The American people are preparing for what transportation officials project will be one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel periods in recent memory, with more than 81 million Americans expected to journey at least 50 miles from home to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.
The American Automobile Association reports that approximately 73 million travelers will make their journeys by automobile, representing the overwhelming majority of those on the move this week. The organization has cautioned that this figure could increase should air travelers opt for road travel due to potential flight disruptions.
There is, however, a measure of good news for those taking to the highways. GasBuddy forecasts a national average gasoline price of $3.02 per gallon during the holiday period, matching last year’s prices and representing the lowest Thanksgiving fuel costs since the pandemic years, when Americans paid $3.39 per gallon in 2021 and $3.56 in 2022.
The automobile club’s rental partner, Hertz, has identified Wednesday as the peak day for vehicle pickups, with Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark experiencing the highest demand. Analysis of booking data indicates that domestic car rentals are running 15 percent less expensive compared to last Thanksgiving, providing additional relief for travelers managing holiday expenses.
The Federal Aviation Administration has scheduled more than 360,000 flights during the Thanksgiving travel period, with November 25 representing the busiest day at more than 52,000 scheduled flights. The agency characterizes this as the most active Thanksgiving travel period in 15 years.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford expressed confidence in the agency’s preparedness despite the unprecedented volume. “Thanks to the dedication of our air traffic controllers and every FAA employee, we are ready for the holiday rush and take pride in helping travelers reach their friends and families during this important time of year,” Bedford stated. He noted that the agency maintains solid staffing levels to manage the increased passenger volume.
As Americans take to roads and airways in record numbers, safety officials are emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior. Both the American Automobile Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving have issued reminders about the dangers of impaired driving during the holiday period. The organizations are urging travelers to plan ahead by utilizing rideshare services, public transportation, or designated drivers if they intend to consume alcohol during their celebrations.
The convergence of high travel volume, recovering staffing levels following recent government disruptions, and potentially hazardous weather conditions presents challenges for transportation infrastructure across the nation. Nevertheless, federal officials maintain they are adequately prepared to ensure Americans can safely reach their destinations during this important time of gathering and thanksgiving.
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