Thanksgiving Travel and Traditions: What to Expect This Year

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Newark NJ, Thanksgiving is synonymous with family, food, and travel. This year, a record-breaking 80 million Americans are hitting the road or skies to celebrate the holiday, with 71.7 million traveling by car—the highest number to date. For air travelers, Thanksgiving Sunday is set to be particularly busy, with an expected 3 million flyers taking to the skies, breaking previous records.

Whether by car or plane, the holiday rush brings its own set of challenges. From crowded highways to airport delays, being prepared can make all the difference.

Navigating Thanksgiving Air Travel

Flying during the holidays can be especially chaotic. If you’re headed to the airport, here’s some insight into the nation’s busiest hubs and where delays are most likely:

Top 5 Airports for Tarmac Delays

1. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): 24.0 minutes average taxi-out time
2. LaGuardia Airport (LGA): 23.0 minutes
3. Miami International Airport (MIA): 22.6 minutes
4. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): 22.0 minutes
5. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): 21.3 minutes

Planning ahead is key. Arrive early, monitor flight updates, and consider booking flights early in the day to reduce the chances of delays.

Thanksgiving by the Numbers: Food and Traditions

No Thanksgiving is complete without the feast. This year’s stats highlight some interesting trends:

• Turkey Takes the Spotlight: Over 80% of Americans will enjoy turkey, requiring an estimated 46 million birds for the nation’s tables.
• Regional Favorites: While mashed potatoes, bread rolls, and pie are staples, macaroni and cheese consumption varies by region.
• Affordable Feasting: Feeding 10 people will cost an average of $58, a 5% decrease from last year and the lowest inflation-adjusted cost in 39 years, according to a farmer’s survey.

Holiday Weather Outlook

Weather will play a big role in Thanksgiving plans. Meteorologists are predicting a wet and chilly holiday for much of the country:

• Snow is expected in the Midwest.
• Rain could dampen plans on the East Coast.
• A cold front is likely to impact close to 200 million Americans by Saturday.

Despite the weather, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will go on as scheduled, airing live from New York City tomorrow at 8:30 AM ET on NBC, rain or shine.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is as much about navigating travel chaos and preparing the perfect meal as it is about spending quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re driving, flying, or staying close to home, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving!