Don't let Turkey Day travel ruffle your feathers

Company’s coming. Maybe lots and lots of company.

According to AAA’s latest projections, about 55.3 million travelers are expected to roam far from home to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. That’s the most since 2005, and nearly a million and a half more than last year.

Overall, more than 296,000 Idahoans are expected to take a trip — an increase of 3 percent.

AAA says high consumer confidence, low unemployment, and gas prices on par with last year will encourage more people to head for the highways and skyways.

“The economy continues to bounce back from the recession years with an 11th straight year of rising travel volume for Thanksgiving,” said Matthew Conde, public affairs director for AAA Idaho. “IHS Markit also reports that recent job growth has topped expectations. With more money in their pocket, confident consumers are moving forward with their holiday travel plans.”

The 2019 Thanksgiving holiday period is defined as Wednesday, Nov. 26 to Sunday, Dec. 1. The busiest times on the road will be Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning and Wednesday afternoon, as travelers mix with commuters who are heading to and from work. In large metro areas, drive times could be two or three times longer than normal due to traffic congestion.

The busiest day at most airports across the country will be Wednesday. Regional airports, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, will be hectic for any Idahoans who might be making a connecting flight. The least busy day will be Thanksgiving itself.

“If you decide to travel at the last minute, you might be able to snatch up an inexpensive ticket and still arrive in time for Thanksgiving dinner,” Conde said. “But if you’re traveling during peak times, expect full planes, busy security lines, and crowded gates. In recent years, overall seat capacity has not increased as quickly as the demand for flying.”

Idaho’s rural makeup means an above-average number of people will drive to reach their destination, and a slightly below-average number will fly when compared with national trends.