NEW YORK (WABC) — Traveling for the Thanksgiving season? You're in good company.
AAA predicts 81.8 million people will travel during the holiday period (between Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Monday, Dec. 1), which is a 1.6 million jump from last year and a new Thanksgiving record.
As for the roads, many are opting to take a road trip this year instead of flying.
AAA predicts at least 73 million will go by car to their destination.
Experts say today between noon and 9 p.m. will be some of the worst traffic — so if you can, leave early.
Airlines say they're not expecting any residual impacts of the 43-day-long government shutdown during the holiday.
But flight bookings for Nov. 26 through Nov. 30 are down 3.3% compared to last year, aviation analytics company Cirium said, likely due to uncertainty from the government shutdown.
And just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday travel season, the Trump administration has launched a new campaign that's been causing a lot of buzz on social media.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the campaign is meant to encourage civility at airports.
"I call this, just maybe dressing with some respect, you know, whether it's a pair of jeans and a decent shirt, I would encourage people to maybe dress a little better, which encourage encourages us to maybe behave a little better. Let's try not to wear slippers and and pajamas as we come to the airport. I think that's positive," Duffy said.
Sunday, Nov. 30 is predicted to be the busiest air travel day as people head home after the Thanksgiving holiday — so leave early and give yourself some extra time on the roads and at TSA.
The best time to hit the road ahead of Thanksgiving is before noon on Tuesday, Nov. 25, or before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, according to analytics company INRIX. Traffic will also be light on Thanksgiving Day.
When you're heading home, the best times to drive are: before 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28; before 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29; before 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30; or after 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, INRIX said.
The busiest U.S. airports are expected to be Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Denver International Airport, according to Hopper.
ABC News contributed to this report.
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