AAA projected in 2025 that nearly 82 million people would travel at least 50 miles from home over Thanksgiving, a record and 1.6 million more than the year before, with about 73 million of them, or 89.6 percent, going by car. Northern Virginia Magazine reported the figures on 25 November 2025.
That is last year’s forecast, and AAA’s 2026 numbers may differ. This guide uses the 2025 AAA driving windows reported by Northern Virginia Magazine as a pattern, and TSA’s food-packing tips, which date from 21 November 2019 and may have changed, so check the TSA site before you fly. The checklist items marked as ours are general suggestions. Thanksgiving is on Thursday, 26 November 2026.
When to Drive
Northern Virginia Magazine reports AAA’s study of the best and worst times to drive in 2025. The Washington DC area peaked on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., with travel time up 166 percent. Other regions differ, so use these as a pattern.
| Period (2025) | Best | Worst |
|---|---|---|
| Before Thanksgiving | Tuesday before noon; Wednesday before 11 a.m.; Thanksgiving Day | Tuesday noon to 9 p.m.; Wednesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| After Thanksgiving | Friday or Sunday before 11 a.m.; Saturday before 10 a.m.; Monday after 8 p.m. | Friday 1 to 7 p.m.; Saturday 1 to 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Monday noon to 8 p.m. |
The 2026 holiday falls on 26 November, so the same weekdays apply, but check this year’s forecast.
Packing Food for a Flight
TSA’s 2019 tips say solid foods such as pies, cakes, stuffing mix and casseroles are allowed in carry-on bags, while liquid or spreadable foods such as gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam and preserves should go in checked bags. Carving knives belong in checked bags. These are 2019 rules, so check TSA’s current guidance.
| Food (TSA 2019) | Where it goes |
|---|---|
| Pies, cakes, stuffing mix, casseroles | Carry-on |
| Gravy, cranberry sauce, jam, preserves | Checked bag |
| Wine | Checked bag |
| Carving knives | Checked bag |
TSA also suggests arriving two hours before domestic flights, wearing slip-on shoes and using the MyTSA app’s ‘Can I bring’ feature.
A Travel Checklist (Our Suggestions)
These are general suggestions, not sourced figures.
| Task | Why |
|---|---|
| Book earlier or later in the day | Avoid peak windows |
| Check the forecast and road conditions the night before | Allow for weather |
| Pack a snack bag and water | Delays are common |
| Charge phones and carry a cable | Avoid being stranded |
| Share your plan with the host | Plan around arrival time |
| Keep gifts and food in your carry-on | Reduce lost-luggage stress |
Travelling With Food and Dishes
If you are bringing a dish, the two-hour rule applies. IFAS repeats the USDA guidance that food should not stay at room temperature for more than two hours. Our advice is to use a cooler or insulated bag and reheat on arrival. See our guide on how to sleep better tonight for tips if long travel disrupts your rest.
Stress and Timing
Our general advice is to build in buffer time, accept that delays may happen and keep plans flexible. Telling your host that you may arrive late takes pressure off everyone. For stress signs to watch for during busy weeks, see our guide to chronic stress signs.
