Although Thanksgiving is coming up, some smart travelers are already planning their vacations to beat the rush.
“A lot of people now are working remotely and are realizing they can get there early, spend extra time with their families and still get to work,”Pauline Frommer, Frommer Travel Guides, told Inside Edition.
Thanksgiving travel is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Fifty-three million people are expected to take to the roads, rails and skies — that’s 80% more than last year.
But when will they be available?
TSA’s head made rounds of morning shows to assure everyone they could handle the crowds, despite reports that there were staff shortages because of COVID-19.
“We’re very confident this is going to be a very smooth operation over the next several days,” David Pekoske said.
Some airlines are offering major incentives to their staff to work during the holiday. Southwest Airlines is paying their ground crews triple overtime.
But American Airlines pilots union spokesman Captain Dennis Tajer says passengers should brace for the worse if the weather turns nasty.
“Every time there’s a major weather event — not even major — it’s the recovery that these airlines, including American, have been ineffective in executing,” Tajer said.
WHDH-TV Boston meteorologist Josh Wurster says a “significant storm”Northeast could be hit just before Thanksgiving. Expect the worst rainfall and the gustiest winds Monday.
Wurster stated that the worst of the storm should have passed by Tuesday.
Most holiday travelers will drive to their destinations, which will make it more expensive. Gas prices continue to increase, with the national average at $3.41 versus $2.12 one year ago.