Thanksgiving travel is set to hit new highs this year. Around 82 million Americans plan to travel at least 50 miles from November 25 to December 1. That’s an increase of 1.6 million from last year, as reported by AAA.
Most of this travel will be by car, with about 73.2 million people expected to hit the road. This marks a slight rise of 1.8% in car travel from 2024.
Air travel is also on the upswing, with 6 million people anticipated to fly, a 2% increase from last year. However, airport disruptions could affect these figures. Recent staffing shortages have led to flight delays and cancellations, which might shift some travelers to other transportation options.
Despite these setbacks, the FAA recently lifted restrictions that limited flight numbers. Experts suggest that while it may take a bit for airlines to return to normal operations, they are optimistic that things will stabilize before the holiday rush.
According to the FAA, this Thanksgiving is expected to have the busiest travel numbers in the past 15 years, with Tuesday being the peak flying day. Other modes of transport, such as buses and trains, are also seeing a projected increase in travelers, up 8.5% this year.
Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, shared that families are eager to create lasting memories. This enthusiasm for travel is reflected in rising last-minute bookings across various transport services.
If you’re driving, be prepared for heavy congestion on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. It’s recommended to travel before noon on those days to avoid traffic. On Thanksgiving, roads are expected to be clearer, making it a good day for travel.
Weather may play a role, with rain forecast across parts of the U.S. from Monday to Wednesday. Heavy showers could create problems, especially from Texas to Louisiana. Fortunately, by Thanksgiving Day, conditions are expected to improve, although colder temperatures will prevail in central regions.
For those returning post-holiday, aim to leave early Saturday or Sunday to avoid heavy traffic, especially on Sunday afternoon. A storm system may also bring snow to several northern states, adding to travel complications.
Ultimately, while the trends suggest increased travel, stay informed about any potential weather-related disruptions. With careful planning, it’s possible to enjoy a stress-free journey this Thanksgiving season.
For more insights on travel trends and forecasts, check out the latest report from AAA.
