More than 55 million travelers, including 1.6 million Georgians, are planning trips of 50 miles or more away from home this holiday week, AAA says. That's the second-highest Thanksgiving travel volume since AAA's tracking began in 2000, trailing only 2005. Here's what metro travelers need to know.
In the air
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport expects 1.3 million passengers over the holiday travel period, with the busiest days coming on the weekend after the holiday. Sunday, Dec. 1, is expected to the busiest day, with 93,300 passengers expected to pass through security checkpoints. In fact, the industry group Airlines for America said the busiest day of the year in history for U.S. airlines is expected to be Dec. 1.
The day before Thanksgiving? You can expect the airport will be packed that day as well.
While Hartsfield-Jackson has finished constructing two giant canopies over the curbside areas, work continues on terminal escalators and pedestrian bridges. That means there are periodic overnight roadway closures, and there’s still congestion for motorists approaching the curbside and parking decks and lots next to the terminal.
Officials in Atlanta recommend getting to the airport terminal at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
» RELATED: AJC's guide to the airport this holiday season, including parking and security
» RELATED: Record volumes expected at airports for Thanksgiving travel
On the road
Experts say lower gas prices throughout the year have given many Americans some extra money, which has motivated millions to hit the road this holiday.
Like the airport, metro roads will be jammed on Wednesday, with late afternoon trips predicted to take 3.5 times longer than usual. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is expected to be challenging as well as drivers return to metro Atlanta from their holiday trips.
» RELATED: Here's when (and when not) to hit highway for holiday travel in Atlanta
Weather
For this weekend before the holiday, rain is in the forecast for most of Saturday, but Sunday likely will be dry. The sky should be clear Sunday for a chilly Macy's Great Tree Lighting at Lenox Square, with temperatures in the 40s, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologists.
Looking ahead, the holiday should be pleasant, with a high of 60 degrees and only a 10 percent chance of showers.
» RELATED: 8 mistakes to avoid with holiday travel in Georgia 2019
» RELATED: Forecasters eye Thanksgiving weather across U.S.
» RELATED: Holiday happenings in our 2019 Winter Guide
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