Tweet
Record breaking numbers of travelers are expected to hit the road and head to the airport this year.
A total of 81.8 million people are expected to travel 50 miles from home or more from Tuesday, November 25th through Monday, December 1st – 1.6 million more travelers as compared to 2024. These are all time record breaking numbers, reported AAA.
At least 73 million people, or 90% of all Thanksgiving travelers, are expected to travel by car, making for 1.3 million more people on the road as compared to 2024. The Tuesday and Wednesdsy before Thanksgiving are expected to see the most road congestion, while the Sunday after Thanksgiving is expected to the most congestion following the holiday.
“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends.”
Between 2019 and 2023, 35% of holiday season drunk driving crashes ocurred during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges travelers to plan ahead and use caution.
Thanksgiving travel can be impacted by
severe weather, especially storms and snow, leading to flight and road delays. Other major problems include heavy traffic, airport overcrowding, long security lines, and road safety concerns like driver fatigue, impaired driving, and deer encounters.
Weather
Stay safe out there and we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
Just one more thing……
How many of our trucking people will be home for Thanksgiving?
A total of 81.8 million people are expected to travel 50 miles from home or more from Tuesday, November 25th through Monday, December 1st – 1.6 million more travelers as compared to 2024. These are all time record breaking numbers, reported AAA.
At least 73 million people, or 90% of all Thanksgiving travelers, are expected to travel by car, making for 1.3 million more people on the road as compared to 2024. The Tuesday and Wednesdsy before Thanksgiving are expected to see the most road congestion, while the Sunday after Thanksgiving is expected to the most congestion following the holiday.
“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends.”
Between 2019 and 2023, 35% of holiday season drunk driving crashes ocurred during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges travelers to plan ahead and use caution.
Thanksgiving travel can be impacted by
severe weather, especially storms and snow, leading to flight and road delays. Other major problems include heavy traffic, airport overcrowding, long security lines, and road safety concerns like driver fatigue, impaired driving, and deer encounters.
Weather
- Air and road disruptions: Severe weather, including rain, thunderstorms, and snow, could affect air traffic and roadways across the country, particularly in the Northeast, Midwest, and Rockies.
- Specific concerns: Some areas may experience strong winds, while the Northwest could see widespread rain and snow on Thanksgiving Day itself, impacting both travel and coastal areas with potential showers and fog.
- Record-breaking traffic: This year is expected to have record-breaking travel, with the roads being the busiest mode of transportation.
- Worst travel times: The worst times to drive are typically the Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday, and Sunday on the way home.
- Highway hazards: Inclement weather can cause delays, and conditions like driver fatigue, potential impaired driving, and deer activity add to the risks.
- Roadside assistance: Be prepared for potential car trouble, as AAA historically responds to thousands of calls for issues like dead batteries, flat tires, and empty fuel tanks during the holiday.
- Crowds and delays: Airports will be extremely crowded with long lines for security, check-in, and food vendors.
- Health risks: Crowded indoor environments increase the risk of catching or spreading respiratory illnesses.
- Battery power: Plan ahead for charging devices, as outlets can be competitive or sometimes not working. A portable power bank is a good backup.
- Impaired driving: Be extra cautious on the roads as drunk driving is a major risk during this period. AAA and MADD recommend using rideshares, having a designated driver, or using public transit.
- Deer collisions: The fall and winter months see a significant increase in car accidents involving deer. Drive at a safe speed, especially in areas with high deer activity.
- Vehicle maintenance: Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before a long trip by checking your tires and battery.
- Share the road: Be aware of your surroundings and the speed of other vehicles, especially if your car breaks down on the side of the road.
Stay safe out there and we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
Just one more thing……
How many of our trucking people will be home for Thanksgiving?