Thanksgiving Travel Expected to Reach Record Levels Across the U.S.
This Thanksgiving season is set to see an unprecedented surge in travel across the United States. According to a report released by AAA, nearly 82 million Americans are projected to travel at least 50 miles between November 25 and December 1. This marks an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to the previous year.
The majority of these travelers, approximately 73.2 million people, are expected to be on the road. This represents a 1.8% rise in car travel from the 2024 Thanksgiving period. Meanwhile, air travel within the country is anticipated to see a 2% uptick, with 6 million individuals planning to fly. However, concerns about recent flight delays and cancellations could lead to travelers opting for alternative transportation methods at the last minute.
Earlier this month, staffing shortages caused by a prolonged government shutdown led to widespread flight disruptions. The FAA has since lifted its directive for an emergency reduction in flights, allowing airlines to operate normally. Although aviation experts have cautioned that a full return to normalcy may take time, industry leaders remain optimistic that operations will stabilize in time for Thanksgiving.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced that this Thanksgiving will be the busiest for air travel in 15 years, with the peak day expected to be Tuesday. Weather conditions could still impact flights, particularly at the start and end of the holiday period.
Other forms of transportation, such as buses, trains, and cruises, are also experiencing a surge, with travel forecasted to increase by 8.5% this year. Many are expected to make last-minute bookings for buses and trains.
“People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends,” stated Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel.
Timing Your Road Trip
For those planning to drive, the afternoon hours of Tuesday and Wednesday are predicted to be the most congested, particularly in major metropolitan areas. To avoid heavy traffic, INRIX, a transportation analytics firm, suggests hitting the road before noon on Tuesday and by 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Thanksgiving Day itself is expected to have minimal traffic impacts.
When returning home after the holiday, travelers are advised to start driving before noon on any day but Monday, according to INRIX. Sunday after Thanksgiving is anticipated to have heavy traffic throughout the day, with the best time to travel on Monday being after 8:00 p.m.
Weather Forecast for Thanksgiving Travel
As travelers prepare for their journeys, weather conditions could pose challenges early in the week. From Monday through Wednesday, a band of rain extending from Southern Texas to Minnesota is expected to move eastward, as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS).
Bob Oravec, lead forecaster for the NWS, mentioned, “Monday into Tuesday will probably be a little problematic anywhere from Texas, eastern Oklahoma, into Arkansas and northwestern Louisiana.” By Thanksgiving Day, the weather should improve, although temperatures will be colder than average across most of the country.
The central U.S. is likely to see temperatures in the teens on Thanksgiving morning, while regions like Denver, Colorado, may enjoy milder temperatures in the mid-50s on Black Friday. Lake-effect snow showers are expected to affect the central and eastern U.S.
As travelers return home on Friday and Saturday, weather conditions are expected to be favorable for much of the country. However, a developing storm system over the weekend may bring heavy snow to western Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Additionally, rain chances could increase from Texas up into Missouri and Illinois by Sunday.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
