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AAA Texas expects 3.9 million Texans to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday. (Courtesy of the Texas Department of Transportation)
Thanksgiving holiday is turning out to be a busy one, according to data from AAA Texas. The 3.9 million Texans expected to travel November 24-28, an increase of 12% from 2020 and a decrease of 6% from 2019.
According to a Nov. 9 AAA Texas press release, Texans should prepare for busy airports and roads during the holiday week.
“These Thanksgiving streets, airports, and cruise ports will be much busier than they were last year,” Kent Livesay, vice president and general manager of AAA Texas, said in the press release. “An increasing number of people vaccinated and new health and safety guidelines have helped build consumer confidence and make it easier for people to travel again.”
For central Texans, both Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and the Texas Department of Transportation have acknowledged the need for travelers to be prepared during the busy week.
Arrive at the airport early
ABIA officials advise all passengers, including those with PreCheck and Clear from the Transportation Security Administration, to arrive at least three hours before their flights during the holiday week.
“The nationwide trend for advance bookings around this Thanksgiving holiday is up about 3.2% from 2019 levels (i.e., pre-pandemic), and we expect similar trends in demand for [ABIA]”Said Bryce Dubee, a senior airport public information specialist, in an email.
The airport, which set a record for one-day passenger numbers on October 25 after the Formula 1 race with 35,298 travelers, is expecting several days with over 30,000 passengers to pass TSA security, Dubee said. November 21st and 24th will likely be the busiest, but he added that the airport will likely be busy through November 29th.
In particular, travelers with flights before 9 a.m. should plan plenty of time for parking, baggage control and security checks, according to a press release from the airport on November 17. Travelers who want to park on site can reserve a parking space at www.abiaparking.com.
Face masks are also required at the airport; the TSA extended the request to January 18.
So that the roads stay safe
TxDOT urges drivers to take safety precautions on journeys of any length.
“Drive under conditions, do not drink or drive, and avoid distractions at the wheel. It’s also important that you always buckle up whether you’re going on a long trip or just a short drive around town, “said Brad Wheelis, a public information officer at TxDOT, in an email.
According to a press release, AAA Texas expects around 17,000 calls for help along the streets of Texas over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Stranded drivers can also call 512-974-4376 for help, Wheelis said. The Highway Emergency Response Operator patrols I-35, US 183, Hwy, 138 miles. 290, SH71 and MoPac. Drivers can view the terms and conditions before starting their journey at www.drivetexas.org.
Texans can also expect to pay about $ 1.15 to $ 1.25 more for gas than last year, according to a Nov. 18 press release from AAA Texas.
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