Thanksgiving Travel Can Be a Pain, Here Are Some Helpful Hints to Lessen It
Car travel is just one of the options for getting out of the city to see relatives and friends. Gas has been slowly going down over the last month in Los Angeles.
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This Thanksgiving season marks a record-breaking travel period, with nearly 80 million Americans journeying 50 miles or more from home—an increase of 1.7 million travelers from 2023. For the first time, these figures include Monday and Tuesday travelers, highlighting an extended holiday travel window.
At Los Angeles International Airport, officials are bracing for 2.2 million passengers during the holiday rush. "As we enter one of our peak travel periods, LAX is strategically positioned to handle increased passenger volumes across our terminals and ground transportation networks," says Doug Webster, LAWA's Chief Operations and Maintenance Officer. The airport's capacity has expanded, with eight new non-stop destinations added in 2024.
LAWA offers these essential tips for navigating the holiday rush:
- Arrive at least two hours before departure time: While three hours is standard for international flights, the holiday rush makes this two-hour buffer essential even for domestic flights. This allows time for checking bags, security screening, and reaching your gate.
- Pre-book parking: Through Nov. 29, travelers can use promo code PARKLAX at checkout for discounts ranging from 20% on budget parking to 10% off valet parking in area P7. Booking must be made at least six hours in advance.
- Plan ahead before arriving for a flight: Check your flight status and use online check-in when available. If driving isn't an option, consider taxis, rideshare services, or other ground transportation options available through the airport's website.
- Get a step ahead at TSA: LAWA recommends enrolling in TSA Preè or other trusted-traveler programs, such as U.S. Customs & Border Protection's Global Entry, for a more efficient security screening experience.
Air travel nationwide is projected to reach 5.84 million passengers, reflecting a 2.1% increase from 2023.
Holiday Gas Prices
For those hitting the road this Thanksgiving, gas prices offer some relief compared to last year. California's current average gas price stands at $4.438 per gallon—while still more than a dollar above the national average of $3.067, it's notably lower than last year's $4.903. Last month's state average was $4.597, showing a continuing downward trend.
Road Travel Timing
AAA forecasts 71.74 million people will travel by car this Thanksgiving holiday. According to INRIX data, travelers should note that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will see the heaviest traffic. For optimal driving conditions, Thanksgiving Day itself offers the clearest roads. Planning a return trip? Early Sunday morning promises the least stressful journey home.
