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Thanksgiving brings families and friends together, but getting there can be one of the most stressful parts of the holiday. Crowded highways, busy airports and unpredictable November weather can turn even a short trip into a challenge.
This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and travelers should prepare for heavy traffic throughout the holiday week.
Last year, AAA projected a record 81.8 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Nearly 90% were expected to travel by car. While official 2026 travel projections are not yet available, these figures illustrate just how crowded the roads can become.
Whether you're driving across town or flying across the country, knowing when to travel and taking a few precautions can help you avoid unnecessary delays and risks.
At Axcet HR Solutions, our safety and risk management professionals understand the importance of preparing for potential hazards. These holiday travel safety tips can help you plan a safer, smoother Thanksgiving journey.
When you travel can make a big difference in how much time you spend on the road or at the airport.
Historically, Thanksgiving travel congestion builds in the days leading up to the holiday and peaks again as travelers return home.
Based on previous Thanksgiving travel patterns, these are the dates to watch in 2026:
The day before Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest days for outbound travel. Highways near major metropolitan areas can become especially congested as travelers leave work and head out of town.
Airports also experience heavy passenger traffic as travelers make their way to Thanksgiving destinations.
The day before Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest days for outbound travel. Highways near major metropolitan areas can become especially congested as travelers leave work and head out of town.
Airports also experience heavy passenger traffic as travelers make their way to Thanksgiving destinations.
Thanksgiving Day itself has historically been a less congested option for highway travel. Airports may also be less crowded than on the busiest surrounding days.
For travelers with flexible schedules, departing on Thanksgiving morning may offer a more relaxed trip.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest return-travel days, particularly for air travelers.
Drivers can also expect delays as families head home before the start of the workweek.
Travel Tip: If your schedule allows, consider returning on Saturday, November 28, or Monday, November 30, rather than Sunday. Traffic and flight conditions will vary by destination.
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According to AAA and INRIX's 2025 Thanksgiving travel forecast, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons were expected to experience significant congestion, while Sunday return traffic was projected to remain heavy for much of the day.
Those historical patterns offer a useful starting point for planning Thanksgiving 2026.
| Travel Day | Historical Traffic Guidance |
| Tuesday, November 24 | Consider leaving before midday to avoid afternoon congestion. |
| Wednesday, November 25 | Early morning departures may help avoid heavier afternoon traffic. |
| Thursday, November 26 | Thanksgiving Day has historically experienced less highway congestion. |
| Friday, November 27 | Morning departures may be preferable to afternoon travel. |
| Saturday, November 28 | Consider leaving early to avoid afternoon traffic. |
| Sunday, November 29 | Plan for heavy return traffic and consider an early departure. |
| Monday, November 30 | An alternative return day, although commuter traffic may create delays. |
These recommendations are based on historical travel patterns, not confirmed 2026 traffic predictions. Local conditions, weather, construction and accidents can significantly affect travel times.
Before departing, check real-time traffic through Google Maps, Waze or your state's transportation department. A route that looks clear the night before may have unexpected delays by morning.
And remember: The least congested departure time isn't necessarily the safest if it requires driving while fatigued or in hazardous weather.
Driving remains the most common way Americans travel for Thanksgiving. Before heading out, take a few minutes to make sure both you and your vehicle are prepared.
Check your vehicle's tire pressure, battery, fluids, lights and windshield wipers before a long trip.
AAA reported responding to nearly 600,000 emergency roadside assistance calls during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday period for problems including dead batteries, flat tires and empty fuel tanks.
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with items such as:
Preparing ahead can turn an unexpected breakdown into a manageable inconvenience rather than an emergency.
November weather can change quickly, especially when traveling across multiple states.
Don't check only the forecast at your starting point. Review conditions along your entire route and at your destination.
Rain, snow, ice, fog and high winds can all affect stopping distance and visibility. If conditions deteriorate, slow down and allow additional space between vehicles.
Navigation, text messages and travel updates can all compete for a driver's attention.
Program your destination before leaving, use hands-free features when appropriate and let a passenger handle messages or navigation changes whenever possible.
If something requires your full attention, find a safe place to stop.
Seat belts are one of the most effective protections against serious injuries in a crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 309 people died in traffic crashes during the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Of those killed, 44% were unbuckled.
Before leaving, make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt and that children are secured in age- and size-appropriate car seats or boosters.
Even a short drive to a nearby holiday gathering requires the same precautions as a cross-country road trip.
Getting an early start may help you avoid traffic, but not if it means sacrificing sleep.
Fatigue slows reaction time, reduces attention and can impair decision-making behind the wheel.
Warning signs include frequent yawning, drifting between lanes, difficulty focusing and missing exits.
Get adequate rest before departing, share driving responsibilities when possible and schedule regular breaks on longer trips.
If you become drowsy, stop somewhere safe and rest. Opening a window, turning up the music or drinking more caffeine is not a substitute for sleep.
Holiday congestion can add hours to an otherwise routine drive.
If you're traveling in a gas-powered vehicle, fill your tank before leaving and avoid letting your fuel level get too low in unfamiliar areas.
Electric vehicle drivers should identify charging stations in advance, check availability and have backup charging locations in mind.
Cold weather, traffic conditions and vehicle heating can also affect an EV's driving range, so allow an additional margin when planning stops.
One of the easiest ways to reduce travel stress is to avoid creating an unnecessarily tight schedule.
Extra time means you're less likely to feel pressured to speed or make risky decisions when traffic, weather or other delays occur.
Millions of Americans will also take to the skies during Thanksgiving week. Busy terminals, security lines and tight flight connections can add stress to holiday travel.
A little preparation can help you navigate crowded airports and unexpected schedule changes.
Early booking helps secure better rates, and morning flights tend to be less affected by delays.
Travel insurance is valuable during peak seasons. Scheduling longer layovers provides extra time for connections if flights are delayed.
Arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Use your airline’s app to track bags and access updates.
Pre-screening programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry help reduce wait times in security.
By incorporating these transit-specific tips alongside your overall holiday travel safety tips, you’re giving your travel plan a robust foundation for safety and ease.
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The night before Thanksgiving is a popular time for gatherings with friends and family, making impaired driving an especially important safety concern. If alcohol will be part of your Thanksgiving Eve plans, decide how you're getting home before the celebration begins.
If you plan to partake in celebrations, arrange for a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service.
Even small amounts of alcohol can affect judgment and reaction time. Make responsible choices to ensure everyone gets home safely.
Be extra cautious on the road, as not all drivers may make safe choices.
As a trusted partner in safety and risk management, Axcet HR Solutions encourages everyone to prioritize safety during the holidays. By planning ahead and making responsible decisions, you can help ensure a joyous and safe Thanksgiving for yourself and your loved ones.
Before leaving for Thanksgiving travel, take a few minutes to run through this checklist:
A few minutes of preparation can make a major difference when unexpected circumstances arise.
Axcet’s Commitment to Your Safety
At Axcet HR Solutions, our team of safety and risk management professionals is committed to equipping you with actionable and timely advice. From the car ride to the airport to final arrival home, treating your journey as part of your safety ecosystem is critical.
As Thanksgiving kicks off the broader holiday travel season, we hope these holiday travel safety tips help you reach your destination with ease and return home ready for the season’s joy, not exhausted from travel chaos.
From all of us at Axcet HR Solutions, safe travels and a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Written by
Sam Hihn is a Safety and Health Consultant at Axcet HR Solutions, where he helps businesses build safer, more compliant workplaces through practical, hands-on risk management strategies. He works closely with client organizations to identify hazards, strengthen safety practices, and implement programs that protect employees while supporting operational efficiency.
Sam partners directly with business leaders and frontline teams to assess workplace environments, equipment, and processes, ensuring alignment with OSHA standards and other regulatory requirements. He develops customized safety and health programs tailored to each organization's needs and provides guidance through OSHA inspections, citation responses, and corrective action planning—helping clients navigate compliance with clarity and confidence.
A key part of Sam's work is translating complex safety requirements into clear, actionable steps. He conducts safety training, supports incident investigations to determine root causes, and delivers practical recommendations to prevent future issues. His approach focuses not only on meeting regulatory standards but on building sustainable safety practices that become part of everyday operations.
With a background in manufacturing and safety roles, Sam brings real-world perspective to the challenges employers face. He is known for his approachable style, attention to detail, and commitment to helping teams take ownership of workplace safety. Through his writing, Sam shares actionable insights and guidance to help employers reduce risk, improve compliance, and create safer environments where employees can thrive.
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