Thanksgiving Travel: Best and Worst Times to Drive or Fly

Thanksgiving is just a week away, so it’s time to plan your travel wisely—don’t let traffic jams or airport chaos leave you with a cold plate of food. AAA reports that nearly 80 million Americans are traveling for Thanksgiving this year, with 71.7 million hitting the road.

Peak travel is expected from November 26 to December 2. While traffic is inevitable, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the busiest. To avoid crowds, consider traveling on Thanksgiving Day, but be mindful of the weather, as snow and rain could complicate travel.

What if I’m traveling during peak days?

If you must drive on peak days, it’s advised to leave in the morning before Thanksgiving, after 1 pm on Black Friday, and before 1 pm on the weekend after the holiday. In metro cities like Boston, New York, LA, Seattle, and Washington, DC, traffic is expected to double compared to a normal day.On December 2, try to leave before 8 am or after 7 pm. Avoid hitting the road too early on the Friday before Thanksgiving, as traffic is heavy between 1 and 2 pm.?

Air travelers should expect long lines, with a 4.8% increase in seats this Thanksgiving, according to Hopper. The busiest day will be December 1, while Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, and December 3 will be quieter. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver airports will be busiest, especially from 8 am to noon. For protection, consider these travel insurance companies .

Written by: Kaylen A.