Some Tampa Bay tips for Thanksgiving

Before the feasting and the shopping and all the family gatherings this week, there are a few things you should know.

Driving: A lot more people will hit the road for Thanksgiving weekend compared to last year — about 3 percent more, according to AAA. It's also a time that brings more alcohol-fueled crashes, with more people off work and celebrating, Hillsborough County sheriff's spokesman Larry McKinnon said.

Law enforcement agencies throughout the Tampa Bay area will be increasing patrols, and all sworn Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be called to duty from Thursday to Sunday.

AAA Auto Club South is partnering with Budweiser to give free, confidential rides home to anyone calls 1-800-AAA-HELP from Thursday through Jan. 2.

Flying: Tampa International Airport is expected to be busier than usual, so travelers should plan to be at the airport at least two hours before departure, said TIA spokeswoman Christine Osborn. Today will be the busiest day for departures, but Sunday will see the most airport volume overall.

There's nothing new this year for security regulations, but Osborn urged travelers to check the TIA Web site — tampaairport.com — to make sure their carry-on luggage meets safety standards.

Tampa weather shouldn't be an issue, and TIA officials monitor weather in the rest of the country. No major delays are expected, Osborn said.

Shopping: For retailers and shoppers, Black Friday promises to be a daylong extravaganza. Opening at midnight: Prime Outlets at Ellenton, Walmart, Toys "R'' Us and Disney Stores.

4 a.m.: Kohl's, Sears and JC Penney. At 5 a.m.: Best Buy Target and Macy's. 6 a.m.: Kmart and most malls. 8 a.m.: Dillard's and International Plaza.