What to Expect If You're Traveling This Thanksgiving (2021)
Updated: April 19, 2023
Written by
AAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome
The Best—and Worst—Times to Drive During Thanksgiving Week
Major metro areas will face the heaviest traffic congestion on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, according to AAA’s Travel Forecast, with traffic at its peak from 1:30 to 6 p.m. as commuters leave work early and mix with travelers on the road. Metro areas like Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York City are expected to have more than three times the delays.
To avoid slowdowns, aim to leave before noon on the day before Thanksgiving or on Thanksgiving Day, if your schedule allows.The number of people road-tripping isn’t the only thing rising this year, as gas prices continue to climb to levels not seen since 2014. Plan to leave some extra room in your budget to offset the high prices at the pumps. AAA members can also save on gas by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program. Find out more details at .
Best Time to Fly for Thanksgiving
The most expensive travel day to fly — and also the busiest — is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. To avoid airport crowds and save money, schedule your departure for Monday if possible. It’s still recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures, so plan your schedule accordingly. Visit the CDC website for the latest on proof of vaccination requirements and other safety information.
If you haven’t yet made your flight reservations, you may be able to snag the best airfares if you book about two weeks before Thanksgiving Day, though your flight choices may be limited if you wait for last-minute travel deals. Experts also recommend booking flights that leave early in the morning whenever possible, as the probability of facing delays and cancellations is generally lower the earlier you’re scheduled to depart.
However you plan to travel this holiday season, pack your patience and understanding as we all learn how to adjust to the new travel landscape and reconnect with loved ones near and far.
About AAA
AAA provides more than 62 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 30 motor clubs and nearly 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the . To join, visit AAA.com.Written by