Travel on Oregon roads and in its airports is moving at a record pace this Thanksgiving 2024 season as highways and airports are bracing themselves for unprecedented crowds. Local travel agencies and the Oregon Department of Transportation said the deadly weather conditions have improved, coupled with the strong economic activity and pent-up demand for family gatherings.
According to AAA, Oregonians can expect more than 800,000 individuals to take their cars more than 50 miles this Thanksgiving. This represents a 10 percent increase compared to 2023. Approximately 700,000 of them will take to the roads, while an estimated 75,000 will fly.
Portland International Airport prepares for one of its busiest holiday seasons ever, in a stretch when nearly 200,000 passengers could pass through its terminals from November 25 to November 30. The airport has boosted staffing and beefed up security to meet the influx of travelers.
As air travel grows, the majority of Oregon’s Thanksgiving travelers will still ride in cars. While congestion on Interstate 5 and U.S. 26 is expected, especially in the Portland metro region and along the Oregon Coast and to Bend, ODOT says that Oregonians should be aware of possible delays.
Peak volume is expected during the afternoon of November 27 and in the evening on December 1 as travelers go out to and return from their holiday locations. Officials advise leaving the roads early in the morning or late in the evening to miss the worst of the gridlock.
“We’re urging everyone to plan ahead, check road conditions, and pack patience,” said David House, an ODOT representative. The agency has also deployed additional plows and salt trucks to prepare for potential icy conditions in higher elevations, particularly near the Cascades.
Tips for Smoother Travel
To help manage the crowds and ensure a smoother journey, AAA and ODOT offer the following tips for travelers:
- Plan ahead: Check traffic and weather conditions before heading out or to the airport.
- Use apps: Google Maps and Waze can help you chart your way around congestion and find less congested routes.
- Pack essentials: Bring snacks, water, and entertainment for long waits be it in the car or at the airport.
- Reach airports well in advance: Two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international departures.
Hopefully, Oregon’s economy would take considerable benefit from this travel boom: restaurants, hotels, and local attractions. Many businesses are reporting that this year is going to be higher than usual, as some coastal resorts and ski lodges are already sold out for the holiday weekend.
Oregon is shaping up to experience one of its busiest travel seasons to date during Thanksgiving 2024. While the large volume demonstrates the state’s resiliency and family-oriented attitude, it also calls for numerous travelers to plan ahead and be prepared to change their plans on a whim. Heading to the coast, the mountains, or across the state to see relatives, holiday travel this year promises to be an experience to remember.
