Train, plane, or automobile: tips for traveling safe this Thanksgiving

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Whether you are taking to the skies for the holiday or hitting the roads, it is one of the busiest times for travel. WAND News spoke with experts on how to get to your destination safely.

The Macon County Sheriff's Office reminds drivers that you can do many things before hitting the road, like having a full gas tank and ensuring your car is functioning safely.

But Sgt. Flannery with the MCSO knows problems can arise anyway: "If you do encounter a problem, make sure to call law enforcement as soon as you can. Just let it be known that it may be a few before we can get to you, depending on how bad the roads are, but I don't expect them to be. But just get where you are going safely and have a great holiday weekend."

Flannery adds you should have an emergency kit in your car as well.

If you are taking to the skies, the TSA reminds flightgoers to arrive at least two hours before boarding time. Illinois Federal Security Director Jim Spriggs advises travelers, "Everything will be busier with traffic, the parking lots, and lots of families traveling through the airport, so avoid the stress and give yourself a little more time to make things go smoothly."

Spriggs also recommends using downtime in the security checkpoint lines to prepare: "It's the perfect time to remove items from your pockets. Place them in your carry-on bag. It's a great time to get your ID out and your boarding pass so you're not fumbling in your wallet when it's time to step up to the TSA document checker."

MCSO deputies also add that it is critical to give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going, and they want drivers to remember that it's better to arrive late than not at all.