OHIO — More Ohioans are planning to travel this Thanksgiving compared to last year, hitting near pre-pandemic levels, the American Automobile Association predicts.

What You Need To Know

  • Air travel is the most popular mode of transportation this year across the U.S.

  • For Ohio, road trips are the go-to

  • AAA urges those planning to fly to get to the airports early

AAA expects more than 2.2 million Ohio residents will travel 50 miles from their homes for the holiday weekend—a 1.3% jump compared to last year. 

“Families and friends are eager to spend time together this Thanksgiving, one of the busiest for travel in the past two decades,” says Paula Twidale, AAA’s senior vice president of travel. “Plan ahead and pack your patience, whether you’re driving or flying.” 

 

In total, AAA predicts 54.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving across the U.S. That’s a 1.5% increase over 2021 and 98% of pre-pandemic volumes.

Air travel will also be the most popular mode of transportation this year across the U.S. Nationally, air travel is up nearly 8% over 2021, with 4.5 million Americans flying to their destinations this year. AAA said that's nearly 99% of the 2019 volume. 

Air travel is up in Ohio as well, 215,873 plan to fly this Thanksgiving—similar to the national trend of an increase of 9%.

“Airport parking spaces fill up fast, so reserve a spot ahead of time and arrive early,” Twidale suggests. “Anticipate long TSA lines. If possible, avoid checking a bag to allow for more flexibility if flights are delayed or you need to reschedule.”

Car travel remains relatively low, only ticking up 0.4% compared to 2021. Road tripping remains 2.5% below 2019 levels nationally. For Ohioans, 1.9 million plan to travel by car, making that the most popular mode of transportation for those in the Buckeye State. But even then, it's only a 0.3% increased compared to 2019.

As for other modes of transportation — buses, trains or even cruise ships — 1.4 million Americans plan to use those to get to their destinations. That’s an increase of 23% from 2021 and 96% of the 2019 volume.

Around 60,000 Ohioans will also be using those types of transportation, an increase of nearly 29% compared to 2021. 

“With travel restrictions lifted and more people comfortable taking public transportation again, it’s no surprise buses, trains, and cruises are coming back in a big way,” Twidale adds. “Regardless of the mode of transportation you have chosen, expect crowds during your trip and at your destination. If your schedule is flexible, consider off-peak travel times during the holiday rush.”

Best and worst times to travel

Wednesday, Nov. 23

  • Best time: Before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
  • Worst time: Between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 24

  • Best time: Before 11 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
  • Worst time: Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 25

  • Best time: Before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
  • Worst time: Between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 26

  • Best time: Before 2 p.m. and after 8 p.m.
  • Worst time: Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 27

  • Before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
  • Worst time: Between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Related Stories