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    Record numbers for expected trips

    Online Niel Posted on

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    Nearly 80 million people are expected to travel over 50 miles for the week of Thanksgiving and could mark the busiest vacation year on record across different types of travel, according to data from AAA.

    Whether it’s by car or plane, many prefer to travel to be with family over the holidays, and with more travelers, you may see increased traffic when you leave for Thanksgiving plans, requiring some planning in advance and safety measures.

    “Thanksgiving is the busiest travel holiday, and this year we expect to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” said AAA Travel Vice President Stacey Barber. “Americans reunite with family and friends on Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that. AAA continues to see demand for travel increase post-pandemic, and our members are looking for new adventures and memorable vacations.”

    Here’s what we know about Thanksgiving travel numbers and staying safe for the holiday.

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    Louisville Airport to see nearly 44,000 Thanksgiving travelers

    Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Spokeswoman Natalie Chaudoin said nearly 44,000 passengers were leaving on various airline flights from Tuesday to Sunday. Wednesday is expected to be the busiest, with more than 9,800 departures scheduled and the most inbound flights scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, both with more than 9,800.

    Calendar year 2023 is the busiest ever at SDF, with a passenger record continuing to be set almost every month at the airport, Chaudoin said. Thanksgiving is also anticipated as a busy travel period and follows a large influx of tourists to the area for events like the 150th Kentucky Derby and the PGA Championship in May.

    Officials are encouraging Thanksgiving road safety

    The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety is asking drivers to “fasten their seat belts and put down their phones” this Thanksgiving. On average, more than 40,000 crashes resulting in more than 11,000 injuries and 150 deaths occur annually in Kentucky due to distracted driving, according to a press release from the office. Distracted driving has also become one of the leading causes of accidents nationwide in the past decade.

    “With more travelers and pedestrians on and near our roadways visiting loved ones for the holidays, I’m asking everyone to make a safe choice by staying alert, warming up and putting down their phones,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “These simple actions can help keep each other safe, whether we’re behind the wheel or walking nearby.”

    Car and air traffic could set records for Thanksgiving 2024, AAA says

    The AAA forecast projects Thanksgiving 2024 to they are surpassing pre-pandemic numbers and setting records to travel categories. With 71.7 million people expected to travel by car on Thanksgiving, vehicle traffic could exceeds last year of another 1.3 million passengers. Gas prices are also substantially lower compared to 2023, falling below $3 for the first time since 2021. Last year, a gallon of gas averaged $3.26.

    Thanksgiving Day air travel will also set a new record, with 5.84 million people expected to fly domestically, marking a 2 percent increase over last year and a nearly 11 percent increase over 2019 .International flight bookings are up 23% from last Thanksgiving, in part because costs are down and nearly 2.3 million are expected to travel with other modes such as boat or train, a 9% increase from 2023.

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    TSA prepares for ‘busiest Thanksgiving travel period ever’

    The Transportation Security Administration is preparing for the “busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record” at airports from Tuesday to next Monday, with projections to screen 18.3 million people during the time frame, a 6 percent increase over last year, according to an agency press release.

    The busiest days are expected to be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the following Sunday. According to agency estimates, more than 2.8 million people are expected to be tested on Tuesday, 2.9 million on Wednesday and more than 3 million on Sunday.

    “The 10 busiest travel days in TSA history occurred in 2024, and we anticipate this trend will continue,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Working alongside our airport and airline partners and the FAA, we have optimized staffing and will deliver. we best maintain our wait time standards … (and) I am extremely grateful for our dedicated employees across the agency who continue to remain vigilant and focused on the mission of ensuring the security of our transportation systems and maintaining the safety of the traveling public .”

    Online Niel
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