This year’s Thanksgiving travel could result in the busiest weekend of the busiest year yet at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Austin’s not alone. More than 55.4 million Americans are expected to travel between today and Sunday, Nov. 26 — the highest number since 2019 and third-most since 2000.
Today is expected to be one of the busiest days for travel, with ~49,000 flights scheduled nationally, so let’s dig in to how to make the best of it.
Driving
About 89% of travelers this year will arrive at their Thanksgiving festivities via car. Fortunately, gas prices currently cost an average of $2.72 per gallon in Texas, compared to ~$2.96 last year.
Steps for success
- Avoid peak times on the road on the predicted busiest travel days:
- Wednesday, Nov. 22:
- Best time to drive: Before 11 a.m.
- Worst time: 2-6 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 26:
- Best time to drive: Before 12 p.m.
- Worst time: 3-5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 22:
- Above all, stay safe. Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth rank among the most dangerous traffic cities during this holiday period.
Flying
Experts predict this holiday season will see the highest number of air travelers since 2005. With nine of the 10 busiest days in airport history recorded this year, Austin-Bergstrom International airport is also likely to see a busy weekend.
Steps for success
- Plan your transportation ahead of time.
- Airport parking is already filling up quickly, so check availability online
- Avoid parking by taking rideshare or CapMetro’s Route 20 service
- Get there earlier than you think. Airport officials recommend arriving 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Make sure you know the right terminal before you arrive
- Check real-time traffic on the roads before heading out
- Coming home with leftovers? As long as it’s solid, non-liquid food, you’re good to go.
