UPDATE: A staggering 82 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles during this Thanksgiving holiday, marking it as potentially the busiest Thanksgiving week ever in the United States. This record, reported by AAA, shows an increase of 1.6 million holiday travelers compared to last year, intensifying traffic on both highways and at airports nationwide.
Orlando emerges as the top holiday destination, according to AAA booking data, with 1.9 million passengers expected at Orlando International Airport from November 21 to December 2. As the ninth busiest airport in the U.S., officials warn of significant crowds, especially on Sunday, which is expected to be the peak travel day with over 177,400 passengers passing through.
Amidst the surge in air travel, over 6 million flyers will take to the skies, with about half flying on Sunday alone, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics firm. Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Orlando Aviation Authority, stated, “Orlando is one of the nation’s hottest travel destinations for the holiday season, and Orlando International Airport is ready.”
In addition to air travel, AAA forecasts that at least 73 million people will embark on road trips. This reflects an increase of 1.3 million drivers compared to last Thanksgiving weekend. The number could rise even further as air travelers facing potential flight cancellations may opt for car travel instead. Orlando stands among the top five markets nationwide for car rental demand, with rental prices 15% lower than last year.
Travel experts urge drivers to plan ahead, recommending that travelers leave early as the busiest travel windows will occur between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Sunday. Currently, gas prices in Orlando average $3.16 per gallon, with statewide prices at $3.08, according to GasBuddy.
For those opting for alternatives, approximately 2.5 million travelers will utilize Amtrak or bus services this holiday season.
As for weather conditions, visitors to Orlando can expect pleasant temperatures in the mid-80s on Wednesday, dropping to lows in the 60s overnight. Thanksgiving Day will see highs in the low 70s, followed by a significant cool down to 46 degrees by Friday morning.
“Cool and sunny conditions are expected on Black Friday,” noted Matt Volkmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. A gradual warming trend will commence over the weekend, with highs reaching the mid-70s on Saturday.
Travelers flying out of OIA are advised to arrive three hours prior to check-in, two hours ahead of TSA security, and one hour before boarding. The airport’s mobile app provides real-time updates on parking availability and TSA wait times. For those picking up passengers, using cellphone lots is recommended to avoid congestion.
With travel numbers soaring, the urgency to prepare for a busy holiday season has never been more critical. Stay informed, stay prepared, and enjoy a safe Thanksgiving journey!
