Almost 80 million people will be traveling this year.
One of the busiest travel periods is around the corner. Almost 80 million people are predicted to travel for Thanksgiving this year, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). This number includes both drivers and fliers, so be prepared for crowds on the highways and airports. Travel predictions can help you navigate the busiest times and avoid the worst of the congestion.
Worst Days and Times to Travel
AAA predicts that 71.74 million travelers will be on the road around Thanksgiving. That’s 1.3 million more than last year and over a million more than in 2019. And more than 3 million are expected to be flying every day leading up to the holiday.
Busiest Days for Drivers
If you plan to hit the road over the holiday, transportation data provider INRIX warns that the worst days to travel by car are Tuesday and Wednesday (November 25-26) in the afternoon. Thanksgiving Day (November 28) should offer a smooth ride with emptier highways. If you plan to set out on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, make sure you leave early to beat the traffic. Post-Thanksgiving, expect that Sunday will be busy from noon to 6 p.m., and early Monday morning will see holiday travelers returning home as well as commuters heading to work.
Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX, suggested watching traffic apps to avoid congested roads and highways. “This is especially important for drivers in metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, L.A., Seattle, and Washington, D.C., where traffic is expected to be more than double what it typically is on a normal day.”
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Busiest Days for Fliers
More than 3 million people will be at U.S. airports every day before Thanksgiving, according to Hopper data. To beat the crowds, the best bet to travel is also Thanksgiving Day, when a mere 2.1 million travelers are expected to fly. The worst day to fly is Sunday, when 3.7 million passengers will take off. Alternatively, you can fly on Black Friday or wait until Tuesday to avoid the worst of the crowds. The busiest airports will be Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver, but Los Angeles and JFK are also on the list, so pack some patience if you’re flying in or out of these hubs.
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Travel Tips
If you’re flying, experts recommend taking the first flight out to minimize disruptions. Weather conditions and other factors can impact operations later in the day. Direct flights are also a safer option, helping you avoid missed connections due to delays, which are common during this time of year.
From navigating traffic to security checks, everything will take longer than usual, so it’s essential to prepare in advance. Leave early enough to avoid feeling rushed, and check airport advisories for information on how to get there and where to park. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers guidance on packing your carry-on luggage and what items are allowed. If you’re bringing food, confirm its permissibility with the TSA (they respond quickly on X, formerly Twitter). Additionally, keep an eye on weather conditions.
Preparing for the worst is never a bad idea, especially during these peak travel times. Travel insurance and refundable bookings are always advised, and if you can, give yourself a buffer day, Hopper says. “Travel a day early to your holiday celebrations if possible; that way, if you’re impacted by a delay or cancellation, you will have 24 hours to reschedule your travel and get on to your final destination.”
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