Thanksgiving travel forecast: Experts predict a busy week

COLORADO, USA — Experts are predicting a busy travel week ahead of Thanksgiving.

AAA said they expect nearly 80 million people to travel at least 50 miles from their home this Thanksgiving – a 2% increase from last year, according to AAA.

“Gratitude has always been the watchword for Thanksgiving get-togethers, and Americans have apparently decided they’ve got a lot to be grateful for this year,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. “Remember, travel is an economic choice. While post-pandemic pessimism about the economy lingers, it hasn’t borne out in travel trendlines – which is good news for Colorado’s hospitality industry, even as travelers can expect choked-up roadways and long lines at airports.”

Automobile travel is expected to set a record as 71.7 million people plan to travel by car, AAA said. Drivers in Colorado are seeing an average price of gas of $2.98 per gallon, according to AAA. That is down 20 cents from last year, AAA said.

For anyone planning on driving over Thanksgiving, AAA gives these tips to drivers before they hit the road:

• Get a full vehicle inspection before setting out on your trip. Find a mechanic you can trust at AAA.com/AutoRepair.
• Leave early and allow extra time to get to your destination. Who wants to be in a rush?
• Identify alternate routes in case you encounter congestion or road closures.
• Avoid distractions while driving. Program your GPS before your drive.
• Ensure everyone in the vehicle wears their seatbelt.
• Never drive impaired.

Air travel is also expected to be busy. Denver International Airport expects more than 840,000 passengers to go through security between Nov. 22 and Dec. 2, according to the airport. That is a 7.5% increase compared to the same time last year, the airport said.

The busiest days at the airport are expected to be Friday, Nov. 22; Saturday Nov. 30, and Sunday Dec. 1. The airport expects more than 266,000 passengers to move through security on each of those days.

DIA has provided tips for passengers getting through security on these busy days:

West Security Checkpoint (located on Level 6 at the Northwest corner of the Terminal): Primary checkpoint for TSA PreCheck passengers, open 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• TSA PreCheck: This checkpoint serves the majority of our TSA PreCheck passengers. These passengers should enter the checkpoint at West Security 3 (near Door 600).
• CLEAR PreCheck Customers: A CLEAR lane is available at West Security 3 of this checkpoint (near Door 600) for travelers who are CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck. CLEAR customers without TSA PreCheck must use South Security.
• Restricted Access for Accessibility/Premium/Employees/Military Traveler Lane: This lane is located at West Security 2 of this checkpoint (near Door 606).
• Standard Screening: Passengers with Standard Screening should utilize the entry point at West Security 1. 
• DEN RESERVE: Make a reservation to go through security. Book up to 14 days early and shorten your wait! Space is limited so book now. Passengers with reservations can find their entry point at West Security 2 (near Door 606). Reservations are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• Enhanced technology at this checkpoint allows passengers to leave items like liquids and laptops in their bags.

South Security Checkpoint (located on Level 5 at the South end of the Terminal): Primary checkpoint for standard screening, open 3 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily

• Standard Screening: This checkpoint is primarily dedicated for travelers requiring standard screening.
• TSA PreCheck: There are four TSA PreCheck lanes open from 4 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. located on the backside of the checkpoint (near Baggage Claim 7). PreCheck passengers traveling after 10 p.m. may use South Security and receive a form of expedited screening.
• CLEAR Standard Customers: A CLEAR lane is available at this checkpoint for standard screening. CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck MUST use the lane provided for CLEAR on the West Security Checkpoint between the hours of 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Restricted Access for Accessibility/Premium/Employees/Military Traveler Lane: This lane is located near the Southeast corner of the checkpoint.

The A-Bridge and Ansbacher Hall will be closed overnight for construction between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays.