By: Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire

According to AAA, nearly 80 million Americans are gearing up to travel for Thanksgiving, setting a new record for holiday travel. This year’s projections surpass last year’s by 1.7 million travelers, marking the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in history. The travel window spans from November 26 to December 2, with significant increases seen across all modes of transportation.

AAA reports that 71.7 million people will travel by car, a 1.9% increase from last year. That surpasses pre-pandemic levels, making it the largest volume of road travelers recorded. Air travel is also expected to set a new high, with 5.84 million people flying domestically, a 2.1% rise from 2023. Meanwhile, alternative forms of travel, including trains, buses, and cruises, are seeing a nearly 9% jump, largely driven by the resurgence of cruising.

Planning is critical this year, with peak congestion expected on key days leading up to Thanksgiving. Monday, November 25, and Tuesday, November 26, will see some of the worst delays, especially between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. On Wednesday, November 27, AAA said travelers should also expect significant afternoon congestion. For those looking to avoid delays, Thanksgiving Day offers the best opportunity for smooth road travel. Returning home on Sunday, December 1, will require an early start, as the afternoon is projected to be heavily congested nationwide. Monday, December 2, will also see delays, particularly during traditional commute hours.

Transportation analytics firm INRIX details the specific metro areas and routes where congestion will be most severe. In the DMV region, traffic along US-50 East from Washington, D.C., to Annapolis is expected to peak on Tuesday, November 26, at 4:30 p.m., with travel times extending to an hour and 31 minutes, an increase of 120% above normal. In New York, the Long Island Expressway heading east to the Hamptons will experience the worst delays on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., with travel times reaching three hours and 27 minutes, 133% above average. Los Angeles drivers on I-5 North to Bakersfield should prepare for heavy delays on Wednesday evening, with traffic 111% worse than usual. Congestion is also expected to impact major metros like Atlanta, Chicago, and Philadelphia during peak travel times.

Airports will be just as busy, with TSA forecasting the heaviest travel days on Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Sunday afterward. Travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international departures. Parking reservations are recommended at airports like DCA and Dulles, while BWI offers real-time updates on garage occupancy.

Gas prices are expected to relieve road trippers. The national average could dip below $3 per gallon, the lowest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2021. Drivers in states east of the Rockies may find prices ranging from $2.25 to $2.50 per gallon.

AAA’s travel data reveals that warm-weather destinations remain the most popular for domestic travelers this Thanksgiving. Florida cities such as Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa top the list, along with sunny locations like Las Vegas and Honolulu. Internationally, Cancun, Punta Cana, and European cities like Paris and Rome are among the most popular destinations.

INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue has advised travelers to use real-time traffic tools and avoid peak travel times whenever possible. With record-setting numbers expected, Pishue and other experts shared that patience, and planning will be essential for a smooth holiday journey.

“This is especially important for drivers in metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, LA, Seattle, and Washington, DC, where traffic is expected to be more than double what it typically is on a normal day,” Pishue noted.

Further, “Thanksgiving remains the busiest holiday for travel,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “This year, we’re witnessing record numbers across all categories as families and friends prioritize time together.”