Thanksgiving marks the start of one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Make sure you are prepared by planning ahead and knowing the facts.
- AAA projected 43.4 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles to reach their Thanksgiving destination in 2013
- It is projected that 24.6 million passengers will travel on U.S. airlines during the 12 day Thanksgiving travel period this year
- The heaviest travel days in order will be Sunday (Nov 30), Monday (Dec 1) and Wednesday (Nov 26)
- The lightest travel day will be Thanksgiving Day (Nov 27)
- The busiest airports in terms of passenger volume will be Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Los Angeles LAX, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas Fort Worth and New York JFK
- 66% of Americans plan to drive to their Thanksgiving destination this year, either in their own car or a rented car
- 62% of travelers say that their main reason for renting a car is to avoid wear and tear on their own vehicle
Quick tips for Thanksgiving travel
If you are flying
- Get to the airport early – Airports are more crowded this time of year so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get through check-in, the security line and to your gate
- Check in online 24 hours in advance to make sure you have a seat assigned in case of a full flight
- It’s fine to download your boarding pass on your phone but also bring a printed copy in case your phone dies
If you are driving
- Make sure you have plenty of gas at all times in case of a traffic delay
- Plan alternative routes just in case any issues arise
- Stay up to date on the weather conditions along your route
- Bring your own snacks and water to avoid unnecessary stops
- Fuel up on Thanksgiving day – historically gas prices have been cheaper
- Buckle up and stay alert! The average number of accidents skyrockets during the Thanksgiving travel period
Other helpful articles
- Tips for traveling with kids
- Tips for traveling with pets
- Keeping your home safe while you’re away
- How to avoid getting sick on an airplane
