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Thanksgiving travel could be record breaking. Here’s how you should prepare to fly, drive

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Thanksgiving travel could be record breaking. Here’s how you should prepare to fly, drive

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Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, and AAA expects this year to be no different, possibly record-breaking.

Nearly 80 million Americans, including nearly 2.6 million Michiganders, will be traveling by various modes during the Thanksgiving holiday period — more travelers than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to AAA.

“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” AAA Travel Vice President Stacey Barber said. “Americans reconnect with family and friends over Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that. AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations.”

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Here’s what to know.

What should I expect when flying during Thanksgiving?

Travel forecasters are predicting a record 5.84 million Americans will take domestic flights during the Thanksgiving holiday period, a 2% increase from 2023 and an 11% increase from 2019, per AAA. Domestic airfares are up 3%, the travel agency said.

Michigan’s busiest airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, offers domestic and international flights into or out of southeast Michigan. Smaller airports across the state include the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in the Grand Rapids area, Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, Bishop international Airport in Flint and Midland-Bay City-Saginaw International Airport near Freeland.

If you’re flying this Thanksgiving, AAA recommends checking in early online, arriving at the airport two to three hours before your flight’s departure, checking your flight’s status on your airline’s mobile app, and packing medications and a set of extra clothes in your carry-on.

Some travelers in mid-Michigan can avoid driving to Metro Airport by taking the Michigan Flyer, which buses people from East Lansing to the airport.

For those still looking to book a flight, it’s best to book a direct flight that leaves early in the day, and consider traveling on Thanksgiving Day for the best price and availability, according to AAA.

When are the busiest times on the road?

If you’re driving to your Thanksgiving destination, plan ahead to avoid traffic congestion.

Expect crowded roads this Thanksgiving week, with a record 71.7 million Americans and record nearly 2.3 million Michiganders set to travel by car for the holiday, according to AAA, up from 2023, and pre-pandemic 2019 numbers.

Traffic conditions are expected to be busiest the Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving, especially between 1-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, and between 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, AAA said. Roads will see the least amount of traffic on Thanksgiving day, making it the best time to drive, the agency said.

If you’re heading back home Sunday, Dec. 1, experts recommend leaving early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic, with the worst traffic to hit between noon and 6 p.m., the travel agency said.

For those hitting the road Monday, Dec. 2, watch out for fellow travelers and work commuters, with the worst traffic set for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., AAA said. AAA is predicting heavy congestion from Grand Rapids to Detroit on eastbound I-96 starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 2.

How much will gas cost over Thanskgiving?

Don’t worry about filling up the tank. Gas prices are slightly lower this season than 2023, and the national average could drop below $3 by Thanksgiving, the agency said. Michigan’s average gas price is currently $3.13.

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What are some other travel options?

If you’re looking for an alternative to driving or flying this Thanksgiving, there are other travel methods available, including trains, buses and cruises, with those travel modes seeing a 9% increase in passengers, per AAA.

To catch a train ride to or from Michigan this Thanksgiving, consider booking with Amtrak. The company has stations throughout the state, including:

  • Detroit
  • East Lansing
  • Flint
  • Grand Rapids
  • Port Huron

For those looking to board a passenger bus to their Thanksgiving destination, international bus line Greyhound offers stops throughout Michigan, including:

  • Detroit
  • Flint
  • Grand Rapids
  • Kalamazoo
  • Lansing

Beware of scams when traveling this holiday season

When booking your holiday trip, double check before opening up any digital communications about your travels. This holiday season, scammers are sending out scam emails falsely claiming to be from TSA PreCheck this holiday season. TSA will not issue refunds if you use a fraudulent website.

The Federal Trade Commission warns that fake emails may ask you to click a link, which then takes you to a scam website that looks official but is not legitimate. The fake site might offer a way to pay to “enroll” or “renew” your TSA PreCheck — that’s how scammers get your money and your ID information.

To apply to TSA PreCheck for the first time, there’s no online application fee. You pay in person at a TSA enrollment center.

Will there be road construction if I drive?

While many construction projects on Michigan roads are near completion or will be shelved for the winter, drivers should still be cautious, move over and slow down around any construction zones during Thanksgiving week travel, the Michigan Department of Transportation said in an email.

Amid the holiday travel, remember to wear your seatbelts, pay attention to the road, leave early, check for alternate travel routes and get a full vehicle inspection before your trip, AAA advises.

Free Press Personal Finance Columnist Susan Tompor contributed.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

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