This year, AAA projects nearly 82 million people will head 50 miles or more from home for Thanksgiving. According to AAA, the agency expects 81.8 million Americans to travel to their preferred destination between now and Dec. 1.
The figure represents a 2% increase compared to 2024.
"That is why we are trying to get out before the rush. Today's the day we set aside because we heard from the news we're told tomorrow is going to be very difficult to fly," said Jones Mark.
The Houston-bound traveler arrived at Raleigh-Durham International Airport hours ahead of his flight.
"This is beautiful. The lines are not as long as I expected," he said.
Both road and air travel are expected to break records, and Tuesday afternoon is expected to be one of the busiest times of the entire week to drive.
In North Carolina, AAA forecasted 2.7 million North Carolinians to travel for the holiday period, with 2.1 million electing to drive, 146,000 to fly, and more than 45,000 to travel by other means.
What to expect for Thanksgiving travel in NC
AAA projects 6 million people will fly this year, which would also break a record.
An increase of 2% compared to last year.
"I left at noon. Gave myself an extra hour," said Dorothy Stiefl from Wilkesboro.
Brian Gaines, who left for Detroit on Tuesday afternoon, said, "I'd rather fly, get it over with in two hours vs. driving it about 11 hours. I lose a half a day."
Meanwhile, per AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in North Carolina as of Tuesday was $2.79.
"Compared to up north. It's very good," said one driver.
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Travelers are wary of flight schedules amid an ongoing air traffic controller shortage and lingering effects of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
If you're feeling uneasy about flying amid the recent historic government shutdown, experts say to just keep looking for updates on flights and weather patterns.
"I was terrified! We had bad weather in Dallas the night before. So, yeah, I was scared," said one woman.
For Wednesday travel, AAA said the worst travel times are between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., and suggests the best time to hit the road is before 11 a.m.
"Well, we're here early because we figured that, especially with all the things that are going on in the lead-up to the holiday season, it would be better rather than be frantic. Just get here a few minutes early. And we got here early, but it wasn't that bad actually coming in. This is a very efficient airport, and we knew that. And we know how to navigate it, obviously," said travelers Terrence and Terri Burrows. "But you never know what you will run into during the holiday season. So we did decide to come a little earlier than normal. And we're just going to be patient, understanding that things are going, you know, and really just sort of enjoy. So we will be in the right frame of mind. We get there,"
If you have time, be sure to get your car checked out before you hit the road so you can pack that peace of mind while you are behind the wheel.