Record 81.8 Million Americans Expected to Travel for Thanksgiving

(KNSI) — Thanksgiving travelers should prepare for another huge holiday travel season. A record-breaking 81.8 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more for their celebrations.

AAA Public Affairs representative Brynna Knapp spoke with KNSI News and estimated approximately 900,000 Minnesotans will be on the move during the Thanksgiving holiday period from November 25th to December 1st. The vast majority, around 90%, will be hitting the roads rather than flying.

For those planning to drive, Knapp warns timing will be crucial to avoid the worst traffic. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are expected to be the busiest. AAA recommends leaving the house before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, or leaving a couple days early if schedules allow, particularly for those who can work remotely. The return trip on Sunday afternoon is expected to be especially congested. “We projected about a 49% increase in travel times heading back on I-94,” Knapp said

Drivers will find relatively favorable conditions at the pump, with Minnesota’s average gas price sitting at $2.94 per gallon. St. Cloud area drivers are seeing even better prices at $2.89 per gallon, slightly higher than last year but still competitive compared to national averages.

Air travelers will have plenty of company as experts are projecting a 1.8% increase in the number of people flying. For those taking to the skies, AAA recommends booking early morning departures, flying on less busy days if possible, and frequently checking flight information on airline websites. They also say to get to the airport two to three hours before boarding time to allow time to get through security. For those bringing food to their destinations, check the TSA website for what is and isn’t allowed on the plane.

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