The travel group AAA has released its forecast for Thanksgiving travel this year, and it’s shaping up to be one for the record books. An astounding 79.9 million Americans are slated to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, representing a 2% increase from last year and nearly 2 million more than pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019.
This increase in travel is largely attributed to recent economic conditions, which have seen growth accompanied by lower inflation rates and higher consumer confidence. According to ABC 13 News, consumer spending is expected to rise by 4.6% year-over-year, indicating the American public is ready to hit the road or board flights to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.
A significant portion of this travel surge will be by car, with estimates indicating over 71 million people will opt for road trips. This figure surpasses the previous record for automobile travel set three years ago, with an increase of 1.1 million travelers. This newfound willingness to travel, coupled with lower gas prices averaging around $2.74 per gallon nationally, is encouraging families to plan vacations and enjoy gatherings around the Thanksgiving table.
AAA spokesperson Mark Howell urges travelers to plan accordingly by considering the best times to travel. For those driving on Thanksgiving Day, the roads should be relatively clear. Still, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are predicted to see the heaviest traffic volumes, so early planning is advised.
Air travel is also on the rise, with forecasts indicating nearly 5.84 million individuals expected to take to the skies this Thanksgiving, marking another 2% increase from last year and about 11% more than flights taken pre-pandemic. These figures indicate not only the public's desire to reunite with loved ones but also the recovery of the aviation industry.
Security personnel and airlines are urging travelers to remain flexible and to prepare for possible delays as airports brace for influxes of holiday travelers. With many airports, like the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport, anticipating more than 210,000 passengers from now until the Monday following Thanksgiving, the need for preparation is clear.
Kara Hitchens, regional spokesperson for AAA, noted, “We are exceeding pre-COVID numbers, so we figure people are still anxious to get back with family and friends.” This sentiment highlights the overall eagerness of Americans to reconnect after years of pandemic-related disruptions. With airports and airlines ramping up staffing and resources to handle the anticipated travel grind, both flying and driving seem set to reach record levels this holiday season.
At the local level, airports like LAX expect to see around 2.5 million travelers from November 16 to November 27 alone. This surge reflects nearly 300,000 more than the previous year and brings the airport’s operations to approximately 91.5% of pre-pandemic levels based on TSA data. To accommodate this increase, travelers are encouraged to arrive two hours prior to their domestic flights and three hours early for international ones.
Traffic management at airports is also under intense scrutiny. For LAX, forecasts suggest peak vehicle counts could surpass 92,000 at any time during the busiest travel days. To mitigate congestion, traffic control officers will be deployed around airport premises, and travelers are advised to monitor real-time updates through the airport's interactive maps.
Despite the excitement of family gatherings, travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions. About 100 LAX employees, represented by SEIU-United Service Workers West, are expected to march on the Monday after Thanksgiving, demanding higher wages. This demonstration may potentially cause some delays, recalling memories of protests from past holiday seasons. Airport officials are reminding the public to remain vigilant and to closely monitor traffic conditions.
Not all travel-related news is met with trepidation, as many airports are implementing programs aimed at easing the experience. Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport has registered significant growth, with expectations to surpass traffic volumes experienced last year by about 4%. With such increases, it’s clear the appetite for travel remains strong.
For those driving, AAA advises took note of checking key vehicle components such as tire pressure and battery health before hitting the road. With so many families eager to celebrate and travel, road safety is equally as important as air travel safety. Many drivers are likely to find joy and comfort traveling by car this Thanksgiving, potentially creating thousands of new memories on the way to and from loved ones.
Travelers should also remain mindful of airport security protocols when packing. Most food items can be transported through TSA checkpoints, but some guidelines dictate they need to be unpacked or appropriately sorted within luggage. It is wise to stay informed about packing regulations, ensuring gift items, as well as food products, comply with the matching criteria.
This holiday travel surge is not merely about rising numbers; it is emblematic of the American spirit and the resilience shown over recent years. With families set to reunite across the nation, travelers can anticipate this week as one filled with celebration, togetherness, and the joy of reconnecting with loved ones.
While the increase is promising, it is important for travelers to prepare and remain flexible. Whether it’s altering travel times, pre-booking parking spaces, or anticipating busy terminals, embracing the holiday spirit along with practical awareness can lead to smoother and more enjoyable travel experiences. So here's to record-breaking travel numbers and the heartfelt moments they represent this Thanksgiving!
