Prepare for Peak Travel: Record Volume Expected at Port Authority Facilities
the staffof the Ridgewood blog
Newark NJ, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has issued a major travel advisory: an unprecedented 8.8 million travelers are expected to use its regional airports and vehicular crossings during the eight-day Thanksgiving travel peak, spanning Monday, November 24, to Monday, December 1.
This volume sets a new record for the holiday period, signaling heavy congestion, longer lines, and necessary changes to travel routines. Whether you’re flying out or driving over a bridge, the essential advice is: PLAN AHEAD, ALLOW EXTRA TIME, and USE MASS TRANSIT.
Airport Alerts: Delays, Construction, and Parking Warnings
The Port Authority anticipates approximately 3.3 million passengers will pass through JFK, Newark Liberty (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA), and New York Stewart airports.
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Busiest Days: Sunday, November 30, and Monday, December 1, are expected to be the most congested days at the airports.
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Arrival Times: Travelers must follow the recommended arrival times due to high volume and ongoing construction:
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Domestic Flights: Arrive at least two hours in advance.
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International Flights: Arrive at least three hours in advance.
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JFK Construction Chaos: The massive $19 billion redevelopment at JFK International Airport means major detours and changes to the roadway network and for-hire vehicle pickup areas. Use AirTrain JFK via the MTA (LIRR or Subway) whenever possible to avoid terminal frontage congestion.
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Parking Surcharge Warning: At JFK, LGA, and EWR, travelers parking for longer than three hours are strongly encouraged to pre-book parking at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee a spot and avoid a peak period drive-up surcharge.
Bridges & Tunnels: Construction Halted, But Delays Remain
An estimated 5.5 million vehicles will use the PANYNJ’s bridges and tunnels, matching last year’s high volume.
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Road Work Suspension: To ease holiday traffic, all non-emergency repairs and construction will be suspended from 5 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, to 5 a.m. Monday, December 1, at all vehicular crossings (GWB, Holland, Lincoln, Bayonne, Goethals, Outerbridge).
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Pre-Holiday Closures: Be aware of night/weekend lane closures before the suspension deadline at major crossings, including the George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, and Lincoln Tunnel (see full details below).
Public Transit Service Changes: PATH and AirTrain
If you are using public transit, note these key service adjustments:
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PATH Schedule:
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Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27): Modified Saturday schedule.
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Friday, Nov. 28: Modified Weekday schedule.
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AirTrain Newark Disruption: Service will be partially suspended and replaced by free shuttle buses between the P4 station and the Airport Train (Rail) Station from 11 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, to 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24.
Crucial Travel Tips & Reminders
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REAL ID Check: TSA no longer accepts non-REAL ID compliant state IDs. Ensure you have a REAL ID, Passport, or other acceptable alternative ID to avoid additional screening.
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JFK Alternative Drop-off: Use the free drop-off/pickup lot at the AirTrain JFK Lefferts Blvd station and connect via the free AirTrain to terminals—a great way to bypass terminal frontage traffic!
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Check Service Changes: For detailed, real-time traffic updates, lane closures, and public transit schedules, visit the PANYNJ website.
Pre-Holiday Lane Closure Schedule Summary (Before Nov. 26 Suspension)
| Crossing | Date/Time | Closure Details |
| GWB | Nov 21 (10 PM) – Nov 23 (10 AM) | Partial ramp closure (Upper EB to NB Henry Hudson) |
| Holland Tunnel | Nov 23-25 (11 PM-5 AM) | One eastbound and one westbound lane closed nightly |
| Lincoln Tunnel | Nov 22 (Midnight-8 AM) | North Tube Closed (South and Center unaffected) |
| Bayonne Bridge | Nov 21 (9 AM-2 PM) | One northbound and one southbound lane closed |
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