More than 1M Arizonans forecast to travel for Thanksgiving: What to expect this season

Kye Graves, Arizona Republic
·6 min read
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With Thanksgiving just days away, holiday traffic is set to ramp up this week as AAA anticipates around 1.12 million Arizonans relocating for the festivities, setting a new record for the state.

For Arizona, this season's forecast is a 3% increase from 2022 only being outdone by 2005's record volume, according to AAA.

“Travel demand has truly bounced back to pre-pandemic levels,” Senior Vice President of Membership and Travel Marketing for AAA Arizona Brian Ng said in a press release. “Our holiday travel projections show the year-long trend of Arizonans’ eagerness to get away and create memories with family and friends.”

In terms of what residents can expect, AAA spokesperson Julian Paredes told The Arizona Republic that Wednesday is typically the busiest travel day.

"Generally speaking, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. are the worst times to be on the road all Thanksgiving week. The best advice really is starting your trip in the morning, or at least be out of the metro by rush hour," Paredes said.

That advice not only translates to mitigating headaches on the road but for the airport as well, as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport expects its Wednesday to be around 25% busier than the average day for the airport, according to Sky Harbor spokesperson Greg Roybal.

Plan ahead: These metro Phoenix freeways will be closed this weekend

Across the country, AAA expects around 55.4 million Americans to traverse 50 or more miles throughout the nation for Thanksgiving, a 2.3% increase from last year. AAA's estimate places 2023 as the third-highest Turkey Day forecast since they began tracking the statistic in 2000.

Breaking down the 55.4 million by travel method, AAA believes around 49.13 million will opt for the roads, while just 4.7 million will take to the skies.

Perspective-wise, both modes of transportation exceeded their 2022 numbers - driving by 1.7% (830,000) and flying by 6.6% (290,000). From 2019, however, total travel is down 1.1% (620,000) with totals still looking to fully rebound to pre-pandemic levels.

When is Thanksgiving 2023?

This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, Nov. 23. It is always held on the fourth Thursday in November. The fourth Thursday in November was finally established in 1941 when Thanksgiving became a federal holiday.

No planned road closures during Thanksgiving celebrations

To help mitigate the impacts on holiday travel, the Arizona Department of Transportation will pause its regular schedule of shutting down some Phoenix-area freeways this weekend for construction or maintenance due to its holiday status.

The initiative will commence earlier than the weekend, starting on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 22, and extending until Monday morning, Nov. 27.

"Due to anticipated heavier traffic conditions during peak travel times including Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, motorists should try to get an early start, allow extra time if possible and be prepared for unscheduled closures or lane restrictions due to crashes, disabled vehicles, inclement weather or other incidents," officials said in a statement.

When and what are the busiest roads and highways in Arizona during Thanksgiving?

In short, travelers will want to be wary of the following stretches in order to reach their destinations on time and stress-free:

  • Northbound Interstate 17 north of Phoenix

  • State Route 87 toward Payson

  • Interstate 10 in the West Valley and between Tuscon and Phoenix, as well as Phoenix and California

"Based on experience, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Sunday will be peak travel times over the holiday weekend. It can be busy at other times too. You should allow extra time and be alert. As we often say, expect the unexpected and don't be in a rush out there on the highway. Speeding is a leading cause of serious crashes," ADOT spokesperson Doug Nintzel told The Arizona Republic.

Those interested in monitoring traffic conditions and the status of all Arizona highways can visit az511.gov for real-time updates.

Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson expecting sunny and tranquil conditions through Thanksgiving.

Gazing into the future, each of the three Arizona branches of the National Weather Service - Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson - anticipate tranquil conditions to dominate the start of the holidays.

Phoenix:

Across the Valley, conditions are expected to range on the sunny side, bringing highs in the mid to upper 70s with no chances of rain, Phoenix office meteorologist Gabriel Lojero told The Arizona Republic.

Flagstaff:

In the high country, winds are expected to subside across the area starting on Wednesday, accompanied by a general increase in temperatures. Meteorologist Jeremy Mazon from the Flagstaff office mentioned that temperatures would start to rise on Tuesday, reaching levels near the seasonal average for this time of year, and intensifying further on Wednesday.

"Wednesday is going to be the warmest day of the week, roughly five to 10 degrees above normal," Mazon said.

Thursday's readings are slated to fly around five degrees above normal.

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Low temperatures for northern Arizona are expected to stay near or below freezing, however, so be sure to bundle up.

Mazon added that while rain chances are very low, an incoming weather system entering the region late Thursday and early Friday could spell slight precipitation chances.

Tucson:

Southern Arizona is slated to roughly mirror that of the Valley, posting highs ranging in the 70s with sunny conditions, Tucson meteorologist Dalton Van Stratten told The Arizona Republic.

Arizona gas prices remain above the national average but are dropping.

Currently, AAA reports that Arizona residents are paying around $3.67 for a gallon of gas, around 34 cents above the country's national average.

Prices vary across the state, with Graham County having the highest cost at $4.26, while Pima County has the lowest at $3.33.

A few resources exist to make sure drivers get the best bang for their buck when filling up, such as the AAA Gas Price Finder or GasBuddy app.

Arizona gas prices drop again: Here's how much you'll pay to fill up

Tips for road trips

For those heading out and hitting the open road this week, officials recommend the following:

  • Prepare your travel documents

  • Travel during off-peak periods if possible

  • Check your vehicle ahead of time, especially tire pressure and engine fluid levels

  • Carry a vehicle-repair kit

  • Take snacks and drinks with you

  • Pack a flashlight and extra batteries

  • Pack a cellphone charger

  • Pack blankets and warm clothing

  • Carry a first-aid kit and take any medications you might need

  • Stay updated on weather conditions

  • Get adequate rest

  • Buckle up

  • Obey speed limits

  • Never drive impaired

  • Let someone know your travel plans

Easy Arizona Road trips for Thanksgiving 2023: Getaway ideas for a day or a weekend

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Thanksgiving travel tips road closures and everything to know