Expect the Borman Expressway, the Indiana Toll Road, Interstate 65 and other Region highways to fill as people travel to see their families for Turkey Day.
An estimated 2 million Hoosiers will hit the road for Thanksgiving, setting a new record for holiday travel in Indiana.
AAA estimates that Thanksgiving travel between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1 for trips of more than 50 miles from home will increase by 2.9% this year. It says Thanksgiving is the busiest travel holiday of the year, even surpassing the Memorial Day holiday that kicks off the summer travel season and the Fourth of July holiday, during which summer travel is in full swing.
More than 81.8 million Americans will travel this Thanksgiving, an increase of 1.6 million travelers as compared to last year, according to AAA. More than 4.1 million residents in neighboring Illinois will hit the road, a 1.8% year-over-year increase and also a new record.
AAA estimates that 1.71 million Hoosiers will travel by car this Thanksgiving, a 2.9% increase. More than 73 million Americans or about 90% of holiday travelers will hit the road this Thanksgiving holiday. Nearly 3.7 million Illinois residents will drive, a 1.5% increase.
An estimated 167,052 million Hoosiers will fly this Thanksgiving holiday, a 2.6% increase. Nationally, the number of travelers flying is expected to grow 2% to 6 million, but AAA cautions more people might end up driving due to the recent reductions in flights at major airports.
Another 59,179 Hoosiers will travel by other methods, like buses, trains or cruises, according to AAA. That’s a 9% increase.
“Hoosiers are embracing the Thanksgiving spirit with record-breaking travel plans this year,” AAA Vice President for Travel Debbie Haas said in a press release revealing the organization’s estimates. “Whether it’s driving across the state or flying across the country, people are making time to connect with loved ones. Even with concerns about flight cancellations, travelers are showing flexibility and resilience and relying most on driving.”
Domestic car rental rates are down 15% year-over-year, with the Wednesday before Thanksgiving expected to be the busiest day for vehicle pick-ups, according to Hertz.
Gas prices are expected to be about the same as last Thanksgiving when gas averaged $3.06 per gallon, according to AAA.
The roads will be the most congested on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and all day Sunday, according to INRIX.
Plane tickets are expected to average around $700 for a round-trip, or about the same as last year. Return flights on Sunday and Monday will be the priciest while flying on Thanksgiving itself will be the cheapest.
“With recent flight reductions and the potential for last-minute cancellations, we encourage air travelers to build flexibility into their plans,” Haas said. “Consider flying on less busy days, booking early morning departures when delays are less likely, and having a backup plan in case your flight is disrupted. Whether that means adjusting your return date or being ready to drive, a little preparation can go a long way in helping you navigate the unexpected.”
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