As an Australian traveler, I find it amazing that nearly 80 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving in 2024. This is a 2 million increase from 2019, before the pandemic. It shows how big the Thanksgiving travel rush is.
With over 79.9 million travelers going 50 miles or more from home, the holiday will be very busy. Airports and highways will see a lot of people.
Key Takeaways
- 2024 Thanksgiving travel projections reach a record 79.9 million travelers, up 2 million from pre-pandemic levels
- The majority, around 71.7 million, are expected to opt for road trips, with the worst departure times being the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before the holiday
- Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest airport day of the year, with over 2.9 million passengers passing through security
- Thanksgiving Day itself sees the lightest air travel, making it the quietest day to fly
- Strategic planning and flexibility are key to navigating the Thanksgiving travel chaos
Understanding Thanksgiving Travel Trends in 2024
The busiest travel season of the year is coming. It’s key to know the latest on Thanksgiving travel trends. Experts say 2024 will see a record number of holiday travelers in the U.S.
Record-Breaking Travel Projections
AAA expects 71.7 million people to travel by car for Thanksgiving 2024. This is a 1.3 million increase from 2023. About 6 million Americans will fly during the holiday.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving will be the busiest day at U.S. airports. A record number of passengers will go through TSA checkpoints.
Impact on Airlines and Roads
The big increase in travelers will put a lot of pressure on airlines and roads. Airlines are getting ready for more passengers. Meanwhile, transportation authorities are bracing for traffic and congestion on the busiest airports and peak travel days around Thanksgiving.
Key Statistics for Holiday Planning
- Travel is expected to rise by 2.2% compared to 2023.
- Rental car prices are set to drop by 7% from last year.
- The TSA will screen 18.3 million passengers during the peak Thanksgiving travel period. This is a 6% increase from 2023.
- The three busiest travel days are the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and the Sunday after.
Knowing these Thanksgiving travel trends helps travelers prepare for the holiday season. It ensures a smoother and more enjoyable trip.
Worst Travel Days Around Thanksgiving
As the holiday season gets closer, traveling around Thanksgiving can be tough. The worst days to travel are usually the Tuesday and Wednesday before, and the Sunday after. For those driving, expect heavy traffic on Monday and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Air travelers face busy times in the early mornings and late afternoons on those days. The TSA expects to screen 30 million passengers. They aim to keep wait times under 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck® lanes and under 30 minutes for standard lanes.
| Travel Day | Projected Passenger Volume | Peak Congestion Times |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday before Thanksgiving | Highest air travel volume | 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Wednesday before Thanksgiving | Second-highest air travel volume | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Sunday after Thanksgiving | Worst day for return flights | 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. |
Traveling during the busiest times can cause delays and stress. To avoid this, plan early, leave extra time, and think about different travel options. Consider flying on less busy days or driving during off-peak hours.
“The two worst days for air travel around Thanksgiving are the Wednesday before and the Sunday after the holiday, according to industry data.”
Peak Airport Congestion Times During Holiday Week
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for airports in the United States. Airports are expecting a huge number of passengers. The airport chaos and travel delays during the holiday week are expected to be worse in 2024.
Morning Rush Hours
The morning hours, from 5 AM to 9 AM, are the busiest at airports during Thanksgiving week. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) data shows early-morning flights have the most passengers. This is because travelers want to get to their destinations early for the holidays.
Evening Peak Times
The evenings also see a lot of airport chaos and travel delays during Thanksgiving week. From 5 PM to 9 PM, many travelers are coming home. This leads to long security lines and crowded terminals.
TSA Screening Data Analysis
The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest day for air travel, according to TSA data from 2021 to 2023. In 2023, over 2.9 million people went through U.S. airport security checkpoints. Early morning flights on Thanksgiving Day are less crowded, helping those who want to avoid the rush.
| Thanksgiving Travel Data | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Travelers (in millions) | 65.1 | 71.3 | 79.9 |
| Travelers by Air (in millions) | 5.2 | 5.7 | 5.8 |
| Travelers by Road (in millions) | 56.9 | 63.4 | 71.7 |
| Travelers by Other Modes (in millions) | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.3 |
To navigate the airport chaos and travel delays during Thanksgiving, plan carefully. Knowing the busiest hours can help travelers prepare. This way, they might avoid the worst of the holiday rush.
Why Sunday After Thanksgiving Is a Travel Nightmare
The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest day at U.S. airports. In 2023, over 2.9 million people went through security checkpoints. This is nearly double the number on Thanksgiving Day itself. The rush of return travelers causes big delays, making it a nightmare to travel.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest day of the 2024 holiday season. More than 2.7 million passengers will go through TSA checkpoints. It will be very crowded and chaotic at the busiest airports thanksgiving. Expect long security lines, crowded terminals, and possible flight delays or cancellations.
- 5.84 million people are forecast to fly domestically over the Thanksgiving holiday period, a 2% increase from last year and 11% more than 2019.
- Domestic Thanksgiving flight prices have increased by 3%, while international flights are down 5%, leading to a 23% boost in international bookings.
- United Airlines expects over 6.2 million passengers between November 21 and December 3, nearly 480,000 per day.
- American Airlines anticipates welcoming 8.3 million customers during the same period, with Sunday, December 1, being the busiest day.
To avoid the chaos, consider traveling on different days. But with so many people flying, even the best plans can go wrong. The busiest airports thanksgiving will be packed.
“Data from Google suggests that flying out around 7 a.m. on Sundays and avoiding flying from about 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays can help travelers avoid crowds.”
To have a successful Thanksgiving trip, be ready for the crowds and plan ahead. Knowing the trends and peak times helps travelers avoid the crowded flights thanksgiving. This way, they can enjoy their holiday journeys.
Best Days to Fly During Thanksgiving Week
As Thanksgiving travel rush gets closer, smart travelers can find ways to dodge crowds and save cash. The best days to fly before the holiday are Saturday, Monday, and Thursday.
Least Crowded Pre-Holiday Options
The Saturday before Thanksgiving is the quietest, making it perfect for flying out. Monday and Thursday before the holiday are also good choices. They have fewer travelers than the days around them.
Post-Holiday Travel Sweet Spots
The days after Thanksgiving can also be less busy. Wednesday after the holiday is a great time to fly back. Tuesday and Black Friday are also good days to return home. Thanksgiving Day itself is the slowest travel day, offering savings and less stress for those who can be flexible.
Planning ahead can make your Thanksgiving travel smoother. By choosing the least crowded days, you can have a better travel experience during this busy time.
| Best Pre-Thanksgiving Travel Days | Best Post-Thanksgiving Travel Days |
|---|---|
|
|
By choosing the least crowded days before and after Thanksgiving, travelers can avoid the thanksgiving travel rush. This makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable trip.
Road Trip Planning: Avoiding Traffic Hotspots
As Thanksgiving approaches, planning your road trip is key to avoiding heavy traffic. Millions of Americans will be on the roads, making it challenging. But with some planning, you can have a smooth journey.
Timing your trip is crucial. AAA predicts nearly 80 million travelers will go 50 miles or more from home. This is up by 1.7 million from last year. Road trips are the most popular way to travel during Thanksgiving.
Drive before 10 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday before Thanksgiving to avoid traffic. For your return, leave before 1 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday after. Thanksgiving Day itself is usually less busy, perfect for flexible travelers.
Use traffic apps and local news alerts for updates on your route. INRIX notes Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC as congested areas. Knowing these spots helps you plan better.
By following these tips and staying updated, you can easily navigate Thanksgiving traffic. You’ll arrive at your destination ready to enjoy the holiday.
Major Metropolitan Areas to Watch
As Thanksgiving draws near, travelers should know the worst traffic spots and peak times in big cities. With almost 80 million people set to travel far, cities like New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Boston, and Los Angeles will see a lot more cars.
Worst Traffic Routes
Traveling from New York City to the Hamptons could take 3 hours and 27 minutes on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. That’s a 133% jump from usual times. Other routes with big delays include Washington D.C. to Annapolis (120% increase) and Seattle to Ellensburg (119% increase).
Peak Congestion Times by City
- New York City: Avoid travel on Monday, November 25 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Tuesday, November 26 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- Washington D.C.: Expect heavy traffic on Tuesday, November 26 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- Seattle: Plan for delays on Wednesday, November 27 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Boston: Brace for congestion on Tuesday, November 26 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Los Angeles: Avoid travel on Tuesday, November 26 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
To avoid the worst times to travel thanksgiving and travel delays thanksgiving, stay updated. Use traffic apps and look for alternative routes or times.
Smart Money-Saving Travel Strategies
As the thanksgiving travel rush gets closer, smart travelers are looking for ways to dodge holiday travel nightmares. Luckily, there are several money-saving tips to help you enjoy your Thanksgiving trip.
Traveling on Thanksgiving Day itself is a great way to save money. It’s the least busy day, with the TSA expecting to screen over 3 million passengers. By skipping the busy days before and after, you save on flights and avoid long security lines.
Another smart choice is to leave on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. This day is also quiet, making it perfect for returning home. You might even find better flight deals.
If you’re okay with shopping crowds, try flying on Black Friday. Airports are less busy, and airlines might offer cheaper fares to attract travelers.
For those driving, remember to include gas costs and savings from not checking bags. Road trips offer flexibility, letting you avoid busy roads and travel during off-peak times.
“Flexibility in travel dates can lead to significant savings, with potential savings of $100 or more for those who can fly on lower-demand days.”
By using these smart tips, you can enjoy your thanksgiving travel and keep more money in your pocket. Happy travels!
Alternative Travel Dates to Consider
When planning your Thanksgiving travel, think about different dates for a more relaxed trip. Traveling on Thanksgiving Day means fewer crowds at airports and on roads. Booking an early flight on Thanksgiving morning can get you to dinner on time, skipping the busy days.
Benefits of Thanksgiving Day Travel
Thanksgiving Day is the quietest day of the holiday travel period. With only 1.5 million at U.S. airports, it’s much less crowded than the Sunday after. Staying longer and leaving on Wednesday can also save you money and avoid the Sunday rush.
Extended Stay Options
Consider staying a day or two longer after Thanksgiving. The Wednesday after is usually the quietest day to leave. This avoids the Sunday chaos and might even save you money on travel and lodging.
FAQ
What are the worst travel days around Thanksgiving?
The worst days to travel are usually the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Also, the Sunday after is very busy.
How many Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving in 2024?
Almost 80 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving in 2024. This is a new record for all travel types.
How will the Thanksgiving travel rush impact airports and roads?
The big travel rush will make airports and roads very busy. It’s important to plan and avoid busy days.
What are the key statistics for Thanksgiving travel in 2024?
Travel is up 2.2% from 2023. Rental car prices are down 7% from last year.
When are the peak congestion times for road travelers around Thanksgiving?
Road travelers face big delays on Monday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday is also very busy from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
When are the busiest times for air travelers around Thanksgiving?
Air travelers should watch out for early mornings and late afternoons on Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Why is the Sunday after Thanksgiving a travel nightmare?
The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest day at U.S. airports for three years. It’s very crowded and delays are common.
What are the least crowded days to fly before and after Thanksgiving?
The least busy days to fly before Thanksgiving are Saturday, Monday, and Thursday. After Thanksgiving, Wednesday, Tuesday, and Black Friday are best.
What are some tips for avoiding traffic when driving for Thanksgiving?
Drive before 10 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday before Thanksgiving to avoid traffic. For the return trip, leave before 1 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday after.
Which major metropolitan areas are expected to experience significant traffic increases?
Big cities like New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Boston, and Los Angeles will see a lot more traffic during Thanksgiving.
How can I save money and avoid crowds when traveling for Thanksgiving?
Travel on Thanksgiving Day to avoid crowds. Consider returning on Wednesday after Thanksgiving. Flying on Black Friday is also a good way to skip crowds.
What are the benefits of traveling on Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving Day is less busy for airports and roads. Booking an early flight can get you home for dinner without the crowds.
