The Miami International Airport is gearing up to accommodate an anticipated 1.9 million passengers during the Thanksgiving holiday. This translates to an average of 157,000 travelers each day, marking a 2% increase from last year's record numbers. On Sunday, the airport was bustling with thousands of travelers, some heading home while others arrived in South Florida to partake in family gatherings centered around the traditional Thanksgiving feast.
The check-in and security areas were notably busy, as reported by Telemundo 51, yet airport authorities predict an even higher influx of passengers on November 30 and December 1, the peak days of the season. By 5:00 p.m. on November 24, the lines at the TSA security and departure areas were packed, with hundreds of flights still scheduled to take off and land throughout the weekend. Online flight trackers noted 104 delays at the airport.
Nationwide Travel Boom Expected
As the Secretary of Transportation warns of crowded airports in the coming days, meteorologists across various U.S. states have issued storm alerts, with severe weather anticipated in regions like California, Washington, and New Jersey, potentially impacting travel ahead of the holiday.
Nationally, an estimated 79.9 million people are expected to travel across the country for the celebration. This figure represents a 2% rise from the previous year and surpasses pre-pandemic levels. A significant portion of travelers, approximately 71.7 million, will hit the roads, which could lead to considerable congestion on major highways. About 5.8 million individuals will fly, while another 2.3 million will use alternative transportation methods such as buses, trains, and cruises.
Florida's Travel Surge
Florida is also preparing for a record number of travelers, with over 4.5 million residents planning trips of more than 80 kilometers during the holiday. This constitutes an increase of 112,000 travelers compared to 2023. According to AAA's Vice President of Travel, Debbie Haas, the rise in travel is driven by factors like economic recovery, low inflation, and increased incomes.
The AAA has extended the official Thanksgiving travel period to seven days, from Tuesday, November 26, to Monday, December 2, instead of the traditional five days.