Expected Traffic Surge
AAA anticipates an astonishing 79.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday period, with the majority choosing to hit the roads. According to their latest forecast, 71.7 million travelers will be driving, marking a new all-time high. This is a 1.3 million increase compared to last year and even surpasses pre-pandemic figures, which stood at 70.6 million in 2019.
Lower Gas Prices Fuel Road Trips
One reason for the surge in road travel may be the decline in gas prices. Gas is expected to be cheaper than it was during Thanksgiving last year when the national average was $3.26 per gallon. Thanks to falling oil prices, AAA predicts the national average could dip below $3 a gallon for the first time since 2021. Drivers in more than 12 states east of the Rockies could enjoy prices ranging from $2.25 to $2.50 per gallon.
Bonding Over Travel
“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. She emphasized the importance of travel during this holiday for bringing families together and noted that “AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations.”
Extended Travel Forecast
For the first time, AAA’s travel forecast accounts for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving through the Monday afterward. This adjustment captures the full holiday travel pattern and highlights nearly 80 million people hitting the roads, skies, and waterways—a significant jump of 1.7 million compared to 2023 and 2 million more than 2019’s numbers.
Best and Worst Times to Travel
Transportation analytics company, INRIX, warns of peak driving hours over Thanksgiving:
- Worst Times to Travel: Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are expected to see the heaviest traffic.
- Best Time to Drive: Thanksgiving Day itself is generally the clearest for highways and interstates.
Travelers returning home on Sunday should leave early in the morning to avoid delays. For those heading back on Monday, the roads may be busier due to the mix of travelers and work commuters.
“With a record number of travelers expected to be on the road, drivers should follow traffic apps and local news alerts to avoid major delays,” said Bob Pishue, INRIX transportation analyst. “This is especially important for drivers in metropolitan hubs like Boston, New York City, LA, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., where congestion could more than double compared to typical days.”
Plan Ahead for a Smoother Journey
With record-breaking travel expected, preparation is key. AAA and INRIX recommend keeping an eye on traffic updates, leveraging navigation apps, and planning travel times strategically to avoid the worst congestion. Whether you’re driving across the country or a short distance, getting ahead of delays will be crucial for an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.
Source: Truckers News
