Thanksgiving travel expected to hit record highs, AAA says : NPR

A record number of individuals are expected to travel within the United States for Thanksgiving, using various modes of transportation such as planes, trains, and automobiles.

An estimated 82 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from November 25 to December 1, marking an increase of 1.6 million individuals compared to last year’s holiday season, according to a report released by AAA.

The majority of travelers will opt for road trips, with approximately 73.2 million individuals expected to drive, representing a 1.8% increase from the previous year.

AAA also predicted that 6 million people will travel by plane domestically during the holiday period, showing a 2% increase from the previous year. However, concerns over recent flight disruptions may lead some travelers to make last-minute changes in their travel plans.

Following the government shutdown that resulted in staffing shortages and flight disruptions, the FAA has lifted its emergency flight reduction directive, allowing airlines to resume normal operations. While it may take some time for flights to return to pre-shutdown levels, industry experts are optimistic about a smooth transition before the Thanksgiving travel rush.

The FAA anticipates that this Thanksgiving will be the busiest for air travel in 15 years, with Tuesday being identified as the peak flying day.

Travel via other modes of transportation, such as buses, trains, and cruises, is expected to increase by 8.5% this year, potentially leading to a surge in last-minute bookings for these services.

“People are willing to navigate the crowds and adjust their plans to create lasting memories, whether it involves visiting relatives or reuniting with friends,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel.

Here are some key points to consider:

Planning to drive in the afternoon? Think again

INRIX, a transportation analytics firm, predicts that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the busiest times for drivers in major metropolitan areas.

To avoid traffic congestion, it is advisable to start your road trip before noon on Tuesday and by 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Thanksgiving Day is expected to have minimal traffic disruptions.

When returning home post-holiday, travelers are advised to begin their journey before noon on any day except Monday. Sunday following Thanksgiving is likely to experience heavy traffic throughout the day, while Monday evening after 8:00 p.m. is recommended for smoother travel, according to INRIX.

Weather conditions may be challenging, but are expected to improve for the return journey

National Weather Service forecasts indicate that rain moving from Southern Texas to Minnesota on Monday through Wednesday could cause travel difficulties.

By Thanksgiving Day, weather conditions are anticipated to improve across the U.S., with colder-than-average temperatures in some regions. On Black Friday, warmer temperatures are expected in several areas, although lake-effect snow showers could affect parts of the central and eastern U.S.

While weather conditions are expected to be favorable for most of the country during the return journey on Friday and Saturday, a storm system is predicted to develop over the weekend, potentially causing heavy snowfall in certain regions.

Overall, travelers are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and plan their journeys accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.