NEW HAVEN, Conn. — AAA in Greater Hartford released its extended travel forecast for Thanksgiving this week, expecting about 840,000 people in Connecticut to travel 50 miles or more.
“We’re expecting the worst travel times on Sunday between noon and 6 p.m., and Monday it is almost all day between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. So, if you can head out early, great, or wait until after that evening rush hour,” said Tracy Noble, the spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford.
Noble said they have extended the travel forecast to seven days for the first time this year, since more people seem to be making a vacation out of the holiday.
“People are taking this week as a vacation week. And with hybrid work schedules, they can work from their destination,” Noble said.
That being said, AAA expects around 90,000 Connecticut residents to take flight this week and around 734,000 people choosing to drive to their holiday destination.
On Wednesday afternoon, Tweed New Haven Airport was bustling with folks flying to see their families.
“I’m excited,” said Jayden Durant of New Haven.
Durant was headed to Puerto Rico to see his sister play basketball.
“I feel like it’s somewhat of an achievement. That I feel like I have to be there supporting her and my family just to see how far we came,” Durant said.
It’s a new way for him and his family to spend Thanksgiving, but with the same values at heart.
“I feel like it’s a time to get with your family and really be grateful for everything that you have up until this point in your life,” Durant said.
Another Waterbury family is also flying to the Island, starting a new tradition as well.
“This is going to be the first year that I don’t have all of my daughters with me so I’m just trying something new, something different,” Daysi Rivera said.
Many families seem to switch up where they celebrate the holiday.
“We do both. We were at my house, we were at my daughter’s house, we’re at my in-laws house, wherever the family is, we want to be,” said Rob Silverman of Long Island.
One thing is for sure: people will always go the extra mile for family.
“Being together is the best part. Where? When? Doesn’t matter,” Silverman said.
Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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