AAA is projecting that almost 1.5 million New Jersey residents will travel 50 miles or more over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, an increase of  almost 2% over last year and reminiscent of pre-pandemic holiday travel. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Wednesday, November 23 to Sunday, November 27.

Nationally, AAA predicts 54.6 million people will travel this Thanksgiving. That’s a 1.5% increase over 2021 and 98% of pre-pandemic volumes. This year is projected to be the third busiest for Thanksgiving travel since AAA started tracking in 2000*.

“Families and friends are eager to spend time together this Thanksgiving, one of the busiest for travel in the past two decades,” said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “Plan ahead and be prepared for backups and delays whether you’re driving or flying as the roads and airports are expected to both be busy this Thanksgiving season.” 

Car Travel

Locally, over 1.3 million New Jersey travelers (89%) will be driving to their holiday destinations– just shy of shy of pre-pandemic levels, and the third highest number since AAA has been keeping record.  Nationally, nearly 49 million people are expected to travel by car. While Thanksgiving road trips have slightly risen – up 0.4% from 2021 – car travel remains 2.5% below 2019 levels.

“Across New Jersey Gas prices are trending about 30-40 cents more than last year, however most travelers do not appear fazed,” said Noble.  The national gas price average as of Sunday November 20, 2022 was $3.67 an increase of 26 cents compared to last year. New Jersey’s average yesterday was $3.81 per gallon 36 cents more than a year ago.

“Consistent with what we have been seeing throughout the year at AAA, the demand for travel has continued and the Thanksgiving holiday is certainly no exception,” Noble added. “Despite increased costs across the board, people are making plans and finding ways to spend time with family and friends.”

Air Travel

AAA is projecting almost 140,000 New Jerseyans to take to the skies for the holiday weekend, a jump of more than 8% over last year. Nationally, air travel is up nearly 8% over 2021, with 4.5 million Americans flying to their Thanksgiving destinations this year. That’s an increase of more than 330,000 travelers and just 1% shy of the 2019 volume.

“Airport parking spaces fill up fast, so reserve a spot ahead of time and arrive early,” Noble suggests. “Anticipate long TSA lines. If possible, avoid checking a bag to allow for more flexibility if flights are delayed or you need to reschedule.”

Bus, Train, Other Modes of Transportation

Other modes of transportation are seeing the biggest jump for Thanksgiving holiday travel, with an increase of 21% in New Jersey. Almost 28,000 New Jersey travelers will be going by bus, cruise or train this year. Nationally, more than 1.4 million travelers are going out of town for Thanksgiving by bus, train, or cruise ship. That’s an increase of 23% from 2021 and 96% of 2019 travel volumes.

“With travel restrictions lifted and more people comfortable taking public transportation again, it’s no surprise buses, trains, and cruises are coming back in a big way,” Noble said. “Regardless of the mode of transportation you have chosen, expect crowds during your trip and at your destination. If your schedule is flexible, consider off-peak travel times during the holiday rush.”

 2022 Projected Thanksgiving Holiday Travelers – New Jersey

              *U.S. Census Bureau (v2021)/IHS Markit

Roads Will Be Bustling

INRIX expects severe congestion in several U.S. metro areas, with some drivers experiencing more than double normal delays. To avoid the most hectic times, INRIX recommends traveling early in the morning on Wednesday or before 11am on Thanksgiving Day and avoiding travel between 4pm-8pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.