The Thanksgiving holiday travel season is in full swing this week, with approximately 6.78 million residents of Southern California anticipated to travel by car, air, or other means. This number represents a 7% increase compared to pre-pandemic travel levels in 2019, according to the Auto Club of Southern California.
“Thanksgiving travel has always been popular, but has grown into an even greater priority in recent years after the pandemic limited those opportunities to connect with family and friends,” stated Doug Shupe, a spokesman for the Auto Club. He emphasized the importance of this holiday for many Southern Californians, noting it is one of the busiest times of the year for travel.
The majority of travelers, around 5.88 million, are expected to take to the roads, while an estimated 704,000 will fly, and 196,000 will use alternative modes of transportation such as trains, buses, or cruise ships. This total represents a 2.8% increase from the previous year.
San Diego International Airport Sees Increased Passenger Volume
Travel activity at the San Diego International Airport is projected to peak through December 1, 2023, with daily passenger volume expected to exceed 80,000, a 3% rise from last year. The airport anticipates its busiest day to be on November 30, with as many as 90,000 travelers passing through its gates. Other high-traffic days include the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Monday following the holiday.
Travelers picking up or dropping off at the airport should anticipate delays due to both heavy traffic and ongoing construction related to the terminal expansion project. The most congested curbside times are forecasted to be between 04:00 to 06:15, 09:30 to 12:30, and 20:00 to 00:00.
To assist travelers in navigating the busy airport, the San Diego airport authority has provided several recommendations. They advise arriving at least two hours early, as well as being aware of roadway changes. A new on-airport roadway now directs westbound drivers on North Harbor Drive to Terminals 1 and 2. Additionally, travelers can make parking reservations at www.san.org/parking or take advantage of the free San Diego Flyer shuttle service, which runs between the Old Town Transit Station and the airport. The electric shuttle buses operate daily, with arrivals every 20 to 30 minutes from 04:45 to 00:30.
National Travel Trends Reflect Increased Activity
On a national scale, the Auto Club predicts that 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles for the Thanksgiving holiday, marking a record number and an increase of 1.6 million from the previous year.
Southern California travelers are likely to encounter some of the highest gas prices of the year, averaging about $4.66 per gallon. Popular destinations for these travelers include San Diego, Las Vegas, Disneyland, and the Bay Area.
According to INRIX, a transportation analytics firm, the afternoons of Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving are expected to be the most congested times on local roadways. Conversely, the Sunday following the holiday is projected to experience the heaviest return traffic, further highlighting the busy travel season ahead.
As millions take to the roads and skies, the Thanksgiving holiday promises to be a significant occasion for family gatherings and reunions, underscoring a renewed emphasis on connection following the challenges of recent years.
