Here are the cities you should definitely avoid driving through this holiday season.
We already know that Californians will be in the worst position for vacation locomotion this yr . Not only will Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco Airport be the busiest airports in the land , but California will also have the twobusiest highwaysduring Thanksgiving . But even if you are n’t located in the Golden State , you should still anticipate interfering roads and more dealings next week — particularly if you are in a area anticipating a majorThanksgiving winter violent storm .
AAA ’s annualThanksgiving travel forecastprojects that nearly 80 million people will travel for Thanksgiving between November 26 and December 2 , with 71.1 million people move around by car . That ’s 1.3 million more multitude on the road compare to 2023 and 2 million more people compared to 2019 .
" Thanksgiving is the fussy holiday for travel , and this year we ’re expecting to set new records across the plug-in , from drive to flying and cruising , " Stacey Barber , Vice President of AAA Travel , said . " AAA continues to see locomotion requirement soar post - pandemic with our member await for raw adventures and memorable vacation . "
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So , what does that intend when it comes to planning your Thanksgiving route trip ? It have in mind you require to think strategically about which day is the best to travel during the holiday to avoid the bad Thanksgiving dealings .
" This is specially important for drivers in metropolitan areas like Boston , New York , LA , Seattle , and Washington , DC , where traffic is expected to be more than doubly what it typically is on a normal day , " said Bob Pishue , transport analyst at INRIX .
The cities that will see the most dramatic increases in traffic congestion
The follow cities will have the bad amount of extra dealings compared to normal peak thrill hour , according to AAA.1 . New York , 133 % increase in dealings congestion2 . Washington DC , 120 % increase in dealings congestion3 . Seattle , 119 % increase in traffic congestion4 . Boston , 117 % growth in traffic congestion5 . Los Angeles , 111 % gain in traffic congestion6 . San Francisco , 88 % increment in dealings congestion7 . Tampa , 69 % increase in traffic congestion8 . Philadelphia , 62 % increase in dealings congestion9 . Minneapolis , 46 % increase in traffic congestion10 . Chicago , 45 % increase in traffic over-crowding
If you are design to drive to your destination , especially into or out of a major urban centre , include the one lean above , there are key metre to avoid being on the road , according to AAA and INRIX dealings data . All the times below are list locally .
This City Has the Worst Thanksgiving Traffic in the Country
Avoid these highways like the plague around Thanksgiving.
The worst times to travel before Thanksgiving
The worst times to travel after Thanksgiving
These are the best times to travel, before and after Thanksgiving
Safety tips for driving during Thanksgiving
With additional people on the route and a high likeliness of tempest interrupt change of location in thenortheastern USduring Thanksgiving , exercise safe drive is paramount . Here are some tip fromUSAAand TikTokerDadAdviceFromBo .
1 . train your carYour railroad car ask to be able to make the journey , whether it ’s an hour ride or a 10 - hour drive . verify your tires have sufficient air and tread , check your windscreen wiper are clean and do n’t leave streaks , and check your engine oil , antifreeze , top executive steering fluid , Pteridium aquilinum fluid , and transmission fluid before you shoot the route . For good measure , verify your gasolene army tank is at least half full — it will help prevent your petrol line from freeze , and if you get immobilise in a tempest , it will keep your car running longer .
2 . make a elevator car emergency kit"Just like you would n’t show up to Thanksgiving dinner without dessert , do n’t hit the road without a well - stock pinch outfit , replenished throughout the season where need , " Bo advised . you’re able to find pre - stocked pinch kits on Amazon that should have supplies for all sorts of road troubles , freehanded and small .
3 . Know your emergency brake numbers and keep family phallus informed"By keeping the speech sound numeral for roadside assistance handy , preparing your mobile gadget to get at parking brake military service and maps easily , and sharing your intended route and ETA with loved ones , you are setting yourself up for success before even start out behind the wheel , " Bo enounce . Getting on the road is a perfect time to utilise the ' Find My Friend ' feature article on your sound and to ensure you ’ve got all the maps you ’ll need download in the event you lose service during the drive .
4 . be after your route"Check route that may be potential to close up , shorten your drive days to optimize daylight and toughness , and blockade frequently to fulfil up and clear your windows , mirrors , lights and sensors , " Bo notify . " Continue to check your route as you go and watch out for traffic updates . " you’re able to employ the time AAA times above to best design when you should start your journey .
5 . Keep an oculus on the get weather condition and prognosis for your journey"It ’s not just about the conditions that ’s happening while you ’re driving , but what ’s happened in the domain in the 24 to 48 hours prior , " Bo said . " Keep an eye on the radar as conditions can also deepen rapidly throughout your journeying . " This mean that before you get in the car , take a few proceedings to scan atmospheric condition radars and local news program to suss out the conditions of where you ’ll be travel through .
6 . love what to do in an emergencyIf you do meet fuss while on your Thanksgiving route head trip , make certain that you follow the following confidential information to keep yourself safe .
These Are the Worst Airports for Thanksgiving Travel
Here’s where you will have the longest security wait times and highest chance of a delayed flight.
Looking for more travel tips?
Whether you need helpsneaking grass onto a airplane , finding an airport where you cansign up for PreCheck without an engagement , or do sure you ’re get everything you ’re entitle towhen your flight is canceled , we ’ve vex you covered . Keep read forup - to - date locomotion hacksandall the locomotion intelligence you needto aid you plan your next big risky venture .
