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By RIO YAMAT, Associated Press Airlines and Travel Writer

The turbulence caused by the longest government shutdown on record may still be fresh on travelers’ minds this Thanksgiving, but experts say preparing for the usual holiday crush of winter weather, heavy traffic and crowded airports can help ease those jitters .

“I think the shutdown at this point is history for air travel. The airlines understand this time of year so well. They know exactly what they need to do,” said Sheldon H. Jacobson, an airport and airlines operations expert. “The real challenge is making sure travelers can help themselves .”

Here’s a guide to navigating the busiest travel week of the year:

How busy could it be?

Travel forecasts point to packed airports

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