A record number of people are expected to travel through the air and by car for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The big picture: The busiest travel days are expected to be Tuesday, Wednesday, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
- The TSA expects to screen 2.6 million passengers on Tuesday and 2.7 million on Wednesday.
- Sunday is expected to be the busiest flying day in history with 2.9 million travelers.
- AAA forecasts that 554 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between next Wednesday and the Sunday after Thanksgiving, with Wednesday being the most congested day on the roads.
- Weather conditions may affect travel, with a storm system expected to move from the southern Plains to the Northeast, bringing thunderstorms, sleet, and snow to some areas.
- The US government has taken steps to prepare for holiday travel, such as hiring more air traffic controllers and providing grants for snowplows and deicing equipment at airports.
- Travelers are advised to check road conditions and flight times before leaving home, as weather can be a factor.
- The good news for travelers is that airfares are averaging $268 per ticket, which is down 14% from the previous year, according to the travel site Hopper.
