The Best and Worst Times to Travel for Thanksgiving 2024
Written by Jay M. Kelley III in Accident & Injury, Automobile, Car Accident, Health & Wellness, Motorcycle Accident, Truck Accident on November 19, 2024
Thanksgiving 2024 is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods in history. From November 26 to December 2, millions of Americans will be traveling, resulting in crowded highways and airports. Whether you plan to drive or fly, here’s what to expect and how to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Record Breaking Travel Numbers
Around 80 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from their homes this Thanksgiving, with 71.7 million opting to drive, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). This represents an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year, leading to busier highways. Fortunately for road travelers, gas prices are anticipated to drop below $3 per gallon, the lowest level since 2021. This decrease provides some financial relief compared to last year’s average price of $3.26 per gallon.
Air travel is projected to soar this Thanksgiving, with an estimated 31 million passengers expected to fly on U.S. carriers. In anticipation of this travel surge, airlines are adding thousands of extra seats.
Worst Times for Thanksgiving Travel
Expect the heaviest road traffic during these periods:
- Before Thanksgiving:
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- Tuesday, Nov. 26: 1–7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 27: 1–5 p.m.
- After Thanksgiving:
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- Sunday, Dec. 1: 12–6 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 2: 9 a.m.–6 p.m., with delays caused by commuters and returning travelers.
Best Times for Thanksgiving Travel
For lighter traffic, consider these tips:
- Thanksgiving Day: Roads will be the clearest on the holiday itself.
- Before Thanksgiving:
-
- Monday, Nov. 25: Before 11 a.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 26: Before 10 a.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 27: Before 10 a.m.
- After Thanksgiving:
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- Friday, Nov. 29: After 1 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 30: Before 1 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 1: Before 1 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 2: Before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
Thanksgiving 2024 is expected to be a record-breaking travel season, with more Americans traveling by road and air than ever before. Whether attending a family gathering or embarking on a trip, careful planning and flexibility will help you make the most of your holiday journey!
Jay M. Kelley III - Managing Partner
Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice attorney in Ohio with over 25 years of experience and $200 million in verdicts and settlements. He leads Elk + Elk’s litigation strategy in state and federal courts and has a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay specializes in complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.
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