U.S. will see boost in train travel during holiday season, experts say

Key Concepts

• Thanksgiving Travel Rush: The period of high travel volume around the Thanksgiving holiday.
• FAA (Federal Aviation Administration): The U.S. agency responsible for regulating civil aviation.
• Amtrak: The national passenger railroad company of the United States.
• Mardi Gras Line: A new Amtrak route connecting New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama.
• AAA (American Automobile Association): An organization that provides automotive, travel, and insurance services, and tracks travel trends.
• Federal Shutdown: A period when parts of the U.S. federal government cease operations due to a lack of appropriations.
• Domestic Flights: Flights within a single country.

Thanksgiving Travel Surge

A record 82 million Americans are traveling this week for Thanksgiving, marking the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in 15 years, according to the FAA. Air travel is expected to peak today with over 52,000 flights scheduled nationwide.

Increase in Train Travel

Experts are observing a significant boost in train travel this holiday season. Amtrak workers have reported an increase in passengers over the past few months. This surge is attributed to several factors:

• New Routes: The addition of the "Mardi Gras Line" connecting New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, has expanded Amtrak's service on the Gulf Coast.
• Existing Network: Amtrak's existing four national routes are also experiencing higher demand.
• Impact of Federal Shutdown: The recent federal shutdown may have deterred some travelers from relying on air travel, leading them to seek alternative transportation.
• Holiday Peak: Thanksgiving week is considered the "Super Bowl of holiday travel" by AAA.

Amtrak has seen hundreds more customers at the New Orleans station compared to the same time last year. Even typically less busy days, like Mondays and Tuesdays, have been exceptionally busy. An incoming train from Chicago is expected to bring more passengers heading back to the East Coast.

Overall, AAA anticipates an 8.5% increase in Thanksgiving travel by train and bus across the country this year. This shift is largely due to travelers being "fed up with air travel" and hesitant to risk flight cancellations, especially after experiencing disruptions during the federal shutdown.

Air Travel Tips for Thanksgiving Week

For those choosing to fly during this peak travel period, the FAA and AAA offer the following advice:

• Allow Extra Time: Always give yourself more time than usual for travel.
• Don't Assume Normalcy: Do not assume travel will be back to pre-peak levels; plan accordingly.
• Airport Arrival: For domestic flights, arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance.
• Parking Alternatives: Consider alternatives to parking at the airport. Having someone drop you off or using public transportation is recommended. This is to avoid having your car stuck at the airport if your flight is canceled and you need to make alternative arrangements (e.g., renting a car or flying from a different airport).

Driving Tips for Thanksgiving Week

If you plan to drive to your Thanksgiving destination:

• Avoid Peak Traffic: Traffic is heaviest in the middle of the day and after the 5:00 PM rush.
• Off-Peak Travel: To beat the traffic, try to leave earlier in the morning or later in the evening.

Conclusion

The Thanksgiving travel period is experiencing unprecedented levels of activity, with a significant increase in both air and train travel. While air travel is projected to be the busiest in 15 years, train travel is seeing a notable surge due to new routes and traveler dissatisfaction with air travel disruptions. Travelers are advised to plan ahead, allow ample time, and consider alternative transportation options to mitigate potential issues during this busy holiday week.