Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel periods in the United States, with countless people flying and driving. But with some smart planning, your Thanksgiving trip doesn't have to be stressful. By picking the right days to fly, you can lower your stress, dodge the worst crowds, and even find better prices on plane tickets. Below are the ideal and worst times to travel during Thanksgiving week to help you make the most of your holiday plans. Let's get to it right now!
Plan your Thanksgiving trip like a pro! Travel dates, traffic and parking
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When is Thanksgiving 2024?
The annual Thanksgiving holiday is set to occur on Thursday, November 28th, 2024. This tradition has been in place since 1941, when the United States Congress designated the 4th Thursday of November as the fixed date for this celebration. Thanksgiving is a time when people come together with their loved ones to express gratitude, usually accompanied by festive meals, parades, and sporting events.
Busiest travel days for Thanksgiving 2024
Scheduling your Thanksgiving trip around peak travel times can help you avoid the worst traffic. Here's a breakdown of the busiest travel days this year:
- The Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 27th) is typically the busiest travel day. Road traffic is expected to spike in the late afternoon and evening, with travel times in some major cities potentially increasing by up to 80%.
- The Sunday after Thanksgiving (December 1st) is consistently the busiest day for people returning home. Airport passenger numbers are expected to exceed previous records on this day.
Best and worst times to travel by car for Thanksgiving 2024
The timing of your car travel for Thanksgiving 2024 can make a big difference. When you travel depends on your route, the time of day, and the day of the week. Looking at past Thanksgiving travel patterns can give you a good idea of the best and worst times to hit the road.
Best times to travel
- Thanksgiving Day evening. Many people stay home for their Thanksgiving meal, so the roads may be less crowded in the evening.
- Friday (after Thanksgiving) before 11 A.M. and after 8 P.M. Friday is usually a busy travel day due to Black Friday shopping, but you can avoid the worst of the traffic by traveling early in the morning or late at night.
Worst times to travel
- Wednesday (before Thanksgiving) afternoon. This is typically the busiest time to travel, as many people leave work early to start their Thanksgiving weekend.
- Thanksgiving Day between 11 A.M. and 3 P.M. This is the peak time for Thanksgiving travel, as people are on their way to their holiday destinations.
- Friday (after Thanksgiving) between noon and 4 P.M. This is the peak time for Black Friday shopping, so you can expect heavy traffic in major cities.
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Best and worst days to fly for Thanksgiving 2024
Analyzing data from recent years reveals clear trends about the busiest and quietest travel days around Thanksgiving.
- The busiest days. The busiest travel days will be Sunday after Thanksgiving, as well as Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. In 2023, the Sunday after Thanksgiving saw over 2.9 million travelers pass through US airport security checkpoints. In contrast, Thanksgiving Day itself had approximately 1.5 million travelers, which is just over half the number recorded on Sunday.
- The least crowded day. Thanksgiving Day itself is the quietest day for air travel. Flying on the morning of Thanksgiving can be a good option for those looking to avoid the crowds and save on airfare.
Best days to fly before Thanksgiving
- Saturday before Thanksgiving. The least crowded pre-holiday travel day.
- Monday before Thanksgiving. Offers a quieter alternative to the peak days.
- Thursday before Thanksgiving. While not the quietest, it's less congested than the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Best days to fly after Thanksgiving
- Wednesday after Thanksgiving. The calmest travel day post-holiday.
- Tuesday after Thanksgiving. A quiet time to return home without the typical crowds.
- Black Friday. Although busier than the days listed above, it's still less hectic than the peak return days.
Air travel tips for Thanksgiving 2024
- Be open to adjusting your travel dates to get the best prices. For domestic Thanksgiving trips, you can get better prices by being flexible with your travel dates. Instead of flying out on the weekend, consider leaving the week before Thanksgiving or on Monday, November 25th. This can lead to significant savings – about 23%, or around $60 per ticket.
- Steer clear of the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest and most expensive day to travel back. Ticket prices can be about 45% higher than average, so you'll end up paying an extra $137 per ticket if you fly then. Instead, try returning on Black Friday or Monday, December 2nd. You'll enjoy lower fares and fewer crowds at the airport.
- Choose the right time for international flights. For international Thanksgiving trips, leaving closer to the holiday can actually save you money. Starting your journey during Thanksgiving week, rather than the weekend before, can help you save about 20%, or $183 per ticket. To get the most savings, consider flying back after the holiday rush. December 1st is the most expensive day to return, so the following week offers more affordable options.
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Road travel tips for Thanksgiving 2024
For those traveling to their destinations, here are some tips to help make the trip more enjoyable and avoid heavy traffic:
- Be patient. First and foremost, expect there'll be traffic, so take your time. Avoid aggressive driving like speeding or tailgating. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you and always use your turn signals when changing lanes or turning. Remember, you're on your way to celebrate with loved ones, so try to enjoy the ride.
- Avoid peak congestion times. Major cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York will see severe traffic during the late afternoon and evening hours. To avoid the heaviest congestion, INRIX recommends taking your trip at different times, such as in the early morning or after 7 P.M.
- Consider off-peak travel. Starting your journey early in the morning or after 7 P.M. can help you miss the busiest traffic times. Using navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps can also help you find the best routes based on real-time traffic conditions.
- Prepare your vehicle. Make sure your car is ready for the trip. Check your windshield wiper fluid and tire pressure and pack an emergency kit in case you need roadside assistance. Having essentials like jumper cables, a flashlight, and basic tools can help you be prepared for the unexpected.
Is Thanksgiving Eve (Blackout Wednesday) the most dangerous night of the year?
The night before Thanksgiving, often called "Blackout Wednesday," is known as one of the most dangerous times for drunk driving in the United States. This evening before the holiday is filled with social gatherings as people come together with loved ones. Sadly, this frequently leads to excessive alcohol consumption, making it one of the top nights for alcohol-related incidents. In fact, some reports suggest that Thanksgiving Eve is even worse than New Year's Eve for drunk driving. To have a safe and enjoyable holiday, it's crucial to plan ahead. Make sure you have a designated sober driver or use a ride-sharing service to get around.
What can make your Thanksgiving Day journey even more seamless?
By following these tips, you can navigate the roads more smoothly and avoid the worst traffic. Remember, a smooth start to your trip can set the tone for a wonderful Thanksgiving. For an extra layer of stress-free travel, consider using our smart booking platform – ParkingNearAirports.io – to find convenient and affordable parking near airport you're flying from. Book your spot in advance and skip the hassle of circling for parking upon arrival. With our service, you can easily find the best airport parking deals and utilize airport parking coupons to save money.
Happy holidays!
