The Thanksgiving travel rush is here, and with it, the hustle and bustle of airports and highways across the United States are expected to witness unprecedented crowds. This year's Thanksgiving, falling on November 28, is predicted to be the busiest ever, bringing with it record-breaking numbers of travelers both by air and by car.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates around 80 million Americans will venture out at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving period, especially between the Tuesday beforehand and the following Monday. A majority of these travelers are opting to drive, slightly easing the anticipated pressure on airlines. Interestingly, the nationwide average price for gasoline has dipped to $3.06 per gallon, down from $3.27 this time last year, giving drivers some reprieve as they head out.
Air travel, on the other hand, is poised for significant strain. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen approximately 18.3 million travelers at U.S. airports during the Thanksgiving week, marking about a 6% increase from last year. Passengers are encouraged to arrive early to deal with potential delays, particularly since the busiest days are anticipated to be Tuesday, Wednesday, and especially the Sunday following Thanksgiving, when approximately 3 million people are expected to pass through security. That figure could even shatter the record set during last July's Fourth of July holiday.
Despite the uptick in travel, looming threats such as staffing shortages and weather complications hang over the holiday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grapples with air traffic controller understaffing, which has led to delays at major facilities. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker assured travelers of implemented measures to maintain safety without overwhelming the already stressed system. “If we are short on staff, we will slow traffic as needed to keep the system safe,” he stated, underscoring the agency's commitment to maintaining order during such high-traffic times.
To compound the difficulties, service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport staged strikes demanding higher wages, protesting what they deemed as “unlivable” pay. Approximately 1.02 million travelers are expected to depart from Charlotte Douglas between last Thursday and the Monday after Thanksgiving. The strike has led to chaos as several hundred workers walked off the job, — adding yet another layer of complication to travelers hoping for smooth passage.
Meanwhile, last year’s holiday season saw airlines handling crowds rather efficiently, with fewer than 400 flight cancellations throughout Thanksgiving week. Airlines continue to face challenges, as delays have surged again this year, spurred by staffing shortages and late arrivals associated with the expected weather conditions. Passengers are advised to keep abreast of their airline’s updates using apps to stay informed about any changes affecting their flights.
Interestingly, the holiday has evolved with the rise of remote work. People are now departing earlier to mix work and leisure, heading out as early as the weekend before Thanksgiving. A AAA spokesperson noted this trend has changed the entire dynamic of holiday travel, as families stretch their holiday plans across several days rather than cramming them all until the last minute. “The pandemic changed everything,” Aixa Diaz explained, highlighting how the flexibility many now enjoy has altered when and how they travel.
Although experienced travelers often know to avoid driving too closely to the holiday itself, others have taken heed of watching congestion patterns; as such, routes typically thought of as optimal are now predicted to witness more build-up than usual. With Thanksgiving being later this year, as many avoid traveling on Wednesday and Sunday, even the days preceding them — Monday and Tuesday — are showing increasing congestion.
For travelers braving the roads, transportation analytics company INRIX suggests avoiding travel during peak times typically seen on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, with significant elevation predicted on routes to metropolitan regions like New York City and Los Angeles. Those returning home should aim for travel before 1 p.m. on Sunday or before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on Monday to avoid the crush.
For those flying, airport security officials have urged passengers to arrive well before their flight departures and comply with TSA guidelines. The TSA's Administrator, David Pekoske, assured travelers, “This will be the busiest Thanksgiving ever in terms of air travel,” but reassured them with staffing numbers at the TSA reportedly at their all-time high. He indicated lines should remain below 30 minutes for standard travelers and under 10 minutes for those enrolled with PreCheck. The message is clear: Avoiding lengthy waits starts with arriving early.
Holiday stress lies not just with the hassle of travel but also those unexpected issues concerning prohibited items. The TSA has found more than 6,000 firearms at checkpoints this year alone, most being loaded. Passengers are urged to double-check what can and cannot be taken on their flights, with guidelines readily available on the TSA’s website for reference.
Beyond the chaos, unexpected calm can arise during travel with therapy dogs at participating airports. These furry companions aim to ease the anxiety of pressing journeys, providing friendly greetings amid uncertainty. Many airports leverage community resources, introducing beloved therapy pups to brighten travelers' spirits. Some airports even house rabbits and pigs, offering unique moments of joy and distraction during the hectic holiday rush.
With heavy rain expected leading up to Thanksgiving Day, particularly across parts of the Midwest and East Coast, travelers are urged to remain cautious. Complications such as snow accumulation can add to the stress of the travel season, causing potential flight cancellations or delays.
All considered, it’s evident the 2024 Thanksgiving travel season will culminate with record numbers, significant labor disputes, and weather challenges. Passengers planning to travel need to prepare adequately, stay informed, and remain patient as they navigate through the busiest holiday period of the year.
