Community Corner

Travel Tips if You're Leaving San Diego for Thanksgiving

As you prepare for holiday travel, arrive early at Lindbergh Field, watch for the new upper-level roadway at Terminal 2 and be aware that the California Highway Patrol is on maximum enforcement.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving will be the busiest travel day of the year in 2013, with the AAA predicting more than 16 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home that day.

The AAA's holiday forecast is for a slight decline in travel from last year, but that may be cold comfort if you're stuck in traffic or facing a canceled flight.

Here are six tips from Patch for traveling out of San Diego on Wednesday:

1. Buckle Up and Don't Drink

The California Highway Patrol will engage in a Maximum Enforcement Period from 6 p.m. Wednesday through midnight Sunday. Last year, there were 44 people killed in collisions during the Thanksgiving holiday in California.

2. Check Traffic Before You Pull Out

Caltrans and private services like SigAlert have online maps that show current traffic conditions. Check before you pull out for your Thanksgiving journey.

3. Arrive at Early at Lindbergh Field

The San Diego International Airport will be handling 60,000 passengers a day during the holiday period, 20 to 40 percent more than normal. The airport is deploying extra staff to help passengers through lines and the security process. However, as a precaution airport officials recommend arriving 1½ hours early for domestic flights and 2½ hours for international flights.

4. Our Airport Has Changed

If you haven't traveled recently, you may be surprised by the new dual-level roadway that separates arriving and departing passengers in Terminal 2. This was completed as part of the Green Build expansion. Just remember to keep to the left and go up for departing flights.

5. Airport Parking May Be Limited

Call ahead to make sure there's parking at public or private lots. You can call 619-291-2087 for information about public lots at the airport.

6. If You Have to Wait, Enjoy the Airport

If your flight is delayed, remember that Lindbergh Field is one of the few airports with free WiFi. And there are more options for eating and drinking because of the Green Build. Recent openings include Phil's BBQ, Saffron and Craft Brews on 30th Street. Maybe it's better to stay in San Diego after all.


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