Airlines delays and cancellations put Thanksgiving travel in jeopardy
USA TODAY travel writer Zach Wichter warns that Thanksgiving travel could be delayed due to airline flight reductions due to the government shutdown.
- A record 81.8 million Americans are expected to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Travelers should avoid driving in the afternoon and evening on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving to avoid the worst traffic jams.
One of the busiest travel days is Thanksgiving, November 27th, which also marks the beginning of the holiday travel season.
According to AAA, 81.8 million Americans will travel between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1 this year, an increase of about 1.6 million from last year and once again setting a new record for domestic travelers. While the majority of Thanksgiving travelers will be traveling by car, approximately 6 million people will be flying to reach their destinations.
There will also be a record increase in the number of cruisers enjoying the holiday week.
“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because the holiday is synonymous with getting out of the city and spending time with loved ones,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement. “Whether they’re visiting extended family or meeting friends, people are willing to brave crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Here’s what you need to know about Thanksgiving travel.
Will Thanksgiving flights be more expensive this year?
Actually, no. The average price for a round-trip domestic ticket is $700, close to last year’s prices, according to AAA data. The average round-trip ticket for domestic flights is even cheaper, dropping 5% to $403 compared to 2024, according to Priceline data.
What are your favorite destinations for Thanksgiving?
Many domestic travelers head to warmer climate destinations, one of the most popular being Orlando, Florida. Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Miami, Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida, according to AAA.
Those going abroad will be heading to a mix of European and beach destinations such as Amsterdam, Paris, Vienna, and Mexico’s Cancun and Punta Cana.
When is the best time to drive over Thanksgiving weekend?
Drivers who want to avoid traffic jams on their Thanksgiving trip should leave as early as possible. INRIX recommends that if you’re leaving for your vacation destination, you depart before noon on Tuesday, November 25th and before 11am on Wednesday, November 26th, as traffic will be at its lowest on Thanksgiving Day.
After Thanksgiving, the best time to drive is until 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. Before 10am on Saturday, November 29th and before 11am on Sunday, November 30th. On Monday, Dec. 1, traffic is expected to be at its lowest after 8 p.m.
When is the best time to drive over Thanksgiving weekend?
According to INRIX, the heaviest traffic days during Thanksgiving week are expected to be from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, when travelers head to their final destination, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., when travelers head to their final destination, on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Sunday, November 30th will also see heavy traffic as people head home, especially between 11am and 8pm.
Traffic congestion is possible on other days of the holiday week, particularly between 1pm and 7pm on Friday, November 28th. Saturday, November 29th, 1pm and 8pm. Monday, Dec. 1 at noon and 8 p.m., according to INRIX.
Peak congestion hours in major U.S. cities
atlanta
- Worst route: Atlanta to Savannah via I-16 E
- Worst day: Sunday, November 30th
- Worst time: 3:30 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 5 hours 16 minutes
- Travel time increased by 53%
boston
- Worst route: Boston to Hyannis via Pilgrim’s Highway S
- Worst day: Thursday, November 27th
- Worst time: 11:45 a.m.
- Estimated travel time: 2 hours
- Travel time increased by 108%
denver
- Worst route: Pueblo to Denver via I-25 N
- Worst day: Tuesday, November 25th
- Worst time: 5:30 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 3 hours
- Travel time increased by 64%
houston
- Worst route: Galveston to Houston via I-45 N
- Worst day: Tuesday, November 25th
- Worst time: 5:30 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 47% increase in travel time
loss Angeles
- Worst route: Los Angeles to Bakersfield via I-5 N
- Worst day: Wednesday, November 26th
- Worst time: 7:45 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Travel time increased by 147%
new york
- Worst route: New York to Hamptons via Long Island Expressway E
- Worst day: Tuesday, November 25th
- Worst time: 4:30 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 4 hours 8 minutes
- Travel time increased by 163%.
san francisco
- Worst route: San Francisco to Santa Rosa via US-101 N
- Worst day: Tuesday, November 25th
- Worst time: 7:15 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 2 hours 34 minutes
- Travel time increased by 114%.
Washington DC
- Worst route: Washington DC to Baltimore via Baltic/Wash Parkway N.
- Worst day: Tuesday, November 25th
- Worst time: 4:30 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Travel time increased by 166%.
