Here's What To Know About Travel Ahead Of Thanksgiving

Key Concepts

• Thanksgiving Travel Forecast
• Polar Vortex
• AAA Travel Projections
• National Weather Service Warnings
• Gas Prices
• Airline Passenger Volume
• Flight Disruptions
• Airfare Trends

Thanksgiving Travel Outlook: Colder and Snowier with Record Road Traffic

Thanksgiving week is predicted to be colder and snowier than usual across significant portions of the United States. The National Weather Service has issued warnings regarding the expansion of the polar vortex, a region of frigid air situated around the Arctic. This expansion is expected to push southward, bringing substantially colder-than-normal temperatures to much of the US by Thursday and Friday of the holiday week.

Record Road Travel Expected

AAA is projecting a record number of travelers for the Thanksgiving holiday period, with nearly 82 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles from home. This period spans from Tuesday, November 25th, to Monday, December 1st. A significant majority of these travelers, nine out of ten, will opt for driving. AAA suggests this number could potentially increase, especially in light of recent flight cancellations attributed to the government shutdown.

Gas Prices Remain Stable

Gas prices are reported to be approximately the same as the previous year. The AAA's national average for a gallon of regular gasoline stood at $3.7 on Monday, compared to $3.6 on Thanksgiving Day in 2024.

Air Travel Projections and Trends

Airlines for America, an industry lobby group, forecasts that US airlines will transport 2.8 million passengers per day during the Thanksgiving holiday period. The three busiest days for air travel are anticipated to be Saturday, November 29th, through Monday, December 1st, with each of these days expected to exceed 3 million passengers. This indicates a 4% year-over-year increase in US air travel volume during Thanksgiving week, suggesting crowded airports and flights.

Flight Disruptions and Airfare

Data from Amadeus's travel intelligence indicates that flight disruptions have largely returned to normal levels following the conclusion of the government shutdown on the evening of November 12th. The average cost for a roundtrip domestic flight during the Thanksgiving period is approximately $700, which is comparable to the previous year. According to AAA data, Thanksgiving Day itself is the cheapest day to fly. However, travelers seeking budget options are advised to avoid returning on Sunday or Monday, as high demand during these days drives airfares higher.

Conclusion

The upcoming Thanksgiving holiday is characterized by a confluence of factors: a colder and snowier weather forecast influenced by the polar vortex, record-breaking road travel projections from AAA, stable gas prices, and a significant increase in air passenger volume. While flight disruptions have normalized, travelers are advised to plan for crowded conditions and consider flying on Thanksgiving Day for potentially lower fares, while avoiding the return days of Sunday and Monday.

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