Thanksgiving is a peak travel time in the United States, with over 81 million Americans expected to journey at least 50 miles from home this year, as reported by the American Automobile Association (AAA). Despite ongoing economic concerns, such as the affordability crisis and the impact of the recent federal government shutdown, travel numbers are projected to increase. Almost 90% of travelers, more than 73 million people, will be taking to the roads, and nearly 6 million are set to fly, with domestic roundtrip flight prices averaging around $700.
The busiest travel days are anticipated to be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Although flight operations are expected to return to normal following the federal shutdown, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is still dealing with staffing shortages, which may result in longer wait times at security checkpoints. Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport two hours early to accommodate these potential delays.
For road travelers, AAA suggests that the optimal times for driving are before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and anytime on Thursday. The worst times to drive include late morning to evening on Wednesday, Friday afternoons, and Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m.
Safety remains a priority, with AAA warning against drinking and driving following a concerning trend of fatalities during the holiday. In the last four years, there were 868 deaths across the U.S. during Thanksgiving weekend.
Local conditions vary across states like California, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado. California is expecting nearly 6.8 million travelers, boosting its status as a favored destination with extensive roadside assistance in anticipation of increased travel. Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, is also experiencing high travel demand, while Arizona sees significant movement toward Southern California and Las Vegas, noting strategic differences in gas prices across the state. In Colorado, travel is influenced by the upcoming ski season, despite currently unseasonable warm weather.
AAA stresses the necessity for preparedness, urging travelers to expect delays and to be patient with fellow road users, as the Thanksgiving holiday is the busiest travel time of the year.