Record number of travelers expected this Thanksgiving

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — With just days to go until Thanksgiving, millions will be traveling across the country this week.

Some experts say holiday travel could break some records this year.

“AAA forecast is predicting about 80 million people traveling for Thanksgiving. So that would set a record,” said AAA spokesperson Elizabeth Carey.

Carey said that the record setting estimate is an increase of more than 1.5 million travelers from last year.

She adds that this record setting year may be due to people turning Thanksgiving into an excursion. In addition to the 60 million flying, 72 million are expected to drive more than 50 miles, and even cruises are up 30 percent this year.

“We're seeing people take Thanksgiving, which used to be just about gathering with family and loved ones for the feast and turn it into a bigger vacation. People are leaving earlier and they're staying a little bit longer. It used to just be Wednesday to Sunday, but now we're seeing people leaving, like over the weekend, leaving Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and coming back Sunday, Monday, Tuesday,” said Carey.

Carey adds most people will drive. Helping those on the road, national gas prices are looking to drop below $3 a gallon Thanksgiving week, lowest since 2021. Roads are expected to be busy throughout the week, especially Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon into the evening, and Sunday afternoon and Monday evening's commute.

Carey adds those who fly will be doing so for more money than last year as airline tickets are being sold for 3% more.

“The number one destination is Orlando, because people love the theme parks. They're decked out for the holidays,” continued Carey.

“I'm flying to Orlando and that's just as busy, too. I traveled on Monday and Tuesday and it's extremely busy so I thought maybe if I was flying at night, it might be a little better this time,” said Karen Gembar of East Aurora.

At the airport TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein says this will be the busiest Thanksgiving on record for security with TSA projected to screen 18.3 million people.

“We're going to see probably about a 6% increase in the number of people screened at our checkpoints compared to last year,” says Farbstein.

Thanksgiving is a holiday surrounded by food and Farbstein made a point to remind travelers that solids like meat, stuffing, and casseroles can be in your carry on but liquids like cranberry sauce, gravy and canned veggies should be packed in your checked baggage.

“Basically, if you can spread it or pour it, it is considered to be a liquid,” added Farbstein.

We asked neighbors do Thanksgiving leftovers taste good in the clouds?

“Absolutely. Everyone wants to taste the goodness of Thanksgiving,” said Felicia Ali.

The biggest message from experts, pack your patience. Other travel tips the NFTA offers to help make the security process more smooth is to wear clothing items and shoes that are easier to take off while going through security and make sure to start your packing process with an empty suitcase so you know exactly what's in your bag. There is going to be a lot of people on the roads and airports so arrive early. The busiest travel days are expected to be Wednesday and Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving.

AAA recommends flyers to try to pack lightly to avoid losing checked bags in case of weather hiccups and if you do check a bag to place an Apple AirTag to track where your luggage is.