When are the best days to fly for Thanksgiving in Fresno? Hit the road? Here’s what to know
Planning to travel outside of Fresno during Thanksgiving? Be prepared for crowds.
According to AAA, 10.7 million California residents are expected to travel for the holiday.
Of those, approximately 9.3 million Californians will hit the road by car, while 1.1 million will take to the skies for domestic airplane flights.
Another 296,000 Californians are expected to travel by alternative means, including buses, trains and cruises, AAA said.
“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a Nov. 18 news release.
Here’s what you need to know before you head out:
What are the best days to fly for Thanksgiving?
According to Fresno Yosemite International Airport, the Thanksgiving travel period began Friday, Nov. 17, and concludes Monday, Dec. 2.
During that 12-day period, the Transportation Security Administration projects the busiest days will be “Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward,” the airport said on its website.
“With flights anticipated to be at or near capacity, fewer options may be available to accommodate rebooking if flights are missed,” the airport said.
“Passengers are strongly encouraged to arrive early at the airport two hours or more prior to domestic flight departures and three hours or more prior to international flights.” Vikki Calderon, media and public relations officer for the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, said in a news release.
The busiest times at security checkpoints are 4 to 6 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight, Calderon said.
For a smoother experience and “lighter traffic levels,” consider traveling on Thanksgiving Day, AAA said.
The holiday typically has “some of the lowest prices on tickets,” the automobile association said.
What about airport parking?
According to Calderon, airport parking will be in high demand during the Thanksgiving travel period.
She said it’s important for airport travelers to keep an alternate parking lot in mind in case their first choice is already full.
The airport has rideshare drop-off and pick-up areas.
“Fresno Area Express and V-Line are in front of the terminal departures curb at the center median,” Calderon said.
When are the best days and times to drive?
According to AAA, the best days and times to drive for Thanksgiving include:
- Tuesday, Nov. 26, before 10 a.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 27, before 10 a.m.
- Friday, Nov. 29, after 1 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 30, before 1 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 1, before 1 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 2, before 8 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
In addition, “minimal traffic impact” is expected on Thanksgiving Day, AAA said.
“During the holiday season, especially the week of Thanksgiving and the days beforehand, there’s going to be higher volumes of traffic throughout the state highway,” said Alex Aguilera, public information officer for the California Department of Transportation’s District 6.
“We tend to suspend or postpone or delay any projects or road operations” during that time period, Aguilera said. “That way, motorists can travel safely throughout the area and not have to worry about construction projects.”
Travelers in California will pay the lowest average gas prices for this holiday since 2020, according to AAA. “Average prices in most local metro areas are at or near $4.50 a gallon.”
Holiday travel tips
According to the Travel Channel and past reporting by The Sacamento Bee, there are some holiday travel tips:
- Plan ahead
- Pack light
- Choose the best day for traveling
- Check your vehicle and make sure it’s in good conditions
- Download your airline app
- Reserve an airport parking space in advance
%20Cropped.jpg)