The holiday season is about to turn your peaceful family reunion into a logistical nightmare, and Bay Area airports are here to remind you that traveling during Thanksgiving is basically an extreme sport.

The Traveler’s Survival Kit

With nearly 82 million people expected to flood airports across the country, you’ll want to prepare like you’re entering a war zone. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) alone predicts over 6.3 million travelers between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day - a 4% increase from last year that basically screams “chaos is coming”.

Airport Pro Tips

Here’s the deal: arrive early, like really early. We’re talking two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international ones. Bring your REAL ID or passport, because the TSA isn’t playing around. Parking? Reserve it in advance unless you want to spend your holiday searching for a spot.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport estimates 250,000 people will rush through its terminals in just the final weeks of November. San Jose Mineta International Airport expects over 16,000 daily travelers. Translation: prepare for lines, potential delays, and the inevitable holiday travel stress that makes you question why you’re even doing this.

Pro tip: check with your airline for any potential changes, because nothing says “happy holidays” like unexpected flight drama.