Record-breaking number of Texans to travel during Thanksgiving

Texas Thanksgiving travel to break records

Texans are expected to travel in record numbers during Thanksgiving this year.

DALLAS - Texans are expected to travel in record numbers during Thanksgiving this year.

According to a forecast from AAA Texas released this week, 5.8 million people in Texas will travel more than 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period – between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1. That marks a 1.1% increase over last year.

Nearly 90% of Texans will drive to their destination. About 328,000 Texans will fly, while another 140,000 will use other means of transportation.

Cars pack a highway in Texas. (FOX Local)

What they're saying:

"Thanksgiving travel is a true Texas tradition," said Galen Grillo, vice president and general manager of AAA Texas. "From road trips along I-35 and I-10 to flights out of DFW and Houston, Texans go the distance to spend time with family and friends. It’s one of the busiest – and most meaningful – times to travel each year."

Busiest travel days

Travelers prepare for more delays at Dallas airports

Hundreds of delays and cancellations will make today's travel difficult for some passengers. Here's what DFW Airport is doing to gear up for the busy Thanksgiving travel days.

Timeline:

According to AAA, INRIX expects the roads to be the most congested on Nov. 25 and 26. Heavy return traffic is also expected on Nov. 30. As many as 29,000 roadside assistance calls are forecast in Texas during the holiday travel period, AAA said.

For air travel, most passengers typically flock to airports on the Sunday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. However, the day before Thanksgiving is also exceptionally busy. Officials at both Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) said they also expect heavy traffic the Friday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Transportation Security Administration officials said that passengers should arrive at least 3 hours before their flight.

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Gas prices

Why you should care:

AAA reported that Texas drivers will pay $2.61 per gallon on average for gasoline this year – roughly the same price as last year

Where ya headed?

Dig deeper:

According to AAA, most travelers in Texas are bound for Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and the Hill Country.

File: Girl celebrates Thanksgiving dinner (Credit: skynesher / E+ / Getty Images)

National scale

By the numbers:

Across the country, AAA predicted 81.8 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving. That marks a new record and is an increase of 1.6 million over last year.