A guide to Thanksgiving travel after the government shutdown

Delta Air Lines is facing a class action lawsuit, which claims the Atlanta-based airline refused to give refunds following a global technology outage.
A Delta Air Lines flight information display shows delayed and cancelled flights at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday, July 19, 2024. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

The turbulence caused by the longest U.S. government shutdown may still be fresh on the minds of travelers this Thanksgiving, but experts say preparing for the usual holiday crush of winter weather, heavy traffic and crowded airports can help ease the jitters.

“I think the shutdown at this point is history for air travel. The airlines understand this time of year so well. They know exactly what they need to do,” said Sheldon H. Jacobson, an airport and airlines operations expert. “The real challenge is making sure travelers can help themselves.”

Here’s a guide to navigating the busiest travel week of the year: