Record Thanksgiving Travel Surge Expected at Upstate NY Airports

UPDATE: This Thanksgiving is set to break travel records, with 17.8 million Americans flying to holiday destinations, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Just one week after the FAA lifted significant flight restrictions nationwide, upstate New York airports are gearing up for an unprecedented surge in travelers.

Officials report that today, Wednesday, and Sunday are poised to be the busiest days, with over 5,000 passengers expected to depart from Albany International Airport alone. “We are fully staffed and ready for the influx of holiday travelers,” stated Matt Hunter, Director of Communications at Albany International Airport.

Passengers like Jason Frazier, traveling with his children AJ and MJ, are among the thousands planning their trips. “I wanted to leave a day earlier, but flights were booked,” Jason explained. “We’re flying out Saturday instead of Sunday due to school schedules, and I want to avoid any potential travel delays.”

On the road, the situation is similarly hectic. AAA forecasts that at least 73 million drivers will take to the highways, marking an increase of 1.3 million compared to last year. Gina Martino Trubites, who is heading to Washington, D.C., shared her thoughts: “It’s a great drive, taking about seven and a half to eight hours. With airport chaos, it’s much easier.”

Travelers are advised to stay vigilant and allow extra time for their journeys, whether by air or road. Tiffany Riefstahl, a self-proclaimed “passenger princess,” is traveling with her family to Massachusetts and Connecticut. “I prefer hosting, but since we’ve moved away from family, we have to travel where everyone else is,” she said, emphasizing the emotional aspect of holiday travel.

With the holiday rush officially underway, experts stress the importance of planning ahead and being mindful of weather conditions. As millions prepare to reunite with loved ones, the focus remains on safe and timely travel amid the busiest Thanksgiving in years.

Stay tuned for more updates as the travel season progresses.