Traveling for Thanksgiving in Missouri? Here’s when AAA says you should hit the road
Traveling in or out of Missouri for Thanksgiving? If so, you will be a part of record-breaking crowds.
Nearly 80 million people are predicted to be traveling more than 50 miles for the holiday, AAA says. The automobile association said that’s an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to 2023. The 2024 travel numbers are projected to exceed pre-coronavirus pandemic levels.
“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement Monday, Nov. 18.
AAA reached this number using information from S&P Global Market Intelligence for forecasting domestic travel volumes and DK Shifflet’s data on more than 60,000 travelers, the press release said.
If you’re planning to travel from Missouri this upcoming Thanksgiving, here are the best — and worst — times to head out.
When should I travel for Thanksgiving?
AAA and INRIX, a transportation data firm, say the best day to travel for Thanksgiving is on the holiday itself, since the interstates and highways are typically clear. The busiest day for travel will be Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 1 to 7 p.m., with an average 38% increase in travel time compared to typical traffic volume.
Other times drivers should avoid include:
- Monday, Nov. 25: 1-5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 27: 1-5 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 29: 7-10 a.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 30: 4-8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 1: Noon to 6 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 2: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The best times for travel are:
- Nov. 25: Before 11 a.m.
- Nov. 26-27: Before 10 a.m.
- Nov. 29: After 1 p.m.
- Nov. 30 and Dec. 1: Before 1 p.m.
- Dec. 2: Before 8 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
How many Missourians are traveling for Thanksgiving?
AAA projects a record 71.7 million people will travel by car over Thanksgiving, including 1.5 million Missourians. It’s a 2% increase from last year and a 1% difference from 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Close to 206,000 Missouri residents will travel by air, marking a 3% increase from 2023 and an 11% increase when compared to 2019. About 76,000 people will travel by bus, train, cruise or shuttle, which is a 10% increase from last year and 18% increase from 2019.
“With a record number of travelers expected to be on the road, drivers should follow traffic apps and local news alerts to avoid major delays,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a statement.
