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 Travel Volume
• Flight Disruptions
• Airfare Costs

Thanksgiving Travel Forecast and Weather Conditions

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, resulting in temperatures significantly below average across much of the US by Thursday and Friday of the holiday week.

AAA Travel Projections and Road Traffic

AAA is forecasting a record number of travelers for the Thanksgiving holiday period, with an estimated 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, are expected to drive. AAA suggests this number could potentially increase due to recent flight cancellations that occurred during the government shutdown.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are reported to be comparable to last year's Thanksgiving holiday. The AAA national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.7 on Monday, which is similar to the $3.6 recorded on Thanksgiving Day in 2024.

Airline Travel Volume and Airport Conditions

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

Flight Disruptions and Airfare Costs

According to data from Amadeus's travel intelligence, flight disruptions have largely returned to normal levels following the conclusion of the government shutdown on the evening of November 12th. For the Thanksgiving period, the average cost of a roundtrip domestic flight is approximately $700, which is similar to the previous year. AAA data indicates that 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 week is characterized by a confluence of factors impacting travel: colder and snowier weather due to a southward-expanding polar vortex, record-breaking road travel projected by AAA, stable gas prices, and a significant increase in air travel volume leading to crowded airports. While flight disruptions have normalized, airfare costs remain consistent with last year, with specific days offering better value for budget-conscious travelers.