Thanksgiving week is set to bring packed airports, bustling highways, and potential disruptions for travelers across the US Here’s what to expect during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. AAA forecasts that nearly 80 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday, with most opting for road trips. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen 18.3 million passengers, marking a 6% increase from last year. Sunday could see a record-breaking 3 million travelers passing through airport checkpoints, as AP reported.

Striking airport workers demand better wages

Workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport staged a 24-hour strike this week. Employed by contractors like ABM and Prospect Airport Services, these employees, including cabin cleaners and wheelchair attendants, demand a wage increase to $22–$25 per hour from their current $12.50–$19 per hour.

Union officials highlighted the financial struggles of these workers, some of whom live paycheck to paycheck. ABM has stated its commitment to addressing concerns.

Weather complicates travel

Rain, snow, and severe storms could impact both road and air travel across various regions:

  • Northeast: Heavy rain and snow are expected, especially in higher elevations like the Adirondacks and northern Maine.
  • Sierra Nevada: A winter storm warning predicts up to 4 feet of snow at higher elevations.
  • Midwest and East Coast: Rain and snow could affect travel routes early in the week.

Meanwhile, California and Washington state are recovering from last week’s deadly “bomb cyclone,” which caused flooding, landslides, and power outages.

Travel tips for the Holiday rush

To ease the stress of Thanksgiving travel:

  1. Plan ahead: Make checklists and monitor weather updates.
  2. Stay comfortable: Bring cozy clothes, snacks, and essentials.
  3. Avoid peak times: Travel early or late to beat traffic.

Airline delays are expected as airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continue grappling with staff shortages. Some facilities in New York City and Florida may reduce traffic to maintain safety. Shipping companies like USPS, UPS, and FedEx aim to deliver 2.2 billion packages nationwide between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. This represents a slight drop from 2023, attributed to shorter shopping periods and more in-store purchases.