Thanksgiving Travel Ticks Up, Just Shy of Pre-Pandemic Levels

Posted on November 16, 2022

Wayne, N.J., November 16, 2022 — AAA predicts 54.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, a 1.5% increase over 2021 and 98% of pre-pandemic volumes. This year is projected to be the third busiest for Thanksgiving travel, with only 2005 and 2019 seeing more travelers.

 

Most travelers will drive to their destinations, with nearly 49 million people predicted to travel by car. While Thanksgiving road trips have risen slightly – up 0.4% from 2021 – car travel remains 2.5% below 2019 levels.

 

New Jersey travelers will account for more than 1.35 million of the 54.6 million, up 1.6% from a year ago. Just over 1.2 million will travel by car, a modest increase of 0.7% from 2021.

 

“Families and friends are eager to spend time together this Thanksgiving, one of the busiest for travel in the past two decades,” said Robert Sinclair Jr., Senior Manager of Public Affairs for AAA Northeast. “Plan ahead and pack your patience, whether you’re driving or flying to your destination.”

 

Air travel is up nearly 8% over 2021, with 4.5 million Americans – including just over 126,000 from New Jersey – flying to their Thanksgiving destinations this year. That’s an increase of more than 330,000 travelers and nearly 99% of the 2019 volume. “Airport parking spaces fill up fast, so reserve a spot ahead of time and arrive early,” suggests Mr. Sinclair. “Travelers should anticipate long TSA lines. And, if possible, avoid checking a bag to allow for more flexibility if flights are delayed or you need to reschedule.”

 

Americans are also ramping up travel by other modes of transportation. More than 1.4 million travelers – including an estimated 23,500 from New Jersey – are going out of town for Thanksgiving by bus, train or cruise ship. That’s an increase of 23% from 2021, and 96% of the 2019 volume. “With travel restrictions lifted and more people comfortable taking public transportation again, it’s no surprise that buses, trains and cruises are coming back in a big way,” continued Mr. Sinclair. “Regardless of the mode of transportation, expect crowds during your trip and at your destination. If your schedule is flexible, consider traveling during off-peak times during the holiday rush.”

 

AAA expects to rescue more than 411,000 broken down members over the Thanksgiving holiday, 5% more than last year. Flat tires, dead batteries and lockouts will be the top reasons for vehicle breakdowns. A qualified technician should inspect a vehicle before a long road trip. A breakdown is more than an inconvenience, it can be dangerous for the motorist and first responder coming to assist them. An increasing number of tow truck drivers are being struck and killed assisting drivers. AAA urges all road users to obey the Slow Down Move Over laws in effect in all 50 states.

 

Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Period

For the purposes of this forecast, the Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Wednesday, November 23 to Sunday, November 27. The Wednesday to Sunday period is consistent with previous years.

 

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club providing travel, insurance, finance and auto-related services to more than six million members in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York & Rhode Island. In New Jersey, AAA Northeast serves nearly 730,000 members in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic & Union Counites.

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