Related video: LAX Thanksgiving travel rush begins
A storm will move over the central and eastern US just in time to disrupt Americans’ Thanksgiving travel plans.
Wednesday is expected to be the busiest road travel day for US holiday travelers, with more than 49 million Americans expected to drive to their destinations during the Thanksgiving stretch.
Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and snow are expected to move from the central US across the Midwest and ultimately into the northeast just in time for the holiday.
The storm system will hit the Midwest and Ohio and Tennessee Valleys on Tuesday before turning northeast for the mid and latter portion of the week.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York warned travelers in the state to be cautious as there was a risk of “extreme winter weather” during peak travel days.
Tuesday will bring severe thunderstorms, rain, snow and wind to much of the eastern half of the US. Those storms are expected to wane on Wednesday, making way for an undisturbed Thanksgiving Day in most parts of the US.
Members of the White House Communications team touted lower gas prices under the Biden administration ahead of busiest travel days
Kelly Rissman22 November 2023 17:30
Reagan National Airport is telling customers to line up early — and here’s why
The DC airport is encouraging those flying during Thanksgiving week to arrive hours early. An NBC reporter captured video footage, documenting exactly why that might be a good idea, showing hundreds of people waiting in line.
Kelly Rissman22 November 2023 17:00
A potential protest at LAX amid travel chaos
Roughly 100 union workers are expected to rally to “demand that the City Council move forward a motion to raise airport and tourism workers’ wages to $25/hour immediately and progressively reach $30/hour by 2028,” SEIU-USWW said, KTLA5 reported.
The rally is expected to begin at 11am in Terminal 7.
Kelly Rissman22 November 2023 16:41
Chaos breaks out at Reagan National Airport as a mouse is allegedly on the loose
Kelly Rissman22 November 2023 16:30
Why is this the busiest travel week in decades?
Lower gas prices and more affordable flights could be contributing to a spike in travellers this year, according to the New York Times.
Today’s national average gas price is $3.281, according to AAA gas prices. That number is down from a year ago, when the national average gas price was $3.636.
The Times reported that the average price for a domestic flight around Thanksgiving was down nine percent from a year ago, according to Hopper data last month.
Kelly Rissman22 November 2023 15:30
Today is the busiest travel day before Thanksgiving
Nearly 2.7m passengers will be flying on Wednesday ahead of the holiday, according to the Associated Press. However, that number will increase after Thanksgiving, as a predicted 2.9m will be traveling on Sunday.
The rise in travel comes alongside storms that are expected to plague parts of the country.
A winter weather advisory is in effect in parts of Maine and Vermont in the east, while in the west, the same can be expected for parts of Montana, Utah, Wyoming and Idaho.
Kelly Rissman22 November 2023 14:23
DOT head Pete Buttigieg tells air travelers they are entitled to full refunds if their flights are cancelled
Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg posted a video on Tuesday informing air travelers of their rights — and what compensation they can expect — in the event of flight cancellations or delays this holiday season.
“This year, we have seen some of the busiest air travel days in US history. And so far this year, our aviation system has been handling the increased volume well. In fact, cancellations are lower than they were before the pandemic, and we’re pushing hard to keep it that way.”
“If your flight does get delayed or cancelled, know that the Department of Transportation has your back. For example, we have obtained enforceable commitments from the ten largest airlines to cover expenses for things like rebooking, meals, and more when you face delays or cancellations that are the airline’s responsibility. You should also know you are entitled to a full cash refund if your flight is cancelled for any reason.”
Mr Buttigieg said the DOT’s regulations have helped return more than $2.5bn dollars to travelers whose flights have been cancelled. He recommended air travelers to visit FlightRights.gov to review their rights as travelers before they set off for their holiday destinations.
Graig Graziosi22 November 2023 14:00
New York State DOT offers tips for holiday drivers
The New York State Department of Transportation offered up a list of tips for holiday travelers taking to the roads to reach their destinations this Thanksgiving.
Northern New York and northern New England are were forecasted to see freezing rain and sleet Tuesday evening with the potential for some snow overnight, though accumulation is unlikely in all but the most elevated of the affected regions.
Wednesday is expected to be the busiest day for road travelers. AAA recommends that drivers leave either early or late in the day to avoid the worst of the holiday traffic.
Graig Graziosi22 November 2023 13:00
Thanksgiving will be chilly, but mostly dry, according to forecasters
After a wet and windy Tuesday and Wednesday, Thanksgiving day is expected to be relatively dry, but chilly across much of the US.
“High temperatures in the Central and Southern Plains will average 10 to 20 degrees below the norm. Meanwhile in the Northwest, temperatures will be mild for the most part as high pressure builds across the region,” the NOAA reports.
Graig Graziosi22 November 2023 11:00
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
