Thanksgiving travel expected to break records

Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Nearly 464,000 Idahoans will celebrate Thanksgiving by traveling 50 miles or more from home. According to AAA, this year is expected to be a record-breaking season for travel.

“Plan on an additional 1.7 million people in planes, trains, and automobiles this year. Flexible work schedules have stretched out holiday travel, especially at Thanksgiving,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “No matter how you go, you will have plenty of company.”

The travel period for Thanksgiving begins Nov. 26 and runs through Dec. 2, but this year, AAA adds two more days: the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Monday after.

The best times to travel are early mornings and Thanksgiving Day, while the worst times are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. If traveling by plane, the best times to fly are Thanksgiving Day and Sunday morning, while the worst times are Tuesday afternoon and all day Wednesday.

“For many families, Thanksgiving travel expenses are offset by shared meals, lodging, and family gatherings that can help keep costs down,” Conde said. “Gas prices are also much better than a year ago, which should put family gatherings within reach for more people.”

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