Thanksgiving expected to crush past travel records
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Thanksgiving is set to shatter multiple travel records this year just weeks after a prolonged government shutdown significantly strained air travel.
The big picture: From frostier-than-normal weather affecting the roads to predictions of one of the busiest days in TSA history, travelers should prepare to be patient before they can devour turkey and fixings.
By the numbers: AAA projects that 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1.
- 73 million people, or 90% of Thanksgiving travelers, are expected to travel by car.
- AAA predicts that 6 million people will travel by air, but the Transportation Security Administration said in a Friday news release that it expects to screen more than 17.8 million people.
Here's what travelers should expect this Thanksgiving:
What will air travel look like?
Zoom in: "We are projecting that the Sunday after Thanksgiving will be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history," an agency spokesperson said.
- "We are extremely grateful for the tireless work of our TSA Officers, who showed up every day to ensure Americans can travel freely and safely despite the hardships imposed on them by the shutdown."
Worthy of your time: TSA is expecting over 3 million flyers on Sunday alone, so it's crucial to arrive early and with your Real ID or passport to reduce your chances of having a security nightmare.
Between the lines: Shutdown-related delays at major airports likely contributed to Amtrak's nearly double digit growth in early bookings this year when compared to 2024, according to a recent company report.
- Plus, bus, train and cruise travel will increase by 8.5% to nearly 2.5 million people, according to AAA.
What do drivers need to know?
The savviest drivers are going to wake up and hit the road as early as possible.
- For the least frustrating ride, shoot to arrive before 11am, as afternoon and evening car rides will face the worst traffic.
What they're saying: White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Thursday tied increased car travel this year to President Trump's "drill baby drill" agenda and lower gas prices.
Yes, but: On average, a gallon of gas will run you about $3.069 this year, up slightly from $3.056 in 2024, according to AAA's fuel tracker.
What's the weather looking like?
The National Weather Service is predicting a frostier-than-normal Thanksgiving, with "cooler than normal temperatures" from Seattle to Dallas, as Axios' Bec Falconer previously reported.
- A cold snap will chill the "Central and Northern U.S., including northern parts of the Pacific Northwest, the Great Plains, parts of Texas, and the interior Mid-Atlantic," according to the agency.
- And if you're in the Rockies or Interior Northeast, there's a decent chance you can expect a snowy Thanksgiving.
Go deeper: Retailers carve into profits to win the Thanksgiving table
