Best and Worst Times to Travel on Thanksgiving Day

The best time to travel on Thanksgiving Day is before 10 a.m., and the worst time to travel is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For many, Thanksgiving Day is one of the few times of the year when everyone gathers in the same place. But before everyone can sit down for dinner, there’s one challenge: getting there.

Highways fill with cars, airports become a maze of lines, and the trip that should take a few hours can easily take half the day. If you’re planning to travel for Thanksgiving this year, timing your trip wisely can save you hours of frustration and help you arrive with your holiday spirit intact.

It can also reduce your chances of getting hit by an impaired driver and having to call an Atlanta DUI accident lawyer. Let’s take a closer look at when to travel to make your holiday journey as smooth as possible.

The Busiest Travel Days of Thanksgiving Week

When looking into the best and worst times to travel on Thanksgiving Day, it can be helpful to research the busiest travel days for the holiday week. Some days around this Thanksgiving holiday are practically guaranteed to bring gridlock and packed terminals. Knowing which travel days to avoid can save you both time and stress.

Wednesday, November 26

The day before Thanksgiving is always the busiest travel day of the week. Millions of people finish work early and hit the road at the same time. Traffic usually peaks between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., especially in major metro areas. If you must drive that day, aim to depart early in the morning to beat the rush.

Airports are also swamped on Wednesday. Security lines grow long by mid-morning and last into the late evening. If you have to fly to meet with your loved ones, try to book a flight before 8 a.m., and give yourself extra time for check-in and parking.

Sunday, November 30

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is almost always the single busiest day of the entire year for air travel. Ticket prices tend to be higher on this day, and flight delays are much more common. If possible, plan to return from your Thanksgiving feast on Saturday or Monday instead.

The Easiest Days to Travel

While late November can be a hectic time for travellers, there are a few windows during Thanksgiving week that tend to be calm and affordable. The best times to travel for Thanksgiving Day gatherings are as follows:

Thanksgiving Day

Flying on the holiday may not sound ideal, but it’s actually the quietest day of the week at airports. Flights before 10 a.m. are often cheaper and less crowded, and you’ll still arrive in time for dinner.

Saturday, November 22, and Monday, November 24

If you can start your trip early, these days generally offer the smoothest travel before the rush. Roads are clear, and flights are reasonably priced on the 22nd and 24th, making these days two of the best times to travel for Thanksgiving Day celebrations.

Black Friday, November 28

While shoppers crowd the stores, travelers often find lighter traffic and better airfares. If your plans are flexible, traveling home from your family gathering on Black Friday can make your return trip much easier and less stressful.

Best and Worst Times to Drive on Thanksgiving Day

Most Thanksgiving travelers go by car. If you’re one of them, your best bet is to plan around the travel peaks. Let’s take a look at the best and worst times to travel on Thanksgiving Day if you plan on hitting the open road.

The best times to drive for your Thanksgiving Day celebration are before 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, after 8 p.m. on Wednesday, and early Friday morning or late in the evening. One of the worst times to drive for Thanksgiving is Wednesday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., as this period sees the heaviest congestion nationwide.

You’ll also want to avoid driving on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Friday after Thanksgiving Day from noon to 4 p.m., as there will likely be a considerable amount of traffic around shopping centers and on highways.

Tips for Smoother Holiday Travel

In addition to finding out what the best and worst times to travel on Thanksgiving Day are, it can be helpful to read up on tips for smoother and safer holiday travel. Consider taking the following precautions before setting out on our journey this Thanksgiving:

• Check your car’s fluids, tire pressure, and windshield wipers.
• Pack jumper cables and a flashlight, just in case you break down on the road.
• Leave earlier than you think you need to so that you’re less likely to speed or take risks to make up time.
• Stay alert while driving and avoid distractions like your cellphone.
• Take breaks while driving to refresh and refuel.
• Watch out for impaired drivers.
• Plan your return trip in advance to avoid post-holiday chaos.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving This Year

Thanksgiving is about connection, not congestion. Whether you’re flying across the country or driving a few hours to see family, smart timing and safe travel habits will help you get to your destination without unnecessary stress.

Unfortunately, sometimes avoiding traffic and auto accidents is impossible. If you’ve been involved in a collision caused by an impaired driver, the team at John Foy & Associates is here to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. We have 350-plus years of combined experience and have recovered over $1 billion for injury victims.