WASHINGTON, D.C. – Whether its by plane, train or car, millions of Americans are expected to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday. Some airports believe this holiday could see record-breaking levels in travelers passing through.
“Get in quick and leave quick,” said passenger Reese Richmond.
Richmond just flew in from Boston. She’s one of the tens of thousands of travelers to pass through the DC area airports for the Thanksgiving week. She told us she’s mastered the art of holiday traveling.
“Everyone typically travels on Wednesday,” said Richmond. “I try to get out early on Tuesday. Every year I end up coming back here. I also went to boarding school for high school so I’ve been doing the holiday travel for quite some time I’m kind of a professional at this point honestly.”
Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, the airports are noticeably busier.
“Traffic is starting to build with our passengers, and we are expecting, projected passenger volume to be at pre-pandemic levels or even higher so we think it could be a record-breaking season,” said Emily McGee, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Airports Authority. “You’ve probably heard this before but come to the airport early. Give yourself plenty of time.”
Whether it’s by air or road, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times to travel. AAA predicts 55.5-million of Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home starting on Wednesday and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Making the trek on the road could bring some relief for drivers. According to Gas Buddy, this year, gas prices are down roughly 38 cents from this time last year. But storms are moving across the eastern parts of the US, threatening air and road traffic. According to the travel professionals, the stress that holiday travel might bring is all worth it in the end.
“My favorite part of the holidays are coming home and spending time with my family because we are all over the place so its nice to get a couple of days, even if its just the five of us its my favorite part,” said Richmond. “So the travel definitely makes it worth it.”
