Thanksgiving Rush: Millions Opt For Road Trip Over Flight

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for travel in the US, with millions taking to the roads in the week leading up to the holiday. In 2023, AAA predicted that 55.4 million Americans would travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, with 49.1 million of those travelling by car. This was an increase of 1.7% compared to 2022, with drivers benefitting from lower gas prices. With more people taking to the roads, skies, rails and sea, travellers should expect congested roads and longer lines at transportation terminals.

Predicted to be one of the busiest Thanksgiving weekends for travel on record

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest US holidays for travel, and this year is predicted to be one of the busiest on record. According to AAA, over 55 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more to spend the holiday with family and friends. This is the third-highest forecast since AAA began tracking Thanksgiving travel in 2000. The top two years were 2005 and 2019.

The primary mode of transportation for Thanksgiving travel is by car. This year, 49.1 million Americans are expected to drive to their destinations, an increase of 1.7% compared to 2022. Fortunately for these travellers, gas prices are predicted to be lower than last year. The national average peaked in mid-August at $3.87 and has been decreasing since. The current national average sits at around $3.05 per gallon, compared to $3.51 last year.

The day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday 22 November, is expected to be the busiest day on the roads. Travel times in some metro areas may be up to 80% longer than normal. Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX, recommends travellers "use traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services for real-time updates" to help "minimize holiday traffic frustrations". The roads are expected to be most crowded between 2 pm and 6 pm, so travellers should plan to leave before 11 am or after 6 pm to avoid the worst congestion.

Thanksgiving Day itself is forecast to be less busy, with the roads busiest between 11 am and 3 pm. The best times to travel on this day are before 10 am or after 5 pm. Friday is expected to be the worst day for travel, with the worst time to travel being 5 pm. The worst route is predicted to be from Birmingham to Atlanta via Interstate 20 East, with an estimated travel time of 4 hours and 2 minutes.

For those flying, Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 November are expected to be the busiest and most expensive days. Sunday 26 and Monday 27 November are also expected to be busy, with many people travelling home after the holiday. The busiest airports are likely to include Los Angeles International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, as well as airports that see many connections, such as Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Gas prices are predicted to be lower than last year

This year, millions of Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, with 55.4 million people forecasted to travel 50 miles or more to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. This is a 2.3% increase over last year, making it the third busiest Thanksgiving for travel since 2000.

Most of these Thanksgiving travellers are expected to drive to their destinations, with 49.1 million Americans predicted to travel by car. This is good news as gas prices are predicted to be lower than last year.

The national average for a gallon of unleaded gasoline is currently $3.353, the lowest it has been since February. This is a significant decrease from last year's Thanksgiving average of $3.58. In fact, gas prices have been falling for nine weeks now, thanks to a seasonal weakening of demand and a drop in crude oil prices. The switch to a less expensive winter-blend gas also contributes to the decrease in prices.

By the time Americans start travelling en masse for Thanksgiving, gas prices are expected to drop even further. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, forecasts that the national average price of gas will be $3.25 per gallon, saving Americans $573 million during the holiday travel period compared to last year. This would be the lowest Thanksgiving day price since 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic significantly reduced demand and gas prices fell to $2.11 per gallon.

Currently, eleven states have gas prices below $3 per gallon: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. GasBuddy predicts that five more states could join this list by Thanksgiving.

With gas prices on a downward trend, travellers can look forward to some relief at the pump this Thanksgiving.

The day before Thanksgiving is likely to be the most congested

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for travel in the US, with millions of Americans packing their bags to spend time with loved ones. This year, 55.4 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday period, making it the third busiest since 2000.

The day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 22, is predicted to be the busiest and most congested day on the roads. INRIX, a transportation data and insights provider, forecasts travel times to be up to 80% longer than normal in some metropolitan areas. Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX, states that "the day before Thanksgiving is notoriously one of the most congested days on our roadways". Travelers should expect long delays, especially when travelling through or around major cities. To avoid the worst of the traffic, INRIX recommends travelling in the morning or after 6 pm. The roads are expected to be most crowded between 2 pm and 6 pm, so an early start is advised.

The Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are also the busiest and most expensive days for air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration reports that 49,606 flights are scheduled on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, making it the day with the most flights. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 2.7 million passengers on that Wednesday, and Airlines for America predicts it will be the second busiest day for flyers during the holiday period.

Thanksgiving Day itself is one of the easier days to travel, with the roads being less congested. AAA recommends driving before 10 am or after 5 pm, as the roads are expected to be busiest between 11 am and 3 pm.

For those travelling on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving, the worst times to be on the road are between 4 pm and 8 pm. The best times to travel on those days are before 11 am and after 8 pm. Saturday is one of the busiest days for returning home, but if you can, it is recommended to return home on Friday, which is the least congested day.

The busiest travel days are the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for travel in the US, with millions taking to the roads or boarding planes almost a week ahead of the holiday itself. This year, 55.4 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more to celebrate Thanksgiving with their loved ones, making it the third-highest Thanksgiving travel period since 2000.

The Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are the busiest travel days, with the Federal Aviation Administration reporting that 49,606 flights are scheduled on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen 2.7 million passengers on that day, and trade group Airlines for America considers it the second busiest day of the holiday period for flyers.

The Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are also the busiest and most expensive days for air travel. According to AAA, these days are followed by the Sunday after Thanksgiving as the third busiest day for air travel. The Monday after Thanksgiving is also a popular day for people to fly back home.

With so many people travelling by air, it's no surprise that roads are also congested. The day before Thanksgiving is one of the most congested days on US roads. Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX, a transportation data and insights provider, states that:

> "The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously one of the most congested days on our roadways. Travelers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major metros."

To avoid the worst of the traffic congestion, INRIX recommends travelling in the morning or after 6 pm. The busiest time for road travellers is expected to be between 2 pm and 6 pm, with travel times up to 80% longer than normal in some metropolitan areas.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest air travel day of the year

This year, an estimated 55.4 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, making it the third busiest Thanksgiving for travel since 2000. Most of these travellers are expected to drive to their destinations, with around 49.1 million people predicted to get behind the wheel. However, the Sunday after Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest air travel day of the year.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day in history at US airports. In 2022, the TSA screened 2.56 million passengers on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and in 2023, this number rose to 2.9 million. This is the highest number of passengers the TSA has ever recorded in a single day.

The Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are also among the busiest travel days of the year. In 2023, these days are expected to be the most expensive to fly, as well as the busiest. After the holiday, most people will travel home on Sunday, November 26, or Monday, November 27, so expect large crowds at the airport.

If you want to avoid the crowds, Thanksgiving Day itself is the least crowded travel day at airports. Flying on Thanksgiving Day can also save you money, as it is one of the least expensive days to fly during the holiday period. The Wednesday after Thanksgiving is also a good option, as it is the second emptiest day to travel.

To make your Thanksgiving travel easier, consider getting TSA PreCheck or Clear, or travelling with carry-on luggage only. Arrive at the airport early, and be sure to check what items are allowed in your carry-on luggage to avoid delays.

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