Why Kenan Thompson Should Always Have the Window Seat
The comedian and "SNL" star shares his favorite travel memories, packing essentials, and most frustrating TSA experience
For three decades, Kenan Thompson has been making us laugh. Whether it’s been as a wacky burger joint employee, a mischievous high schooler always getting into trouble, or as the longest-tenured cast member in SNL history, Thompson has lit up TV screens across the country.
When he’s not writing sketches, cracking jokes, impersonating celebrities, or appearing in Autotrader commercials, the Emmy Award-winning comedian enjoys traveling with his family, exposing his kids to cultures outside of the U.S., and trying out regional delicacies.
Ahead of SNL’s 51st season—and Thompson’s 22nd— the comedian spoke with Thrillist associate editor Annie Harrigan about the one food he probably won’t try abroad, why he should always be given window seat access, and the time he had to abandon his guitar at TSA.
Thrillist: What is your favorite travel memory?
Kenan Thompson: Favorite travel memory is tough. I am part of the transient generation. We do a lot of flying, especially coming from Atlanta, big Delta kids. So I've traveled a lot. My favorite memories are usually with my family. I think anytime we take our kids to Europe is a good journey. We’re exposing our kids to so much history, so many scenes, eateries and all that kind of stuff. Those are always really, really fun memories for sure.
What is one thing you always do in every place that you travel to?
One thing I always do in every place is eat for sure. I try to get as free and open to trying whatever kind of things as possible. I've been pretty adventurous. But there's just certain places that I won't necessarily do that well in. Insects and stuff like that, that one's tougher for me. But as far as most other things, the delicacies have been a large enjoyable part of traveling. Just seeing different cultures or experiencing different taste buds is kind of wild.
Do you pack light or overpack?
I overpack unfortunately. Every time I come back I'm like, Why? I wore the same shoes the whole time. There's no reason. But if it fits five pairs of shoes, then I'm going to try to put 'em in there just in case. Because I always leave something behind that I need, even if I prepped the night before. There's always one little thing and it irks me so much when I forget something. So yeah, I tend to overpack.
What are some absolute must haves?
I need my clippers. I got to shave. So shout out to Andis. Shout out to Braun. Those are my two clippers. I need fresh undies. Fresh undies, that's mandatory. And then my toiletries. Bond No. 9 is my favorite cologne. Old Spice. Shout out to Deon Cole holding it down with my deodorant. Crest toothpaste, got to have toothpaste. A hairbrush and my curl gel.
What's your favorite way to pass time on a plane?
Sleeping. I sleep well. I watch a lot of television when I'm at home anyway, so on plane rides, I usually sleep.
Window or aisle seat?
I like window seats. I like being able to control the window, number one. So I might have a little bit of an issue there. I might be a control freak. But I like looking out the window too, you know what I mean? And I'm considerate. There are some inconsiderate window people that will ignore the fact that everybody's got their windows closed and they'll just open theirs for the whole flight and keep everybody awake. So I'm not that person. You want me on the window. You do.
What's your airplane wardrobe?
Tuxedo only. I wear a tuxedo every time [laughs]. As cozy as can be for sure. I stay casual. Nice sweatsuit or hoodie and sweatpants in the winter.
What is the weirdest thing you've ever tried to take with you through airport security?
For some reason I wanted to bring my guitar, and they just weren't having it. I was teaching myself guitar, so I felt like I needed to just have it with me all the time—really become one of those people. And it wasn't even a special guitar. It was just an acoustic guitar that I bought from somewhere, but I was so attached to it and they just were giving me shit about it. “Can't bring this, you have to check it.” And I was like, “That's not true. I've seen people bring their instruments on before.” But for some reason they weren't having it. I was like, “But I bought the case. I put it in the case for you guys.” And they were just giving me a hard time about it, so I had to leave it behind. They were trying to deter my greatness.