Weather could be a factor for Thanksgiving travel

Inside of Portland International Jetport

File photo / Jim Neuger Portland International Jetport is Maine's biggest airport.

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With a record number of U.S. travelers expected to hit the road in the coming holiday weekend, weather could snarl traffic on one of the year's busiest travel days.

For much of the Northeast, the National Weather Service is calling for rain Tuesday night into Wednesday — one of the peak travel times.

AAA predicts a record 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Monday, Dec. 1.

Of those travelers, 73 million will go by car — up 1.3 million from a year ago.

Gas prices are averaging $3.10 a gallon, AAA reports.

Another 2.5 million people will travel by bus, train, or cruise ship.

Air travel

With air traffic controllers back at full force, air travel is expected to be back at normal levels — although, in this case, it will mean normal Thanksgiving levels.

AAA predicts that 6 million people will travel by air, a 2% increase.

Last year, Portland International Jetport broke its Thanksgiving travel record, with 64,348 travelers, up from 54,636 in 2023.

This week, the Jetport cautioned travelers that Sunday, Nov. 30, is expected to be the busiest day of travel at the Jetport during this holiday peak, though volume "will still be less than a normal July day".

As has been the case at the Jetport all year, parking remains a concern, with space in short supply.

"Passengers in the immediate Portland metro area are asked to consider being dropped off by friends or loved ones, using Metro, Uber, Lyft, or Taxi," the Jetport said.

Travelers are advised to allow an additional half hour to allow for the possibility of being redirected to off-site parking or shuttle operations.

MaineDOT gets ready for winter

The Maine Department of Transportation is also gearing up for winter. Last week, MaineDOT unveiled its winter plan, saying it has 850 plow drivers at the ready.

MaineDot, which maintains 8,800 "lane miles" of roadway statewide, has 430 plow trucks. It uses an average of 125,000 tons of rock salt each year.

“Maine winters are a part of who we are, and our transportation system has to meet the needs of Mainers: by supporting our economy and accommodating emergency vehicles,” said Dale Doughty, commissioner of MaineDOT. “Our crews take great pride in the essential work they do, and Maine people can count on them to respond quickly, reliably, and safely.”

MaineDOT has invested in equipment and technology to improve the response to winter storms.

“Using real-time forecasting, advanced deicing materials and new plow trucks with advanced materials delivery systems, our goal is to clear roads as efficiently and safely as possible," said Kyle Hall, director of maintenance and operations at MaineDOT.

Modes of travel for some Mainebiz readers

In a poll of about 200 Mainebiz readers, 40% said they plan to travel by car this Thanksgiving holiday.

Another 10% said they will go by plane.

Nearly half, 48%, plan to stay put.

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