BENTONVILLE, Ark. — As Thanksgiving 2024 approaches, travel experts are predicting record-breaking numbers of Americans taking to the roads and skies. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), approximately 80 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the holiday week, making it one of the busiest travel seasons in history.
Peak Travel Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday
AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria advised travelers to plan ahead and avoid peak congestion. He suggests leaving early, particularly if driving through major metro areas, to get past the busiest stretches before the afternoon and evening rush. Chabarria noted that Tuesday and Wednesday leading up to Thanksgiving are expected to be the busiest days on the road, while Sunday, when people return home, will see the highest traffic volume of the week.
Gas Prices and Road Trip Tips for Arkansans
For those driving through Arkansas, Chabarria shared some helpful advice on fuel costs. Gas prices in the state are expected to be significantly lower than in neighboring regions, with drivers paying anywhere from 15 to 25 cents less per gallon compared to last year. As Arkansas remains one of the top 10 states with the cheapest gas prices, Chabarria recommended filling up before crossing state lines to save money on fuel.
Air Travel: Busy Airports and Long Lines
For those opting to fly this Thanksgiving, air travel is already proving to be a challenge. Olivia Tyler, Public Affairs Manager for the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), said that the airport has been experiencing high traffic volumes ahead of the holiday. She encouraged passengers to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and advised booking parking spots online in advance to ensure availability.
With XNA’s Terminal Modernization Project underway, travelers can expect some changes to traffic flow both inside and outside the airport. Tyler also reminded passengers to practice patience, as the terminal will likely be busier than usual, with potential delays and longer wait times.
Navigating Travel During the Holiday Rush
Whether driving or flying, experts emphasize planning ahead and managing expectations during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. For many Americans, this will be the first Thanksgiving in several years without COVID-19 restrictions, making the return to normal holiday travel all the more significant.
As millions of people take to the roads and skies, a little preparation and flexibility can go a long way in making Thanksgiving travel smoother and more enjoyable.