INDIANAPOLIS — Record crowds are expected to take fly and drive this Thanksgiving, with AAA forecasting about 55.4 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles from home.
The busiest days to fly will be Tuesday and Wednesday as well as the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 2.6 million passengers on Tuesday and 2.7 million passengers on Wednesday. Sunday will draw the largest crowds with an estimated 2.9 million passengers, which would narrowly eclipse a record set on June 30.
At Indianapolis International Airport on Wednesday morning, lines were moving smoothly and flights were on time.
“Moving pretty good. Doesn’t seem to be too crowded,” one passenger said.
“I thought it was great. I love this airport. I thought it was fantastic. You get in and you get out,” another passenger said.
For the millions on the road this holiday. There is a lot to be thankful for, including good weather and falling gas prices.
The bad news is several construction projects will slow drivers down. That includes work near I-465 and I-69 in the Castleton area and on the south side along I-465.
It’s why state police troopers are reminding drivers to slow down.
“Pay attention. I mean, that is what it comes down to. The signs will give you indications that you are in the work zone. Things that you may need to do, maybe lanes are going to end, lanes are going to shift, or shoulders are going to be closed. All those things are going to be very visible to you on those signs as you enter. It’s why it’s important to put your phone down and pay attention to where you are driving,” said ISP Sgt. John Perrine.
AAA is expecting more than 49 million people to be driving this long Thanksgiving weekend. The busiest times are Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“Most of our troopers are going to be working throughout the entire weekend to ensure a safe passage on our roads. We need to enforce the laws and hopefully through voluntary compliance but to also respond to those emergency calls,” Perrine said.