UPDATE: Upstate New York airports are bracing for a massive travel surge this Thanksgiving, with tens of thousands expected to take to the skies as travel numbers reach their highest in 15 years. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, this holiday season is set to break records for air travel, just a week after the FAA lifted significant flight restrictions nationwide.
Albany International Airport is anticipating a crowd of over 5,000 passengers departing today alone, with similar numbers expected on Wednesday and Sunday. “Our busiest days will see over 5,000 passengers just departing, along with a comparable influx of incoming flights,” stated Matt Hunter, director of communications at the airport.
More than 17.8 million travelers will fly to their Thanksgiving destinations across the United States. Among them is Jason Frazier, who adjusted his travel plans to leave earlier from Fort Worth due to school schedules. “I would rather have people come to my house, but we kind of moved away from family, so it makes sense for us to go where everyone else is,” Frazier shared.
Meanwhile, road travel is also on the rise as AAA forecasts at least 73 million drivers will hit the highways, marking an increase of 1.3 million compared to last year. Gina Martino Trubites, who is making the drive to the nation’s capital, commented on the convenience of traveling by car. “It’s a really nice drive. It only takes us about seven and a half to eight hours. This time of year, by the time you deal with the airport, it’s so crazy,” she explained.
As families prepare for their holiday journeys, travel experts urge caution. Whether flying or driving, they recommend being aware of surroundings, allowing ample time for travel, and staying updated on weather conditions.
With both air and road travel expected to surge, this Thanksgiving is shaping up to be a significant test of the nation’s transportation systems. Stay tuned for real-time updates as the holiday travel rush unfolds.
