Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and AAA, in partnership with INRIX, has released its forecast for the best and worst times to be on the road. With over 71.7 million people expected to travel by car and 5.85 million flying domestically, planning your journey wisely could save time and stress.
When to Avoid the Roads
AAA advises travelers to avoid driving during these peak times:
- Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving, as traffic congestion will be at its highest.
- For the return trip, Sunday afternoon and most of the day Monday are predicted to be heavily crowded.
If you’re looking for smooth sailing, Thanksgiving Day itself is expected to have the least congestion on highways.
Gas Prices: Good News for Travelers
This Thanksgiving, lower gas prices are a bright spot for motorists. The national average is significantly lower than last year, with Kansas offering some of the cheapest fuel in the country at an average of $2.70 per gallon, 24 cents less than in 2023.
Top 10 States with the Lowest Gas Prices (as of November 25, 2024):
| Rank | State | Price per Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | $2.514 |
| 2 | Mississippi | $2.628 |
| 3 | Texas | $2.644 |
| 4 | Arkansas | $2.653 |
| 5 | Kansas | $2.706 |
| 6 | Louisiana | $2.711 |
| 7 | Tennessee | $2.712 |
| 8 | Missouri | $2.717 |
| 9 | Nebraska | $2.726 |
| 10 | Iowa | $2.745 |
Kansas ranks fifth nationwide for the lowest gas prices. Travelers driving through the state can check Kandrive.gov, the Kansas Department of Transportation website, for up-to-date road construction and traffic conditions.
Tools to Ease Your Trip
AAA offers a free mobile app available for download on Apple and Google platforms. The app provides travelers with:
- Cheapest gas prices near you
- Emergency roadside assistance requests
- Access to discounts and rewards
- Options to book travel and accommodations
Whether you’re flying or driving, smart planning is essential for a smooth Thanksgiving travel experience. Avoid peak traffic times, take advantage of lower gas prices, and use tools like the AAA app to save time and money on the road. With a bit of preparation, you can focus on enjoying the holiday with family and friends.