The Thanksgiving holiday travel season is set to witness an extraordinary surge, with approximately 6.78 million Southern Californians expected to travel from November 22 to November 27, 2023. This figure represents a 7% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, highlighting a growing trend in holiday travel as families prioritize gatherings after years of confinement.
According to the Auto Club of Southern California, the majority of travelers, around 5.88 million, will be taking to the roads. An estimated 704,000 will fly, while 196,000 will utilize alternative modes of transport such as trains, buses, or cruise ships. This overall increase of 2.8% from last year underscores the importance of Thanksgiving as a time for reconnecting with family and friends.
Peak Travel Days and Airport Conditions
The busiest travel period at San Diego International Airport is anticipated to extend through December 1, with daily passenger volumes expected to exceed 80,000, marking a 3% rise from 2022. The airport is preparing for its peak day on Sunday, November 30, when as many as 90,000 travelers are projected to pass through its terminals. Other high-traffic days will include the Wednesday leading up to Thanksgiving and the Monday following the holiday.
Travelers heading to the airport should anticipate delays due to heavy traffic compounded by ongoing construction related to the Terminal 1 project. The busiest curbside times are forecasted between 04:00 to 06:15, 09:30 to 12:30, and 20:00 to 00:00.
To alleviate potential travel headaches, the airport authority has provided several tips. Travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours early, stay informed about new roadway changes directing drivers to Terminals 1 and 2, and consider making parking reservations through the airport’s website. Additionally, the San Diego Flyer shuttle service operates daily, providing convenient transport between the Old Town Transit Station and the airport at regular intervals.
National Trends and Travel Costs
On a national scale, 81.8 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving, a record number that surpasses last year’s figures by 1.6 million, according to the Auto Club. This increase in travel comes alongside higher gas prices, with Southern California motorists facing an average cost of approximately $4.66 per gallon.
Popular destinations for Southern California travelers include San Diego, Las Vegas, Disneyland, and the Bay Area. As the holiday approaches, the transportation analytics firm INRIX forecasts that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving will see the most congestion on local roads, while the Sunday after the holiday is expected to experience the heaviest return traffic.
As millions prepare to embark on their Thanksgiving journeys, the emphasis on family connections and shared experiences remains a powerful motivator, transforming this holiday into one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
