Traveling for Thanksgiving? Avoid Driving on These Days, According to AAA

If travel forecasts by transportation advocacy group AAA are correct, Thanksgiving 2024 might be the busiest yet. Roughly 80 million people will climb into cars, planes, or trains this year to be with loved ones—an increase of 1.7 million over 2023.

For those traveling by automobile, congested traffic can definitely dampen some of that holiday spirit. Fortunately, the group has some idea of the days and times when travel is expected to be at its worst so travelers can plan ahead.

Citing the transportation data firm INRIX, AAA recommends that drivers avoid piling into their car on the Tuesday (11/26) or Wednesday (11/27) afternoons prior to Thanksgiving. That’s when a surplus of holiday travelers will be making a break for it at the last minute. If you have to drive on those days, AAA says it’s best to plan your trip so it’s completed before 10 a.m. EST, when traffic is expected to be moderate.

Heading back, interstates and highways are likely to be packed in the early morning hours (7 a.m. to 10 a.m.) on Friday morning, with roads easing up after 1 p.m. If you plan to depart Saturday, you’ll be running into a lot of people doing the same from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s best to leave prior to 1 p.m.

The Monday after Thanksgiving might be the worst for travel, as holiday travelers join commuters heading to work after the break. If you have to drive Monday, plan on leaving very early and completing a trip before 8 a.m. Alternately, you can leave after 7 p.m.

The best time to travel is usually Thanksgiving day itself, as people tend to want to have their drive completed before settling in for the day.

These recommendations can be complicated by weather, so you should check local snow or rain forecasts before making any firm plans. Larger cities can also play host to traffic delays, so it’s a good idea to follow alerts via apps or local news.

It’s also wise to brush up on some common-sense travel safety. If you’re going to be driving long distances, get your vehicle serviced to check fluids, tires, and your braking system. Keeping an emergency kit for fixing flats or staying warm is also advisable. You want to be with family, not riding in a tow truck.

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