As Thanksgiving nears, an unprecedented number of Americans are gearing up for travel, both by air and land. This year’s Thanksgiving travel period is poised to be one of the busiest in recent times.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is bracing for a significant uptick in air travelers. They project screening around 2.6 million passengers on Tuesday and 2.7 million on Wednesday. However, the peak travel day is expected to be Sunday, with an estimated 2.9 million passengers, surpassing the previous record set on June 30. Airport officials, such as those at XNA, are preparing for these record-breaking numbers, highlighting that Tuesday and Wednesday will be the busiest days before Thanksgiving.
On the roads, the American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that about 55.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home. This figure represents a 2.3% increase from last year and is the third-highest Thanksgiving travel volume since AAA started tracking holiday travel in 2000. The most intense traffic congestion is expected on Wednesday, coinciding with the peak travel days for air travel.
Travelers should also be mindful of potential weather-related disruptions. A sprawling pre-Thanksgiving storm across the eastern US is likely to cause travel difficulties on Tuesday and Wednesday. WUSA9 meteorologists anticipate widespread rain starting Tuesday morning and continuing through Wednesday afternoon, potentially affecting holiday travel.
For those planning to travel during this busy period, being prepared for crowded roads and airports is crucial. Staying informed about weather forecasts and anticipating possible delays can help ensure a smoother journey.
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