Thanksgiving Travel Nearly Back to Normal

The number of Thanksgiving travelers is expected to be close to pre-pandemic levels this year. Inflated gas prices are not expected to keep people home this holiday.

According to AAA, 54.6 million people will travel over 50 miles from their homes this Thanksgiving. That number is an increase of 1.5% over last year, and just 98% of the number of people who traveled before the pandemic.

“Families and friends are eager to spend time together this Thanksgiving, one of the busiest for travel in the past two decades,” says Paula Twidale, AAA’s Senior Vice President of Travel. “Plan ahead and pack your patience, whether you’re driving or flying.”

If traveling by car, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and you have emergency items like jumper cables, flashlight, cell phone charging cables, and water. Drivers should also check their vehicle’s fluids and tire pressure before beginning their journey as well.

Although most travel will occur on roadways this weekend, 4.5 million are expected to fly. This is an 8% increase of air travelers from 2021. If traveling by air this Thanksgiving, AAA advises travelers to anticipate long TSA lines: “If possible, avoid checking a bag to allow for more flexibility if flights are delayed or you need to reschedule.”

KPGZ News - Brain Watts contributed to this story