These are the 3 worst days to travel for Thanksgiving in New Orleans, AAA says
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
/2024/11/20/1732140500566.gif?w=3840)
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
New Orleans travelers should plan ahead for what is expected to be the country's busiest Thanksgiving on record.
Why it matters: Expect traffic, long lines and delays with millions more people heading elsewhere for the holiday.
The big picture: A record 80 million Americans are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving, according to AAA projections.
- That's an increase of 1.7 million people from last year's record-shattering figure.
- Most people will drive to their festivities, AAA says.
Busiest driving days: The worst times to travel by car are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, according to INRIX, which provides transportation data and insights. The best time is Thanksgiving Day itself.
- Drivers returning home Sunday after the holiday should leave early in the morning, INRIX said.
Good news: Gas prices in New Orleans are down from this time last year.
- The average price for a gallon of gas in metro New Orleans is $2.73, according to GasBuddy. Last year, it was $2.86.
- Louisiana is the fifth-cheapest state for gas this week.
Tips for air travel
The busiest flying days will be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday, the TSA projects.
Parking: The lots at MSY are notorious for filling up during peak times. Check availability before you go via the airport's real-time tracker.
- You can reserve a spot in advance or look at off-property lots like USPark and Park 'N Fly.
Extra time: Airport officials suggest arriving at least two to three hours before your scheduled time due to long waits at the security checkpoint.
- TSA is installing new machines so lanes will have different instructions for electronics and liquids. Pay attention.
Packing tips: Food items like wine, cranberry sauce, gravy and jelly must go in a checked bag, TSA says.
- Pies, cakes, mac & cheese, meat, seafood and spices are fine in your carry-on for domestic flights. See more food rules.
Flashback: Y'all remember when someone tried to smuggle meth in Zatarain's seafood boil seasoning? Don't be that person.