AAA Warns Thanksgiving Travelers Against Hitting the Road on Wednesday

November 25, 2019, 4:33 PM UTC

The stress of the Thanksgiving holidays can start long before Uncle Ernie has one glass of wine too many or Cousin Pam begins spouting partisan political thoughts. For many people, it begins on the drive to visit family.

AAA estimates more than 55 million people will be traveling this year, traveling 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving. That’s 1.6 million more than last year and the second highest since AAA began tracking travel volumes during the period.

And the absolute worst day to be on the road (or in the sky)? Wednesday. Trips that day could take as much as four times longer than normal in some cities. On top of the expected delays due to traffic, the United States is expected to be hit by two major storm systems that will surely complicate holiday trips further.

“Millions of thankful Americans are starting the holiday season off right with a Thanksgiving getaway,” said Paula Twidale, vice president of AAA Travel in a statement. “Strong economic fundamentals are motivating Americans to venture out this holiday in near-record numbers.”

Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York will be the biggest pain points, with travel times that are 350% longer than usual in peak hours. But pretty much any major metro area will be affected. (All times local. Source: AAA)

Atlanta

Worst times on Weds., Nov. 27: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Delay multiplier: 3.5x

Los Angeles

Worst times on Weds., Nov. 27: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Delay multiplier: 3.5x

New York

Worst times on Weds., Nov. 27: 5:15 to 7:15 p.m.
Delay multiplier: 3.5x

Boston

Worst times on Weds., Nov. 27: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Delay multiplier: 3.4x

Houston

Worst times on Weds., Nov. 27: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Delay multiplier: 3.4x

San Francisco

Worst times on Weds., Nov. 27: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Delay multiplier: 3.2x

Washington, D.C.

Worst times on Weds., Nov. 27: 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Delay multiplier: 2.8x

Seattle

Worst times on Weds., Nov. 27: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Delay multiplier: 2.7x

Detroit

Worst times on Weds., Nov. 27: 5:15 to 7:15 p.m.
Delay multiplier: 2.6x

Chicago

Worst times on Weds., Nov. 27: 4:15 to 6:15 p.m.
Delay multiplier: 2.4x

Lower gas prices are fueling this year’s travel boom. AAA says it expects the average price per gallon during the Thanksgiving weekend to hover around $2.57.