ZANESVILLE, Oh – Thanksgiving is less than a week away and many are taking to the roads or catching a flight to their holiday celebrations.
AAA predicts a near-record, 54.6 million Americans, including over 2.2 million Ohioans will travel to their Turkey Day festivities.
While the majority of these travelers plan to drive, as we continue further into the post-pandemic world, more and more are returning to the airport, with nearly 2 hundred thousand planning to fly this holiday season.
To ensure a smooth flight amid the record air travel, AAA recommends checking your flight status ahead of time, arriving at least two hours early, reserving parking ahead of time, and avoiding checking luggage if possible.
“During the pandemic, people felt more comfortable driving, traveling by car. We saw more people hitting the roadways than going to the airport or taking other modes of transportation. Now we’re starting to see a little bit of a shift as travelers go back to air travel and back to other modes of transportation,” AAA Ohio Director of Public Affairs Kimberly Schwind explained.
Although this uptick in air travel means less drivers on the road, the high volume of those still driving to their destinations is still expected to cause plenty of headaches for holiday road trips.
No matter how you trave though, Kimberly Schwind with AAA says you should pack your patience and be prepared for heavier that normal congestion in their travels.
“So know that you know Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon and evening are going to be the busiest. Wednesday afternoon and evening, the peak travel time as people try to rush out and get to their destinations so that they’re there for Thanksgiving. That’s going to be busy in the airports. It’s going to be busy on the roadways, so you’re going to need to be patient if you are traveling during that time,” she said.
Patience is especially important if you are travelling with kids, and Schwind says you should discuss what to expect with your children before heading out and make sure to pack things like snacks, books, games, and other activities for long drives or extended waits at the airport.
Schwind also adds that it is important to check your car, including the battery, tires, brakes, and fluid levels before hitting the road. For more information and travel tips, visit: https://insights.ohio.aaa.com/thanksgiving-travel-numbers-continues-to-rise
More Stories
Pet Relocation: A Comprehensive Guide for a Smooth Move
11 Best Places to Travel in July 2023
Nigeria travel advice – GOV.UK