As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, millions of Americans are preparing for a busy week of travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen nearly 18 million people from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Tuesday after the holiday, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts this will be the busiest Thanksgiving in terms of flights in at least 15 years.
However, most people will be traveling by car, with AAA projecting that 81.8 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday period. This represents an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last year, setting a new overall record. The majority of these travelers, approximately 73 million, will be driving to their destinations, accounting for nearly 90% of Thanksgiving travelers.
Busiest Days for Travel
The busiest days for flying are expected to be the Sunday after Thanksgiving, with the TSA planning to screen more than 3 million travelers, and the Monday after Thanksgiving, with 3.09 million travelers expected. The Friday after Thanksgiving is also expected to be busy, with 3.06 million travelers predicted. Airlines for America, a trade association representing the airlines, expects the Sunday after Thanksgiving to be the busiest day of this Thanksgiving travel period, with 3.39 million travelers expected.
In terms of driving, the Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving are projected to be the most congested for drivers traveling in major metro areas nationwide. According to the transportation analytics firm INRIX, Tuesday from 12-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. are expected to be the “worst” travel times. Travelers returning home on Sunday should also expect heavy traffic most of the day.
Weather Conditions and Travel Disruptions
Storms this week could impact travel, with two cross-country storm systems taking shape. One system is expected to bring heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms across the South, while a second, more powerful system will deliver cold temperatures and snowfall to the northern U.S. and Great Lakes region. Snow totals could reach up to 14 inches near the Canadian border, and the storm could bring high winds across parts of the Northern Plains.
Expert Insights and Preparations
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has assured travelers that “things look good from the air traffic control side” following the recent government shutdown, which caused disruptions in air travel nationwide. He encouraged travelers to book their tickets and fly without fear, stating, “if you can still get a ticket and you can still fly and your family still wants to see you, book that ticket, jump on a flight and don’t be afraid to fly this season.”
As travelers prepare for their journeys, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest travel conditions and weather forecasts. For more information on the busiest days for flying and driving, as well as expert insights and preparations, visit Here
Image Source: www.cbsnews.com
