Nov 26, 2025
Louisiana hits the road for Thanksgiving
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A record-breaking 81.8 million Americans are leaving town for Thanksgiving this year, AAA predicts.
- At least 73 million people, aka 90% of all Thanksgiving travelers, will go by car.
The savviest drivers are going to hit the road as early as possible.
- For the least frustrating ride, shoot to arrive before 11am, as traffic gets worse throughout the day, according to data from INRIX.
By the numbers: Gas prices in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish average $2.59 a gallon.
- Statewide, they are $2.62, which is about 10 cents cheaper than this time last year. They are also cheaper than the national average of $3.05.
Air travel: TSA expects to screen more than 17.8 million people.
- "We are projecting that the Sunday after Thanksgiving will be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history," an agency spokesperson said.
- Arrive early with your Real ID or passport to avoid delays.
Weather: Thanksgiving is forecast to be colder as a polar vortex moves south, Axios' Bec Falconer reports.
- In New Orleans, the National Weather Service is predicting sunny days with highs in the low 60s on Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
- We'll climb back into the 70s for the weekend.