insurance.

The concept is closely related to Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage.

CFAR is an optional benefit available with some travel insurance policies. It provides broader cancellation flexibility than standard trip-cancellation coverage, which generally requires you to cancel for a specific reason listed in the policy.

Historically, CFAR might have appealed to someone worried that work wouldn’t give them enough vacation time, for example.

Now someone has found a way to make it particularly relevant to people wondering whether their relationship will survive until vacation.

Honestly, travel planning can be complicated enough without adding “Will we still be together by July?” to the itinerary.

Two blue hard-shell suitcases with extended handles standing on a wooden floor in an indoor setting.
Sometimes the biggest travel question isn’t where you’re going. It’s whether you’re still going together.

How Does Breakup Insurance Actually Work?

The Host Co says its Breakup Insurance is available as an optional add-on for eligible vacation-rental bookings. The company describes coverage for situations involving breakups, separations, divorces, canceled weddings and other relationship-related circumstances.

The coverage is designed to help protect travelers from losing some of the money they’ve already spent on a nonrefundable rental.

For example, imagine you and your partner book a vacation rental for $2,000. A few months later, the relationship ends and neither of you is particularly enthusiastic about spending a week together in a beach house.

Without cancellation protection, you could potentially lose that $2,000.

With eligible breakup coverage, you may be able to recover a portion of the money, depending on the policy.

The important word here is “may.”

Insurance is never quite as simple as the catchy name on the checkout screen makes it sound.

What Is Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance?

This is where the story gets a little more interesting.

Cancel for Any Reason, or CFAR, is an optional travel insurance benefit that has been around for years.

Standard trip-cancellation insurance generally covers specific situations listed in your policy. Depending on the plan, those could include certain illnesses or injuries, death of a family member or traveling companion, severe weather and other qualifying events.

A breakup generally isn’t one of those standard covered reasons.

CFAR provides broader flexibility.

For example, Faye currently offers CFAR as an optional benefit that can reimburse up to 75 percent of eligible nonrefundable trip costs, subject to its requirements. Travel Guard’s current CFAR option provides up to 50 percent reimbursement under its terms.

That doesn’t mean you can book a $5,000 vacation, decide two days before departure that you’d rather stay home, and expect a $5,000 check in the mail.

Unfortunately, insurance companies have thought of that.

CFAR comes with its own rules, purchase deadlines and cancellation requirements.

Travel documents including a passport and boarding passes with a coffee cup on a table, ready for travel.
Cancel for any reason” doesn’t mean “ignore the fine print.

How Much Money Could You Actually Get Back?

This is where it’s important to pay attention to the details.

CFAR generally does not reimburse 100 percent of your trip.

Current plans commonly reimburse a percentage of eligible nonrefundable expenses. InsureMyTrip notes that CFAR policies typically reimburse around 50 to 75 percent, depending on the plan.

Let’s say you’ve spent $4,000 on a trip and $3,000 of that is eligible and nonrefundable.

If your policy provides 75 percent CFAR reimbursement, you could potentially receive up to $2,250 of that eligible amount.

That’s a long way from getting everything back.

And you also paid for the insurance.

So CFAR isn’t necessarily a way to save money.

Think of it more as paying for flexibility and reducing your financial risk.

Pro Tip:

When comparing CFAR policies, don’t look only at the reimbursement percentage.

Look at:

  • The cost of the insurance
  • The percentage reimbursed
  • What expenses qualify
  • When you have to purchase the coverage
  • How far in advance you have to cancel

That little bit of homework could save you from a very expensive surprise later.

Person reviewing travel documents and insurance papers on a wooden table, with a credit card and pens nearby, in a cozy living room setting.
A few minutes of math before your trip can be worth it when you’re protecting a lot of money.

What About the Breakup Insurance Offered With Vacation Rentals?

Here’s where the new “breakup insurance” idea gets particularly interesting.

The Host Co says its Breakup Insurance is offered as an optional add-on through participating vacation-rental properties it manages. Its current information says travelers can cancel up to 48 hours before arrival and receive up to 75 percent of eligible nonrefundable costs, subject to the coverage terms.

But don’t assume that protecting your vacation rental means your entire vacation is protected.

Imagine you’ve booked:

  • A vacation rental
  • Flights
  • A rental car
  • Concert tickets
  • A whale-watching tour
  • Several nonrefundable restaurant reservations

If your breakup insurance is attached to the vacation rental, that doesn’t necessarily mean your flights, activities or other expenses are covered.

This is where broader travel insurance may make more sense for some travelers.

And it’s also why reading the actual policy matters.

One vacation can involve a surprising number of nonrefundable expenses. Know which ones you’re actually protecting.

Could CFAR Make Sense for Solo Travelers?

Here’s where I think this gets particularly interesting for my fellow solo travelers.

If you’re traveling alone, you don’t need breakup insurance because you aren’t worried about a romantic travel companion suddenly becoming an ex.

But the broader idea behind CFAR can still be useful.

Maybe you’ve booked an expensive trip six months in advance.

Maybe you’ve never traveled to the destination before and you’re nervous about committing so much money.

Maybe your work situation could change.

Or maybe you’re simply someone who likes having a little more flexibility when making expensive travel plans.

CFAR may provide another layer of protection when standard trip-cancellation coverage doesn’t apply.

That doesn’t mean everyone needs it.

If your trip is inexpensive, most of your reservations are refundable, or you’re comfortable taking the financial risk, paying extra for CFAR may not make sense.

For example, if you’re planning a few days of slow travel in a small town, your financial exposure may be very different from someone booking a $7,000 international vacation six months ahead.

The point isn’t that you should buy CFAR.

It’s that you should know it exists before deciding how much financial risk you’re comfortable taking.

Solo travel gives you the freedom to change your plans. The right travel protection can help protect the money you’ve already invested.

Don’t Confuse Standard Travel Insurance With CFAR

This is probably the biggest takeaway from all of this.

Buying travel insurance doesn’t automatically mean you can cancel your vacation because you’ve changed your mind.

Standard trip-cancellation coverage generally requires a covered reason.

CFAR is different because it provides broader cancellation flexibility, subject to the policy’s rules.

Faye, for example, distinguishes between its standard trip-cancellation coverage and optional CFAR benefit. Travel Guard makes the same distinction between its standard cancellation coverage and CFAR option.

So when comparing travel insurance, look for the words:

Trip Cancellation

and

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)

They aren’t interchangeable.

And if a website uses a catchy term such as “breakup insurance,” take a minute to find out what the underlying coverage actually is.

A catchy insurance name might get your attention, but the policy details are what really matter.

A Few Things to Check Before Buying Travel Insurance

If you’re considering travel insurance for a big trip, don’t stop at the price.

Before purchasing, check:

What is covered?
Look at the actual covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption.

Is CFAR available?
Not every plan offers it.

When do I have to purchase it?
CFAR is often subject to an early-purchase window after your initial trip payment.

How much will I actually get back?
Check the reimbursement percentage and which expenses qualify.

When do I have to cancel?
Many plans require cancellation at least 48 hours before departure, although requirements vary.

What expenses are covered?
Don’t assume your flights, rental car, accommodations and activities are all protected by the same policy.

Is the coverage available where I live?
Insurance rules and availability can vary by state.

And most importantly:

Read the policy.

Yes, I know.

Nobody gets excited about reading insurance documents.

I’d rather be looking at pictures of a little European village, too.

But discovering what your policy doesn’t cover after you’ve canceled a $5,000 vacation is considerably less entertaining.

A little research before you book can save you a much bigger headache later.

So, Is Breakup Insurance Worth It?

There’s no universal answer.

If you’re booking a pricey vacation with a partner, wedding guests, friends or anyone else and a significant amount of your money is nonrefundable, you may want to investigate CFAR or another flexible cancellation option.

If your trip is inexpensive and most of your reservations can be canceled without a penalty, you may decide the additional cost isn’t necessary.

And if you’re booking a romantic getaway while quietly wondering whether the relationship will still exist by departure day…

Well.

Maybe read the insurance policy before ordering the matching luggage.

The bigger lesson here isn’t really about breakups.

It’s about understanding what you’re buying when you protect a trip.

Travel insurance can cover some very real risks, but policies aren’t interchangeable, and “travel insurance” doesn’t automatically mean “cancel whenever I want.”

CFAR can provide broader flexibility—but it comes at an additional cost and with its own rules.

So before you spend your hard-earned vacation money, take a few minutes to compare the coverage, understand the deadlines and decide how much financial risk you’re comfortable taking.

And if you’re planning a cruise, don’t forget to consider travel protection as part of the overall planning process. My guide to planning a cruise during Wave Season covers some of the other things worth thinking about before you book.

Because the goal of travel insurance isn’t to assume your trip is going to go wrong.

It’s to make sure that if life decides to throw a curveball, you’re not left holding a very expensive, nonrefundable plane ticket.

And if the curveball happens to be a breakup?

At least now you know there may be an insurance option for that, too.

Helpful Travel Insurance Resources

If you want to dig deeper before purchasing coverage, these are good places to start:

  • The Host Co: Information about its specifically marketed Breakup Insurance for participating vacation rentals.
  • Faye Travel Insurance: Current information about travel insurance and optional CFAR coverage.
  • Travel Guard: Information about its current CFAR option and standard trip-cancellation coverage.
  • InsureMyTrip: A useful starting point for learning about and comparing travel insurance options.

And if you’re still in the “I’m planning a trip but I’m not quite ready to book everything” stage, you might also enjoy my post about little travel habits that make a big difference. A little preparation before a trip can go a surprisingly long way.

Insurance coverage, availability, reimbursement amounts and eligibility requirements can change. Always read the actual policy documents applicable to your state and trip before purchasing coverage.

A few more bite-sized adventures

Travel doesn’t always go exactly according to plan. Sometimes that’s part of the adventure. Other times, it’s just a headache we’d rather avoid.

And when you can’t travel at all, there are still plenty of ways to scratch that travel itch. Check out What to Do When You Can’t Travel Right Now for a few ideas for bringing a little adventure home.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


—Beth
Smiling hotel receptionist at the front desk with a computer, welcoming guests in a modern hotel lobby with wooden decor.

Hotel Checkout Courtesy: Why It Matters

Beth Glosner  | 

There are certain things I consider basic travel etiquette: saying please and thank you, treating hospitality workers with respect, cleaning up after yourself, and remembering that the people serving you are people—not your personal assistants.

That’s really the idea behind my post Be a Thoughtful Traveler: Why Courtesy Matters Wherever You Go. Being a thoughtful traveler doesn’t necessarily require grand gestures. Often, it’s about the little things we do—or don’t do—that make someone else’s job, or another traveler’s experience, a little easier.

So when I recently read an article in Travel + Leisure about why hotel guests should let the front desk know when they’re checking out, I had a surprisingly strong reaction.

My first thought was, Wait. People don’t do this?

Apparently, plenty of travelers simply leave their hotel room, drop their keycard where instructed, and head out without ever telling anyone they’re gone.

I understand that hotels have made checkout easier. Many now offer mobile checkout, express checkout, or a simple key-drop box. And if that’s the procedure your hotel provides, there’s nothing inherently wrong with using it.

But if you’re leaving early or if you have the opportunity to speak with the front desk, I still think taking that extra minute to say, “I’m checking out,” is a small but meaningful courtesy.

And there’s a reason for it.

Let’s Dig In!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

An Empty Hotel Room Doesn’t Necessarily Mean It’s Ready to Clean

One of the things that stood out to me in the Travel + Leisure article was something most guests probably don’t think about: an empty room isn’t necessarily considered an available room.

Hotel housekeeping works from schedules based on expected departures and arrivals. If you’re scheduled to check out at 11 a.m. but quietly leave at 8 a.m., the hotel may not know that your room is actually vacant.

That can mean housekeeping doesn’t immediately prioritize it for cleaning.

And that matters because another traveler might be waiting for a room. That other traveler could one day be you.

Imagine you’ve been driving for six hours. You’re tired, you’ve got luggage in the car, and you arrive at the hotel an hour before official check-in.

Your room may not be ready, and that’s completely understandable.

But if another guest left their room hours earlier and the hotel doesn’t know it, that room might still be sitting on the schedule as occupied.

Simply telling the front desk that you’ve left gives the hotel accurate information.

It doesn’t guarantee early check-in.

It doesn’t magically make housekeeping finish faster.

But it gives the people doing the work the information they need.

Why the Hotel Front Desk Matters at Checkout

Maybe my perspective is influenced by my own years working in the service industry.

But I have always viewed the front desk as exactly what the name suggests: the place where you go when you need help with your hotel stay.

Checking in?

The front desk.

Checking out?

The front desk.

Need to know what time breakfast starts?

The front desk.

Looking for a restaurant recommendation?

Ask the front desk.

Need directions or suggestions for things to see and do?

They may be able to help.

Have a problem with your room?

Let them know.

That’s their job.

And while technology has made many hotel transactions faster, I don’t think convenience has made the people at the front desk unnecessary.

In fact, sometimes a 30-second conversation can prevent confusion later.

“I Told Someone” Doesn’t Always Mean the Message Gets Through

This is another reason I prefer communicating directly with the front desk.

Let’s say you mention to a housekeeper in the hallway that you’re leaving early.

Maybe they remember.

Maybe they tell someone.

But they also have a lot going on.

They’re cleaning rooms, changing linens, restocking supplies, responding to requests, and trying to stay on schedule.

The same is true of other hotel employees.

Just because you told an employee something doesn’t mean that employee has the ability or the bandwidth to make sure everyone else knows about it.

I’ve worked in service environments long enough to know how quickly one conversation can be interrupted by another request.

You can have every intention of passing along a message and then suddenly find yourself dealing with five other things.

That’s why I think there’s value in telling the right person.

If you’re checking out, tell the front desk.

Hotel Employees Have 100 Other Things to Do

There’s another part of this that I think travelers sometimes forget.

The employee standing in front of you may have a dozen things happening at the same time.

The front desk agent might be checking in a family, answering a phone call, responding to a maintenance request, helping someone with their room key, dealing with a billing question, and trying to answer your question about the nearest restaurant—all within a few minutes.

Housekeeping has its own list of responsibilities.

Maintenance has another.

Restaurant staff has another.

These employees aren’t sitting around waiting for you to need something.

So when you tell one employee something that really needs to be communicated to someone else, you’re adding another link to the chain.

Whenever possible, go directly to the person or department responsible.

It isn’t about following rules for the sake of following rules.

It’s about making everyone’s job a little easier.

And that’s really what being a thoughtful traveler is about.

A Little Courtesy Can Help the Next Guest

The Travel + Leisure article describes early checkout notification as a way travelers can help the person arriving after them.

I like that idea.

Travel can sometimes feel very individual.

We book our room.

We pack our bags.

We arrive.

We explore.

We leave.

But we’re constantly sharing the travel experience with other people.

Someone stayed in the room before you.

Someone will stay there after you.

Someone cleaned it.

Someone will clean it again.

Someone at the front desk will answer the next guest’s questions.

And that next guest might be the person hoping for an early check-in.

You don’t know them.

You’ll probably never meet them.

But letting the hotel know you’ve departed is one tiny way of making their experience potentially easier.

This is exactly why I believe courtesy matters wherever you go. Thoughtful travel isn’t just about being respectful in big, obvious ways. It’s also about recognizing the small opportunities to make things easier for the people around you.

This could be a really nice image because it shifts the story from the person leaving to the person arriving.

The visual message becomes:

Someone else gets to experience this room after you.

Do You Have to Stand at the Front Desk Every Time?

No.

I don’t think this needs to become another travel rule that makes people feel guilty.

If your hotel offers mobile checkout, use it if that’s what works for you.

If the hotel has a key-drop box and tells you to leave your key there, that’s perfectly reasonable.

If you’ve already checked out through the hotel’s app and received confirmation, you’ve communicated your departure.

The important thing is making sure the hotel knows you’ve left, particularly if you’re departing earlier than your scheduled checkout time.

Technology isn’t the problem.

Inconsideration is.

There’s a difference.

And Please Don’t Forget the People Who Clean Your Room

While we’re talking about hotel checkout, let’s talk about housekeeping.

Housekeepers are often the people guests interact with the least and rely on the most.

They’re responsible for turning a room from “someone just stayed here” into “someone new can stay here.”

That’s a lot of work.

You don’t need to leave your room spotless. You’re a guest, not an unpaid member of the housekeeping staff.

But basic consideration goes a long way.

Don’t leave trash scattered everywhere.

Don’t intentionally make an enormous mess because “someone gets paid to clean it.”

If you spill something significant, let the hotel know.

And if you encounter a housekeeper during your stay, a simple hello or thank you costs nothing.

These small gestures acknowledge the person behind the job.

Being a Guest Doesn’t Mean Everyone Else Is Your Assistant

This is perhaps the biggest takeaway I had while thinking about hotel checkout.

When we’re traveling, we’re guests.

That’s important.

But being a guest doesn’t mean everyone around us becomes our personal assistant.

Hotel employees are there to help us. That’s part of hospitality.

But hospitality works best as a two-way interaction: they provide a service, and we treat them with respect.

Ask for recommendations.

Ask questions.

Let someone know when there’s a problem.

Thank them when they help you.

Follow the hotel’s procedures.

And communicate information to the appropriate person.

You don’t need to be overly formal about any of it.

You just need to be considerate.

The One-Minute Habit I’ll Keep

I know this may sound old-fashioned, but I’ll probably continue walking up to the front desk when I check out.

I’ll hand over my key.

I’ll say I’m leaving.

And I’ll say thank you.

It’s probably going to take less than a minute.

Maybe the employee will simply mark the room vacant.

Maybe they’ll thank me and move on to the next guest.

Maybe I’ll ask one last question about where to grab coffee before I get on the road.

Nothing dramatic is going to happen.

And that’s okay.

Courtesy doesn’t need a dramatic result to be worthwhile.

Sometimes it’s simply about recognizing that other people are doing their jobs and making an effort not to make those jobs harder than they need to be.

Picture a woman walking out of a charming hotel with her suitcase, looking relaxed and ready for the next part of her journey.

The Bottom Line

I don’t think you’re a bad traveler if you’ve ever slipped your keycard into a box and walked out of a hotel without stopping at the front desk.

Hotels have created express checkout and mobile checkout systems specifically to make leaving easier.

But if you’re leaving early, taking a moment to notify the hotel can help housekeeping know that the room is actually vacant and potentially give the hotel more time to prepare it for the next guest.

And even when there’s no practical benefit beyond that, I still believe there’s something to be said for courtesy.

Look someone in the eye.

Say thank you.

Let them know you’re leaving.

It’s a small thing.

But travel is full of small things.

And if we’re going to be thoughtful travelers, those small things are worth paying attention to.

As I wrote in Be a Thoughtful Traveler: Why Courtesy Matters Wherever You Go, courtesy isn’t about being perfect or following a long list of rules. It’s about remembering that our travels happen alongside other people.

The hotel employee checking you out.

The housekeeper preparing your room.

The traveler waiting for the room you’re leaving.

The server bringing your breakfast.

The local business owner welcoming you into their community.

They’re all part of your travel experience.

Being a thoughtful traveler means treating them that way.

And sometimes, it starts with something as simple as saying, “I’m checking out.”

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

–Beth
Crowded airport terminal with travelers and luggage during busy holiday travel season.

Thanksgiving Travel: The Busiest Days to Travel and How to Make the Journey Easier

Beth Glosner  | 

Thanksgiving is supposed to be about gathering around the table, eating entirely too much food, and spending time with the people you love.

Getting there? That’s another story.

Every year, millions of Americans hit the road or head to the airport for Thanksgiving. And while the holiday itself may be centered around one Thursday, the travel rush stretches well beyond a single day. Crowded airports, packed highways, higher airfares, winter weather, and the occasional delayed flight can turn a short holiday trip into an adventure you didn’t exactly ask for.

Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26, which means the biggest travel days will likely fall around the Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday and the Sunday and Monday afterward.

If you’re planning to travel this Thanksgiving, a little advance planning can save you from spending your holiday sitting in an airport security line wondering why you didn’t just stay home.

Let’s Dig.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.See full disclosure here

Thanksgiving Is One of the Busiest Times to Travel

Thanksgiving consistently ranks among the busiest travel periods of the year. AAA says Thanksgiving is the country’s busiest holiday for travel, and its 2026 guidance recommends getting your holiday travel plans underway early.

And it’s not just the airports you’ll need to think about.

Most Thanksgiving travelers travel by car, which means highways can become just as crowded as airport terminals. In 2025, AAA projected nearly 82 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, with more than 73 million traveling by automobile.

The exact numbers will change from year to year, but the pattern is remarkably consistent: lots of people want to be somewhere else at roughly the same time.

And that’s when travel gets interesting.

The Busiest Thanksgiving Travel Days

If you have flexibility with your schedule, choosing your travel days carefully can make a noticeable difference.

For Thanksgiving 2026, AAA specifically identifies Tuesday, November 24, and Wednesday, November 25, as days travelers should expect particularly heavy airport crowds. Those are the two days immediately before Thanksgiving and historically among the busiest travel days of the holiday period.

Then comes the return trip.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving—November 29, 2026—is likely to be especially busy. In recent years, the Sunday after Thanksgiving has repeatedly been the busiest day of the holiday travel period at U.S. airports. TSA data from previous Thanksgiving periods shows just how dramatic that Sunday return rush can be.

Monday, November 30, can also be busy as travelers who extended their holiday head home.

If you can be flexible:

Consider traveling:

  • Monday, November 23
  • Thanksgiving Day, November 26
  • Friday, November 27
  • Tuesday or Wednesday after Thanksgiving

Consider avoiding:

  • Tuesday, November 24
  • Wednesday, November 25
  • Sunday, November 29

That doesn’t mean the quieter days will be empty. Nothing involving holiday travel is likely to resemble an abandoned airport terminal. But avoiding the biggest peaks can give you more breathing room and a bit less stress.

Pro tip: If you’re flying, look beyond the obvious Thursday-to-Sunday schedule. A one-day shift in either direction may mean fewer crowds and potentially better fares.

When Should You Book Your Thanksgiving Flight?

Here’s where things get a little more complicated.

There isn’t one magical day when every Thanksgiving flight suddenly becomes cheap. Airline pricing changes constantly based on demand, route, availability, and timing.

AAA’s current 2026 guidance says the sweet spot for Thanksgiving airfare is around 35 days before the holiday, with lower fares generally appearing within a broader window of roughly 24 to 59 days before Thanksgiving. For 2026, that puts the prime booking period roughly from late September through early November.

That doesn’t mean you should wait until exactly 35 days before your trip to book.

If you already know where you’re going, have specific flight times you need, or are traveling with other people, availability matters just as much as price.

AAA also reports that many travelers who delay booking in hopes of finding a better deal later wind up paying more. Its 2026 holiday-planning research found that travelers who begin planning earlier generally have more choices and flexibility.

In other words, waiting until the last minute isn’t necessarily a money-saving strategy.

Sometimes it’s just a strategy for getting the middle seat, and nobody wants that seat. Unless you are a toddler or petite.

Give Yourself Extra Time at the Airport

If you’ve flown during a normal week, you probably have a pretty good idea of how long it takes you to get through the airport.

Forget that estimate during Thanksgiving week.

AAA recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights, particularly during busy holiday periods.

You’ll need time for:

  • Parking or returning a rental car
  • Getting to the terminal
  • Checking luggage
  • Going through security
  • Finding your gate
  • Dealing with unexpected lines

And if you’re flying from a particularly busy airport, you may want even more time.

I’d much rather sit at the gate with a cup of coffee than be the person sprinting through the terminal while everyone else watches.

Pro tip: Check your airport’s current security wait times and TSA guidance before leaving home. And if you qualify for TSA PreCheck, holiday travel can be a good time to appreciate why you signed up.

Consider Carry-On Only

If you can manage it, traveling with only a carry-on can make holiday travel considerably easier.

You don’t have to wait at baggage claim.

You don’t have to worry about whether your suitcase made the same connection you did.

And if your flight is canceled or significantly disrupted, having your essentials with you gives you more flexibility.

Of course, carry-on travel isn’t practical for everyone, especially if you’re bringing gifts, traveling for an extended period, or visiting somewhere cold enough to require half your closet.

But for a short Thanksgiving trip, it’s worth considering.

Just remember that TSA’s rules for liquids and other restricted items still apply. Before packing, check the current rules directly with TSA rather than relying on something you remember from your last trip.

Don’t Forget About Thanksgiving Weather

Thanksgiving arrives just as winter weather begins making travel more unpredictable across much of the country.

Snow, ice, heavy rain, strong winds, and fog can cause delays even when everything else is running smoothly.

If you’re flying, check the forecast for:

Your departure city → connecting airport → destination

A sunny forecast where you’re leaving doesn’t help much if your connecting airport or final destination is dealing with an ice storm.

And if you’re driving, check conditions along your entire route, not just at home.

The National Weather Service is a good place to start for current forecasts and winter-weather alerts. National Weather Service or Weather Underground.

Pro tip: If winter weather is a concern, consider booking an earlier flight rather than the last flight of the day. AAA specifically recommends avoiding the last flight when possible during winter because weather-related disruptions can create a domino effect throughout the day.

Give Yourself a Buffer When Driving

If you’re driving to Thanksgiving dinner, don’t assume Google Maps’ normal travel time will apply.

Holiday traffic can turn a four-hour drive into something considerably longer. And if your route takes you through or near a major city, pay attention to when you’ll be arriving in that area, not just when you’ll leave home.

Before you head out, look at your route and figure out when you’ll reach the busiest part of your drive. If you’re traveling through a major city, check when traffic typically gets heaviest there and work backward to determine what time you need to leave home. You may find that leaving an hour earlier or even shifting your departure to a different part of the day can help you avoid the worst congestion. Most normal congestion is workers’ commuter time, so from 7 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and about 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

AAA’s Thanksgiving travel guidance has consistently found the heaviest road congestion around the Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving, with another major rush occurring as travelers return home after the holiday. If you have flexibility, leaving early in the morning or shifting your trip to a less congested day can make a big difference.

And please don’t let Thanksgiving traffic turn into a road-trip version of The Hunger Games.

Leave extra space between you and the car ahead. Take breaks. Keep your phone out of your hand. And if weather or traffic becomes dangerous, slow down.

Arriving later is better than not getting there at all.

What About Flight Delays and Cancellations?

This is one area where it’s particularly important to know your rights.

Under current U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, if an airline cancels your flight or makes a significant change or delay, you may be entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel or accept the airline’s alternative transportation or compensation.

That applies even if you purchased a nonrefundable ticket.

However, there is an important distinction: if you accept the significantly changed or delayed flight and travel, you generally aren’t entitled to a ticket refund under these rules.

If you’re offered a rebooking, travel credit, or voucher, don’t automatically click “accept” before understanding your options.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s refund information is a good page to bookmark before a major trip.

And remember that airline policies regarding meals, hotels, transportation, and other amenities can vary. The DOT’s Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard lets you see what individual airlines commit to provide for controllable delays and cancellations.

Airport flight status board showing multiple flights canceled, with blue cancellation indicators and flight numbers listed.

Check Your Bags Before You Leave Home

This sounds obvious.

And yet…

Before you head to the airport, empty your bag and repack it deliberately.

TSA recommends checking your luggage before leaving home so you don’t accidentally arrive at security with something you can’t take through the checkpoint. Trust me on this one. I forgot I had an empty shell casing from my father’s funeral 5 years ago in my suitcase. Luckily, the TSA people were kind, but that is not always the case.

It’s especially easy during Thanksgiving to throw things into a bag at the last minute, particularly food, gifts, liquids, or items you don’t normally travel with.

If you’re wondering whether something can go in your carry-on, check TSA’s What Can I Bring tool before you leave.

It’s much easier to discover a problem in your living room than at the security checkpoint.

A Few Ways to Make Thanksgiving Travel Less Stressful

You can’t control the weather.

You can’t control an airline delay.

And unfortunately, you can’t control the person who decides that standing directly in front of the baggage carousel is the perfect place to wait for their suitcase.

But you can control some of the variables.

Before you leave:

  • Check your flight status before heading to the airport.
  • Check the weather—not just at home, but at your destination and along your route.
  • Download your airline’s app so you can get updates quickly.
  • Save your boarding pass to your phone. I also carry a paper copy. I know, it’s probably overkill, but you never know when your phone might decide to misbehave.
  • Check your airport’s parking situation before you leave. Holiday parking can fill up quickly.
  • Pack medications and other essentials in your carry-on, not your checked luggage.
  • Charge your phone before you leave.
  • Bring a portable charger. Your phone is your lifeline when travel plans go sideways.
  • Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Holiday travel has a funny way of turning a normal trip into an adventure you didn’t ask for.
  • Have a backup plan in case your flight is delayed or canceled.

If you’re driving, prepare for the unexpected, too.

My dad had one piece of winter-driving advice that has always stuck with me: fill up the gas tank when you reach half a tank. His thinking was simple: if you get stuck in traffic because of an accident, road closure, or winter weather, you don’t want to be worrying about how much gas you have left.

And while we’re at it, keep a few emergency supplies in the car:

  • A warm wool or fleece blanket in case you get stuck on the highway.
  • Bottled water and some nonperishable snacks.
  • A basic emergency kit.
  • A flashlight with fresh batteries.
  • Extra layers, gloves, and a hat if you’re traveling somewhere cold.
  • A phone charger or portable power bank.
  • A full or partially full gas tank—don’t wait until the warning light comes on.
  • Check road conditions before you leave and again during your trip if weather is changing.

You may never need any of these things. That’s the point. Being prepared means you don’t have to panic if the unexpected happens.

If you’re planning a longer road trip, I also put together a list of 20 Must-Have Road Trip Travel Essentials I Never Leave Home Without. It includes everything from a refillable water bottle and portable charger to a first-aid kit, flashlight, tire pressure gauge, snacks, and even a small cooler. Because sometimes it’s the little things you didn’t think about that you end up needing most.

Car trunk packed with blankets, emergency kit, water bottles, flashlight, and snacks for a safe Thanksgiving travel journey.

The Best Thanksgiving Travel Advice? Don’t Rush.

Thanksgiving travel can be stressful.

But it doesn’t have to begin the moment you walk out the front door.

Build some breathing room into your trip.

Leave earlier. Choose a less crowded travel day if you can. Give yourself time at the airport. Pack snacks. Download something good to read. Put on your favorite playlist.

And if something goes wrong?

Take a breath.

You may arrive later than planned, but you’re still on your way.

The goal isn’t to have a perfectly efficient Thanksgiving journey. It’s to arrive safely, hopefully with your luggage, and be able to enjoy the people and place waiting for you.

Because the best part of holiday travel isn’t getting through the airport.

It’s finally getting there.

A Quick Thanksgiving Travel Cheat Sheet

Thanksgiving 2026: Thursday, November 26

Likely busiest airport days: Tuesday, November 24; Wednesday, November 25; Sunday, November 29

Potentially easier travel days: Monday, November 23; Thanksgiving Day; Friday, November 27

Book early: AAA’s 2026 guidance points to late September through early November as a useful Thanksgiving booking window.

Arrive early: AAA recommends at least two hours before domestic flights.

Check weather: Especially if you’re traveling through areas prone to snow, ice, or severe weather.

Know your rights: Check the DOT’s current refund rules if your flight is canceled or significantly changed.

And before you head out, take one last look at the forecast, your flight status, and your packing list.

Then go enjoy Thanksgiving.

Even if getting there takes a little longer than you’d hoped.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


–Beth

Sources & useful travel links

For current information, I recommend checking these directly before traveling: