(AP) -- Millions of Americans got an early jump on their Thanksgiving travel Wednesday, with many opting to drive or take trains and buses instead of shelling out more money for flights amid a sour economy still hitting household budgets hard.

At Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Manu Maile was checking to make sure passengers followed American Airlines' limits for carry-on luggage - one bag and one personal item. She said more people were trying to sneak an extra bag on board this year. 

But not everyone is traveling.  Many Americans are also choosing to stay home this Thanksgiving, saying the economy just makes traveling too tough.  Nearly 38 million people are expected to take trips this year, 20 million fewer than in 2005 when the economy was better.

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