Traveling for Thanksgiving? Here’s how to avoid traffic, airport lines in SLO County
Are you planning to hit the road or hop on a plane for the Thanksgiving holiday?
Be prepared to encounter traffic across San Luis Obispo County.
More Americans are on the move this holiday, with nearly 80 million people traveling more than 50 miles, according to AAA.
That’s an uptick of 1.7 million travelers compared to 2023, the automobile association said, exceeding even pre-coronavirus pandemic levels.
Lots of those people will be hitting the highways, but expect airports to be crowded as well.
The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport expects an estimated 20% increase in the number of travelers flying into and out of the airport during this year’s holiday season compared to 2023, according to an airport news release.
If you’re planning to leave town for Thanksgiving, here are some tips on how to avoid travel stress:
Increased holiday travel on SLO County roads
During the holiday travel rush, approximately 9.3 million Californians will hit the road by car, according to AAA.
The California Department of Transportation advised SLO County residents to expect an increase in traffic across the region amid the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
In an effort to reduce gridlock, Caltrans will suspend all non-emergency roadwork on the Central Coast from noon on Wednesday until midnight on Sunday, according to an agency news release.
However, if any flooding, traffic incidents or other roadside emergencies occur during this period, Caltrans crews and California Highway Patrol officers will respond, Caltrans said.
The agency cautioned drivers to be prepared while out on the road:
- Reduce your speed while driving in rainy, foggy, icy or windy conditions.
- Be prepared for spot flooding on Central Coast roadways.
- Slow down and move over lanes when passing highway workers, law enforcement or tow truck drivers working alongside the roadway.
- Look out for electronic message boards or other road signs with information on incidents, road conditions, lane closures or detours.
- Before starting your drive, check that vehicle brakes, windshield wiper blades, headlights, taillights and tires are in proper working condition.
If you travel during a storm, check Caltrans’ Quickmap or call 1-800-427-ROAD for information on road closures or chain controls.
“Gusts can knock down tree limbs or debris in the road,” said Genelle Padilla, the public information officer for Caltrans’ District 5. “Keep your charger, blanket, snacks, water in your car. I know it sounds very typical, but just in case anything happens and you are stuck on the road in winter weather.”
Expect to see more CHP officers on SLO County highways
The CHP will implement a Maximum Enforcement Period across the state throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
From 6 p.m. Wednesday to midnight on Sunday, more officers will be on the road “promoting safe driving and ensuring seat belts are buckled,” the CHP said in a news release.
Officers made more than 1,000 DUI arrests throughout the state during this holiday period last year, the CHP said. Thanksgiving travel also resulted in 27 fatal crashes within the CHP’s jurisdiction in 2023, the news release said.
“Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, and our mission is to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “We encourage everyone to prepare their vehicles for travel, leave early to account for heavy traffic, buckle up, and never drive impaired.”
What are the worst days to hit the road for Thanksgiving?
According to AAA, these are the worst times to hit the road in California during the Thanksgiving holiday:
- Tuesday from 1 to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m.
- Friday from 7 to 10 a.m.
- Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m.
- Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
- Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
When are the best times for holiday driving?
AAA said these are the best days and times to drive for Thanksgiving:
- Tuesday before 10 a.m.
- Wednesday before 10 a.m.
- Friday after 1 p.m.
- Saturday before 1 p.m.
- Sunday before 1 p.m.
- Monday before 8 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
“Minimal traffic impact” is expected on Thanksgiving Day.
How much does gas cost in SLO County this Thanksgiving?
Travelers across the state will have the lowest average gas prices for the holiday since 2020.
On average, a gallon of regular gasoline cost $4.45 in California as of Monday.
However, gas bought in SLO County is slightly more expensive than the statewide average at $4.74 per gallon, according to AAA’s website.
Here are the five stations with the cheapest gas in the county, according to GasBuddy on Monday:
$3.99 per gallon — San Paso Truck Stop at 81 Wellsona Road in Paso Robles
$4.09 per gallon — VP Racing Fuels at 1441 Spring St. in Paso Robles
$4.09 per gallon — One Stop Food at 703 Spring St. in Paso Robles
$4.23 per gallon — ARCO at 195 Niblick Road in Paso Robles
$4.25 per gallon — Valero at 2340 Spring St. in Paso Robles
What are some SLO County airport travel tips?
The SLO County airport anticipates an increase of up to 20% more passengers this holiday season compared to last year, according to a recent news release.
“We encourage travelers to heed our recommendations for early arrival and understand the security process prior to arriving at the airport,” said Deputy Director of Airports Courtney Pene. “Travel doesn’t have to be stressful.”
The airport advised travelers to plan ahead by following these guidelines:
- Avoid parking if possible — explore rideshare options or arrange drop-offs because available spaces may fill up during peak travel times.
- Arrive early — get to the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time to allow yourself enough time for check-in and security screenings.
- Learn the security process ahead of time — when going through the security checkpoint, you are only allowed three ounces of liquid per container held in one quart-sized, clear, plastic bag. Prepare liquids beforehand to prevent longer security lines.
What are the best days to fly for Thanksgiving?
Massive airport crowds and sky-high plane ticket prices are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to AAA.
For a smoother travel experience, AAA said to consider traveling on Monday or even Thanksgiving Day itself.
“Both ... experience lighter traffic levels,” AAA said. “As an added bonus, those days typically have some of the lowest prices on tickets around the Thanksgiving holiday.”
This story was originally published November 26, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
