Thanksgiving Traffic Chaos Ahead: AAA Reveals the Best and Worst Times to Hit the Road!
Planning to travel this Thanksgiving? Avoid the gridlock—AAA’s forecast reveals when to drive and when to stay put! 🌐 #News #Lifestyle #Travel #Thanksgiving
ST. PAUL, MN – Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and traveling—but it’s also one of the busiest times of the year on the road. If you’re planning to drive this holiday season, you may want to reconsider your travel times to avoid sitting in hours of gridlock. The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts a record-breaking number of people will be on the road this year, and knowing the best—and worst—times to travel could make all the difference in how much stress you’ll face getting to your destination.
Record-Breaking Travel Predictions for Thanksgiving 2024
According to AAA’s annual Thanksgiving forecast, an astonishing 71.7 million people are expected to travel by car this year. This marks a 1.3 million increase from 2023 and surpasses even pre-pandemic numbers.
The uptick in travel could be driven by the lowest national average gas price since 2021, which is giving families a bit more breathing room in their budgets, allowing them to hit the road with fewer worries about the cost of fuel.
Beyond road travel, air travel is also expected to see a significant rise. AAA projects that 2% more people will be flying this Thanksgiving compared to 2023, and an 11% increase from 2019. So, whether you’re driving or flying, it’s safe to say that travel will be in full swing.
AAA’s Forecast: The Best and Worst Times to Drive
This year, AAA has expanded its traffic forecast to include the Monday and Tuesday leading up to Thanksgiving, as well as the Monday after the holiday. These additions are based on shifting travel patterns, so if you can adjust your departure time, it may help you avoid the worst congestion.
Here’s a breakdown of when you should plan to be on the road, and when to stay off it:
Monday, November 25
- Best time to travel: Before 11 a.m.
- Worst time to travel: Between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Tuesday, November 26
- Best time to travel: Before 10 a.m.
- Worst time to travel: Between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Wednesday, November 27
- Best time to travel: Before 10 a.m.
- Worst time to travel: Between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving Day)
- Minimal traffic: AAA predicts that Thanksgiving Day itself will have minimal traffic impact compared to previous years.
Friday, November 29
- Best time to travel: After 1 p.m.
- Worst time to travel: Between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Saturday, November 30
- Best time to travel: Before 1 p.m.
- Worst time to travel: Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 1
- Best time to travel: Before 1 p.m.
- Worst time to travel: Between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Monday, December 2
- Best time to travel: Before 8 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
- Worst time to travel: Between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
As you can see, the worst times to be on the road are typically the afternoons and early evenings leading up to and following Thanksgiving. It’s clear that early morning travel is often the most peaceful option if you can manage it.
Peak Traffic Areas to Watch
It’s not just about when to travel, but also where. Some metro areas will see traffic congestion levels far above normal. For instance, the Long Island Expressway E in New York is predicted to have a 133% increase in traffic on Tuesday afternoon. On the West Coast, I-15 S in San Diego will experience a 38% bump in traffic on Saturday afternoon. Major cities like Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. could see traffic double during peak hours, making routes through these areas particularly challenging.
If your trip involves navigating one of these high-traffic areas, it might be worth researching alternative routes or planning for extra travel time to avoid the worst delays.
Planning to Rent a Car? Expect Delays
If you’re renting a car for your Thanksgiving trip, be prepared for some delays. According to AAA, Wednesday will be the busiest day for car rental check-ins, with long lines expected at most rental locations. After the holiday, you can expect busy return desks on Monday and Tuesday as people head home.
Travel Smarter, Not Harder
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, but hitting the road during one of the busiest travel periods of the year can turn a joyful trip into a stressful experience. By planning your drive times around the worst congestion windows and knowing where to expect the worst traffic, you can make your trip to Grandma’s house or your weekend getaway a little bit easier.
And if you’re renting a car, a little extra patience will be needed when picking up or returning your vehicle. Safe travels, and may your holiday be filled with good food, family, and minimal road rage!
RELATED TOPICS: Thanksgiving | Travel Tips
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