Miami Airport expects to break travel record for Thanksgiving

Airport authorities anticipate an increase in passenger traffic on November 30 and December 1, dates considered to be peak times of the season.

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Miami International Airport expects to welcome 1.9 million passengers during Thanksgiving, averaging 157,000 travelers per day and representing a 2% increase compared to last year’s record numbers.

This Sunday, thousands of travelers passed through Miami Airport, some on their way home and others arriving in South Florida to enjoy family gatherings centered around the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Although the registration and control areas appeared crowded—according to Telemundo 51—the airport authorities anticipate a higher passenger flow on November 30 and December 1, dates considered peak of the season.

As of 5:00 p.m. on November 24th, the lines at the TSA exit and security checkpoints were packed, with hundreds of flights still scheduled to take off and land throughout the rest of the weekend.

According to online flight trackers, there were 104 delays reported at the airport.

While the Transportation Secretary warns of crowded airports in the coming days, meteorologists in various states across the U.S. have issued storm alerts, with severe weather expected in states like California, Washington, and New Jersey, which could impact travel even before the holiday.

Estimated record also at the national level.

Nationwide, an estimated 79.9 million people are expected to travel across the country to celebrate the holiday. This figure represents a 2% increase compared to the previous year and surpasses pre-pandemic numbers.

Most travelers, around 71.7 million, will choose to travel by road, which could lead to significant congestion on the country's main routes.

Approximately 5.8 million people will take flights, while an additional 2.3 million will use alternative means of transportation such as buses, trains, and cruises.

Florida is also preparing for a record, with over 4.5 million residents planning trips of more than 80 kilometers during this holiday.

This represents an increase of 112,000 travelers compared to 2023.

According to AAA's Vice President of Travel, Debbie Haas, the increase in travel is due to factors such as economic recovery, low inflation, and rising incomes.

The AAA has extended the official travel period for Thanksgiving. It will last seven days, from Tuesday, November 26, to Monday, December 2, instead of the traditional five days.

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