Best Times To Get Out Of NoVA, DC For Thanksgiving 2021

VIRGINIA/DC — If you traveled last Thanksgiving during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, traffic is going to look a lot different in Northern Virginia and D.C. this year, especially if you plan to make the trip by car. It’s also likely to cost you more to get to your destination.

As more Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19 and U.S. borders reopen to fully vaccinated international travelers, more than 53.4 million people are expected to travel this Thanksgiving, according to this year’s travel forecast released this week by AAA. The prediction marks a 13 percent increase from 2020.

This year’s forecast also reflects the highest single-year increase in Thanksgiving travel since 2005, bringing travel volumes close to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

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"Both the Thanksgiving travel projections and the results of AAA’s poll of District drivers tell the same story. Many Thanksgiving travelers see COVID in the rearview mirror and they are looking forward to returning to the pre-pandemic tradition of gathering with family and friends,” Ragina C. Ali, public and government affairs manager at AAA Mid-Atlantic, said in a statement Tuesday. “Travelers should expect — and plan for — both the roadways and airports to be as busy as ever.”

Northern Virginia and D.C. travelers should prepare for both roads and airports to be noticeably busier this year, according to the auto club.

AAA is projecting that nearly 1.3 million residents of the D.C. area will be traveling over the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend, up 13 percent over last year. Among the travelers, 93 percent are expected to hit the road for their trip, marking the fourth-highest number of auto travel since AAA has been keeping record.

Air travel is projected to be up 80 percent over last year, with more than 75,000 D.C. area residents taking to the skies for the fall holiday.

AAA found in a poll that 14 percent of D.C. area residents feel traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday poses a “significant” risk for COVID, down from 48 percent ahead of Thanksgiving in 2020.

Despite higher gasoline prices, nearly 90 percent of the D.C. area residents who are not driving for the holiday, said gasoline prices played no role in that decision.

“Historically, higher gas prices have not kept travelers home,” Ali said. “Instead, they adjust their budgets to spend less on other expenses such as meals or lodging.”

AAA's Thanksgiving Holiday Travel survey of D.C. area drivers was conducted by Public Policy Polling on behalf of AAA on Nov. 4-5. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.8 percent.

Nationwide, travel by bus or train is also expected to increase a staggering 262 percent.

Where are people traveling? AAA booking data reveals big cities and tropical destinations are topping travelers’ lists this Thanksgiving. And despite gas costing a dollar more per gallon than at this point last year, 90 percent of people still plan to travel by car.

Travel Times

Whether you plan to travel by plane, train or automobile, those doing so in major urban cities are likely to see increased delays in areas where traffic bottlenecks are already common.

The transportation analytics firm INRIX, in collaboration with AAA, predicts drivers will experience the worst congestion heading into the holiday weekend as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers.

Major metro areas across the United States could see more than double the delays versus typical drive times. Drivers in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York City are likely to experience more than three times the delays.

If you plan to travel from Northern Virginia and D.C. and want to avoid the rush, be aware that the peak travel time is expected to be noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24 and noon to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Heading home, the worst travel times are expected to be 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27 and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28.

Travel Costs

Travelers are also likely to run into some higher prices and other changes from last year. AAA recommends travelers book flights, car rentals, accommodations and other activities as early as possible, as prices are not expected to decrease as the holiday nears.

Traveling by air: Even with air travel seeing a boost this year, AAA estimates that the average lowest airfare will cost about $132, about 27.3 percent less than last year. Those wanting to book last-minute travel will find the best fares about two weeks prior to Thanksgiving, but availability may be limited.

Hotels: The cost of a night’s stay at mid-range hotels has increased about 39 percent, with average nightly rates ranging between $137 and $172.

Car rentals: Daily car rental rates are averaging about $98, a 4 percent increase over last year.

Travel Tips

Planning ahead can prevent a number of travel headaches, according to AAA:

• Arrive at the airport early so you’ll have plenty of time to get through longer TSA lines and other travel checkpoints. For domestic travel, AAA suggests 2 hours ahead of departure time and 3 hours for international travel.

• Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times.

• Hit the road when there’s less traffic and allow for extra time when traveling to your destination.

• Plan ahead. Check with state and local authorities where you are, along your route, and at your planned destination to learn about local circumstances and any restrictions that may be in place.

• Minimize stops along the way. Pack meals, extra snacks and drinks in addition to an emergency roadside kit.

• Follow public health guidance. Use face masks and remember to socially distance. Wash your hands regularly and be sure to pack disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health.

• Check with your hotel. Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions it is taking and what requirements are in place to protect guests.

For other helpful travel guidance from AAA, visit the organization’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map for the latest state and local travel restrictions. You can also use TripTik.AAA.com to plan your road trip and help determine which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels are open along your route.

RELATED: DC, NoVA Thanksgiving Travel 2020: Survey Findings, Worst Travel Time