INDIANAPOLIS — Experts expect this year's Thanksgiving travel numbers to break records, and central Indiana will likely be among the U.S. destinations that will see increased traffic on its roadways and in its airports.
“We wanted to make sure we had plenty of travel time and make sure in case we had flight delays so we wouldn't miss Thanksgiving,” said Cindy and Scott Karadatzke, a couple travelling to Indianapolis from Wichita, Kansas. “I think the main thing is being patient and understanding there are a lot of things beyond our control.”
Thanksgiving week has always been a popular time to travel, and it’s getting busier.
“This is the busiest travel time of the entire year,” said Christina Griffiths, a spokesperson with AAA Hoosier Motor Club. “More people travel across the entire country for Thanksgiving than they do for Christmas or for anything else for the entire year.”
According to AAA, nearly 80 million people nationwide will travel at least 50 miles or more this year. That's an increase of 1.7 million people compared to last year.
“We’ve seen that number go up and up since 2020," Griffiths said. "And this year it's a little more significant too because it's even higher than 2019, which was pre-pandemic. So, now we are finally seeing those travel numbers surpass those pre-pandemic numbers."
This week, AAA projects Wednesday to be the busiest driving day while the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects the Sunday after Thanksgiving to be the busiest flying day.
Experts believe the busy holiday season is reflective of a year that's already been travel-heavy in the U.S.
“It’s been a really busy year,” said Jessica Mayle, a regional spokesperson with the TSA. “All the top 10 busiest days in TSA history have happened since this spring. So, we are prepared for this high travel volume, and really want to get the word out to passengers to give yourself some time and be prepared for the airport.”
Some experts have indicated that the best way to avoid big airport crowds or busy roads is to plan ahead. That means hitting the roads maybe an hour or two earlier than originally planned and arriving at the airport at least two hours early. And if delays or cancellations do come up, try to be patient.
“I am always a proponent of leaving early and giving yourself time because the last thing you want to do during the holidays is miss your flight,” said Isabella Collins, who is traveling from Indiana to see her family in Savannah, Georgia, this year.
For more information on Thanksgiving travel from AAA Hoosier Motor Club, click here.