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What is the Busiest Travel Day for Thanksgiving?
Nov
Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather together and enjoy a scrumptious meal, but it is also one of the busiest travel times in the United States. With millions of people hitting the roads and taking to the skies, it can be overwhelming trying to plan your Thanksgiving travel. In this article, we will dive into the details and answer the burning question – what is the busiest travel day for Thanksgiving?
The History of Thanksgiving Travel
Thanksgiving has been celebrated in the United States since 1621, when the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together for a harvest feast. However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that Thanksgiving became an official holiday. As transportation methods improved and more people had access to cars and trains, traveling for Thanksgiving became increasingly popular.
In the early 20th century, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Thanksgiving to be on the fourth Thursday in November, giving people a long weekend to travel and celebrate with their loved ones. This led to even more people hitting the roads and airports during Thanksgiving, making it one of the busiest travel times of the year.
The Busiest Travel Day for Thanksgiving
According to data from AAA, the busiest travel day for Thanksgiving is usually the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. This is because most people have the day off from work and school, giving them extra time to travel. In fact, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is often referred to as “Getaway Day” or “Blackout Wednesday” due to the high volume of travelers.
The second busiest travel day for Thanksgiving is typically the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This is because most people want to get back home in time for work or school the following Monday. However, unlike the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Sunday after tends to have less congestion on the roads and airports.
Why is the Wednesday Before Thanksgiving the Busiest Travel Day?
There are a few reasons why the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day:
- Time off from work and school: As mentioned earlier, most people have the day off on Wednesday, making it easier for them to travel.
- Timing of the holiday: Thanksgiving always falls on a Thursday, so many people take the whole week off to spend time with their families. This means that they are more likely to travel on Wednesday to maximize their time off.
- Family obligations: Many people have family members who live in different states, and Wednesday is the perfect day to travel and still have plenty of time for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday.
The Impact on Air Travel
The increase in travelers during Thanksgiving has a significant impact on air travel. According to Airlines for America, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest air travel day of the year. In 2019, over 3 million passengers flew on this day alone.
Airports across the country see a surge in traffic during Thanksgiving, and delays and cancellations are common. This is due to a combination of weather conditions and the high volume of travelers trying to get to their destinations. If you plan on flying on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, be sure to arrive at the airport early and pack your patience.
Top 5 Busiest Airports During Thanksgiving
Here are the top 5 busiest airports during Thanksgiving, based on data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
How to Avoid the Busiest Travel Day for Thanksgiving
If you want to avoid the crowds and chaos of the busiest travel day for Thanksgiving, there are a few things you can do:
- Travel on a different day: If you have the flexibility, consider traveling on Tuesday or Thursday instead of Wednesday.
- Drive instead of fly: Driving to your destination can be less stressful and more cost-effective than flying, especially during peak travel times.
- Leave early or late: If you do need to travel on Wednesday, consider leaving early in the morning or late at night to avoid rush hour traffic.
Tips for Traveling During Thanksgiving
Now that we know the busiest travel day for Thanksgiving, here are some tips to make your holiday travels smoother:
- Book your tickets in advance: Prices tend to skyrocket closer to Thanksgiving, so book your flights or train tickets early.
- Pack light: If you’re flying, try to pack everything in a carry-on bag to avoid long lines at baggage claim.
- Stay connected: Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a portable charger so you can stay connected in case of any delays or cancellations.
Table: Average Flight Prices During Thanksgiving Week
| Day of Travel | Average Price (Round Trip) |
|---|---|
| Monday | $384 |
| Tuesday | $312 |
| Wednesday | $375 |
| Thursday | $401 |
| Friday | $486 |
FAQs about the Busiest Travel Day for Thanksgiving
Q: Is it cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving Day?
A: It can be cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving Day itself, but keep in mind that there may be limited flight options and you may miss out on Thanksgiving dinner with your family.
Q: What is the best day to travel after Thanksgiving?
A: The Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically the best day to travel, as it tends to have less congestion on the roads and airports.
Q: How far in advance should I book my Thanksgiving travel?
A: It’s recommended to book your Thanksgiving travel at least 3-4 weeks in advance to get the best deals.
Q: What is the worst time to travel on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving?
A: The worst time to travel on Wednesday is between 3-5pm, as this is when most people are leaving work and hitting the roads or airports.
Q: Is it better to drive or fly during Thanksgiving?
A: It depends on your individual circumstances. Driving can be less stressful and more cost-effective, but flying can save you time if you have long distances to cover.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks and spending time with loved ones, but it is also one of the busiest travel times in the United States. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is typically the busiest travel day, with millions of people hitting the roads and taking to the skies. However, with some planning and flexibility, you can avoid the crowds and make your Thanksgiving travels smoother. Stay safe, and enjoy your holiday!