URGENT UPDATE: A record-breaking 82 million travelers are expected to hit the roads and skies this Thanksgiving week, making it potentially the busiest holiday travel period ever in the United States. This surge represents an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last year, according to the latest projections from AAA.
The top destination for holiday travelers is Orlando, which has been ranked as the number one spot based on AAA booking data. The city is set to welcome nearly 1.9 million passengers at Orlando International Airport (OIA) between November 21 and December 2. With airlines operating at full capacity following recent disruptions, over 6 million of these travelers will take to the skies, with nearly half flying on Sunday alone, as reported by Cirium, an aviation analytics firm.
“OIA is ready to handle the influx of travelers,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Orlando Aviation Authority. The busiest day is projected to be Sunday, with more than 177,400 passengers moving through the airport, closely followed by Saturday at 175,855 fliers.
This year, an estimated 73 million people are expected to drive for extended road trips, marking an increase of 1.3 million drivers compared to last Thanksgiving. Many travelers may opt for cars if they face flight cancellations, as Orlando ranks among the top five U.S. markets for car rentals, which are 15% cheaper this year than last.
Travelers are advised to plan ahead, as the worst times for road congestion are expected between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on both Wednesday and Sunday. Gas prices in Orlando average $3.16 per gallon, and $3.08 statewide, according to GasBuddy. Additionally, around 2.5 million travelers will choose Amtrak or buses to reach their destinations.
As for the weather, Orlando will experience pleasant conditions on Wednesday, with highs in the mid-80s, followed by a cooling trend on Thanksgiving Day, where temperatures are expected to reach the low 70s before dropping to a chilly 46 degrees by Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Travelers using OIA are urged to arrive at the airport three hours ahead of their flight, with recommendations to reach the TSA security checkpoint two hours prior and be at the gate one hour before boarding. Travelers can check parking availability and TSA wait times through the airport’s mobile app. To avoid congestion, those picking up passengers are advised to use designated cellphone lots instead of parking on the roadways.
With travel expected to reach unprecedented levels, the urgency to plan ahead has never been higher. Prepare for a bustling holiday season and ensure a smooth journey as millions set off to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.
