Thanksgiving travel rush kicks off, more expected to drive than fly

The Thanksgiving travel rush commenced today, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experiencing smooth operations and TSA wait times under five minutes. Airport officials recommend that passengers arrive early, though the morning crowds have been manageable so far. AAA projects that 2. 3 million Georgians will travel at least 50 miles during the holiday period, with road travel significantly surpassing air travel. Nationwide, nearly 73 million Americans are expected to drive, accounting for about 90% of holiday travelers.

Transportation officials in Atlanta urge drivers to slow down, plan ahead, and prepare for earlier nightfall, which has led to more roadway incidents. To reduce traffic congestion, the Georgia Department of Transportation will pause road construction from Wednesday through Sunday. Later today, airport officials will hold a news conference to outline strategies for handling the expected surge in passengers. This proactive approach aims to ensure a smoother travel experience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.