AAA Texas' Grillo: 'Travel for Thanksgiving continues to rebound to nearly pre-pandemic levels'

The Texas chapter of the American Automobile Association (AAA) estimated that approximately four million Texans will travel by car in advance of Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, according to a report from Austin ABC affiliate KVUE. 

Per AAA, the station reported, the figure is around 95% of pre-pandemic levels.

AAA Texas Vice President and General Manager Galen Grillo said it’s part of a favorable trend. 

“Travel for Thanksgiving continues to rebound to nearly pre-pandemic levels as families and friends are eager to enjoy time together during the holiday weekend,” Grillo said, KVUE reported. “Plan ahead, consider working with a trusted travel advisor and remember proper vehicle maintenance to help prevent breakdowns.”

The station reported that AAA projected the upcoming Turkey Day travel period to be the sixth busiest since it started monitoring the roads and the skies in 2000. 

AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster advised anyone leaving home for the holiday by public transportation to have a game plan in anticipation of crowds, KVUE reported. 

“With travel restrictions lifted and more people comfortable taking public transportation again, it’s no surprise buses, trains and cruises are coming back in a big way,” Armbruster said in the report. “Regardless of the mode of transportation you have chosen, expect crowds during your trip and at your destination. If your schedule is flexible, consider off-peak travel times during the holiday rush.”

Reuters reported that airports nationwide are bracing for the highest number of air passengers recorded in three years. 

"I expect most flights to be running very full," travel data firm OAG senior analyst John Grant said in the report. "So finding a seat ... might be quite difficult."

In terms of vehicular travel, AAA Texas said that the best time to leave on Wednesday is before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m.