Experts Expect Busiest Thanksgiving Travel Holiday Since 2007
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The roads and airports will be packed on Wednesday as millions of Americans leave for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The AAA projects 48.7 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles for the Thanksgiving holiday, up about a million travelers compared to last year, and the most Thanksgiving travelers in nine years.
AAA said more people are traveling this Thanksgiving compared to years past because the economy is doing much better. People feel more secure in their job situation, and have more disposable income to spend on travel.
The AAA predicts about 3.7 million people will be flying for Thanksgiving, up 1.6 percent from last year. Travelers are advised to get to the airports at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before domestic flights.
As of early Wednesday morning, there were no significant delays at O'Hare International Airport, but that could change later in the day, so travelers should check their flight status online before heading to the airport.
Highways also will be busy for the holiday, as more than 89 percent of Thanksgiving travelers will be driving. AAA expects 43.5 million Americans will be hitting the road, up 1.9 percent over last year.
Google analyzed traffic patterns for Chicago, and found the best time to leave is 7 a.m. Wednesday, and the best day to return is Friday morning.