BOSTON \u2014 AAA Northeast expects a record 82 million Americans to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday this year \u2014 a 2% increase from 2023.<\/p>\n
While the day before Thanksgiving was once considered the busiest travel day, that\u2019s no longer the case.<\/p>\n
\u201cTuesday is actually predicted to be one of the busiest this year,\u201d said Jillian Young of AAA Northeast.<\/p>\n
Young says travelers who can start their trips on Monday will face the fewest delays. Those leaving later in the week should plan to hit the road early in the morning or late at night. The same strategy applies to the return trip.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn the return trip, Sunday is the big day,\u201d Young said. \u201cWhile we\u2019ve seen things kind of spread out on the departure date, everyone still comes home on Sunday. If you can wait until Monday, that will position you a little better \u2014 or leave early.\u201d<\/p>\n
While most Thanksgiving travelers will be on the road, Young says other forms of travel are surging.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen a bigger increase in what we call other modes of travel \u2014 buses, trains, and cruises,\u201d she said. Cruises, she added, are \u201creally popular\u2026 both a mode of transportation and a vacation in and of itself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whether passengers are flying to catch a cruise or simply heading home, Young is optimistic about air travel now that major service disruptions have eased. Still, she cautions travelers to stay prepared.<\/p>\n
\u201cDownload your airline\u2019s app and turn notifications on,\u201d she advised. \u201cNotifications will alert you immediately to any changes. When it comes to traveling, we like to say knowledge is power.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. <\/p>\n
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