This year’s Thanksgiving travel season in the United States has set a record for the busiest period ever, both in airports and on highways. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expected an unprecedented surge of passengers, while millions took to the roads despite challenging weather conditions.
The TSA anticipated screening more passengers during Thanksgiving than any previous year, with peak travel expected on Sunday. Over 3 million travelers were predicted to pass through U.S. airports, potentially surpassing a prior daily high set in July. Meanwhile, Wednesday was anticipated to be the next busiest, with about 2.9 million individuals flying, although actual numbers showed approximately 2.7 million passengers. Throughout Thanksgiving Day, over 1.5 million travelers navigated airports, increasing to nearly 2.4 million on Friday and more than 2.8 million on Saturday. In total, the TSA projected over 18 million screenings between November 26 and December 2, marking a 6% rise from the previous year. Notably, travel volumes have risen by 17% since 2022, indicating a trend of increasing mobility among Americans.
AAA forecasted nearly 80 million people to travel nationwide for Thanksgiving, setting a new record. This prediction came after AAA extended the travel period’s duration. Approximately 71 million individuals were expected to drive at least 50 miles from their homes, with peak road traffic predicted between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia faced the most significant congestion on Sunday, while Los Angeles grappled with severe traffic on Wednesday evening.
Weather conditions played a crucial role in travel disruptions, with lake-effect snow significantly impacting the Great Lakes area. Caitlin Kaiser, a meteorologist, reported that snowfall rates of 3 to 4 inches per hour along with strong winds affected visibility. Northern Plains and central Appalachian travelers faced light to moderate snow. Conversely, the remainder of the country experienced dry and clear conditions, although temperatures remained cold.
These travel challenges underscore a robust travel period across the nation, reflecting a growing trend of increased travel. Despite the weather-related issues, people continued to move across the country, either by air or on the roads, marking a significant return to pre-pandemic travel levels.
The Thanksgiving travel season of this year has demonstrated both the resilience and determination of the American traveler. Despite adverse weather and unprecedented volumes, millions have successfully navigated the nation’s transport systems, both in the air and on its roads. As travel numbers continue to rise, infrastructure and safety measures will play an increasingly critical role in ensuring the smooth flow of holiday traffic.
Source: Weather
