The busy holiday travel season is upon us, and to help ensure a stress-free flight or road trip, consider these essentials recommended by lifestyle expert Kathy Copcutt.

For more information on Kathy and these travel essentials, visit LiveWithKathy.com and follow her on Instagram @LiveWithKathy.

This segment aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News on Nov. 27, 2024.

This Thanksgiving week could see record travel numbers according to federal leaders. The Transportation Department says it's coordinating with federal agencies and airlines to try to ensure the holiday season goes smoothly despite the uptick in travelers. 

"These will likely be some of the busiest travel days in U.S. history," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

The TSA expects to see record-setting numbers. The agency projects they'll screen 2.8 million passengers on Tuesday, 2.9 million passengers on Wednesday, and more than three million passengers on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

KTLA's Ellina Abovian reports on Nov. 27, 2024.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/tsa-anticipates-record-thanksgiving-travel/

An arson suspect remains on the loose after surveillance video captured the fugitive setting a Panorama City home on fire.

On Nov. 26, the suspect, wearing a facemask and hoodie, is seen approaching the victim’s front door at around 4:30 a.m. They were carrying what appeared to be a gas canister.

The suspect kneels down and sets up something off-camera. Moments later, a bright flame is ignited on the front porch. The suspect runs away as the fire continues growing.

KTLA's Mary Beth McDade reports on Nov. 27, 2024.

Sky5's Gil Leyvas reports on the Thanksgiving travel rush over the 405 and 5 freeway merge in Sylmar. Nov. 27, 2024.

KTLA's David Lazarus covers the latest consumer news and trends. Nov. 27, 2024.

Lines extended for several blocks Wednesday as thousands of Californians waited to purchase honey baked ham for Thanksgiving. Nov. 27, 2024.

Celebrities took part in the annual Thanksgiving meal at the LA Mission on Wednesday. Nov. 27, 2024.

Norms, the iconic Los Angeles diner chain, may see one of its most famous locations get turned into a fast food spot. KTLA 5's Kimberly Cheng reports. (Nov. 27, 2024)

The idea of having a couple of drinks before the Thanksgiving chaos begins is so appealing to Americans that it has become an unofficial holiday. https://trib.al/mjGJVmu

Video captured a United Airlines passenger standing on his own seat and kicking the backrest during a flight from Texas to Los Angeles earlier this month.

This video aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News on Nov. 27, 2024.

Authorities are investigating a death outside Hollywood Burbank Airport on Wednesday morning during the height of the Thanksgiving travel rush. “Sadly, it appears the individual collapsed in the valet lane and died of natural causes,” a Burbank Police spokesperson told KTLA 5 News. Sky5 was overhead. (Nov. 27, 2024)

Authorities are investigating after a dead body was found outside Burbank Airport on Wednesday morning.  KTLA 5's Rich Prickett reports from Sky5. (Nov. 27, 2024)

Thanksgiving is almost here, and the Los Angeles Mission is hard at work preparing a Wednesday feast for those less fortunate.

Gene Kang reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News on Nov. 27, 2024.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/los-angeles-mission-offers-thousands-of-meals-made-with-love/