Watch CBS News

Thousands Expected To Hit The Roads, Head To Airport For Busy Thanksgiving Weekend

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- At no other time of the year is our hurry-up society more in a hurry than during the run-up to Thanksgiving.

Nearly 47 million Americans are expected to go by car, plane, bus or train at least 50 miles from home.

"Usually, it starts today and it will carry though to Sunday and sometimes Monday with very heavy traffic," says Trooper Matthew Jardine, of Pennsylvania State Police.

Wednesday is the kingpin of traffic for the year.

"We're suggesting leaving a little earlier, make sure you allot yourself a lot of time, and pack your patience," said AAA West Central spokesperson Chelsea Pompeani.

Meanwhile, the crunch is also starting at Pittsburgh International Airport, and with that post-Paris heightened security, checkpoint delays could be problematic.

"We would advise you to get here two hours early, check the website, check your airline, make sure that you're here in plenty of time because security lines can be long," said airport spokesperson Bob Kerlik.

If your flight is first thing in the morning, an hour either side of noon or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., those are the crunch times and you'll want to come even a tad bit earlier than two hours.

"It's top of mind, it can make you nervous, but you have to have faith that it's going to be okay," said one traveler at Pittsburgh International Airport about the Paris attacks.

"I could choose to stay at home or I could go out and enjoy life, and that's what we're doing this weekend," said another traveler.

It's also crunch time for the state police and their efforts to keep drunk drivers off the road.

"This is a big homecoming weekend for a lot of people," says Trooper Jardine. "People come back, visit with their old friends, go to parties, go to bars, it's also a very big DUI night for us as well."

But as you travel, keep in mind there is one bright spot in moving in a mass of reveling humanity.

"Gas prices nationally are at $2.06, and that is the lowest they've been in nearly seven years for the Thanksgiving holiday," said Pompeani.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.