Tips for Flying on Turkey Day

Thanksgiving means turkey, family, football—and excruciatingly crowded airports. This year could be even worse, because the average ticket price will be $376—a 4% spike from last year—there will be fewer planes with fewer seats up for grabs, and the dismal economy is not discouraging people from heading home for the holiday. Stock up on these journeying tips, courtesy of CNNTravel:

1. Buy your plane tickets now: Prices won't drop between now and turkey day, but they might sell out.
2. Seek out alternative airports: There may be a cheaper flight from an airport that's farther away, especially in a big city serviced by many airports.
3. Think about flying on Thanksgiving day: It'll be less crowded, and if you return the next day, you'll save an average of $213 compared to leaving the Monday before and returning the Sunday after.

For the rest of CNN's turkey day travel tips, click here. (More Thanksgiving stories.)