The most since 2005; INRIX predicts record delays on Wednesday
More than 55 million travelers are making plans to kick off the holiday season with a trip of 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving. This will be the second-highest Thanksgiving travel volume on record, the most since 2005.
Overall, an additional 1.6 million more people will travel
compared with last year, a 2.9% increase. The vast majority of holiday travelers
will drive to their destinations and, INRIX, a global transportation analytics
company, expects Wednesday afternoon to be the worst travel period nationally,
with trips taking as much as four times longer than normal in major metros.
Strong economic fundamentals are motivating
Americans to venture out this holiday in near-record numbers. Consumer spending
remains strong, thanks to increasing wages, disposable income and household
wealth, and travel remains one of their top priorities for the holiday season.”
By the numbers: 2019 Thanksgiving travel forecast
- Automobiles: 49.3 million travelers will hit the road this Thanksgiving, the most since 2005 and 2.8% more than last year.
- Planes: With 4.6% growth, air travel will see the biggest increase in travel volume during the Thanksgiving holiday, with 4.45 million Americans expected to fly.
- Trains, Buses and Cruise Ships: Travel by other modes will reach 1.49 million, a slight increase of 1.4% from 2018.
Nothing worse than Wednesday: Times not to be on the road
For the 49.3 million Americans traveling by automobile, major delays throughout the week, peaking Wednesday with trips taking as much four times longer as commuters mix with travelers.
Lower gas prices fuel road trips
Gas prices have been fluctuating as of late, but are currently trending about a dime cheaper than the national average at this time last year, giving Americans a little extra money to spend on travel and motivating millions to take road trips. Expect gas prices to be fairly similar to last year’s Thanksgiving holiday.
Travel tip for the friendly skies: Fly Monday before Thanksgiving
Flying the Monday before the Thanksgiving travel rush is the best option for travelers. It has the lowest average ticket price ($486) prior to the holiday and is a lighter travel day than later in the week. Travelers can also save by traveling on Thanksgiving Day, which has the week’s lowest average price per ticket ($454).
