This week is expected to be one of the busiest U.S. travel periods in history. AAA projects a record 5.7 million Texans will travel at least 50 miles from home Nov. 26-Dec. 2.

About 5.3 million Texans are expected to drive to their Thanksgiving destinations, according to a news release, while about 315,000 people will fly.

Here’s what Texans should know before they hit the road or head to the airport this Thanksgiving.

The details

Drivers can expect lower gas prices than last Thanksgiving, according to AAA Texas. One gallon of regular unleaded gas costs about $2.68 in Texas, down from $2.77 last year. The national average price for a gallon of gas is $3.06.


“Thanksgiving travelers in Texas will pay the lowest average gas prices for this holiday since the pandemic year of 2020,” AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster said in a Nov. 21 news release. “Price fluctuations remain possible as record holiday travel volume will likely put pressure on demand for fuel in the coming days.”

Texans should give themselves extra time to reach their destinations—all major Texas highways are expected to be congested in the afternoon Nov. 26-27, according to INRIX, a transportation data company. Minimal traffic is expected on Thanksgiving Day.

The worst congestion in Texas will be in the afternoon and evening of Dec. 2, when travelers and work commuters will be on the road. There will be about 30% more traffic than a normal Monday on northbound I-45 between Galveston and Houston, INRIX projects.
The best time to hit the road this week is Thanksgiving Day, according to AAA. Motorists can expect congestion on major roads across Texas and nationwide both before and after the holiday. (Courtesy AAA)
Zooming in

State officials are reminding motorists to be cautious, watch out for emergency vehicles and never drive after drinking alcohol.


Drunk drivers killed 126 people and seriously injured 272 people during the 2023 holiday season, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Instead of drinking and driving, Texans can designate a sober driver; use a taxi or ride-hail service; use public transportation; call a friend or family member; or stay put until they are sober, TxDOT said in a news release.

“It’s not okay to drink and drive. It’s not okay for a friend or family member to go through the death of a loved one at the hands of people who are drinking and driving,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said in the release. “It’s always possible to find a safe and sober ride home, so make it a priority any time you drink.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety will increase patrols Nov. 27-Dec. 1, with state troopers looking for people speeding, not wearing their seatbelts, driving while intoxicated and failing to yield to emergency vehicles. Officials encourage drivers to keep themselves and others safe by doing the following:
  • Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Slow down in bad weather, heavy traffic, construction zones and unfamiliar areas.
  • Eliminate distractions, and never use mobile devices while driving.
  • Ensure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt.
  • Use the left lane for passing only on multilane roads.
  • Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number, 1-800-525-5555, stored in your phone.
  • Move over or slow down for emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road.
State law requires drivers to slow down at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit or change lanes when passing police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and tow trucks stopped on the road, according to TxDOT.

During Thanksgiving 2023, the DPS arrested 90 people for drunk driving and other traffic offenses, according to a news release.


At the airport

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 18.3 million passengers between Nov. 26-Dec. 2. Over 3 million people are expected to go through airport security Dec. 1, which could set a new daily record, the TSA said in a news release.

The TSA aims to keep security wait times under 10 minutes for passengers with TSA PreCheck and under 30 minutes for all other passengers, TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. To keep things going smoothly, travelers should empty their bags before packing and put liquids over 3.4 ounces in checked luggage, according to the TSA.

The TSA said these Thanksgiving dishes can be carried through airport security:
  • Turkey, ham and other meats (frozen, cooked or uncooked)
  • Pies, cakes, cookies and other baked goods
  • Stuffing, casseroles or macaroni and cheese
  • Fresh fruits or vegetables
  • Candy
  • Spices
Liquids, such as cranberry sauce, gravy, canned produce and wine, should be packed in checked bags, according to a news release.One more thing

Travelers can visit this dashboard, created by the U.S. Department of Transportation, for details on how U.S. airlines handle canceled and delayed flights.

Earlier this fall, a new DOT rule took effect, requiring airlines to automatically refund customers if a flight is significantly delayed or canceled and the passenger is not rebooked.