Flying out of Baton Rouge for Thanksgiving? Here’s what you should know

Around 20,000 travelers will come through the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport next week for Thanksgiving, the airport estimates. And across the country, the Transportation Security Administration expects the busiest Thanksgiving travel season on record, with 18.3 million passengers projected from Tuesday, Nov. 26 to Monday, Dec. 2.

To keep calm amid packed flights and chaotic layovers, try these TSA-recommended Thanksgiving travel tips.

Know what Thanksgiving foods you can — and can’t — bring in your carry-on

Whether you’re responsible for the stuffing, the cranberry sauce or the wine, here’s what you need to know about traveling with Thanksgiving foods.

What you can carry on: Baked goods (including pies), meats, stuffing, casseroles, mac ‘n cheese, fresh fruit or vegetables, candy and spices.

What goes in a checked bag: Cranberry sauce (homemade or canned), gravy, drinks, canned fruit or vegetables, preserves and maple syrup.

When in doubt: Anything over 3.4 ounces that can be spilled, spread, sprayed, pumped or poured should go with your checked luggage, the TSA says.

Store firearms properly

This year, the TSA has stopped 14 passengers who brought firearms to the security checkpoint in a carry-on bag, spokesperson Sari Koshetz said during a press conference at BTR on Tuesday. That number will continue to climb, she said, because of holiday travel.

Firearms must be unloaded and secured in a locked, hard-sided container in a checked bag. Don’t forget to declare them when checking the bag.

If leaving the continental US, check food and agricultural regulations

Particularly when traveling with food, it’s important for passengers to know what they can bring into or bring back from their destination, Koshetz said.

Countries and territories may have certain rules for agricultural products. The U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has lists of prohibited food or agricultural items to prevent the spread of disease.

Also, make sure to check the regulations wherever you’re visiting.

Fly back on Monday after a holiday weekend

The busiest travel day next week will be Sunday, the BTR marketing and public relations manager said. Airports are asking travelers to consider flying out on Monday because airfare will be less expensive, and the crowds will be smaller.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days of the week to fly, according to Investopedia. Try booking domestic flights at least 28 days in advance and international flights around 60 days in advance.