Tips to avoid Thanksgiving shopping traffic headache

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Before Thanksgiving is over, shoppers will be hitting the streets to hunt down the best Black Friday deals.

Before you beat the traffic inside, you'll have to beat the traffic outside in the parking lot.

"It's going to be a headache any way you look at it, " said shopper Rebecca Crow.

If you want to score those Black Friday deals, there are a few new tips to help you get to the front of the line faster.

First, consider leaving the driving to someone else.

"Experienced drivers really know their ways to get around the traffic, and get you in and out of the shopping areas so you can maximize your shopping time," said Lone Star Cab COO Ricky Kamins.

Lone Star Cabs will pick you up and drop you off, right at the mall entrance - no need to pay for parking or fight for a parking space. They'll also help you load your shopping bags.

Uber is also getting in on the Black Friday frenzy.

"If you are a first time rider with Uber, and you just put HOUSTON on the promo code, your first ride with Uber will be up to $20 off so that's a great deal," said Uber driver Francesco Conti.

If you have to drive, consider teaming up with friends and family.

"I would definitely suggest carpooling because if you can get five of you in a car rather than taking up five spots, take one, "said Catherine Sdao with CityCentre.

Shopping centers like CityCentre are ready for the rush with valet service and extra manpower.

"We do have added security, they are here to make sure everything is safe in the garages, they can also help you carry your bags, if you've got too many," Sdao said.

Several shopping malls like Memorial City are using Twitter to share up-to the-minute information on available parking spaces.

Keep in mind that parking lot-related insurance claims jump on Black Friday.

You can always keep up with real-time traffic information the ABC-13 news app.