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Florida is set to break a new record for travel during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Saturated airports, congested roads, and overcrowded tourist destinations will characterize a week of unprecedented travel, according to official projections.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has projected that 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from their homes between Tuesday, November 25, and Monday, December 1, representing an increase of 1.6 million compared to 2024.
This growth reaffirms Thanksgiving as the holiday with the highest traveler traffic of the year, surpassing Memorial Day and Independence Day.
Florida is a central figure in this phenomenon.
The AAA estimates that 4.65 million residents of the state will travel during the holiday, representing a 2.6% increase compared to the previous year and setting a new record.
“Floridians are celebrating Thanksgiving with unprecedented travel plans this year,” stated Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group, as reported by El Nuevo Herald.
Crowded highways and flights at their limit
The vast majority will choose to travel by vehicle: more than 4.25 million Floridians will drive to their destinations.
Only 298,712 will travel by plane, and 87,729 will use other means such as train, bus, or cruise.
The national trend is similar: nearly 90% of travelers will be driving, which will directly impact traffic congestion levels.
According to Fox 13 News, the peak traffic times will extend from noon until night on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the periods from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. being especially critical.
On Sunday, with the massive return home, a high volume of vehicles is also expected.
Congested airports in Florida
For its part, the Miami International Airport (MIA) projects 1.96 million passengers during the period from November 21 to December 2, with a daily average of 170,000 people, representing a 4% increase compared to 2024.
According to TSA spokesperson Daniel Valez, it's expected that 640,000 people will be screened "from Monday to Monday" at that airport alone.
Other major airports such as Tampa (TPA) and Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) have also activated contingency plans.
TPA estimates around 900,000 passengers, with Sunday the 30th being the busiest day (86,000 users), while SRQ anticipates up to 20,000 daily passengers and a 7% increase in traffic.
Florida: the favorite destination
Florida is not only a departure point but also the main tourist destination in the country during Thanksgiving.
Four of the five most popular destinations are in the state, according to AAA. They are Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa.
Florida cities attract visitors with their warm climate, tourist attractions, and cruise ports.
Good news on the road
One of the factors that could ease the economic impact of road trips is the price of fuel. "That road trip is going to cost a bit less this year," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA.
The average price of gasoline is expected to be well below $3 per gallon, in contrast to last year's $3.11.
Weather and other forecasts
Southern Florida will generally have good weather conditions, while other regions of the country are forecasted to experience snowfall and storms, especially in the Rocky Mountains, the Midwest, and the northern part of the country, which could impact both flights and road travel.
Tips for Those Traveling by Air
In light of this high-demand situation, the authorities at Miami International Airport (MIA) issued a series of recommendations to prevent delays:
Parking:
It is advisable to prepay online for spaces in the Flamingo or Dolphin garages.
Consider alternatives such as the Economy Park and Ride, valet parking, or the use of taxi services, rideshare, or public transportation.
The free Waiting Lot with 60 spaces is located near LeJeune Road.
Check-in:
-Arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance.
-Have check-in online to save time.
-Check the flight status through the MIA website or app.
-Have patience in the face of possible delays.
TSA Security:
-Pack medications, documents, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage.
Since July, it is no longer necessary to take off your shoes at security checkpoints for domestic flights.
International travel:
Eligible travelers can use the Mobile Passport Control app.
-There are accessibility lanes for people with reduced mobility.
Some frequent travelers share their strategies for avoiding the chaos. Others are rescheduling their trips or altering their return itineraries.
Flying on Thanksgiving Day itself may be more economical, but tickets for Sunday and Monday tend to have high fares, according to AAA.
This 2025, Thanksgiving will not only be a celebration of family unity but also a logistical challenge for millions of people in the United States, especially in Florida.
The record numbers reflect the desire to reunite, but they also highlight the need for advance planning, thorough information gathering, and, above all, maintaining calm in the face of inevitable delays and crowds.
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