As Thanksgiving approaches, millions of Americans are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods in recent years. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), more than 30 million travelers are expected to be on the move between Friday, November 17, and Tuesday, November 28. This surge in travel numbers has already made 2023 a record year for travel, with seven of the 10 busiest days in the TSA’s history occurring this year.
The majority of Thanksgiving travelers are expected to hit the road, with more than 55 million people traveling at least 50 miles to reach their holiday destination. According to AAA, more than 49 million of these travelers will be driving, marking a return to pre-pandemic travel levels.
The days leading up to Thanksgiving are projected to see a gradual increase in air travel and road congestion. According to Airlines for America, Friday, November 17, is expected to be the fourth-busiest day for air travel. Travelers are advised to expect an uptick in flights from Saturday, November 18 to Sunday, November 19. Monday before Thanksgiving, typically a lighter travel day, is also expected to see increased demand compared to previous years, due in part to remote work trends.
The day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 22, is anticipated to be the busiest day for both air and road travel. The Federal Aviation Administration projects a record 49,606 flights in the U.S., and the TSA expects to screen 2.7 million passengers. AAA advises travelers to hit the road before 11 a.m., as the period between 2–6 p.m. is expected to be the busiest for auto travelers.
As Thanksgiving and Black Friday approach, travelers are advised to plan their journeys strategically. Thanksgiving is pegged as the lightest travel day for air travelers, while road congestion is expected to peak between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Black Friday shoppers are urged to schedule their return home to avoid the period of heavy road traffic between 12–4 p.m.
Following Thanksgiving, the Sunday after is anticipated to be the busiest travel day overall, with nearly 3.2 million passengers expected to fly. Monday, November 27, will also see heavy travel, as many individuals will be returning home after the holiday.
Travelers carrying Thanksgiving dishes or leftovers are advised by the TSA to be prepared for additional screenings. While certain food items are allowed in carry-on bags, others must be checked. To avoid delays at security, travelers are encouraged to pack these items in a manner that allows for easy removal during the screening process.
As Americans prepare for their Thanksgiving travel, the TSA and other travel organizations are providing important tips and information to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience during this busy holiday period.