Travel
TSA, AAA expecting the busiest Thanksgiving ever. Here’s what to know before traveling.
Record 80 million set to travel for US Thanksgiving, says AAA
Americans are expected to set a new travel record this Thanksgiving. Nearly 80 million are preparing to hit the roads, catch flights and board cruises over the holiday.
Holiday travel for the busiest week of the year is already well underway and could break records in central Indiana and beyond.
A record 80 million Americans are expected to hit the road or fly more than 50 miles between Tuesday and the Monday after Thanksgiving, a 2.1% increase from 2023, according to the AAA,
The Transportation Security Administration is expecting the busiest Thanksgiving holiday week on record, with predictions to screen 18.3 million passengers between Tuesday and Monday, a 6% increase from 2023.
Though it can be tricky to avoid travel headaches altogether, some planning ahead can ease the tension when traveling. Here’s what to know about Thanksgiving travel.
What is the busiest day for Thanksgiving travel?
Low gas prices are expected to fuel high road traffic. The national average could drop below $3 for the first time since 2021.
On the road, the busiest times to drive are Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, the AAA says. Start driving early in the morning for the best chance to beat traffic.
At the airport, TSA expects Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday to be the busiest days across the country.
However, at the Indianapolis International Airport, TSA expects Tuesday, Saturday and Monday to be the highest traffic days, signaling that passengers are choosing to spread out their travel, said Jessica Mayle, a regional spokesperson for TSA. On Monday, TSA will screen roughly 19,000 passengers while Tuesday and Saturday will see 18,000 go through.
Still, it’s going to be busy at the airport most days this week as TSA in Indianapolis expects a 3% increase in total passengers over the week.
Is Thanksgiving a good day to travel?
Yes. If you can wait to travel until Thanksgiving day, the AAA says minimal traffic impact is expected Thursday.
What is the weather forecast for Thanksgiving?
Indiana has a chance for a wet and rainy Thanksgiving thanks to storms rolling in from the West Coast. While Indiana should be spared heavy snow, the storm could impact flights and cause air delays across the country.
A winter storm currently in California that’s on track to hit the Colorado Rockies Tuesday could upend travel plans and cause delays across the country.
In Denver, a key commercial airline hub, forecasters predict a couple of inches of snow.
Make sure your Thanksgiving leftovers can go through TSA
Remember leftovers are still subject to TSA’s screening rules if you and they are traveling by air.
Solid foods like turkey, stuffing, pies, cakes and cookies, are okay to pack in a carry-on or checked bag in any quantity. But liquids and soft foods, including cranberry sauce, gravy and wine are subject to the 3-1-1 rule, Mayle said. Any quantities over 3.4 ounces must be packed in checked luggage.
Alysa Guffey covers growth and development for IndyStar. Contact her at amguffey@gannett.com.
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